We’ve all heard this lie; “Curvy girls can’t wear stripes“.
Well, we’re here to tell you, you can! You just need some clever know how.
There are definitely some major don’ts. But you can make stripes work for you.
Follow our useful tips to shopping and styling stripes if you adore stripes…
This post contains affiliate links.
Contents
Don’t Wear Horizontal
Let’s start with the major don’t.
Horizontal stripes should be avoided.
While a sweet Breton striped shirt looks super cute, it will make you look wider. Unfortunately, it’s an optical illusion you can’t get away from. You can pull it off if you only wear horizontal at your most slender points.
Many garments are designed with horizontal stripes only in certain sections. If you must wear horizontal, try thick stripes. Thick stripes will be more flattering than thin wispy ones.
Also, try to stick to two colors. A multi colored striped garment will add more weight than a monochrome version.
Floerns Women's Plus Size Basic Off Shoulder Top
Women's Chiffon Loose Tunic Shirt Top
Women's Stretch 3/4 Gathered Sleeve Open Blazer Jacket
Plus Size Short Sleeve Striped T Shirt
Nemidor Women's Ruffle Sleeve Casual Swing Dress with Pocket
POSESHE Womens Plus Size Summer Dress with Pockets
RITERA Plus Size V Neck Long Sleeve Loose Fit Henley Shirt
CARCOS Women's Plus Size Basic Summer Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Aqua Eve Plus Tankini Top for Women
DOLNINE Women's Plus Size Striped Raglan Tee Shirt
RITERA Plus Size Top For Women
Do Wear Vertical
Vertical stripes are extremely flattering.
In the same way horizontal stripes are an optical illusion, so are vertical. Only vertical stripes are a slimming illusion. They draw the eye down the body, creating an elongated view.
Choose striped pants to lengthen your legs. A striped dress to slim out the torso or a vertical striped skirt to slim down the hips and thighs. Watch out for form fitting garments though. A striped piece that is too form fitting will cause the stripes to warp around the body. This will not be flattering and offsets the benefits of wearing stripes.
Always choose vertical striped garments that allows the stripes to sit perfectly vertical for a flattering look.
IN'VOLAND Women's Plus Size Linen Button Down Shirt with Pocket
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Plaid Button Open Front Sleeveless Blazer Jacket
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Striped V Neck Long Sleeve Belted Blouse
MCEDAR Women's Plus Size Chiffon Blouse
MCEDAR Women's Oversized Linen Button Down Shirt
Women's Stylish Plus Size Beach Cover Up
Floerns Women's Sleeveless Bow Tie Striped Summer Chiffon Blouse Top
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Striped Shoulder Tie Sleeveless Tank Top
Eytino Plus Size Long Dress with Pocket
SWEETKIE Striped Maxi Dress, Short Sleeved, Side Slits, Plus Size
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Ruffle Hem Collared Blouse
FOREYOND Women's Plus Size Wide Leg Pants with Belt
Do Wear Diagonal
Diagonal stripes in a juxtaposition is a great print to wear for curvy girls. Designed to flatter each part of the body, a diagonal stripe top is a must have and can work great across the bust and hips.
For these stripes, you can choose from any thickness, as they are all designed to slim the body.
Hanna Nikole Women's Plus Size Two Piece High Waisted Swimsuit with Tummy Control
vunahzma Women's Sexy V Neck Floral Long Sleeves Maxi Dress
No products found.
Yonique Plus Size Two Piece Swimsuit Tankini with Tummy Control
FlatterMe Women's Plus Size Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit
Anne Klein Women's Plus Size Diagonal Stripe Dolman Sleeve Crew Neck
Roaman's Women's Plus Size Boatneck Swing Ultra Femme Tunic
Lands' End Women's Chlorine Resistant Soft Cup Tugless One Piece Swimsuit
ThusFar Women's Pleated A-Line Skirt
Gypsie Blu Women's Plus Size Polyester Kaftan
Lands' End Women's Modest High Neck Tankini Top Swimsuit
Do Wear Thick Stripes
It’s a rule of thumb for any print. The more curvy you are, the bigger your print should be.
If you are smaller, you can pull off a smaller repeat print. Smaller prints on curvy girls will get lost, whereas a large repeat will sit flawlessly. The same goes for stripes.
Always choose the thickest stripes for the most flattering appearance. It doesn’t have to be thick stripes all over. You could choose a repeating stripe that contains various thicknesses of bands too.
Pairing stripes with other prints like florals is a great look too. Just be sure the stripes sit on the right place on your body.
AUSELILY Women's Summer Sleeveless Loose Maxi Dress with Pockets
RITERA Plus Size Rainbow Color Dress for Women
WIHOLL Women's Casual Tank Top
OYOANGLE Women's Plus Size Striped Button Front High Waist Short Skirt
Plus Size Off The Shoulder Top for Women
TIYOMI Plus Size Women's Long Sleeve Casual Top
No products found.
Milumia Women's Long Sleeve Striped Sweater
Using Stripes To Elongate And Flatter
Do consider where you wear your stripes.
If you’re bigger on the bottom half, like a pear shape, use your stripes in the form of skirts and pants. Keep your top half a solid color for balance and proportion.
On the other hand, if you are bigger on top, use the stripes around your torso. Similarly, pair with a solid colored bottom. Placement is very important.
You can also use stripes only on your arms to create the illusion of well toned biceps.
Don’t be afraid to mix stripes too. A top made with horizontal, vertical and diagonal stripes can be extremely stylish. Mixing widths and creating panels with stripes is a youthful and dynamic look.
Yonique Women's Plus Size Bikini with Tummy Control
Women's Plus Size Striped Blouse with Bow Tie
Nemidor Women's Short Sleeve Maxi Dress with Pockets
WOOSEN Women's Plus Size Maxi Dress with Pockets and Belt
RITERA Plus Size Dress for Women Long Sleeve Crew Neck
adidas Women's High Rise 3-Stripes 7/8 Tights
Aqua Eve Women's Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Cardigan
Agnes Orinda Plus Size Palazzo Pants for Women
Chunoy Women's Multicolor Lightweight Cover Up
VFSHOW Women's Elegant Front Zipper Office Dress
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Striped Palazzo Trousers
My roommate bought me some striped tops for Christmas and I was scared to wear them making me look bigger busted then I am. Thanks for the informative piece on this issue.
Thank You! I am curvy and often stay away from stripes. The examples you gave, made me realize I can wear stripes, but the direction of the stripes makes a difference!