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Body Shape Basics: Short, Long, or Balanced Waist?

Updated: Aug 6, 2024

Hello style lovers! Today we’re going back to basics.

 

Sometimes I feel like body shape is a bit of a controversial topic. There are LOADS of different ways to talk about body shape (and differing opinions on the best way to do that).


Understanding more about your body shape can help take some of the stress out of choosing new items, or understanding why some pieces just don’t quite work like you’d like them to.   



 

If you don’t know anything about your body shape, then this super simple first step is a great place to start.

 

If you read the title of this blog, then you know I’m talking about identifying whether you have a short, long, or balanced waist, which is the first step to understanding your vertical proportions.

 

Understanding this aspect of your vertical proportions will help you to choose:

  • The rise of pants/skirts/jeans

  • Belt Width

  • Waistband thickness


When working out your waist length, we’re really looking at the amount of space that sits between your bust and your belly button, and you can use this super simple method to work it out.

 

Step 1: Place one hand underneath your bust (typically the bottom of your bra, fitting snugly but not pushing up) and place your second hand directly beneath it (see photo for reference).



Step 2: We’re looking to see where your belly button is in relation to your second hand.

  • If it’s sitting underneath your second hand (less than 2 hands width), you have a short waist

  • If it’s right on the pinky of your second hand (2 hands width), you have a balanced/proportionate waist

  • If it’s below your second hand (more than 2 hands width), you have a long waist


 

So, what does that mean?


SHORT 

If you’re short waisted, your main style aim is to create the illusion of length through your waist.

 

LONG

If you’re long waisted, your main style aim is the opposite! You want to create the illusion of a shorter waist.


BALANCED

If you have a balanced waist, then it’s all about maintaining that balance through your upper and lower body!


 
We can use our clothing to create horizonal lines or visual breaks to help us achieve our desired proportions.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

 

If you’re short waisted:

Plus-sized woman standing in front of a white brick wall wearing a white t-shirt tied at the waist, and dark denim jeans.

  • It’s likely that bottoms with a very wide or very high waistband won’t sit or fit quite right. Instead, opt for a thinner waistband and a mid rather than high-rise.

  • Thick belts in a contrasting colour can have a shortening effect, whereas a thinner belt or a belt in a matching colour can help to create shape without shortening further through the waist.

  • If you have a bigger bust, make sure you have a well-fitting bra that gives adequate support. The lower your bust sits, the shorter your waist will appear.

 

Close-up photo of a woman in a loose-fitting blue-grey suit and no shirt, showing her mid-section and a black crop-top bra.

If you’re long waisted:

  • Lower rise styles of pants will emphasise a longer waist, so instead try out a higher-rise style. This will create the illusion of an overall shorter waist. 

  • Because you have more space to play with, you can comfortably choose pants or skirts with a wider waistband or a thicker belt (in combination with being a high-waisted style).


Want to know more? Keen to transform your wardrobe? Book a free discovery call with me and kick start your style journey.

 

Yours in style

Libbie x



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