The Perfect Shirt for Your Body Type
The perfect top can slim your frame, draw the eye from trouble spots and balance your body. We help you pull together the perfect outfit with a straight-forward shopping guide
Camisole
Shaped like a bra with fabric draping from the bottom of the bust to the
waist, this sleeveless, fitted top is often made of thin fabrics such as silk,
satin or light cotton.
To wear this great layering piece, use a camisole
in a contrasting color under a jacket for a slimming effect. Camisoles can have
an empire waist, which is good for either triangle or inverted triangle
shapes.
V-neck
This top has an open neck shaped into a "V" at the bustline, like an upside-down
triangle.
A V-neck is good for all silhouettes.
Surplice
Like a permanent version of a wrap top, this style is created by
cross-wrapping fabric across the front and securing it (most often in the seam)
to create a V-shape neckline.
A surplice top is good for hourglass
figures and, depending on the cut, can be good for either triangle or inverted
triangle as well as a rectangle. Cinching will create a waist for the rectangle
shape, and if it flares a bit at the hem, it can hid hips or create hips, making
this top also work well for triangles and inverted triangles.
Wrap
This top is created by cross-wrapping fabric and securing it (usually with a tie
or button) on the front, side or back of the top, which creates a V-shape
neckline.
A wrap top has the same benefits as the surplice—but you can
tie as tight or loose as you need, adding some flex ability to the
waistline.
Cardigan
This collarless sweater opens down the full-length of the front and often closes
with button or snaps. You can take it on and off without pulling it over your
head.
A cardigan is an excellent layering and transitional piece. Choose
one that is not too bulky, as that will add weight to your frame and can be
unflattering.
Halter
This sleeveless top attaches behind the neck, rather than over the shoulders,
revealing an open upper back.
A halter top is excellent for triangle
shapes because it brings out the shoulders to balance hips. A halter also looks
great on rectangles because it brings out your shoulders, making your waist seem
smaller.
Square Neck
This top has an open neck shaped like half a square (as opposed to the
U-neck, which is shaped like half a circle).
A square neckline is better
for triangles because it draws the eye out, elongating your shoulders to balance
your hips.
U-Neck
This top has a deep open neck that dips into a half-circle. (A wider version
of this is called a "scoop neck.")
A U-neck is good for triangles if the
scoop rests far on your shoulders. This will make your shoulders appear
wider—same as a square neck. A U-neckline can also be good for rectangles
because it widens your shoulders, making your waist seem smaller. A shallow
U-neck can draw the eye to the center of the body, which will make you appear
slimmer. This is a good choice for full-figured ladies.
Turtleneck
The neckline of this top (usually a sweater) reaches from the shoulders up to
the base of the chin with enough fabric to fold over the neckline.
A
turtleneck works for all body shapes. Fitted, it is good as a layering piece in
colder weather. I would watch that you do not choose one that doesn't have any
shape, as that will appear to add weight to your figure.
Sweetheart Neck
The open neck of this top is shaped like the crown of a heart as it meets in
a small point in the center of the bust line.
A sweetheart neckline is a
good choice for a rectangle, as it will widen your shoulders and adds feminine
curves to a boyish shape.
Raglan
The sleeve seams of this top extend up to the base of the neck instead of
meeting over the shoulders (like baseball jersey tops with the colored sleeves
on a white shell).
A raglan is best for inverted triangles, as it pulls
the eye in minimizing your shoulder width.
Kimono
The sleeve of this top is part of the main bodice, rather than separately sewn
on. It has a wide cut at the armpits and tapers out toward the wrists like
Japanese kimono robes.
A kimono top works best on taller frames, as this
silhouette can be overwhelming on petites.
Crew Neck
This round-necked top or sweater has a band of ribbing around the base of the
neck that is curved in the shape of a circle.
This is a great layering
piece for all body types—just make sure it has shape. It should come in at the
waist and release at the hip. Without shape, it will look boxy and add weight to
your frame.
Cowl Neck
The neckline of this top or sweater has loose-fitting, extra fabric that
drapes naturally in the front. It can be either high-necked or open to reveal
more skin around the neck.
A cowl neck is best for those of you who have
longer necks—it's a don't for petites.
Boatneck
This top has a high, straight neckline that opens across the collarbone and
meets at the tip of the shoulders. It is cut equally high along the front and in
the back.
A boatneck top is best for triangles, as the line across the
collarbone will draw the eye out and balance a larger hip.
