Trends change fast, and it’s not always easy to know how to adapt them for our unique (and beautiful!) body shapes.

If  you have ever wondered how to find clothes that flatter your figure, you've come to the right place.

The body equation: A+B+C= Body Type

A = Body Shape: which includes your body measurements (bust, waist etc) & your height measurement, (petite, average height, tall.)

B = Body Proportions: Torso/Leg ration, Neck length.

C = Body Incidental: Bust size, thicker arms, wide shoulders, bum size, narrow calves, plus a few other features.

Whats your body shape?

Defined by the dictionary: The human body shape is a complex phenomenon with sophisticated detail and function.

The general shape or figure of a person is defined mainly by the molding of skeletal structures, as well as the distribution of muscles and fat. What??? In a nut shell, body shape is the silhouette from your front view, or the outline of your figure.

What are body proportions 

Defined by the dictionary: how lines and shapes divide the space, garment, or outfit into parts. It involves the relationship of one part or space compared to another part or space, compared to the whole garment, and to the body. 

Basically, we are talking about longer or shorter legs, a longer or shorter waist, rise, décolletage and your neck length. This measurement will tell you where to end your hems – tops, skirts, sleeves, trousers. Also where you may want to add verticals to elongate and highlight body parts.

One important note regarding proportions: The eye subconsciously sees clothing lines as lines of your body. So, wearing clothes with lines that are incorrect for your body proportion tends to create blunt-lines...essentially cutting your body at the wrong place.

But when we correctly place those clothing lines and proportions, the lines have a pleasing curve to them, and the eye is drawn to all of our best features.

What are Body incidentals or Deviations 

These are everything else that determines your overall body type. The other bits and pieces of your frame; a bigger bottom, large busts, fuller upper arms, wide shoulders, saddlebags, wide calves, etc.

Some of us will have a shorter torso and longer leg line and be tall. One may be petite, and wear a size 16, but have a small bust.

These factors influence our style decisions, as well as which pieces of clothing look the best on our body. Sound confusing? It's important to understand that this can feel daunting, be patient!

I promise you, once you experiment with these concepts, and test out fabrics and silhouettes, you will get it.

Learn more about choosing the right size when ordering your custom Das Matia shirt or sweater.