How To Find the Best Casual Wear for Your Body Type

No matter how you choose to spend your day, no one wants clothes that won’t fit! Luckily, many clothing stores offer garments that vary in size and structure to cater to all kinds of people. If you need to update your wardrobe, find out the best casual wear for your body type by learning about the different materials and styles you can expect when shopping for women’s clothing.

Understanding Body Types and the Perfect Fit

When shopping for casual wear, understanding your body type can save you time and money on clothes that don’t fit right. Clothing that complements your figure or emphasizes your favorite features provides both style and confidence. There are five common categories of body types that most women fall into:

• Apple-shaped: Broad shoulders, fuller around the midsection, and slimmer legs.
• Pear-shaped: Slim upper body with wider hips and thighs.
• Hourglass: Balanced proportions between bust and hips with a defined waist.
• Rectangle: Shoulders, hips, and waist are roughly the same width.
• Inverted triangle: Broad shoulders with narrower hips.

Shopping based on your body type allows you to accentuate your features without changing or altering your body. Once you’ve identified your body type, you can make smarter clothing choices tailored to your shape.

Why Selecting the Right Style Begins With Knowing Your Measurements

Knowing your exact measurements makes it easier to pick clothes that fit well, especially when shopping online or visiting multiple stores. Use a soft measuring tape to measure your bust, waist, and hips and compare these numbers to size charts since each brand might have slight variations. By regularly checking your measurements, you won’t need to guess your size—you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on the clothing rack!

Materials That Enhance Comfort and Style

Different fabrics can also influence how your outfit complements your body type. Softer, breathable materials flow naturally and can suit multiple body shapes. Structured fabrics like denim or linen, however, add definition for those who want more shape.

While you find the best casual wear for your body type, keep in mind your skin sensitivity when shopping for fabrics. Scratchy or non-organic fabrics can get irritable when worn, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor activities. Choose the best material that suits your body type, style, and preferences before finalizing your selections.

Exploring Fabric Types for Casual Wear

Cotton is one of the most popular materials for casual clothing because it’s breathable, versatile, and easy to maintain. For added flexibility, blends like cotton-spandex work great in pieces such as leggings and T-shirts. Other options like linen and jersey are lightweight and perfect for warm climates.

Fabrics and Body Types

Certain fabrics complement different body types better than others. For example, apple-shaped women might prefer lightweight fabrics that don’t cling around the midsection, and hourglass figures may benefit from fitted jersey fabrics that balance their proportions. No matter how you want to wear your garments, choose a fabric that will accentuate your body type to make you feel comfortable and confident in your everyday life.

Choosing the Right Tops

To build your casual outfit, start with a top! This could be a T-shirt, sweater, blouse, or tank top that you can layer with jackets or other garments.

Your choice of top can impact how your overall outfit looks and feels. Depending on your body type, specific styles of tops will suit you better than others.

Necklines That Flatter

The neckline of your top frames your face and shoulders. For example, V-necklines tend to elongate the torso, which makes them ideal for shorter women or those with broader shoulders. On the other hand, scoop necklines work well for rectangular body shapes as they add softness and balance.

Sleeve Styles

Sleeves can also improve your outfit by balancing your proportions. Structured sleeves like puff or bell sleeves can add volume to pear-shaped women, while fitted sleeves are great for adding structure to the torso in hourglass figures. When you try on tops, be sure to check the garment from all angles, raise your arms, and see how your sleeves suit your body type.

Essentials for Bottoms That Fit Just Right

Once you pick out the right tops for your outfit, complement your shirts with jeans, skirts, joggers, and shorts! Casual bottoms are wardrobe staples and typically match most clothing styles. Choose a design that highlights your best features to customize each casual outfit with purpose.

Finding the Right Jeans

Every body type has a jeans style that accentuates their legs or draws attention away from their waistline. High-waisted jeans work well for hourglass and pear-shaped women by accentuating the waist, while straight-leg or boyfriend jeans are great for rectangular body types as they introduce more curves into the silhouette.

Skirts for Casual Style

Midi skirts with soft pleats complement pear-shaped women as they gracefully flow over the hips. To compare, pencil skirts are great for hourglass and rectangular body types as they define the waist without excessive detail. Whether you’re heading into work for a casual Friday or running errands on the weekend, slip into a skirt made for your body type.

Outdoor Clothing Styles

Spending time outside calls for both comfort and practicality in your casual wear, especially if you love traveling, hiking, and sports. Explore your layering options as you shop for women’s outdoor clothing with your body type in mind. Pick out outerwear clothes and accessories that will regulate your body temperature as you navigate the outdoors.

Jackets and Outerwear

When choosing outerwear, find something that complements your frame while keeping you warm. Fitted jackets with belted waists work well for hourglass figures, while A-line or flared coats can provide balance for pear-shaped individuals. Choose a design and color that best matches your top and jeans for a finished look.

Accessorizing With Hats

Building your outfit doesn’t end with garments! When it’s chilly outside, hats and lightweight scarves are perfect accessories to define your overall style. For instance, a wide-brim hat can draw attention upward, complementing pear or rectangular shapes beautifully.

At Yeager’s Sporting Goods & Marina, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable in your clothes, especially while you’re exploring the great outdoors. The best way to know if an outfit fits your comfort and style is to try on the garments. For outdoor apparel that suits your body type, shop at our online store or visit our in-person location in Bellingham, WA, for a wide range of options to choose from!