Here’s How to Shop for Clothes Based on Your Body Type, According to Experts

At 5 feet 1 inch tall, I have a hard time finding pants that are the right length, and tops and dresses that aren’t too big in the shoulders. Every online order I place can be a hit or a miss, so I never know what I’m going to get. Because of this and it being our Spring Fashion Week, I interviewed three experts to figure out how to make shopping for your unique body type easier. I consulted with Madeleine Cohen, founder of petite clothing brand Nelle Atelier, Ari Rosmarin, a wardrobe stylist based in New York City, and Katie Sturino, founder of the bodycare brand Megababe. 

They’ll share their tips and tricks, then later, we’ll share some of their go-to products and brands that make both shopping and getting dressed more enjoyable.

Looking for more affordable, yet stylish ways to revamp your wardrobe this spring? Here’s how to shop at Abercrombie & Fitch, spring denim for every situation, and the best finds at Uniqlo right now.

Katie, for those who struggle with the emotional side of shopping, what should they know? How can they boost confidence or prepare?

Shopping struggles are so real, and I want people to know first and foremost: You are not alone in this. Whether it's body image anxiety, overwhelm in stores, or the emotional exhaustion of trying things that don't fit the way you wish they would, that's a deeply human experience. A few things I'd want readers to know and try:

Do your groundwork before you go. Know your measurements, not just your "size." Sizes are a fiction invented by clothing manufacturers and they mean almost nothing. Clothes are meant to fit us, and quite often clothing is sized and scaled on unrealistic body proportions, so fit is really hard. You have to detach your emotions from whatever size the factory made your shirt in. When you walk in armed with your actual numbers, you're shopping with real information instead of chasing a label.

Dress for the body you have today. Not the body you had five years ago, not the body you're working toward. Clothes that fit well right now will always make you feel better than clothes you're squeezing into or swimming in.

Give yourself an out. You don't have to buy anything. Going in with the mindset of "I'm just exploring" takes the pressure off and often makes the whole experience more enjoyable (and, ironically, more productive).

Notice what lights you up. Pay attention to your first reaction. Not the one you talk yourself into. That unguarded moment when you look in the mirror is you being honest with yourself. Trust it.

Ari, as a wardrobe stylist, what details and factors do you look for to find the perfect fit?

For jackets, focus on the shoulders and chest first. Sleeves can be altered, and sometimes jacket length can be adjusted. For shirts, make sure the shoulders and chest fit properly. For pants, look at where the waistband hits your body. Ideally, it should sit at the smallest part of your waist. Make sure to think about the shoes you plan to wear. Wide-leg pants usually work best with a heel, slim pants can go either way, and straight-leg pants require a little more attention because the wrong shoe can quickly make the look feel sloppy.

Madeleine, as a denim designer, what’s the biggest misconception readers should know about dressing for their frame?

The first is that if you are short, your pants should hit at the ankle. This actually isn’t the case. Longer pants give the illusion that the wearer is taller. At Nelle Atelier, we determine inseam based on how the jean will be styled in an effort to make our customer look longer. The second is sizing; everyone thinks they know their size, but realistically most people look better in one to two sizes up from their true "size." If you are ever wondering why the model in the photo looks cooler than you do in the garment, it's because she is wearing a couple sizes up from her natural size.

What’s a life-changing hack that’ll make shopping for clothes easier for readers?

Knowing your measurements. Write them down on a note in your phone. Most brands and retailers have size charts. You can use your measurements to compare against them, usually leaving 1 inch of buffer should ensure a perfect fit.

And now, some products and brands our experts love:

Product duos that’ll make an immediate difference…

“A steamer and a lint roller are tied for the most important. Both make the biggest, most immediate difference. I also can’t live without a sweater comb. You don’t need to use it every time you wear a sweater, but once or twice a season will make them look exponentially better.” —Ari

“Fashion tape is always a good place to start. I also don't go anywhere without static guard spray.” —Madeleine

A couple of brands Katie loves for extended sizing…

• J.Crew has done an excellent job with their extended sizing. They’ve perfected their fits and actually offer extended sizes in most of their styles, which is a gold star in my book. 

• If you’re looking to feel super put-together, look no further than Tuckernuck. They keep expanding their extending size offerings season after season, with super cute options for event wear and everyday essentials. 

• I recently discovered that Boden offers extended sizing, too. Although I was skeptical with my first order, I was thrilled to see that the sizing is great, so I have a new place to shop for bright, colorful, dopamine dressing.