Clients often ask me about bodyshape and are intrigued to know whether they are pear, apple, diamond or triangular. In the first instance, however, I encourage them to think about their overall silhouette and whether the outline is straight or curved or a combination of both.
Complement the line of your body by using similar lines in your clothing. Curvier body lines benefit from a contour in the pattern or drape in the fabric whereas straighter body lines are complemented by geometric patterns and stiffer fabrics.
Once the bodylines have been identified we can then think about disguising
common figure variations or enhancing our best assets. I'll cover these in a future blog.
STRAIGHT CLOTHING DETAILS
Jackets - square shoulder lines, square hemline, asymmetrical fastening, contrasting buttons and trims
Lapels - pointed or square, straight, stand up, piped
Necklines - square, v-neck, slash, shirt collar
Sleeves - set in, square shoulders, cap or short sleeve, stiff cuff
Pockets - well defined, square, piped, slit
Hemlines - straight
Pleats - pressed down, stitched down
Darts - long and straight, sharply defined
Seams - well defined, perma creased, top stitching, piping
Belts - angular clasps
Buttons - angular
Fabrics - stiff, structured, crisp
Cuts - straight, angular, boxy, masculine
CURVED CLOTHING DETAILS
Jackets - curved hem, rounded shoulder lines
Lapels - rounded, notched, shawl
Necklines - round, draped, shawled, cowl
Sleeves - raglan, drop shoulder
Darts - soft
Pleats - eased, soft
Seams - curved, fine or no top stitching
Belts - soft materials, rounded clasps
Buttons - rounded
Fabrics - soft, flat, smooth with drape, flowing
Cuts - fitted, contoured
