How to flatter Wide Hips

Once you understand the shapes...

The most important factor is to identify your Body Type.  Curvy bodies will always have curvy hips - it's just your bone structure - and you can never change that.

So if your hips are curvy it probably means that you have an Hourglass or a Pear shape body type. It's your bone structure that decides your figure and you really cannot change it!

But once you understand how to choose the correct shapes to flatter and fit your figure properly you will find that your silhouette will come much more into balance and you will stop thinking of wide hips! 

Why you need Curvy Shapes

You have curvy hips because your bone structure is rounded and you need fluid fabrics or 'curvy shapes' to drape over your curves. It's like putting a round tablecloth on a round table - a square tablecloth would look awkward. 

Your widest point is usually about 7" below the waist. Whether you are wearing trousers or a skirt it has to be cut accordingly - with long sloping darts to reflect the gentle slop of your hip into the thigh. 

A pencil skirt for Curved Hips should be tapered into your figure after the swell of the hip and thigh so that the waist and lower leg reflect the narrow part of the figure. This shape skirt will often have a slit so it's not too tight around the knees. 

How to work and balance wide hips and thighs

• Fabrics that 'give' are good, they will curve bend and move with you. 

• Keep detail and color high on the body to draw the eye upwards

• Keep your bottom half darker and as plain as possible - avoid pockets and embroidery etc.

• Add width to the shoulder line with shape and design to balance your figure.

• Wear the shapes for Curved Hips and ensure that the fabric is not pulling
  

• Look for a good fit on the hip area with no excess fabric to add inches 
  

• Show off curves by emphasizing the waist and tapering below the thigh area

Celebs who play up their wide hips

Women's hips are designed for baby making! They are feminine, sexy, voluptuous and much to be admired. Many women will envy you. 

Many of our top celebrities play up their curves - take a look above at Kim Kardashian who adds ruches to draw the eye; Mariah Carey who outlines to emphasize her extremely curvy shape and Beyonce who uses flounces to add extra inches to her already wide hips.  

As long as you are not trying to squeeze your hips into the wrong shape or the wrong size you are dressing correct to your shape and looking your best. 

Check out the shapes for an Hourglass and a Pear Shape body. 

What to beware of...

• Do not attempt to squeeze your figure into tailored garments unless they are fitted to you. Straight lines do not fit around it!

• As you get older or after having babies, you may find that your tummy muscles are not as strong. This may exacerbate any hip problem so take a look at 5 ways to hide tummy fat. 

If you are overweight...

However, if you do feel that your hips are a little too generous there are a few tricks you can try.  

There is certainly a difference in how the different body types gain weight and it's a well known fact that an Hourglass and a Pear shaped body will gain and hold excess weight on the hips and thigh area first. 

Cutting down on the amount of fat you eat will certainly help. Funnily enough, on the radio the other day I heard that the Hip and Thigh Diet book is one of the best sellers over the last 50 years or so. It's good for your figure and your health.    

Weight on your tummy area can also be a problem as we get older and a shaper pant will certainly help but don't forget to take a look at how hide tummy fat!