Full-Figured vs. Overweight

The debate on the difference between full-figured and overweight has been going on for the longest time. This conversation is commonly heard in various circles of people, from fashion influencers to fitness enthusiasts.

There is a not-so-thin line between a full-figured person and an overweight person. This line is what we are going to explore in this article.

Full-Figured

“Full-figured” is mainly used for women who are generally from size 12 and above in their dress size. These women are characterized by a large waist, wide hips, large rounded breasts, and thick thighs.

They are sometimes referred to as “thick women.” Full-figured women are gracing more and more magazine covers lately, compared to the era where only size-6 and size-8 women did.

Many fashion brands are also creating fashionable pieces for full-figured women, so there is never a lack of clothing ideas for them.

Men can also be full-figured, even if the term is rarely used for them. Full-figured men are also heavy on their body size. They commonly have really broad shoulders and are wide-chested.

Overweight

Overweight is used to refer to people who exceed their required body mass index (BMI). The body mass index is the value when your body fat is compared to your height and weight.

A normal body mass index is between 18.5 to 24.9. An overweight BMI is 25-29.9, while the BMI for obese people is 30 and above.

Being overweight sometimes borders on the line of being unhealthy. This is because the body of the person is heavier than normal due to extra fat.

People who wear size 16 and above are referred to as overweight.

Fashion Tips for Full-Figured Person

As a full-figured woman or man, it is very tempting to shy away and hide under oversized T-shirts and baggy jeans. However, there are ways you can dress that will make you look classy and elegant.

Full-Figured Women

Here are some tips to help you improve your fashion game.

1. Avoid Baggy Clothes

I know wearing baggy clothes is where you feel most comfortable. I mean, who doesn’t?

You can still throw on your jeans and T-shirt when you are binge-watching your favorite movie, but when you are stepping out to go to work or attend a party, you should ditch the baggy clothes.

Get clothes that are in your size. If you do not know your exact size, you can go on a fashion try-out till you find your perfect size or ask a tailor to measure your body.

an overweight woman wearing a gray shirt and black pants

2. Belts Are Your Best Friends

Belts help highlight and accentuate your waist, giving it a more defining look. This helps to bring out your curvy shape and gives the illusion of an hourglass figure.

If you are wearing a straight or flared dress, belts should be a part of your outfit.

You can use a belt that is the exact color of your outfit, or you can choose a different color or shade. For example, hot pink and cool pink tend to complement each other really well.

3. Wear V-Neck Tops

V-neck tops bring the focus of your outfit to your upper body and offer a slimming effect. You can wear dresses with v-necks.

4. Choose Flattering Colors

There are colors that are slimming to the body, and there are also colors that highlight your every curve. Avoid the latter.

The slimming effect of black is unrivaled. A black outfit is capable of making you look half your size. Every woman needs a little black dress in her wardrobe.

Some other colors with slimming illusions include darker shades of purple, blue, red, and brown. Avoid light colors like pink, yellow, white, or green.

5. Wear Knee-Length Dresses

Knee-length dresses help to highlight your figure, making you look elegant and classy. You can wear A-line skirts or dresses. Straight knee-length dresses should also be your go-to.

Young girl at blue dress posed background spring garden.

6. Explore Smaller-Sized Brands

It’s tempting to always want to shop for only plus-sized brands and stores, but there are some other brands with great outfit styles and variations that have clothes up to size 16. The idea is not to limit your options.

Full-Figured Men

Fashion sometimes can be biased as it focuses on tips and ideas for women. This may also be because men are seen as people who do not care about fashion, largely because they can look good with just jeans and a T-shirt.

More men are beginning to care about the kind of clothes they wear. Here are some fashion tips for full-figured men.

1. Wear Fitted Clothes

Go for clothes that are your exact size; this will help accentuate your shoulders and chest. You can go for fitted button-down shirts.

2. Choose Darker Colors

Wear clothes that are darker as they provide a slimming effect on your body. Populate your wardrobe with dark colors like black and dark brown.

3. Avoid Wearing Patterned Clothes

While patterns might look cute, they can magnify your body size and give a widening look.

If you have to wear patterns, choose smaller patterns as this can make your body look smaller. Large patterns make you look bigger.

Fashion Tips for an Overweight Person

If you are an overweight person, it’s tempting to think the fashion industry is against you sometimes as you can never seem to find the right clothes for your body type.

You first need to understand that bodies vary, and you would need time to try and find your personal style. These tips will help you find your own fashion style.

1. Be Confident

You can have the best stylist in the world dress you up, but you still need the finishing touch of confidence to help you carry your clothes with elegance.

Your body type doesn’t define you. It also doesn’t make you lesser than the size 6s out there.

If you struggle with low self-esteem because of your weight, you might want to speak with a therapist to help you regain your confidence.

2. Consider Your Body Shape

Some people carry most of their weight on the upper part of their bodies, so they will have to go for outfits that slim the upper body and accentuate the lower.

On the other hand, some people have most of their weight on their lower body and would need to choose clothes that are slimming to the lower body.

So, you have to learn and understand your body type and shape so you know how to maximize your outfits.

3. Color Contrast

Wear darker colors on the areas you want to slim and lighter colors on the areas you want to accentuate.

man with curly blond hair isolated against white background

Be careful not to wear colors that do not complement. You can almost never go wrong with different shades of the same colors. Use a color wheel as a guide to choosing the types of colors to match.

4. Layer Your Clothes. Sometimes, Less Is Not More.

Throw a vest or jacket over the shirt you intend to wear. This gives off a really stylish look. Make sure the layered pieces are all fitted and none are baggy.

5. Follow Trends You Like

It is very common for overweight people to ignore trendy fashion even if they like it. Contrary to opinion, some fashion trends can be fashionable for overweight people too.

So, don’t let anything stop you from joining your favorite fashion trend.

6. Wear Tailored Pieces

These are clothes that are tailor-made just for you. It is sometimes difficult to find the right sizes for your clothes in most fashion stores. It may even be difficult to find them in outfits that you like. In this case, try getting tailored pieces.

Final Thoughts

Overweight and full-figured are two very different things.

A full-figured person is one who is heavy on the body. They are usually from size 12 and above, while overweight people have their body mass index from 25-29.9.

Some fashion tips that both full-figured and overweight people can use include wearing dark colors and avoiding lighter colors, knowing their body size, and avoiding large-pattern clothes.

Full-Figured vs. Overweight

Full-Figured

Overweight