How to Hide Big Hips and Thighs

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: July 15, 2022 References

Are you having trouble picking out the perfect look? Don’t worry. There are tons of stylish, flattering outfit combinations out there that can go great with your body type. We’ve helped narrow down some specific outfit ideas, so you’ll be able to look and feel your best.

1

Shapewear

Shapewear hides and smooths out unwanted curves. These garments are made with skin-tight material, which helps slim down your figure. Shapewear is very easy to use—just slide into your shapewear garment of choice before slipping into the rest of your outfit.^{[1]
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- You can buy shapewear online, or at many big-name clothing retailers.

2

Long pants

Capris and other short pants tend to make your legs look thicker. Instead, slip on a pair of long jeans or slacks, which help lengthen your frame while disguising your thighs.^{[2]
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- High-waisted pants are another great option.^{[3]
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- If you can, stay away from skinny jeans, as well as pants with side pockets. These tend to bring more attention to your hips and thighs.^{[4]
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3

Boot-cut pants

These pants don’t highlight your hips. Instead, boot-cut pants create a smooth, even look all the way down your legs, from your hips to your ankles. If you don’t have any boot-cut pants lying around, that’s okay! Flared pants can also slim down your hips.^{[5]
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- You might slip into a pair of boot-cut jeans for a night out, or get ready for work in a pair of flared slacks or trousers.

4

Colorful tops with dark pants

Mix and match bright tops with dark bottoms. Look through your closet for any bright, colorful, or patterned tops—the more eye-catching your shirt is, the better. Then, slip on a dark skirt or pair of pants, which help emphasize your top. This way, your upper body will be the focus of your outfit and it will visually balance out your proportions.^{[6]
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- For example, you might pair an animal-printed blouse or dress shirt with a pair of black slacks.

5

Hip-length tops

Long tops draw more attention to your thighs. Instead, pick out a short tee that falls directly above your hips. This type of shirt helps balances out your figure and is a great way to round out your look.^{[7]
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6

A-Line skirts and dresses

A-Line cuts help your legs look slimmer.^{[8]
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- If you have the option, choose a dress with a flowy fabric instead of a skintight one. Flowy fabrics don’t draw as much attention to your hips and thighs.

7

Unconventional necklines

Unique necklines switch up the focus of your outfit. Search through your wardrobe for a shirt or dress with a fun neckline, like an off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical, or cowl neck. This way, the eye won’t be naturally drawn to your hips or thighs.^{[11]
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- For example, you might pair an off-the-shoulder top with a pair of high-waisted pants for a chic look.

8

Shoulder pads

Shoulder pads help highlight your upper body. Look for a dress shirt, blazer, or other garment with plenty of padding over your shoulders—this will balance out your hips. If you don’t have any padded tops, take some shirts or jackets to your tailor to get some padding added in.^{[12]
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- You might slip on a padded blazer before heading to work, or grab a padded top for a casual afternoon out.

9

Waistline belt

A cinched belt helps bring attention to your waistline. Slip into your favorite top or dress. Then, loop and secure the belt to really define your waistline.^{[13]
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- This look works best with shorter tops that end around the middle of your hips.
- Any kind of belt will work for this. Sources don’t specifically recommend wearing thin or thick belts.^{[14]
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10

Statement accessories

Jewelry and scarves help draw the eye up. Dig through your wardrobe and look for any decorative scarves, chunky necklaces, bold earrings, or other accessories that will make your chest and neck area the center of attention.^{[15]
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- For example, a short, chunky necklace will draw a lot of attention to your neckline, and not as much to your hips and thighs.

11

Heels

High-heeled shoes give your body a little extra length. This, in turn, helps balance out your hips. Any pair of heels will work for this, whether they’re pumps, wedges, or another cute pair of shoes.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you make yourself slimmer in photos?

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

Paul Julch, MA

Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker

Expert Answer

Well, I can give you one universally flattering pose. Instead of standing straight onto the camera with your shoulders squared, turn a little bit into a three-quarter pose, both with your shoulders and your hips. This will visually narrow you, so you won't look wider than you are, because cameras aren't kind anyway.
Question

What should I wear if I have big hips and thighs?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

If you're trying to hide or reduce the appearance of your hips and thighs, the right clothing can make a big difference. Go with A-Line cuts for tops and dresses that will fit comfortably around your waistline but flow down in a triangular shape, which can help conceal your hips and thighs. Both A-Line tops and dresses are great ways to draw the eye upward while helping slim your legs down. It's also a good idea to go with a flowy dress rather than a skintight one. Flowy fabrics don’t draw as much attention to your hips and thighs.
Question

What clothes hide big hips?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

There are a few things you can wear to draw attention away from your hips. For instance, boot-cut pants create a smooth, even look all the way down your legs, from your hips to your ankles. If you don’t have any boot-cut pants lying around, that’s okay! Flared pants can also slim down your hips. Capris and other short pants tend to make your legs look thicker. Instead, slip on a pair of long jeans or slacks, which help lengthen your frame while disguising your thighs. You can also wear tops that can reduce the appearance of your hips. Pick out a short tee that falls directly above your hips. This type of shirt helps balances out your figure and is a great way to round out your look.

Warnings

If possible, steer clear of horizontally-striped tops, pants, skirts, and dresses. Horizontal stripes tend to make your figure look wider, and aren’t ideal if you’re trying to hide your hips and thighs.^{[18]
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