Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

July 21, 2024

17 Clothing Items That Can Make You Appear Larger Than You Are (Ranked In Order)

The right clothing, in addition to diet and exercise, can greatly impact someone’s appearance, particularly regarding their perceived weight. Each season often brings fashion trends that can make one’s figure look shorter, wider, and generally unflattering. Here are the styling errors to avoid to ensure the camera doesn’t add those dreaded ten pounds the next time your friend posts a photo on social media.

1. Reflective Clothing Highlights Everything

Woman Wearing Gray Dress
Image Credit: Pexels

While it might be tempting to wear something flashy for special occasions, it’s best to avoid reflective materials. Dresses or jackets covered in shiny metals or sequins will catch every bit of light, making you appear larger overall. Opt for flat fabrics to create a more flattering impression on a big night out.

2. Ill-Fitting Undergarments Can Ruin Your Shape

Even though your undergarments might not be visible, they significantly affect your silhouette.
Image Credit: Imgur

Even though your undergarments might not be visible, they significantly affect your silhouette. Wearing an ill-fitting bra can create unwanted bumps on your back and sides. To avoid this, ensure you wear properly fitting bras. Many stores offer fitting services to help you find the perfect size.

3. Printed Leggings Draw Unwanted Attention

Though printed leggings might seem fun, they don't do any favors for a slimmer look.
Image Credit: Pinterest

Though printed leggings might seem fun, they don’t do any favors for a slimmer look and are rather unflattering clothing. Bold prints on tight clothing draw attention to every part of your body they cover. To maintain a sleek appearance, stick to minimal prints or solid colors for leggings.

4. Avoid Horizontal Stripes at All Costs

Horizontal stripes are notorious for making people look wider rather than taller.
Image Credit: Unsplash

Horizontal stripes are notorious for making people look wider rather than taller. This common fashion mistake can easily be avoided by choosing clothing with vertical stripes, which elongate the figure instead of widening it.

5. Unshaped Jackets Are Unflattering

Woman Sitting on Bench
Image Credit: Pexels

When choosing a jacket, opt for ones that have some fit and shape. Jackets without contour can make you look boxy and shapeless. Avoid oversized jackets, especially those with large pockets, as they can add unnecessary bulk to your appearance.

6. Skip the Turtlenecks

Portrait of Woman Showing V Sign
Image Credit: Pexels

To achieve a slimmer look, it’s important to show the separation between your face and shoulders, which means showing your neck. Chunky turtlenecks can make your head appear to merge with your shoulders, so it’s better to wear tops that reveal at least some of the skin on your chest.

Read More: Fashion Experts Say You Should Stop Wearing Jeans Once You Reach This Age

7. Leave Jersey Netting to Athletes

Man in Striped Yellow Black Football Shirt Posing in a Park
Image Credit: Pexels

Jersey netting might evoke a sense of nostalgia for sports fans, but it clings to every bump and bulge, highlighting them in an unflattering way. This material should be avoided, even when layered, as it accentuates curves in all the wrong ways.

8. Skinny Jeans Emphasize Everything

Skinny Jeans Accentuate Everything
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Clothing that’s too tight can be unflattering, and skinny jeans are a prime example. These pants hug every curve, making muscles and any extra weight more noticeable. Avoid following fashion trends that don’t suit your body type if you want to feel confident in the mirror.

9. Cropped and 3/4 Pants Are Unflattering

Cropped pants
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Cropped pants, or those that fall between the knee and ankle, often make legs look shorter and wider. It’s best to steer clear of this style to avoid making your thighs appear larger than they are.

10. Say Goodbye to Puffy Coats

Let's be honest, who hasn't owned a big puffy coat at one time or another?
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Puffy coats, while warm, add unnecessary volume and make your overall figure appear larger. It’s time to retire these from your wardrobe in favor of more flattering outerwear options.

11. Baggy Clothes Add Volume

Some people might think throwing on a hoodie or a large t-shirt might make them look smaller, but in fact, the opposite is true.
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Although it might seem like a large hoodie or t-shirt would hide your figure, baggy clothing actually adds volume, making you appear heavier. Instead, choose clothes that fit your body well to highlight your natural shape.

Read More: 10+ Photos That Explain Why 70s Men’s Fashion Should Never Make a Comeback

12. Avoid Embellished Clothing

Embellishments Pack On The Material
Image Credit: fatgirlfedup Instagram

Light, fitted materials are the best choice for a slimming effect. In contrast, clothes with embellishments like ruffles, bows, and large pockets add bulk. Stick with minimal adornments to keep your look sleek and polished.

13. Chunky Heels Can Make You Look Bottom-Heavy

Close-Up of a Pair of Heels
Image Credit: Pexels

Even your choice of footwear affects your overall look. Chunky heels can make your calves and legs appear larger, leading to a bottom-heavy appearance. Opt for slimmer, more streamlined shoes to maintain a balanced look.

14. Tight Clothing Can Look Unflattering

Not only is wearing clothing that's a size (or two!) too tight uncomfortable, but it's not flattering either.
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Wearing clothes that are too tight not only feels uncomfortable but also looks unflattering. Squeezing into a top that’s too small or jeans that cause your stomach to spill over isn’t doing you any favors. Choose clothes that fit well to avoid looking like you’re struggling to fit into them.

15. Avoid Excessive Layers

Business People taking a Coffee Break and Talking
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Layering clothes can add texture, but too many layers can add volume and make you look heavier. Keep your outfits simple to avoid creating a bulky silhouette.

16. Patterns Don’t Belong on Pants

colorful pants and yellow high heels
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Patterns on pants, like plaid, pinstripes, camouflage, or florals, tend to draw attention and make the wearer look larger. Stick to solid colors for a more streamlined appearance.

17. Long Skirts Can Make You Look Wider

Young Woman in a Fashionable Pink Outfit Posing on a Field
Image Credit: Pexels

Choosing the right skirt length is crucial to avoid unflattering clothing. Skirts that are too long, such as tea-length skirts, can make your lower half appear wider. It’s best to avoid skirts and dresses that fall just above the ankle for a more flattering look.

H/t Explored Planet

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