How to Choose the Best Tops for Your Body Shape and Silhouette

Author : Laurence

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How to choose the best tops for your body shape and silhouette

👚 TOPS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

I used to wonder if that round-neck top really suited me. Like you, I’ve stood in front of the mirror, unsure. That’s why I created this guide — to help you feel confident choosing tops that enhance your shape without compromise.

Blouses, bustiers, jumpers, tunics… There’s a perfect top out there for every silhouette. Let’s find yours together.

👇 Select your body shape below (8, A, V, X, H or O) to discover which tops best flatter your shoulders, bust or neckline.

Not sure about your body shape? 👉 Take the body shape test

Choose your tops by body shape

Select your body shape

TOPS: PEAR OR A-SHAPED BODY

When dressing a pear-shaped body, the goal is to add volume to your upper body. Go for frills, prints, wide necklines and shoulder details to balance out the hips and draw the eye upward.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, pear-shaped body, triangle silhouette

Models shown: pink floral spaghetti strap top, sleeveless orange V-neck top, grey lace-detail top, yellow ruffle top.

Tops to favour:

  • Colourful tops
  • Printed or patterned tops
  • Spaghetti strap styles
  • Ruffled or frilly blouses
  • Puff-sleeved tops
  • Shoulder pads
  • Trapeze or flared shapes
  • V-neck, boat neck, draped or wide necklines
  • Bustiers
  • Decorative blouses
  • Open-collared shirts

Tops to avoid:

  • Tight tops paired with wide trousers
  • Cropped tops
  • Very loose or very long tops
  • Tunics that hit at your widest point
  • Peplum styles

👉 See other clothing that suits your A-shaped body

TOPS: CURVY HOURGLASS OR 8-SHAPED BODY

With a naturally balanced and curvy silhouette, your aim is to enhance your waist and support your bust without overwhelming your figure. Wrap styles and fitted cuts are your best friends.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, curvy hourglass body shape

Models shown: grey jersey bustier, turquoise long-sleeve top, apricot airy spaghetti strap top, navy V-neck blouse.

Tops to favour:

  • Fluid fabrics
  • Fitted or tailored cuts
  • Spaghetti straps and sleeveless styles
  • V-neck or square necklines
  • Solid colours or small patterns
  • Wrap tops
  • Fitted decorative blouses
  • Bustiers
  • Fitted jumpers and cardigans

Tops to avoid:

  • Empire cuts
  • Boxy or oversized shapes
  • Heavy layering
  • Ruffles and heavy draping
  • Turtlenecks
  • Short or overly tight tops
  • Baggy tunics

👉 See other clothing that suits your curvy hourglass body

TOPS: HOURGLASS OR X-SHAPED BODY

Your silhouette is balanced and naturally feminine. Fitted, body-hugging tops that define your waist and enhance your bust are ideal.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, hourglass body shape

Models shown: red brick linen tank, navy and white striped bustier, black sleeveless high-neck top, printed sleeveless V-neck blouse.

Tops to favour:

  • Bold or dark colours
  • Solid, patterned or striped designs
  • V-neck, boat, asymmetric or draped necklines
  • Thin straps or sleeveless tops
  • Peplum shapes
  • Fitted blouses
  • Wrap tops
  • Bustiers
  • Tailored cardigans and jumpers

Tops to avoid:

  • Loose or shapeless tops
  • Square necklines
  • Oversized tunics

👉 See other clothing that suits your hourglass body

TOPS: APPLE OR O-SHAPED BODY

To flatter a rounder figure, fluid fabrics, soft structures and strategic necklines will highlight your shape beautifully. Avoid volume and favour structure.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, apple body shape

Models shown: fitted purple tank, denim-effect tailored shirt, gathered print tunic, short-sleeve green V-neck top.

Tops to favour:

  • Lightweight materials like jersey, chiffon or silk
  • V-neck, U, cowl or square necklines
  • Subtle prints
  • Dark or pastel shades
  • 3/4 sleeves to slim arms
  • Draped or empire styles
  • Wide-strapped sleeveless tops
  • Tunics with a defined waist
  • Long, fitted shirts or blouses
  • Straight cardigans

Tops to avoid:

  • Large prints
  • Shiny or clingy materials
  • Boxy shapes or overly tight tops
  • Puffy or balloon sleeves
  • Horizontal stripes and bold checks
  • Turtlenecks
  • Strapless tops or multiple layers

👉 See other clothing that suits your apple body

TOPS: INVERTED TRIANGLE OR V-SHAPED BODY

The goal is to soften your athletic shoulders and highlight your lower half. Choose tops that bring balance through flowy shapes and subtle neckline choices.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, rectangle body shape

Models shown: black lace short-sleeve top, pink geometric print blouse, draped blue top, short-sleeve navy batwing blouse.

Tops to favour:

  • Dark, solid colours
  • Simple patterns
  • Straight cuts
  • V-neck, cowl or round necklines
  • Draped tops around the bust
  • Batwing or kimono sleeves
  • Tunics and shirt dresses
  • Tops with wide straps
  • Slightly fitted cardigans
  • Peplum shapes

Tops to avoid:

  • Spaghetti straps
  • Fitted or short tops
  • Horizontal stripes or bold prints
  • Boat necklines and American armholes
  • Puffed sleeves, shoulder pads
  • Bustiers and turtlenecks
  • Hoods or clingy styles

👉 See other clothing that suits your inverted triangle body

TOPS: RECTANGLE OR H-SHAPED BODY

Create softness and curves with the right neckline and accessories. Focus on flowing fabrics, colour, and structured layering that define the waist.

Some examples of tops

Best tops, how to choose, rectangle body shape

Models shown: navy round-neck lace blouse, sleeveless zip pink top, navy striped tee, open-knit black tank.

Tops to favour:

  • Colourful or dark styles
  • Fluid shapes with V, boat, scoop or low back necklines
  • Empire cuts
  • Low-slung belted tunics
  • Straight blouses tucked into trousers
  • Wrap cardigans belted at the hips
  • Light layering and soft fabrics
  • Feminine textures like lace or frills

Tops to avoid:

  • Tight or stiff fabrics
  • Straight bustiers
  • Overly baggy shapes

👉 See other clothing that suits your rectangle body

🌟 Why Choosing Tops Based on Your Body Shape Changes Everything

A top that cuts your figure in the wrong place? A neckline that feels off? It’s not a matter of style — it’s a question of balance.

👉 By choosing the right tops for your body shape, you will:

✅ Highlight your bust (whether small or full)
✅ Balance your upper and lower body
✅ Draw attention to your best features
✅ Avoid cuts that widen or flatten your shape
✅ Feel confident, feminine and stylish every day

Whether flowy, fitted, structured or wrap-style, the right top makes all the difference.

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