I’m a proud plus-sized woman who will hit the big 5-0 soon, and finding clothes that fit well and look good isn’t always easy. Most trends favor young folks who don’t have to worry about the same things we full-figured ladies have to. As our bodies age and change shape, sometimes daily, it seems, we need to focus on comfort and flexibility.

But don’t fret. I have a set of 7 hacks to help make your fashion choices easier and fit better. These hacks are solutions to problems I encounter daily, and I’m sure some of you do too. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you as much as they help me.

Hack 1: Find a Great Bra

Bras are the bane of my existence. If there were one piece of clothing I would give up forever, it would be the bra. As an older woman, my breasts aren’t as perky as they once were, so bra shopping is difficult. I recommend a professional fitting if you’re comfortable enough. For now, these are the best-fitting bras I’ve found thus far.

Hack 2: Stretchy Fabric is Your Friend

Stretchy fabrics allow full-figured women the opportunity to move comfortably. Fabrics with no give leave no room for forgiveness and often don’t fit well. I find that fabrics with no stretch have to have an oversized fit making you look like you are hiding behind your clothes. Fitted clothes almost always look better on the plus-size figure. 

Hack 3: Find the Perfect Bag For Your Figure

The right bag can make or break an outfit. It’s crucial to choose a handbag that fits your body type. If you are pear-shaped, a shoulder bag will work best for you because it draws the eye up and away from your hips. Apple-shaped women will do best with a crossbody bag that falls mid-waist to accentuate your assets. Those with an hourglass shape look our best with a large tote-style bag.

Hack 4: Wear Dark Colors

Dark colors flatter the plus-sized figure. The forgiving hues offer a slimming quality making our silhouettes shine. Black is the go-to dark color, but don’t forget navy and dark brown are also colors that work well to slim a profile.

Hack 5: Small Prints Look Amazing

Small prints work best on full figures because large prints tend to make us look bulkier. A nice repeating pattern is slimming and easy on the eyes. Don’t shy away from horizontal lines. Horizontal lines flatter plus-sizes if done right.

Hack 6: Use Jewelry to Your Advantage

Jewelry is the finishing touch that every outfit needs. Pairing pieces that work to your advantage can draw eyes away from problem spots and give you a polished look. A long sleeve of bangles, a chunky necklace, or a pair of drop earrings flatters most body types.

Hack 7: Accentuate Your Curves

Ladies, we are curvy! Let’s show them off in the most flattering way possible. Avoid tight garments and shapers that aim to hide your curves because these tend to distort your shape. Wear a deep V to accentuate your decolletage or a nice cropped top under a blazer to show off your waist. Let your hips do some talking, and wear a flattering wrap dress.

Fashion hacks, plus-size fashion, full figures