How to Dress a Pear Body Shape

At Thigh Society we celebrate all shapes and sizes and believe that every body is worth celebrating, especially when you embrace what makes you uniquely you. We don’t believe in dressing to make yourself look smaller — we believe in choosing clothing styles and silhouettes that you feel your best in. After all, the best personal style is one that enhances your physique and showcases your taste. 

If you have a pear body shape, you might have wondered in the past what types of clothing to reach for in your closet. If you’re not totally sure what suits you best or want inspiration to try new styles, we spoke to personal stylist Brenda Lynn to find out more. 

What are the main characteristics of pear body shape? 

A pear-shaped body typically has narrower shoulders and a smaller bust compared to the hips and thighs, creating a silhouette resembling a pear. The main physical characteristics include a defined waistline, and fuller hips, thighs and buttocks. This body type tends to store more fat in the lower body, giving it a curvier appearance.

What types of clothing do you recommend for a pear-shaped body?

• Emphasize the waist with fitted tops or belts
• Opt for A-line or flare skirts to create balance
• Wear tops with detailing or patterns to draw attention upwards
• Experiment with structured jackets or shoulder pads to broaden shoulders
• Choose pants with straight or bootcut legs to create visual harmony
• Avoid tops that cover the hipline
• Crop tops are a must-have: If you’re not comfortable showing off too much skin, you could layer it over with your preferred layering option, like a blazer, denim jacket, trench coat or an oversized shirt

Pear-shaped celebrities we love:

• Beyoncé
• Jennifer Lopez
• Rihanna
• Kim Kardashian
• Shakira
• Michelle Obama

What are the main difficulties in finding a pair of jeans that fit pear-shaped bodies well?

The main difficulties in finding jeans that fit well for a pear-shaped body are waist-to-hip ratio discrepancies, gaping at the waist while fitting hips and thighs, and difficulty finding styles that accommodate fuller thighs and buttocks. People often need alterations for the perfect fit and there are limited options in terms of styles and cuts designed specifically for this body type.

@_brenda_lynn 🍐 Pear shaped ladies, let's talk about the jeans struggle! Finding the perfect pair of jeans that flatter your curves can feel like a never-ending quest. But fear not, I’ve got some tips to help you conquer this challenge! 🙌 1️⃣ Embrace high-rise styles: Opt for jeans with a higher waistline to accentuate your smaller waist and create a balanced silhouette. 2️⃣ Look for stretchy fabrics: Jeans with a bit of stretch will hug your curves in all the right places, providing both comfort and a flattering fit. 3️⃣ Bootcut or flared styles: These cuts can help balance out wider hips, creating a more harmonious shape. 4️⃣ Dark washes are your best friend: Dark-colored jeans have a slimming effect, making them a great choice for pear-shaped figures. 5️⃣ Don't shy away from tailoring: If you find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly in one area but not in others, consider getting them tailored to achieve the ideal fit. Remember, every body shape is beautiful and unique. Embrace your curves and rock those jeans with confidence! #personalstylist #personalstyling #outfitideas #styletips #bodytype #kenyanpersonalstylist ♬ original sound - Brenda Lynn | Personal Stylist

What types of jeans are best suited for pear-shaped bodies?

• Bootcut jeans
• Flared jeans to balance out the hips
• High-waisted jeans to accentuate the waist
• Jeans with stretch for a comfortable fit around hips and thighs
• Dark wash jeans to streamline the lower body
• Wide-leg jeans to create a more proportional silhouette

What are some of your favorite pear body shape outfits?

One of my favorite outfits to flatter a pear-shaped body is a fitted top paired with a high-waisted A-line skirt, jeans or tailored pants. This combination highlights the waist while skimming over the hips and thighs. I also love layering with a structured blazer or jacket to add dimension to the shoulders and draw attention upwards. Another go-to outfit is a wrap dress, which cinches at the waist and flows gracefully over the lower body, accentuating curves without adding bulk. Additionally, I recommend incorporating statement accessories like statement necklaces or earrings to draw attention to the upper body and balance out proportions. Overall, the key is to focus on creating balance, defining the waist and choosing styles that enhance your natural curves.

What types of dresses are best suited to pear shaped bodies?

• A-line dresses that flare out from the waist to accommodate fuller hips
• Wrap dresses that cinch at the waist and highlight curves
• Fit-and-flare dresses that emphasize the waist while skimming over hips and thighs
• Empire-waist dresses that draw attention to the smallest part of the body
• Shift dresses with structured shoulders to create balance and proportion

Do people with pear body shapes only look good in these options?

It’s important to remember that while I can provide guidance on the pear body shape, every body is unique and beautiful in its own way. You may not fit entirely into one specific body type, as many people are a combination of different body types. What truly matters is understanding your own body, recognizing your proportions and learning how to balance its silhouette to enhance your figure. Embracing your body and celebrating your individuality is key because you are beautiful just the way you are.