How to Choose the Right Plus Size Leggings for Your Body Type

Finding the right pair of plus-size leggings can make all the difference in how comfortable and confident you feel. With so many styles, fabrics, and fits available, it can be overwhelming to find leggings that suit your body type perfectly. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the right pair of leggings based on your body shape and personal preferences, ensuring you feel great no matter the occasion.

1. Understanding Your Body Type

Before choosing the perfect leggings, it’s important to understand your body type. Everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. To find the best leggings, you first need to identify your body shape. Here are a few common body types:

Hourglass: A balanced body with a defined waist and fuller hips and bust.
Apple: A larger bust with narrower hips and a less defined waist.
Pear: Wider hips and thighs with a narrower waist and bust.
Rectangle: A more athletic body shape with a similar width across the chest, waist, and hips.
Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders and chest with narrower hips and legs.

Each body type can benefit from different types of leggings. Let’s dive into the best options for each shape.

2. Best Leggings for Hourglass Figures

Hourglass figures have a well-defined waist and curves around the hips and bust. The key to flattering this body shape is to choose leggings that highlight your waist and offer a balance between the upper and lower parts of the body.

2.1 High-Waisted Leggings

High-waisted leggings are a great choice for hourglass figures because they help define the waistline and provide extra support to the stomach area. Look for leggings with a thick, stretchy waistband that won’t dig into your skin. This will enhance your natural curves and create a smooth, flattering silhouette.

2.2 Shaping Leggings

Shaping leggings with tummy control panels can help emphasize your curves in all the right places. They provide compression around the midsection, which helps smooth and contour the body. Choose a pair that offers a good amount of stretch to ensure comfort.

2.3 Patterned or Textured Leggings

If you want to add a bit of flair, opt for leggings with patterns or textures. Vertical stripes or subtle patterns can elongate the legs and draw attention to your curves. Avoid overly bulky or thick fabrics that might add extra weight to your frame.

3. Best Leggings for Apple Shapes

Apple-shaped bodies tend to have fuller upper bodies, with narrower hips and legs. The goal when choosing leggings for this body type is to create a balanced look by accentuating your lower body while providing extra support around the midsection.

3.1 Mid-Rise or High-Waisted Leggings

Opt for leggings with a mid-rise or high-waist that help support and flatten the stomach. High-waisted leggings will also create the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette. Look for waistbands that are elastic but not too tight, as this will provide comfort without digging into the skin.

3.2 Dark Colors

Dark-colored leggings are perfect for apple-shaped figures, as they create a slimming effect. Black or navy leggings can visually lengthen the legs and minimize the appearance of a fuller waistline. If you want to add some texture, look for leggings with subtle detailing, such as ribbed fabrics or leather-like finishes.

3.3 A-Line or Bootcut Leggings

A-line or bootcut leggings are great for apple shapes because they balance the proportions of the upper and lower body. These styles flare out slightly at the bottom, making your hips and legs appear fuller and more balanced. They also provide extra comfort and movement around the thighs.

4. Best Leggings for Pear Shapes

Pear-shaped bodies have wider hips and thighs with a narrower waist and upper body. The key to flattering a pear shape is to focus on balancing out the lower body and drawing attention to the waist and upper body.

4.1 High-Waisted Leggings with Wide Waistbands

High-waisted leggings are a great choice for pear-shaped individuals, as they help define the waist and provide smoothness around the stomach area. Look for leggings with wide waistbands that won’t dig into the skin or create bulges. High-waisted styles also help to elongate the legs.

4.2 Dark or Solid-Colored Leggings

Solid-colored leggings in dark shades such as black, navy, or charcoal are great for pear-shaped figures because they have a slimming effect on the thighs and hips. If you prefer prints or patterns, keep them around the waist and upper body to create balance and draw attention to your upper half.

4.3 Leggings with Side Panels or Colorblocking

Leggings with side panels or color-blocking can help create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette by elongating the legs and providing visual interest. Opt for designs that feature darker colors around the hips and thighs, with lighter shades around the waist and upper body to draw the eye upward.

5. Best Leggings for Rectangle Figures

Rectangle-shaped bodies have a more athletic build, with similar measurements for the bust, waist, and hips. The goal for rectangle figures is to create curves and shape, while adding more dimension to the body.

5.1 Leggings with Shaping or Compression

Shaping or compression leggings are great for creating curves and contouring the body. Look for styles with a wide waistband and slight tummy control that will help emphasize the waist. These leggings provide a sculpting effect, which can enhance your natural shape and create the illusion of more curves.

5.2 Leggings with Bold Patterns or Details

If you have a rectangle body shape, adding bold patterns or design elements to your leggings can create more dimension. Opt for leggings with interesting prints, such as floral patterns, stripes, or animal prints. These details add volume and create a more shapely appearance.

5.3 High-Rise Leggings with Side Slits

High-rise leggings are a great choice for rectangle shapes because they elongate the legs and draw attention to the waist. For added style, try leggings with side slits or a unique cut, which can add a fun, trendy element to your look and draw attention to your legs.

6. Best Leggings for Inverted Triangle Shapes

Inverted triangle shapes typically have broader shoulders and a larger chest, with narrower hips and legs. To create a more balanced look, it’s important to choose leggings that add volume to the lower body while minimizing the upper body.

6.1 Bootcut or Flared Leggings

Bootcut or flared leggings are perfect for inverted triangle shapes because they add volume to the hips and legs. This creates a more proportionate appearance, balancing out the upper body. These styles flare out gently, helping to create a softer, more natural silhouette.

6.2 Darker Colors for the Upper Body

To balance out your proportions, try to keep the upper part of your outfit darker, using dark-colored leggings like black or navy. Avoid leggings with too many bold details or embellishments near the waist, as this can draw attention to the upper body. Instead, focus on adding visual interest to the lower body.

6.3 Colorblocked or Patterned Leggings for the Lower Body

Opt for leggings with patterns or color-blocking around the lower body to add more volume and dimension to your hips and legs. These styles will help balance out your broader shoulders and create a more proportional appearance.

7. Conclusion

Choosing the right pair of plus-size leggings starts with understanding your body type and knowing what works best for your unique shape. Whether you have an hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle, or inverted triangle body, there are leggings designed to flatter and enhance your natural proportions. By considering fit, waistband style, color, and design elements, you can find leggings that offer comfort, style, and confidence. Choose wisely, and your perfect pair of leggings will quickly become a wardrobe staple for any occasion.