For the curvy figure, you want to minimize those curves, but not deny them. Right? Your #1 challenge is  finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let’s find out if you are a curvy figure. If you answer “yes” to most of the characteristics below, then read on.

You have a full bust and hips.

Your shoulders and hips a line evenly.

Your waist curves like an hourglass but you are fuller around the bust-line and lower portion.

You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.

What to wear?

Flattering Tops

• Shop for fitted v-necks, scoops or boat-necks. Tops that are open at the décolleté area are most pleasing to the eye.
• Dressy, belted blouses and halters accentuate the waist.
• A Single-breasted jacket, a belted trench or princess cut jacket make for perfect outerwear for a curvy figure.

No, Nos!

• For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use double sided type to secure the fabric. Works perfect.
• Throw out the waist length puffer jacket. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.

Slimming Bottoms

• For professional attire, slightly tapered pencil skirts ending at the knee are gentle on your curvy frame. Pencil skirts also glide smoothly over curves giving you that 50′s bombshell look!
• A-lines, bias cuts and stitch-down pleated skirts are other choices to choose from.
• Pants with flat fronts are clean and sophisticated. Bottoms with no pockets are most flattering.
• Curvy shapes can also try boot-cut or straight-leg jeans for the weekend, which balances the hips.
• Capri pants are a good choice as long as the hems are tapered without any flare.

No, Nos!

• Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
• For pants, avoid pleated and ankle-tapered pants.

Dresses

• Choose a dress with a belt or go with a wrap dress. They adjust to your unique curves.
• Picking the fabric of the dress is most important. Be sure the fabric is thick verses thin and flimsy. Thicker, structured fabrics drape gracefully across the curves. Dupioni silk is very structured and flattering, but still luxurious and elegant for formal occasions.
• Small-scale printed patterned dresses accent the curves.
• Sheaths, sun dresses, and princess-shapes are other great picks.

No, Nos!

• Big-patterned prints are a big no, nos! Run the other way!
• Tight satin dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.

What about those swimsuits

• 18% or more of spandex will give the curvy shape as well as fabulous support for the bottom and top.
• The hipsters are very flattering for the lower body. Hits right at the right place.
• Halter tops, bra-cuts give great support and long-top tankinis for the upper portion.

No, Nos!

• Don’t wear anything too baggy.
• Throw out the granny-style skirt suits.

UnderGarments

Medium to Large Bust: For women with larger busts, wider shoulder and back straps give firm support. Full cups contain the breast better and give a better appearance. Underwired bras provide better support under the bust. Smooth, plain bra styles, without too much lace, help to make your bust appear smaller.

Contour Underwire

Demi-cups provide more sex appeal by giving breasts a boost. Only wear this bra with button down tops. Do not wear with t-shirts. The bra can cut you in half when it shows through the top. Add bronzer to the decolletage and cleavage to provide a glow.

A Minimizer is the best bra for large breasts that need lots of support. It gives full coverage without altering shape and prevents uni-boob.

Sports Bras with Molded Cups – The molded cup keeps the uni-boob at bay. It supports the breasts yet allows curves to show. The Sport Underwire from Wacoal (shown above) is the perfect sports bar. Without underwire is another option. Sizes go up to DDD.

Where to Shop

Because the average American women is a 34C and above, most local department stores provide great quality bras for the larger sizes. Macy’s and Nordstrom’s have an assortment of highly recommended bras to choose from. The department stores have  Professional bra fitters to measure you. After measurements are taken, they will find an assortment of bras to choose from.