|
 |
Demystifying Waistlines
The Different Types of Waistlines
When shopping for that perfect dress for a special occasion, knowing what the different types of
waistlines are, and which one would look best for your body type, can be confusing. Waistlines are used to help create a certain
silhouette, usually an hourglass, by accenting the wearer's good features (narrow waist, full chest) and detracting from flaws
(wide hips, no waist). While fancy materials and trims, beadwork, or even elaborate stitching can make it seem as if there are
dozens of waistlines, there are only five basic types that most dresses fall into. Listed below are the five types of waistlines,
who would look best in them and who should avoid them.
1. Natural Waistline. The narrowest part of the body between the ribs and the hips
is where the natural waist hits. A Natural Waistline creates balance. This waistline is great for those who have a natural hourglass
figure. Those who are apple-shaped (the waist is wider than the hips) should avoid this waistline; it will only serve to accent the
thickness of the waist.
2. Dropped Waistline. This waistline falls three to five inches below the Natural
Waistline, stopping at the hips. This waistline is perfect for full-figured, short-waisted, or wide-hipped women. Dropping the waist
down pulls in the hips and elongates the waist. Because it creates the illusion of an hour-glass figure, it also works very well for a
very slim figure. Those who are long-waisted may want to avoid this waistline. It has a tendency to elongate the waist even more, making
the body appear disproportionately longer than the legs.
3. Basque Waistline. The sides start at the Natural Waistline and drops down to a
"V" in the front about two to three inches below the Natural Waistline. The Basque Waistline is usually very fitted. This is the most
flattering of all Waistlines on most figures. It gives the impression of height and slenderness by reducing the width of the waist and
hips and elongating the torso. It does have a tendency to draw attention to the lower belly, so those who are still puffy in front even
after control top pantyhose may want to avoid this waistline. Also, those with square figures (even hip-to-waist ratio) may find that
this waistline makes them look even more square.
4. Empire or Raised Waistline. A Raised Waistline is one to three inches above the
Natural Waistline. The Empire Waistline is three to five inches above the Natural Waistline, starting as high as just under the bust.
This waistline works well for full figures, wide hips, thick waist or belly, and even pregnancy by allowing the skirt to camouflage
lower body flaws. It gives the illusion of added height, so it looks great on anyone who is short. It also helps those who are flat-chested
appear fuller. On the flip side, those who have a large chest may want to avoid this waistline because of its natural tendency to
draw the eyes up to the bust.
5. Asymmetrical Waistline. This waistline either starts on one side at a Raised or
Empire Waistline and falls to a Natural Waistline on the other side, or starts on one side at a Natural Waistline and falls to the other
side down to a Dropped Waistline. Creates a wonderful slimming effect for full-figured or thick-waisted women. Those who are short should
avoid this waistline; the long waist makes the rest of the body appear shorter.
K. Pantinas ©greatestlook.com
|
|
|
|
