Not everyone who has narrow shoulders wants to show them off. It's a purely personal choice. Some girls are perfectly happy with having thinner shoulders, and that's awesome. For those of you who aren't, however, here are 7 tips for flattering narrow shoulders. I hope they work for you!
1. Get Fitted Clothes
Fitted clothes are important. Your clothes need to fit your body style perfectly. If they are too large, your shoulders will look larger than you want them to. If your clothes are too tight, however, then they can make your shoulders look even smaller and even more pronounced. A fitted look will make your shoulders look the best they can.
2. Small Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are back, and they can really help with small shoulders. Don't go overboard; you're presumably not on the football team, so you don't want to look like a linebacker. You also don't want to look like a throwback to the 1980s, when women wore power suits with ginormous shoulder pads. A little bit of padding will go a long way.
3. Spaghetti Straps
Sometimes, the best way to flatter a feature is to call attention to it, even if you think of it as a flaw. Spaghetti straps draw the perfect amount of attention to your shoulders. They accentuate the shape and smallness of narrow shoulders, and bring them out as a stellar feature.
4. Shiny Fabrics
If you are looking to make your shoulders look broader, however, there are ways to do that as well. One of them involves the use of shiny fabrics. Metallic fabrics and others like them will make your shoulders look larger, although not too large, so they can flatter your narrow shoulders by making them seem bigger than they are.
5. Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeves are haute couture hotness, and they are ideal for flattering narrow shoulders. Sort of like shoulder pads, they will give the illusion of broadness, but they don't go overboard because they are an outward effect. Capped sleeves are good for this as well.
6. No U-Necks
U-neck shirts and blouses are a no-no if you have narrow shoulders. For one thing, these shirts don't tend to sit right on narrow shoulders. As well, the curve of the neckline draws all the wrong attention, and they can actually make your shoulders seem even smaller.
7. Square Cut Clothing
In line with #6, it is better to choose clothing with square cuts and horizontal lines. These types of cuts automatically make shoulders look much broader, so if that is the effect you are going for, these are the kinds of clothes for you. The blocky design will create the illusion of width – but choose the cut carefully because, again, you don't want to go over the top.
I have larger shoulders myself, but I still understand the conundrum of wanting to embrace what you have by showing it off to its best advantage, and of wanting to minimize the look of what you consider a flaw. Do you have any flaws that you try to mask? Or do you try to flatter them?
Top Photo Credit: agentkevinski
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make my narrow shoulders look broader?
- Wearing tops with shoulder pads or puffed sleeves can create the illusion of broader shoulders.
- What necklines are best for narrow shoulders?
- Boat necks and off-the-shoulder styles help balance narrow shoulders by drawing attention outward.
- Should I avoid certain colors or patterns?
- Bright colors and horizontal stripes near the shoulder area can add visual width.
- Are accessories helpful for narrow shoulders?
- Yes, statement necklaces or scarves can draw attention upward and create balance.
- Is layering beneficial for narrow shoulders?
- Layering with structured jackets or cardigans can add bulk and enhance shoulder width.
- Can I wear sleeveless tops with narrow shoulders?
- Opt for sleeveless tops with ruffles or detailing around the shoulder to add dimension.
- What types of fabrics work best?
- Stiff or textured fabrics hold shape better and can help create the appearance of broader shoulders.
- Should I avoid strapless dresses or tops?
- Strapless styles may emphasize narrow shoulders, so look for designs with embellishments at the shoulder instead.
- How do I balance proportions with narrow shoulders?
- Pair wider shoulder styles with slim-fit bottoms to maintain a flattering silhouette.
- Can hairstyle affect how my shoulders look?
- Yes, voluminous hairstyles can add width near your face, balancing narrow shoulders visually.