How to Wear Stripes

 Let’s debunk the myth that all horizontal stripes make you look fat; all vertical stripes make you look slimmer; and either stripe will always make you look taller or shorter.  

Knowing how to wear stripes to flatter your figure can debunk several myths. Especially those pertaining to horizontal and vertical stripes. With the popular belief that horizontal stripes can make you look shorter and fatter and vertical stripes make you look taller and thinner. This is not always the case.

Contrary to popular belief all body shapes, including the fuller figure or the petite woman, can flatter their figure with horizontal stripes. This is due to the fact that our eyes follow the path of least resistance. For example with narrow horizontal stripes placed close together the eye will travel up the “ladder”. Likewise our eyes will travel across narrow vertical lines placed close together as if looking across the “horizon” or a “fence”.

The Helmoltz Illusion Effect of Stripes

As a matter of fact research shows us that the opposite can be true. At least when the stripes are of equal length and equidistant apart. For instance as demonstrated with the Helmholtz Illusion effect. (See the illustration on the right). Firstly the horizontal stripes had a more slimming effect drawing the eye up a “ladder”. Secondly the eye is moves across the vertical stripes. Thirdly the distance between the stripes is shorter than the actual length of each stripe.

The 3D Illusion Effect of Stripes

Furthermore psychologists Peter Thompson and Kyriaki Mikellidou made a 3D version of the Helmholtz Illusion using an illustration with female models. As can be seen the horizontal stripes making the figure look slimmer as the eye travels up the stripes like a ladder. Similarly the vertical stripes causing the eye to go from left to right. Consequently making the second figure look wider than the first even thought they are the same size.

In fact fashion designers clearly understand the power of this illusion of stripes. As can see in the many variations we see in the stores. Especially when we see a clever use of colour, size and placement of the stripes.

Horizontal stripes are a popular fashion staple. Therefore it is worth understanding how you can wear stripes to flatter your figure. Hence we have summarised, with images, exactly what you need to know to make shopping for stripes a breeze. Firstly what you need to know about horizontal and diagonal stripes. Secondly what you need to know about vertical stripes. Thirdly which stripes are more slimming.

How to wear stripes that are horizontal or diagonal

How to wear stripes that are vertical

How to wear stripes that are more slimming

How we can help you

There is such an enormous variety of striped garments available. Which means that everyone can find the right stripes for them to flatter their figure. If your’re not sure how to get started Book a free consultation and we’ll work it out together.

We include a personal colour analysis and personal styling session in each of our signature programmes Charismatic Image Confidence, Personal Brand Power and Fabulous Style Freedom. In fact it’s pretty much the very best investment you could make. The results last a lifetime and so the return on investment is priceless!

Your Action Steps

# 1 Take a photo of yourself wearing each of your striped garments in turn. By checking the photo rather than a short glance in the mirror you can focus on the overall effect as well as zoom in on particular areas. Check to see the placement of the stripes, width, length and distance apart. You will soon see if this is figure flattering for you or not.

# 2 Understand your body shape and how to flatter your figure. You can use some of the guidelines in the image boards above. If you’re still not sure please do get in touch and we’d be happy to help you as part of a consultation.

#3 Try on some different stripe combinations, take selfies and assess the best ones for you. This could be fun with a friend.

Useful resources