Finding the right pieces for your body type can be tricky. Dressing for a pear shape, also known as a triangle shape, is all about balancing your narrow shoulders and bust to your waist. To find the perfect dress styles for pear shape, the key is to emphasise the top half of your body and draw attention upwards. We understand that pear body shapes come in all different builds, so we've made sure these style tips are universally flattering, as is the entire Bamboo Body range. However, rather than concealing parts of yourself, we want you to embrace your pear shape and celebrate your curves through your style. We hope that you can use this blog as a general guideline to enhance your personal style and accentuate your best features! 

With the help of professional stylist, body shape and colour expert, Angela Barbagallo, we dress artist and Mother of two, Emma, in elegant pieces that compliment her pear shape figure. Emma is 170cm tall (5"6") and usually wears a size medium (12) in tops and XXL (18) in pants and skirts.

Bamboo Body loves pear shape bodies as they are soft and elegant. Continue reading to learn all about how to dress a pear shape below!

Although the idea of choosing outfits based on your body type is outdated and often used to conceal parts of your body, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate those parts of your body and help you choose pieces that make you feel confident, no matter what shape or size you are. Finding the perfect dress styles for pear shape bodies does not mean you have to restrict! Implement the tips that speak to you the most and integrate it into your personal style.

If the below applies to you, then you may have a pear body shape.

• You have narrower shoulders in comparison to your hips
• You have a defined, slim waist
• You tend to have an elongated waist and the legs tend to be shorter in comparison to the rest of your body
• You consider yourself to have fuller hips

Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Christina Aguilera and Rihanna all have a pear shape body! 

When it comes to dressing a pear shape, the key is to balance it out. With a pear figure, one of your best assets is your slim waist. Make sure to show off your waistline and balance out your lower half. Play with styles that balance out both halves of your body. Consider lines, colours and patterns to draw attention and create curves and length.

When dressing for a pear shape, you might want to play with proportions that elongate the body. Pear shapes look great in tops that draw the eye upward, highlight the shoulders, accentuate the waistline and elongate the legs. If you want to balance out your proportions, look for outfits that draw attention to your upper body and create the illusion of volume. Experiment with your body shape and see what works best for you!

When dressing for a pear shape body, your main aim may be to draw attention to your top half as well as your defined waist. Play around with bright colours, detailing and necklines to widen your top half and bring it more into balance with your hips. Statement necklines are perfect for someone with a pear body shape, adding that element of interest. This can be through a v-neck, cowl or boatneck, drawing attention to the top half of your body and balancing out your proportions. Fitted or structured tops give you definition around your narrow shoulders and draw attention to your slim waist. 

Long sleeve tops further elongate your frame. Structured, minimal styles that are slim and tapered look perfect on a pear body shape. Additionally, to add extra interest to your outfit and to draw attention to the top half of your body - choose sleeves with extra volume. For example, a flutter sleeve, bell sleeve or batwing. For short sleeves, opt for something loose and structured as well to add that volume.

Shop tops for a pear body shape below.

It can be particularly tricky for someone with a pear shape to find pants that fit well and don’t gape at the waist. Look for curve-skimming pants or skirts that won't suffocate your hips. Choose garments that are tight with added stretch. Our bamboo pants and skirts come with added spandex for stretch and comfort! The right pants for pear shape bodies can do wonders for balancing out proportions. Many people who dress for a pear shape also love a tailored look with a slim fit. To create more length in your legs, opt for wide legged pants, slim or straight leg pants and midi skirts. High waisted styles will accentuate your waist and will create a more balance silhouette. If you are a petite pear shape, opt for a bootcut or classic trouser fit.

If you do not want to draw attention to your lower half in order to balance out your proportions, avoid pants with extra embellishments or huge pockets. Choose styles that hug your hips and naturally slim you down.

Many blogs on dressing for a pear shape say to avoid colour and only wear dark, slimming pieces. We wholeheartedly disagree! Play with your favourite colours through playful styles such as a midi or a-line skirt, or anything with that fit and flare structure. It’s all about what makes you feel confident!

As we age, our bodies shift, especially during menopause, and the styles that used to flatter us may not always feel the same. If you’re wondering how to dress a pear-shaped figure over 50, prioritize comfort and breathability with fabrics like bamboo or bamboo blends. Many people choose clothing that provides coverage as their bodies change, and that's absolutely okay! Look for pieces that skim your hips, such as long cardigans or tunics.

If you're aiming for a taller, leaner look, try column dressing. This means choosing monochrome base layers under a jacket or sweater in a contrasting color. This draws the eye upward, creating balance and enhancing your proportions. For pear shapes, pairing a looser top with more fitted bottoms can create a flattering silhouette. Consider tube skirts with double-layered fabric and elastic waistbands for both comfort and style, and pair them with longer tops or tunics.

High-waisted pants with soft or elasticated waistbands—like the Sahara Pants—are another excellent choice. They offer comfort, which naturally boosts confidence. Remember, comfort is key to feeling your best at any age!