Whether you’re fat or just want to look thinner, you may be surprised to find that the answer to how to look slimmer may be in the clothing you wear. Too many times, men and women alike choose clothes that are unflattering to their shape, height and weight. This makes them look chunky, blocky and just generally unattractive.
Do you want to learn how to dress to make you look thinner? In this article, we’ll talk about:
- How to choose the right patterns and colors for your shape
- How to choose clothes that fit properly to avoid looking frumpy
- How to use simple methods like adjusting your posture to make you look slimmer
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. You just need a few good tips on how to dress. Here’s how to look thinner with 12 easy tips.
1. Choose clothes that fit
Ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t matter your body shape or how big that beer belly is. When you choose clothes that are too big or too small for you, it’s just going to make you look absolutely horrible. You may be choosing a clothing size that’s too big in order to hide your paunch. You may be wearing a size too small in an attempt to make yourself feel sexy. (Or perhaps because you just think you’re a size smaller than you really are.
Stop. No one appreciates those too-tight shorts, and you’re not doing yourself any favors by wearing clothing that’s a size too big. We know – it’s tempting to wear baggy clothes to hide the thighs or the arms, but just quit it! Wear clothes that are your proper size and you’ll already be well on your way to dressing to look thinner.
- Many overweight people simply choose clothes that do not fit
- Some choose too-big sizes to hide imperfections, while some wear clothing that’s too small
- Choosing the right clothing size for your body is the first step to looking thinner
2. Wear clothes that draw in around the waist
We’re back at the “baggy clothes” thing again. Once more, we know how tempting it is to choose clothing that’s a little looser around the stomach. That’s particularly true if you’re headed out for dinner and drinks with friends. After all, everyone, regardless of size, will present a “food baby” after eating too much.
Wearing clothes that draw in around the waist will do great things for you. Namely, it’ll make you look like you have a waist. No matter your size, or the size of your stomach, wearing belted or cinched clothing will help you look thinner. You’ll draw the eye naturally in as if your friends are viewing an hourglass figure.
Skip the tunics and straight-waisted blazers. They’re not doing anything for you. Instead, choose a belted or cinched look that will make your waistline appear more pronounced.
- It’s tempting to try to hide your waistline under baggy clothes
- Baggier styles make you look bigger and shapeless
- Opt instead for clothes that draw in around the waist to make yourself look thinner
3. Mind your cut-off lines
Oh boy. This is one for the ages. Visualize, for a moment, a woman who’s around five feet two. Her shape is pretty straight – moderate chest, ample waist and relatively thick hips and thighs. Now, picture that she’s wearing a white pencil skirt (knee length) and a black jacket. The jacket cuts off at the waist.
Does she look good? Absolutely not. In fact, she looks like an avatar from Roblox. Her cut-off lines are in all the wrong places, making her look blocky, square and, frankly, extremely dowdy. Very unattractive.
When you shop for clothes, look in the mirror and give yourself a good, honest evaluation. Better yet, bring a friend along to help you decide if your cut-off lines are right for you. If you’re thicker in the middle, you should never wear clothing with hemlines at the middle – you’re drawing attention to your shape. Instead, choose a slightly longer, hip-length style. For instance, a pea coat with a tie waist.
- The points on your body at which your clothes “cut off” can be detrimental to the way you look
- You’ll look thinner if you wear clothes that are hemmed in places that are flattering to you
- Bring a friend to the dressing room with you to help you gauge your perfect personal fit
4. Visit the tailor
You’re obviously not going to want to visit the tailor for a tank top you picked up at the local five and dime or pound shop. But if you’re dressing up, or if you’ve invested in a piece you know you’re going to love for a while, you should consider a trip to the tailor.
Tailors are geniuses. They can take the most mundane piece of clothing and turn it into a work of art that was created just for you. Not only do they know how to sew, stitch, let out and take in, a good tailor will also have enough experience to be able to tell you what customization is most suitable to your body.
You’re not going to find a good tailor who won’t charge you for quality work. But rest assured – once he or she is done with his job, your clothes will make you look like you paid a million bucks.
- A tailor can just about work miracles on the quality garments you own
- If you’ve invested in clothing that you intend to wear for a long time, visit the tailor
- Tailor-customized outfits can make you look thinner and slimmer with little to no effort
5. Use shapewear
This one’s a no-brainer. There are hundreds of options on the market for shapewear that will “tuck” in your belly, your thighs or whatever other problem areas you may have. Men, this goes for you, as well. Don’t feel embarrassed by visiting the “shapewear” section of the store – or shop online if you like. It’s discreet and wearing shapewear will make you look thinner and slimmer instantly.
Do your research as to the brands that are available. Read reviews and see what other customers are saying. You’re looking for a brand of shapewear that works on the parts of your body that you want it to… but that doesn’t cause a “muffin top” look when you wear it. You’ll also want to find shapewear that doesn’t stretch over time.
Quality, long-lasting and effective shapewear is a part of a competitive market, so shop around and buy what looks and feels right to you!
- Shapewear can help you look thinner instantly – just put it on!
- Shapewear is available for both men and women
- If you feel self-conscious about buying shapewear, check out the online retailer options
6. Use good posture
Sometimes this is easier said than done. But did you know that when you stand up straight and hold your chin high you’ll not only exude confidence but you’ll look thinner, too? It’s true! By aligning your spine, pulling your abs toward your back and simply standing and sitting up straight, you can take visible pounds off your body.
That doesn’t mean you should suck in your stomach. Everyone knows when you’re doing that, and it just looks plain silly. Practice at home in front of a mirror and you’ll see what we mean. First, stand in your usual posture and suck in your belly. Weird, right? Now, straighten your spine, shoulders back, chin forward and abs tucked in toward your back. Remarkable! You look thinner and slimmer already!
- Good posture goes a long way toward making you look slimmer
- You will not look thinner by sucking in your stomach – you’ll just look silly
- Practice in front of a mirror to get the best idea of what will work with your skeletal frame
7. Avoid bloating
Oh yes. Another that’s seemingly easier said than done. Don’t fret, though. It’s not too tricky. There are some very simple things you can do to look thinner just by avoiding bloating.
First of all, there are a few things you should stay away from. At the top of the list are salty snacks and alcohol. Both will dehydrate and bloat you and make you look at least ten pounds heavier than you already are. This is particularly true for those of you who are on the lower end of the overweight scale – maybe you just have 20 or so pounds to lose. That water weight and bloating will do you no favors.
Hormonal changes in both men and women are certainly a factor. There are just certain times when your body naturally retains fluid. That can’t be helped, but it can be minimized. Here are a few tips to help you feel and look less bloated.
- Drink plenty of water – but not too much
- If you do feel bloated, try adding a spritz of lemon (a natural diuretic) to your water or green tea
- Do avoid salty foods
- Do avoid alcohol
- Pay attention to your bowel movements and add fiber or other supplements if necessary
- Do not drink soda
By following these tips you can avoid bloating and look thinner and slimmer within around 24 hours or so.
8. Wear heels – yes, you men, too
Women, you already know that wearing heels will make you look longer and make your legs look spectacular. But did you know that wearing heels can also make you look thinner and slimmer as well? They do!
Men, this goes for you, too! Even the shortest of heels on your shoes will lengthen your body and make your posture look better. You’ll find that you’re standing taller (literally) and holding your shoulders back as you adjust to this new type of balance.
If you’ve never worn heels before, it’s best not to wear them to work tomorrow. Instead, take an evening at home and just walk around in your new shoes. Do the dishes, walk the dog – it doesn’t really matter so long as you’re getting a feel for this new sense of the way your body weight is distributed.
Once you’ve had a little practice, it’s time to check your posture. Do what we suggested previously and tuck in your tummy, put your shoulders back and hold you chin up. Instantly, you look thinner!
- Both men and women can look slimmer when they wear heels
- The new balance may take some getting used to
- Practice at home first, and work on checking your posture in the mirror
9. Try yoga or Pilates
Yoga and Pilates have long been lauded for their ability to make your muscles look “long and lean.” While that’s not exactly scientifically accurate, there’s something to be said for the exercises – they do make you look thinner when you practice them regularly.
Both yoga and Pilates can help you become more flexible and are a good way to begin gently losing weight. But beyond that, they’re going to help you appear more “long” by allowing you to stand tall and erect. As you lengthen your posture, you’ll look thinner and slimmer naturally. After a while, this new posture will come naturally to you and you’ll appear slimmer even as you shed pounds!
You can sign up for a yoga or Pilates class at your local gym. But, if you’re feeling a bit self conscious and want to start to look thinner before you join a group, you can find plenty of apps and YouTube tutorials on how to start with the exercises on your own, in your own home. Best of all, they’re not intimidating at all! Many are led by heavier men and women who just want to show you how to look your best.
- Yoga and Pilates aren’t just for the ladies!
- There’s no such thing as a “long, lean” muscle. Muscles are muscles – you just need to know how to hold them
- Yoga and Pilates can help you look thinner without even thinking about it
10. Wear black
You’ve probably heard it been said before – wearing black can make you thinner. Well, it’s not an old wives’ tale. Black and dark colors actually do make you look slimmer than you really are. This is particularly true in low light, as dark colors will hide your outline.
Black and dark colors also decrease the visibility of “folds” in your skin and body. Women – take note. You’re going to look better and less “foldy” when you wear dark stockings instead of white or nude tights or leggings with your skirt.
Bear this in mind, though: if your skin is particularly pale, wearing black may not be your best option. You run the risk of looking washed out and even paler than you already are. You’ll have to make the choice whether you want to look slimmer or look like a ghost!
- Wearing black and dark colors can make you look slimmer
- You’ll look thinner especially in low light, so wear dark colors on that first date
- Be aware that dark colors can make your skin look pale and washed out
11. Use makeup to enhance your bone structure
Whether you’re male or female, you can take advantage of the magic of makeup. Using the right foundation (BB cream for men), colors and contouring brushes, you can take pounds off your appearance.
Highlight your cheekbones, your nose and your hairline to create a slimming effect with contouring cream. You can also add to the illusion by accenting your lips and your eyebrows. If you need help there are plenty of YouTube makeup tutorials that will show you how to use makeup to enhance your bone structure.
Men, please don’t feel embarrassed or afraid to use a bit of makeup! Unless you’re at the gym and sweating, no one will ever know you’ve done it. Simply find a men’s tutorial online, follow the steps and make yourself look thinner with light makeup!
- Makeup can help you look thinner regardless of your gender
- Use the right colors and brushes to contour your face and highlight your bone structure
- You can find plenty of makeup tutorials online – for both men and women
12. Lose weight
The easiest way to look thinner is to be thinner. With that said, you can’t go wrong with a healthy and nutritious diet in concert with some good exercise. Doctors and scientists recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (that’s 30 minutes 5 days each week) to maintain optimal health. You should talk to your doctor about a nutritional plan that will work for your body’s needs.
As you lose weight, you’ll find that you’re standing taller, looking thinner and wearing clothes that fit you better. You’ll be more confident and will just feel better overall. Of course, your health will improve as well. Get on track to lose weight today – you’ll not only look thinner but you’ll be happier for it as well!
- The most sure-fire way to look thinner is to lose weight
- A healthy diet and good exercise is the most effective way to lose weight
- Losing weight won’t just make you look thinner, it’ll improve your overall health
Conclusion
You can make yourself look thinner by following any number of hints and tips. Whether you wear the right clothes or stand with the correct posture, you’ll look better for it. But the best way to make yourself look thinner is simple – lose weight! When you lose weight, you’ll carry yourself better and look thinner naturally!