Body type can make so much difference in how a certain pattern will look on you.
First of all, love your body type! When you can love your body type then sewing and adjusting patterns become more enjoyable and rewarding.
Below is a description of each body type and suggestions on which patterns to try for each type. These are just suggestions and not a cut-and-dried list that you have to follow.
Triangle body type– Hips are wider than shoulders and bust, waist is defined and narrower than hips.
What to wear– Create balance to your figure by wearing dresses that enhance the upper body. Examples are The Abigail Dress, The Rachel Dress, and The Bethany Dress. These dress patterns have A-line or flared skirts which will look great!
Hourglass body type– Bust and hips are about equal width, waist is well defined, described as curvy.
What to wear– Since your figure is well balanced your style can be more flexible. Dresses with an empire waist such as The Daphne Dress or The Elizabeth Dress look good on you as well as waist-defined dresses and dresses with belts such as The Susannah Dress or The Dana Dress.
Inverted Triangle body type- Shoulders and bust are wider than hips, waist, and hips are close in width.
What to wear-Create balance to your figure by wearing dresses that have plainer bodices with fitted sleeves such as The Maria Dress and skirts that are A-line or flared like The Hailey Dress.
Oval body type– Bust and hips are about equal width and the waist is undefined, described as curvy.
What to wear-Wear dresses with an empire waist like The Daphne Dress or The Elizabeth Dress. Another style would be The Bethany Dress or similar that would create a defined waistline. Wearing belts at a high waist also looks great.
If you don’t know what body type you are go to the Body types and dressmaking blog and enter your measurements into the body type calculator to find out.
