Dressing well and creating the best looks for your body shape isn't always easy, no matter which body type you have as a woman.
Today, we're focusing on the H-shaped body. What are its characteristics? Which pieces should you avoid, and which should you favor? Elora is here to help you see things more clearly and offers practical, useful fashion tips to enhance your H-shaped silhouette. Follow the guide!
What is an H-shaped body?
If your shoulders and hips are aligned and your waist is not very defined, you have an H-shaped body (also known as a rectangle body shape)!
Generally, women with an H-shaped body have a slender, slim, and elongated silhouette, sometimes athletic.
There are, however, some exceptions. Some women have curvier shapes, sometimes with a bit of tummy. So, H-shaped silhouettes come in all varieties!
How to highlight your figure with an H-shaped body?
A woman with an H-shaped body is actually quite easy to dress. Almost every clothing cut suits her, thanks to her balanced and harmonious silhouette. For this profile, it's recommended to create the illusion of a defined waist with a few practical and easy-to-apply tips. This mainly involves adding a bit of volume to the upper bust (shoulders and chest) and the hips.
Women with an H-shaped body should also dare to wear colors and patterns. The only thing to avoid? A monochrome look, which can emphasize the rectangular shape of an H body. Have fun with contrasts and don't hesitate to draw inspiration from current trends!
Which clothes should you have in your wardrobe to flatter an H-shaped body?
Low-rise styles and fitted (but not tight) cuts will be your best allies for dressing well! Whether it's skirts, pants, jeans, or shorts, go for low-rise fits and straight or slim cuts.
Which coats should you choose for an H-shaped body?
For H-shaped body types, balance is achieved with straight-cut coats. To make them perfect, it's best if they feature a belt so you can gently highlight your waist by tying it without pulling too tight.
You can also opt for slightly fitted coats and jackets if belted coats aren't your favorite, or simply if you want to mix things up.
When it comes to length, you can try both long coats and short jackets. Shorter versions are perfect for playful looks, as there are so many styles to choose from (puffer jackets, cropped bombers, cape coats, and more).
Which tops for an H-shaped body?
Have fun creating volume with tops featuring fringe, puff sleeves, shoulder pads, gathered seams, ruffles, or flounces. Empire waist tops and asymmetrical tops are also for you. These styles add dimension and help redefine your body's curves.
Did you know?
The impression of volume on the upper body can also be created with necklines. For H-shaped figures, V-necks are ideal. Deep necklines are also a great choice for H-shaped silhouettes.
Which bottoms should you choose for an H-shaped body type?
For women with an H-shaped body, it's best to go for low-rise bottoms to create a visual marker at the waist, especially for slender silhouettes.
When it comes to clothing cuts, let yourself be tempted by:
- Cigarette pants;
- Straight-leg pants like mom jeans or palazzo trousers;
- Straight skirts and shorts that show off your lovely long legs;
- Slim and skinny jeans, which create the illusion of fuller thighs. This helps balance your silhouette, whether you're slender or curvy.
Which dress is best suited for an H-shaped body type?
Love wearing dresses? Here are some pieces you can turn to:
- The shirt dress
It's perfect because it hugs the body without being too tight. It beautifully softens your curves and can easily be accessorized. Another plus: it gives you the option to discreetly conceal your tummy, if you wish.
- The wrap dress
It brings a welcome bit of volume to the waist and hips, making your silhouette even more feminine.
- The A-line dress
With its shape, it subtly redefines your silhouette and adds a touch of structure.
- Empire dresses or those tied just below the bust
Nothing beats them for adding femininity to the upper body.
Another tip: to add even more energy to your outfits, play with the length of dresses and skirts, and with slits. Not only do they add a sexy touch, but they also give dimension to your look and help soften the rectangle shape of your body.
Which clothes should you avoid with an H body shape?
In general, it’s recommended to avoid wearing clothes that are too oversized when you have an H body shape. These are pieces that are intentionally much wider, and sometimes longer, than a standard size. They don’t hug the body, aren’t fitted, and blur your shape. Depending on the person, they can give a more androgynous style. Oversized clothes can be t-shirts, sweaters, cardigans, shirts, or jackets, to name a few.
At the same time, it’s best to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, as they emphasize the waist, hips, and stomach.
Another type of piece to avoid: very flared skirts or dresses (like skater styles) or tulip cuts, as well as flared pants, as they make the silhouette look wider.
Which accessories help balance an H body shape?
The belt is a woman’s best friend when she has an H body shape. It helps define the waist, especially when you’re wearing a dress with a looser fit, for example. For a beautiful effect, choose a belt that isn’t too thick and wear it loosely rather than tight.
The belt can also be worn low on the hips. The goal? To create the impression of more generous curves.
When it comes to jewelry, there are two key tips to keep in mind. For necklaces, mid-length styles are best for H-shaped silhouettes, so that the look stays balanced. As for earrings, opt for pieces that are modest in size.
What are the specifics of an H body shape? Let’s recap
What you need to remember about the H body shape is that it is characterized by:
- shoulders and hips that are about the same width;
- a waist that is barely defined;
- a silhouette that can vary in body shape.
When creating your looks and wanting to dress with style, you should:
- create the illusion of a waist;
- dare to wear color.
PS : Paying attention to your style and following fashion advice is great. But paying attention to your style while having fun is even better! So wear clothes you love and feel good in. Comfort and enjoyment are key ingredients to feeling good about yourself, beautiful, and confident.
