Being plus size can often be a problem because the retail market often does not have the styles on their racks that you would want to buy. If you love being fashionable but you are a bit more curvy than what the brands are trying to sell to you, try on these hacks to make your wardrobe trendy look amazing every day.

Break the stereotypes

We are made to believe that baggy Clothes are better for bigger bodies. Thankfully that perception is changing. Don’t buy gunny sacks to hide your flab. Instead, but go for clothes that accentuate your curves. Contrasting colours make you look bright and feel better, don’t go for blacks and neutral colours all the time. Experiment with prints and stripes and go for the look that you think suits you best.

Use Size Guides

The fact is that women’s clothing sizes often don’t make any sense whatsoever. A top marked M might be too small for even size eight girls and a skirt marked XL might look baggy on someone who should ideally be wearing 3XL. There is a theory that brands often do that to make their customers feel thinner than they are and that leads to the confusion.

However, if you know your size and/or go by the size charts often provided by the brands you can find the garments you are looking for that fit you perfectly. Doing this can save you a lot of time and energy.

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Always try on what you buy

This may not seem like a new tip, but it’s often easy to fall for and buy something that does not fit you but you end up thinking that you would go on a diet to get into it eventually.

Try on something that you like and make a purchase only if it fits you perfectly. If it is not fitting you and is a tad too small, leave it be. Don’t buy something that it is too small. Realistically you would never wear them and they would lay collecting dust in your closet. Ask the management if they’re planning on getting a wider range of sizes. And if they are not, buy something that fits you.

Understand your body type

In India , we’re never really encouraged to get to know our bodies. Not only will it help your confidence and self esteem but it can make you find clothing that fits you. Seems weird, but the thing is if you know which part of your Body is more curvy then you find clothes according to flatter your body more. Start noticing what parts of your body are bigger or smaller and what proportion is body is.

Some people have narrow waists but bigger hips and busts. They can accentuate that and get clothes that flatter the hourglass shape. Similarly if you have heavier busts, you would know that while you need skirts that will fit your narrow hip, you will need bigger jackets and hence buy accordingly.

Understand Fabrics

One of the biggest mistakes we make is that we don’t understand the Fabrics of our clothes. Stretchable clothes do make it easier for bigger women. But there are so many fabrics that have no leeway at all. Woven cottons and other fabrics like twill and crepe do not ply too well. But you can easily for spandex and lycra without even giving it a second thought. Knitted fabrics always stretch and there is a bit of a stretch in rayon and ponte fabrics.

If you know the stretch of the fabrics then you would also buy better and more flattering clothes as clothes that define your body are always good choice.

Embrace Accessories

Add value to your outfit by wearing accessories. It is often neglected by plus size women as there is a misnomer that it will grab more attention to their body. A simple garment can look the most elegant with just a few accessories. A choker with a dark jacket or chandelier earrings with a monochromatic dress will change the attire completely.

This article was first published on Inuth.com. Click to read more