Choosing The Perfect Design For Plus-size Dresses

Do you find it hard to get flattering fits for your curvy body? Here are some design tips on choosing the best styles for plus-size dresses!
designs for plus-size dresses for western style wedding

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Fashion indeed has no rules, and you can wear anything you feel confident in. Even as a plus-size woman, there is no style that you cannot flaunt with panache! However, there may be certain areas of your body that you wish to conceal with a flattering fit or design. For this, you need to choose design elements and fabrics that best flatter those areas.

As no two bodies are ever identical, there is no single design rule that applies to all plus-size women. Some may have a heavier bust, while others may have heavier arms that they want to conceal. Therefore, the best dress styles for plus-size women will vary as per their body type.

Depending on your body type, here are the best fabrics, silhouettes, and design styles you can choose for a flattering plus-size outfit.

The Best Design Elements And Dress Styles For Plus-Size Women

1. Best Fabrics For Plus-size Women

For flattering plus-size dresses, choose a fabric that falls well on your body

Flowy fabrics like viscose, satin, and chiffon will work great for you in this regard. They will add some movement to the outfit without exaggerating your curves.

full length gown dress for a plus-size woman

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On the other hand, velvet will also work well for you despite being figure-hugging, as it has a slimming effect due to its thicker texture. It is a great fabric for plus-size dresses, especially for evening events.

navy blue velvet design for plus-size dresses

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You may want to avoid fabrics that are too stiff or poofy, like stiff cotton or organza. Instead, opt for softer cotton or net materials that do not add too much volume to the dress.

For more information on flattering fabrics for plus size outfits, check out this article.

2. Best Silhouettes For Plus-size Women

If your stomach and hips are your problem areas, then an A-line silhouette will work for you

Floor length sleeveless gown design for plus-size woman

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An empire waistline that flares below the chest or a natural waistline that flares at the slimmest part of your waist will look flattering on you. Fit and flare styles where the torso is fitted and the skirt flares out into an A-line silhouette will highlight your best areas and take the attention away from your curves.

Alternatively, if you want to flaunt your curves, then a bodycon dress or a fitted mermaid silhouette will work for you

body hugging gown design for plus size woman

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These silhouettes look incredibly flattering on those with a narrower waistline with larger hips.

Check out this article for more information on the best silhouettes for different body types.

3. Best Necklines For Plus-size Women

You can play with different necklines depending on which parts of your body you wish to highlight and which parts you wish to conceal.

The ladies with a heavier bust can opt for high neck styles that offer more coverage and draw the eyes away from the chest.

high neck blouse for plus size woman with larger bust size

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Alternatively, if you want to draw attention away from your hips or stomach, then a V-neck or plunging square neckline will do so by highlighting your neck instead.

V-neck plunging neck design for plus-size dresses

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You can balance out a flowy silhouette that conceals your lower body with these necklines that showcase your neck and collar bones.

For more design inspiration, check out these neckline ideas to flaunt your neck and shoulders.

4. Best Sleeve Styles For Plus-size Women

If you have heavier upper arms that you wish to conceal then drop shoulder sleeves, elbow-length flutter sleeves or angel sleeves will look great on you.

stylish flutter sleeves on a single piece plus-size dress

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These sleeve styles offer optimal coverage to the upper arms and fall at the right place to make your arms look slimmer.

If you are conscious about your lower arms as well then full-length or 3/4th length balloon sleeves will suit you well.

balloon sleeves in a plus-size bodycon dress

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This sleeve style will cover your upper and lower arms, and the volume of the fabric will have a slimming effect.

5. Best Embroidery and Print Styles For Plus-size Women

When it comes to embroidery or print designs, avoid motifs that are too small or too big

Medium-sized motifs will look the best if you are going for prints or embroidery all over the fabric.

flowy printed fabric for a plus-size maxi dress

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Another option is to strategically place statement prints or embroidery on certain parts of the outfit for a slimming effect.

pattern embroidery on a plus-size western dress

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Similarly, combining vertical and horizontal strips or larger and smaller motifs can create the illusion of a slimmer body. A skilled designer can help you select the best print/embroidery designs and their placement on your outfit for the most flattering effect.

Pro*Tips

from our designers

Mix & Match

Depending on your body type, you can mix and match two fabrics or prints to create a flattering and unique outfit. We can help you select the best combination that offers a slimming effect.

Add Drapes

Adding drapes to your dresses, tops, or jumpsuits can make your outfit flowy and flattering. Plus, draped outfits look trendy and are comfortable too. So, you can try this elegant style for your next outfit.

Other Design Elements

Besides the prominent design elements like silhouette, sleeves, etc., smaller elements like button size, placement of fasteners, piping on sleeves, can change the look of the whole outfit. Make sure to pay attention to these details to choose the most flattering options.

How To Find The Best Plus-Size Dresses For My Body Type?

The best plus-size dresses for your body type are the ones that are tailormade, keeping your measurement profile in mind. With custom-made dresses, you and your designer can select the most flattering silhouettes, fabrics, sleeves, and neckline for your body type. These design elements will come together to create the most spectacular outfit for you.

At Lavender, The Boutique, our designers pay great attention to each detail of your outfit, right from the fabric selection to the embellishments. Our goal is to create the perfect fit and the most stunning design for all our clients. So, if you feel that the plus-size outfits you have tried so far don’t flatter your body, contact us today. Our personalized plus-size designs will surely impress you!

Shweta William Jaiswal

Shweta William Jaiswal

Senior Fashion Designer at Lavender, The Boutique

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