A woman’s iconic hourglass shape is one of the most coveted and admired body types. It’s making a splash in pop culture, and we have a feeling its popularity is here to stay. Thanks to a few famous ladies who effortlessly rock their wide hips with pride, women everywhere are embracing their curves. Perhaps you can relate to their shape, or maybe your figure is a bit more straight up and down. Well, you, too, can easily create instant curve appeal with just your wardrobe. If you’re hoping to highlight a specific body part that you didn’t inherit, we’re here to help. Read on for our go-to styling tips and tricks as we break down how to make your hips look wider (naturally).
The Best Jeans to Highlight Your Hips
A great-fitting pair of jeans is a women’s wardrobe hero. Denim offers a quick and easy outfit solution for any activity. Whether jeans are part of your business casual dress code or reserved for weekend errands, the styling options here are endless. However, it might surprise you to learn that denim can help enhance your favorite features. Wondering how to make your hips look wider by using this closet staple? It all comes down to the fit, fabric and design details of your trusty jeans. Below, we’ll share the components that will help define your shape to create the appearance of wider hips.
The Skinnier, The Better to Accentuate Your Hourglass Figure
When it comes to denim silhouettes to make your hips look wider, it’s all about the skinny fit. We know, we know. You’ve already resigned all your skinnies to the back of your closet in place of their straight-leg cousin. While a relaxed fit is decidedly more comfortable, it won’t create the same hip-widening effect that a slimmer profile offers. Why, you ask? It’s all about proportions. The tighter fit automatically attracts attention to your hips. Additionally, the tapered leg will make the top of the pants seem wider in relation to the snug ankle opening.
Fabric and Design Details That Will Help to Make Your Hips Look Wider
Just like the silhouette, fabric content should be top of mind when learning how to make your hips look wider. You’ll want to opt for jeans that have a hint of stretch. We suggest at least 2% spandex for maximum elasticity to ensure they hug the body in all the right places. Another design detail to watch out for—pocket placement. While this might not seem like an obvious trick, it can have a major impact. Pockets should be smaller in size and placed higher on the backside. This helps to create a curvier bottom and hip area. An exposed button-fly closure will also help to draw the eye toward the hips. As another bonus, buttons have the unique feature of a bit more give than the traditional zipper fly. This lets the material stretch and form to your curves.
Another standout denim feature to seek out is the on-trend paperbag waist. The feminine ruffle waistband demands attention, creating the appearance of wider hips. Finishing up your denim requirements is none other than the wash. A darker rinse with pronounced whiskering at the hip will help to highlight and, in turn, widen your hips. If you want to rock a colored jean, stick with white or similar tones. These naturally attract attention to your hips because of their lighter hue.
How To Make Your Hips Look Wider with High-Rise Jeans
And what about the rise of your jeans? Can that feature lend a hand in making your hips look wider? The short answer is yes. The rise refers to the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Traditionally, this can range anywhere from 7 to twelve inches. We know, it’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing popularity of low, mid and high-rise bottoms.
Not quite ready to relive the low-rise trend of the early 2000s? You’re in luck, because the higher the rise, the better for accentuating and highlighting your hips. The science behind this statement is quite simple really. High-rise jeans sit above your natural waist, right at the smallest part of your upper body. Cinching your pants here makes your waist look smaller, which creates a broader appearance through your hips. Trust us. It’s all about the waist-to-hip ratio when it comes to how to make your hips look wider.
The Best Tops to Make Your Hips Look Wider
You’ve got your high-rise skinny jeans in hand, and now it’s time to finish the ensemble. Wondering how tops and layers can help to make your hips look wider? Let’s break it down. If you’re feeling especially daring, a crop top is an excellent piece to pair back with your jeans. Why, you may ask? The shorter length will hit above your waistline, accentuating the narrowest part of your torso. If you’re after something with a bit more length, may we suggest a tried-and-true peplum top? This vintage-inspired style sees a resurgence almost every year, so you’ll always want to have one in your closet. Featuring a gathered or pleated appearance from the waist down, this style essentially does the hip-widening work for you. Built-in hip enhancing volume right where you want it.
A full tuck for your tops is another trick of the trade to make your hips look wider. As you can probably guess by now, keeping the waistline of your jeans clean and visible is key. The easiest way to achieve this tucked-in look is with a bodysuit. Your work is quickly over with this one-and-done style, creating an effortless and sleek silhouette. The full-tuck tip is also a simple way to wear your favorite billowy blouses while keeping your shape in mind. As an extra bonus, that loose fabric you’ve just tucked in adds much wanted bulk right at your hips. Finish up your hip-highlighting ‘fit by layering on a cropped jacket. This shorter outerwear style will draw attention to your narrow waist and still keep you warm—a win-win.
How To Make Your Hips Look Wider in a Dress or Skirt
While denim may now seem like a clear choice for making your hips look wider, it’s not the only one. The same proportion rules you learned above easily apply to almost all articles of clothing. For peak chic style, reach for a skirt or dress. Your fave fit will effortlessly contour your body and accentuate your hips. Put dreamy details, playful patterns and sleek silhouettes on your wishlist.
Figure-Enhancing Dress and Skirt Silhouettes
As we’ve mentioned before, the secret of how to make your hips look wider is all about tricking the eye. The smaller your waist looks, the wider your hips will appear. Dresses with tight-fitting, body-con silhouettes work wonders. These styles cling to your figure and play up your curves. For more variety, choose a dress that nips right at your high waist. The popular fit-and-flare style or the timeless and traditional wrap dress stand out at the top of our favorites list.
If skirts are more your speed, not to worry. We suggest reaching for a figure-hugging pencil skirt or giving a nod to the Victorian era with a trumpet skirt. This silhouette is tight-fitting around the hips and waist and features a flared hemline, usually hitting mid-calf. Want to add a little extra oomph to your figure? Try shapewear under your dress or skirt to smooth out and cinch your waist in a bit more.
Textiles and Trims That Help Make Your Hips Look Wider
Believe it or not, fabric construction also plays a big role in making your hips look wider. Thinner, more flimsy textiles can fall limp around your sides, hiding your shape. Instead, you’ll want to select sturdy fabrics that easily stand on their own to create a curvier appearance. Another feature we love for enhancing your hips is ruching. You can rely on this sewing technique to emphasize your hips and slim your waist. Look for dresses and skirts that feature ruching in a solid hue to let the intricate weave really shine.
A skirt with structured pleating will add volume to the hip region and create a wider silhouette. Offset this effect by tucking in a soft and feminine top, like a button-down blouse made of a luxurious silk material. Are you looking to create even more shape with your skirts? Try narrowing the waist with a wide belt worn right above the navel. Opt for a neutral-colored one with a built-in bag to keep you hands-free and on the move. We love a good multi-purpose hack. Design details like zippers and pockets can also help to make your hips look wider.
Using Prints and Patterns to Make Your Hips Look Wider
You’ve probably long learned the rule that a vertical stripe will make you look taller. Well, what if your goal is to appear wider? At least, in certain areas, that is. Enter the horizontal stripe. Use geometry to your advantage for a quick and easy way to make your hips look wider. When you feature these side-to-side stripes along your hipline, it can help draw the eye outward. Another promising pattern option is color blocking. Featuring wide chunks of stacked colors, this does wonders for your hip and waist area. To play with the ever-important proportions, pick a pattern that has a color break right above or below your hips. For extra width illusion, reach for a lighter hue running along your hips and a darker hue at your waist.
Bold patterns and strong colors also stand out as a great hip-widening secret weapon. A statement-making graphic or floral print will instantly draw attention to your hip area. For maximum hip appearance, try a striking printed skirt that boasts the high-rise waist fit. Tuck in a dark-hued solid top to help slim your natural waistline and upper torso. Add on that previously mentioned belt where the two pieces meet and, boom. You’ve just mastered the science of proportions.
Looking to add figure-shaping silhouettes to your closet? Our expert stylists are standing by to help. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and receive five pieces to try in the comfort of your own home. Or, head over to Stitch Fix Freestyle™ to instantly buy pieces curated for your style and size. Shipping and returns are always free, making it even easier to try something new.
