How to Dress a Full Bottom

There’s never been a better time to be blessed with a big bottom. From Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez to Beyoncé, we’re deeply fascinated with the womanly curves of late. Add to that research indicating that the type of fat found on the hips and thighs helps us live longer; it’s no wonder that carrying a little extra ‘junk-in-your-trunk’ is having a moment.

Whether you were born with a big butt or just acquired a large bottom half at a certain age, here are five styling ideas to make the most of what you’ve got.

1. Choose Clothes with Shape

If you feel self-conscious about your bigger booty and try to hide it in loose skirts and dresses with no shape, you’re achieving the opposite of what you’re setting out to achieve; a baggy or shapeless skirt will only make your bum look bigger, not smaller.

Instead, choose a dress or skirt with some shape, curve, and structure. Fabric is important here! You want it to be substantial enough to contain the natural shape of your derriere. It’s too flimsy, and you’ll risk wobbling around like a bowl of jello.

Fit-and-flare or A-line dresses and skirts are excellent for a big bum because they highlight your waist and flow gently over your bottom.

Contrary to popular belief, another good option is a sexy pencil skirt that looks fabulous if your bottom is still fairly firm. You can find one with more structure and only a small taper at the hem.

2. Short Hemlines Aren’t Your Friend

Short skirts aren’t for you if you’re a big-bottomed, over 40 gal. Your ample assets combined with a skirt that ends too far above your knees will make you look squat and wide.

You’re better off with a skirt that hits the top of the knee or longer to appear taller and leaner while balancing out your bigger bottom. In this example above, the ruching also helps soften the look of a large derièrre. Don’t forget shapewear!

3. Straight Leg or Boot-Cut Jeans are the Best

Boot-cut or straight-leg pants, like this cute pair of jeans, are your go-to silhouette when you want to balance your booty because even the smallest flare at the hem will draw your eye outward, away from your generous bottom.

Skinny jeans are trickier because they match the strong contrast between your wide bum and thin ankles, but you can make them work by wearing elongating chunky heels or platforms.

4. The Right Top Balances Your Booty

Another way to add balance to a bottom-heavy figure is to shift the focus to your neckline. Try V-necklines, necklines with embellishment, and tops that make your shoulders look wider, such as boat necklines. By making your top half the focal point, there’s less attention on your large bottom.

5. Details make the Difference to your Derièrre

Lastly, style a big booty like a pro by keeping these little extras in mind:

• Large pockets are more slimming than small pockets that look out of proportion on a broad backside. (No pockets on your bottom are even better.)
• Fabric with vertical lines has a minimizing, narrowing effect, making your behind look smaller.
• Elastic waistbands combined with drapey fabric should be avoided – it will make your butt look bigger than it is.

…And that’s the bottom line on How to Dress Your Big Bottom!