Understanding the contours of your body is an essential aspect of styling and dressing confidently. Every woman’s body is unique, and dressing according to your body shape can significantly enhance your overall appearance. One such wardrobe staple that can help accentuate your body’s best features is a pair of tights. If chosen correctly, tights can help create the illusion of the shape you desire, and they are also a cost-effective way to elevate your style quotient. Celebrities such as Jessica Alba have used this trick to enhance their appearance by opting for tights that match their shoes, thereby creating the illusion of longer legs.
Before embarking on a shopping expedition for tights, it is crucial to identify your body shape. There are primarily six body shapes: A-Frame, Oval Frame, V-Frame, 8-Frame, H-Frame, and the Ruler body shape. Let’s delve deeper into understanding these body shapes and the types of tights that best complement each.
1. A-Frame or Pear-Shaped Body
Pear-shaped bodies, also known as the A-Frame, have wider hips compared to the bust. This body shape is seen in approximately 20% of women. The key to dressing a pear-shaped body is to create an illusion of slimmer hips and enhance the existing curves. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian often grace this body shape, and they know just how to accentuate their curves with the right pair of tights.
To balance your top and bottom, opt for padded tops to make your shoulders appear fuller. Tops with vibrant colors draw attention upwards. Pair this with sleek tights with prints, preferably vertical stripes or lines, to make your legs appear longer and slimmer. However, avoid tights with horizontal stripes as they can make your legs and hips seem larger.
2. Oval Frame or Apple Shaped Body
Approximately 14% of women fall under the apple-shaped or oval frame category. This body shape is characterized by a bust that is at least three inches larger than the hips. The middle portion of the body tends to be larger, resulting in a more oval-shaped body. The key to dressing an apple-shaped body is to draw attention away from the midriff and emphasize the legs, buttocks, bust, and neck.
Control-top tights and body stockings can give you an instant tummy tuck and hide the bulging middle. You can opt for elegant prints and textures to draw attention to your tights. Alternatively, go for fashionable tights with vertical lines and seams to make your legs appear longer.
3. V-Frame or Cone Shaped Body
The V-Frame or cone-shaped body type is characterized by a large bust and wide shoulders with relatively slim legs and hips. To achieve balance, it is essential to draw attention away from the shoulders and bust and focus on the hip and leg area. Wearing fashionable printed tights can definitely catch the eye of anyone in the room as you walk by.
Tights with an eye-catching yet elegant color like trendy and bold brown tights that come in various designs and textures can create a visual balance as attention is drawn to the body’s lower part. The more extravagant the designs and colors, the more effective they can be in drawing attention and balancing out your look.
4. 8-Frame or Hourglass Shaped Body
The hourglass figure, also known as the 8-Frame, is characterized by perfectly placed curves that flatter the body. Only 8% of women have this type of body shape, which is widely coveted. The key to maintaining good looks with an hourglass figure is to wear clothing that enhances the curves rather than suppressing or flattening them.
Choose tops that taper down into your waist area. Emphasize your legs and hips by wearing perfectly designed fashion tights that will definitely enhance your curves. While plain colors appear sexy, you can opt for more appealing patterned or textured tights that are both flattering and visually appealing.
5. H-Frame or Athletic Body Shape
The H-Frame or athletic body shape is characterized by broadly defined waists and shoulders. The goal with this body type is to create an illusion of a slimmer waist, thereby making the rest of the body appear more proportionate overall. Opt for fitted dresses that do not highlight the shoulders and balance this with control-top tights that will tone down your waistline while enhancing the shape of your legs. Thick, patterned tights can also create the illusion of curves for a more curvaceous overall look.
6. Ruler or Straight Body Shape
The straight or rectangular body frame is seen in a whopping 46% of women. The key to balancing such a frame and adding more curves to an otherwise cylindrical body is to tuck down on your waistline and exaggerate the curves everywhere else. Wear feminine colors and draw attention to your waist with nice belts worn over sleek textured tights that will accentuate all your curves from the waist down. Tights can also elongate the leg area and make them appear longer than they actually are, enhancing your overall looks.
Remember, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all wardrobe. The fit is not the issue – many opt for certain clothing simply because they fit and are the correct size. However, fit does not always translate to looking great, especially if your body shape needs a particular piece of clothing for balance. Regardless of your body shape, there is always a perfect set of clothing waiting to enhance your looks and curves.
Tights offer a practical and effective way of enhancing your looks and help balance out most problem areas to make them appear in the right proportions compared to other parts of the body. So, before you buy your next set of tights, ensure that you are aware of your body shape so you can choose clothes that will enhance your looks, balance out and draw attention away from problem areas, and draw focus on your best features and bodily assets.
Choosing High-Quality Tights
While understanding your body shape and the types of tights that best suit it is crucial, it is equally important to invest in high-quality tights. A pair of tights that are comfortable, good looking, and durable can elevate your style quotient to new heights. However, with a plethora of options available in the market, choosing the right pair can be quite a task.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested more than 30 styles of tights, evaluating them for stretch recovery, snag resistance, bursting strength at the seams, and washability. They also had consumers wear them in real life to provide feedback on comfort, waistband-rolling, snagging, running, stretching out, and more. Their tests proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get high-quality tights. In fact, some of the under-$10 tights outperformed ones that cost over $40!
