A Complete Guide to the Curvy Body and How to Dress For It

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Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant Nejla Renee provides expert insight into the curvy body type

Co-authored by Nejla Renee and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Fact Checked

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• What is a curvy body type?
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• How to Tell if You’re Curvy
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• Dressing a Curvy Body
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• Curvy Bodies vs. Other Types
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• Video

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Women’s figures are often described as “curvy,” but what does that really mean? We’re here to break it all down! We’ll cover what a curvy body type is, how to know if you have one, and provide expert tips from personal stylists on choosing clothes to flatter your curvy body and help you look your best! We’ll even explain how a curvy body type differs from plus-size, hourglass, thick, and voluptuous figures. Let’s dive in!

Curvy Body Type

Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant Nejla Renee says that a curvy body type means having a defined waist with a fuller bust, hips, and thighs. It’s similar to an hourglass shape. However, there’s a debate about whether “curvy” is actually a body type or a body shape, as both slim and heavier people can have a curvy body.

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Section 1 of 4:

What is a curvy body type?

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1. 
   A curvy body has a narrow waist with a wider bust and hips. Renee says, “A curvy body type usually means having a defined waist with fuller hips, thighs, and bust. The proportions often create that balanced, hourglass shape where the waist naturally draws attention.”

   • In regard to Kibbe body types, a curvy body is considered a “romantic” body type.​

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Nejla Renee is a fashion stylist, image consultant, and personal shopper based in NY. With 7+ years of experience, Nejla specializes in helping people enhance their positive attributes and express their identities through style.

   Paul Julch, MA is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Know if You Have a Curvy Body Type

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1. 
   You have a curvy body type if your chest and hips are wider than your waist. To determine your body shape, measure the fullest part of your chest, the smallest part of your natural waist, and the widest part of your hips. Then, compare the measurements. You have an hourglass or curvy body if your waist measurement is the smallest and your chest and hip measurements are fairly equal.

   • Want more info on your body type? Check out this Female Body Types Chart for insights on your shape, and take our Body Type Quiz to see if you’re an ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Style a Curvy Body Type

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   Wear clothes that fit your body well. Renee says, “When it comes to dressing a curvy body, the goal is to show [your] shape rather than hide it.” She adds, “Clothes that fit your curves well will always look more effortless and expensive than oversized or overly tight pieces.”

   • Personal Stylist Paul Julch, MA, agrees and advises against wearing clothes that are too big. “Larger clothes, no matter what size you are, make you look bigger,” he says.
   • If you find a piece you love and it doesn’t quite fit right, take it to a seamstress for adjustments. “Clean lines help elongate the frame, but what really makes the difference is tailoring,” Renee explains.
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   Go for high-rise pants. Renee recommends high-rise pants because they also follow the lines of your body. Not only are they in style, but they’ll also accentuate your waist. Professional Stylist Veronica Tharmalingam agrees, saying, “Curvy ladies should opt for a high-waist style.”
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   Wear wide-leg or flared bottoms. “Adding that little bit of volume and flare at the bottom of your leg balances out a curvy figure,” says Julch. Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer Melynda Choothesa agrees, adding that with a “high-waisted and wide leg [pant], you really can't go wrong.”
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   Opt for a sweetheart neckline, V-necks, or scoop tops. Sweetheart necklines are heart-shaped and dip down in the center. This style will flatter your bust, according to Personal Stylist Kalee Hewlett. Shirts with a scoop top or V-neck also balance a fuller bust and elongate your neck.
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   Choose wrap dresses or fit-and-flare styles. To dress an hourglass figure, “I always recommend pieces that follow the lines of the body—like wrap dresses,” advises Renee. A wrap dress will perfectly flatter your curves and highlight your narrow waist while balancing out your full hips and thighs. Fit-and-flare dresses are also a great option for defining your waist and flowing over your lower half.

   • Both styles come in tons of colors and prints, so it’s easy to find the perfect dress for any occasion.
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   Go for fuller skirts. Stylist Elle Monus says, “Create a balanced look by finding items that nip in at the smallest part of your natural waist and add volume or width to the smaller half of your body.”

   • An A-line wool skirt with boots and a black blouse is the perfect option for a chic look in the colder months. Or, choose a flowy maxi skirt and a tee with a sweetheart neckline in pastel colors for spring or summer.
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   Select fabrics that have some stretch. Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper Dina Scherer says, “When it comes to curvier body shapes, it's really important to pay attention to fabrics…if they're too stiff, they are not going to conform to the body.” She suggests jersey knits, silk jerseys, and cotton, which have good drape and will accentuate your curves.

   • Renee agrees and adds, “Fabrics with structure and a bit of give, like cotton blends or silk with stretch, tend to move beautifully without feeling restrictive.”
   • Pair a stretchy silk top with high-rise black trousers for a night out, or opt for a cotton blend long-sleeved top and flared jeans for brunch or running errands.
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   Wear clothes with small prints. Renee explains that smaller prints are the most flattering for a curvy body. Tops of bottoms that feature small flowers, polka dots, hearts, or even animal print will look great on you! Steer clear of garments with larger prints like big flowers or leaves.
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   Add accessories to accentuate your waist. Julch says, “calling out your waist is a really important way to balance your figure.” For example, Renee recommends “a great belted blazer” for a curvy body.

   • Grab a few cute belts to pair with dresses and jackets so you always look put-together and polished.
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    Choose clothes that complement your coloring. Professional Stylist Catherine Joubert says to find out your color palette so you know what works best with your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Not sure what would look best on you? Take our Color Season Quiz to find out!

    • If you’re a Spring (fair to medium skin and lighter hair with warm tones), wear warm colors like yellow, coral, and peach.
    • If you’re a Summer (light skin and lighter, cool-toned hair), go for muted, cool colors like blue, lavender, and soft pink.
    • If you’re an Autumn (medium to dark skin and a warm hair color), choose warm, earthy hues such as brown, olive green, and orange.
    • If you’re a Winter (fair skin and dark hair), go for white, black, and vibrant jewel tones.
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    Pick outfits that make you feel good. “Confidence is the best accessory for a curvy body type,” Renee explains. Whether your style is classic and preppy or edgy and outside the box, select pieces that you love. Choothesa agrees and recommends that you, “Wear something that feels native to you as a person.” “When you wear what feels good and honors your shape, it always shows,” Renee adds.
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Section 4 of 4:

Curvy Bodies vs. Other Types

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1. 
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   Hourglass “Hourglass” describes a body shape. An hourglass figure, also called an “X” body shape, is narrowest at the waist, with a bust and hips that are roughly equal to each other. In other words, an hourglass figure is curvy! “Society's favorite body shape for women currently is the hourglass,” says Monus.
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   Plus-size “Plus” describes a size rather than a shape, and plus-size people can have various body shapes, like hourglass, pear/triangle, apple/round, or rectangle. Typically, plus-size clothing is larger than size 14. Historically, fashion designers did not design clothes for plus-size people, but that has changed in recent years as the fashion industry has become more inclusive.
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   Voluptuous “Voluptuous” isn’t a specific size or body type. Someone who is voluptuous has large breasts and hips and is “attractive in a sexual way,” according to the Oxford Dictionary. So, you could also say a voluptuous person is curvy.
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   Thick “Thick” refers to someone who is curvy but not “chubby” or “fat.” A thick person typically has a more muscular body instead of a high percentage of body fat.

   • “Slim thick” describes someone who is fit and has a small waist but has a large butt and hips.
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