As someone with curvy features, shopping for clothes has always been challenging. I’ve had many trips to the mall where I left empty-handed because I couldn’t find anything that worked my curves. I would pick out fashionable tops that didn’t support my bust or order a cute skirt I saw on Instagram that was unflattering on me. From my trials and errors from shopping as a curvy girl, there are some general rules I’ve discovered that help save my time and money. Here are my do’s and don’ts for shopping for clothes as someone who is a little on the thicker side.
Do: Look for Tight Fitting Clothes
Tight-fitting clothes have always been my go-to for clothes shopping. That’s because tight-fitting clothes accentuate your curves for all their wonderful glory! I’ve always gotten compliments on my tops that are more skin-tight, and they’re more comfortable than you think. I’m someone who is a major stickler about my clothes feeling right, but I’ve had baggier shirts that end up being a lot less comfortable than my tight-fitting clothes. So show what your mama gave you and get that bodysuit you’ve been wanting to buy!
Don’t: Buy Tops that Tie Around the Neck
Something I’ve noticed with shopping online for clothes is the prevalence of tie-back halter tops. They look cute in photos, but I cannot emphasize this enough for busty girls to stay away from them. I’ve always had slippage problems whenever wearing a tie-back top, but there is an even bigger problem. They are EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I cannot go in a tie-back top for more than an hour without experiencing extreme neck discomfort. I had to change my dress for my birthday after a few hours due to the extreme neck discomfort. Save yourself from bad posture and avoid tie-back tops with a passion!
Do: Invest in Shorts and Hip-Hugging Skirts
Some of the most consistent pieces of outfits in my wardrobe have always been jean shorts and hip-hugging skirts. Hip-hugging skirts are practically made for women with curves because they are very flattering on us! Jean shorts are a staple for any girl’s outfit. They are easy to put on and can be paired with multiple tops, making them practical for concerts, pools and beaches, and cute summer outfits! Invest and get some skirts and shorts!
Don’t: Get Pleated Skirts
Pleated skirts are really cute and are popular in Instagram photos. But anytime I tried one on, I never bought it. I never found them flattering on my curvy hips. I find that they hide my curves, thus making my hips look wider than they are. Like with skin-tight shirts that show off your bustiness, baggy shirts hide them. Pleated skirts hide your curves and make them unflattering. Some skirts have a pleated design that are skin-tight, but I advise my curvy girls to steer away from pleated skirts.
Growing up under strict immigrant parents in the early 2000s, I’ve experienced the unrealistic standards set on women’s bodies and how they’ve been objectified by men. Experiencing the era of body positivity as an adult allowed me to feel good about what I wore. It gave me the confidence to make my own choices and not let the judgment of others affect me. I strongly believe every woman should wear what they feel comfortable wearing and not because of societal standards or what men think. As such, consider this guide not as something to dictate your fashion or body choices, but to help you make smart choices in clothes shopping that save you time and money. The tips I give are merely from my own experiences and are not the case for every girl, curvy or not. The most important advice when it comes to clothes shopping is to invest in whatever makes you feel good about yourself.