Guide to pants: Skinny, flared, cigarette or palazzo, choose the best style for your body shape

With so many styles of pants to choose from, are you confused about which styles to wear for your body? From skinny pants to straight-leg, wide-leg, flared and palazzo, don’t worry, there’s definitely a style out there that will suit your body shape.

Whether you are apple-shaped, hourglass or petite, choosing your pants according to your body shape and pairing them with the correct top that ensures a balanced look can make you feel confident and stylish.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of pants.

• Skinny pants

Best for: Hourglass and petite body shapes

• Skinny pants may be officially outdated, but they still have a large number of followers. These pants hug your curves and create a streamlined look, making them ideal for showcasing an hourglass figure or elongating a petite frame.

• For a casual look, pair them with oversized tops, tunics, or chunky sweaters to balance the fitted bottom. For work or formal wear, you can wear skinny pants with tailored blouses or fitted shirts.

Pro tip: Stick to darker colours for a slimming effect, and opt for stretchy fabrics for added comfort.

Also read | Pleated pants: Choose the right fit for your body shape, wear with fitted tops, use minimal jewellery

• Straight-leg pants

Best for: All body shapes, especially rectangle and pear

• Straight-leg pants are like the first cousins of the skinny pants, and are a great alternative for those who feel constricted with the skinny version. These are flattering choice and offer structure without clinging to the body.

• In formal settings, wear them with tucked in button-down shirt and a fitted blazer; for casualwear, go for a tucked-in T-shirt or a crop top to highlight your waist.

Pro tip: High-rise straight-leg pants are particularly flattering for elongating the legs and defining the waist.

• Wide-leg pants

Best for: Pear, apple, and hourglass shapes

• If you are conscious about their hips, either from the lack or an abundance, then wide-leg pants are for you. They flow loosely from the waist, hiding any imperfections from the waist down.

• Wear them with fitted or cropped tops to balance the volume of the pants; while for formal occasions, opt for a tailored blouse or a slim-fit sweater.

Pro tip: Tuck in your top to emphasize your waist and prevent a boxy appearance.

Also read | Capsule wardrobe while travelling: Pack versatile tops, pants and jackets for effortless style on the go

• Flared pants

Best for: Hourglass and inverted triangle shapes

• Flared pants or bootcut styles create a flattering balance if you have broad shoulders or wider hips. Pair these trousers with fitted tops to balance the flared silhouette and in colder weather, add a blazer or jacket for a chic, retro-inspired look.

Pro tip: Flared pants look especially great with heels, which enhance the elongating effect.

• Palazzo pants

Best for: Pear, hourglass, and tall body shapes

• Palazzo pants are wide-legged and flowy, perfect for creating a breezy, laid-back look. They work best for those lucky ones who are tall and want to balance wider hips. Wear fitted tops, tank tops, or crop tops to balance the voluminous pants. For a bohemian vibe, pair with a tucked-in blouse or a flowy, off-the-shoulder top.

Pro tip: Pair them with heels to look taller and more elegant.

• Cigarette pants

Best for: Rectangle and petite shapes

• Slim and ankle length cigarette pants offer a tailored and polished look if you have a lean frame or shorter height. Wear them with crisp shirts or structured tops in professional settings, while for a casual day out, pair with loose blouses or graphic T-shirts.

Pro tip: Pointed-toe shoes or loafers will make this look even more polished.

• Cargo pants

Best for: Rectangle, pear, and athletic shapes

• Cargo pants add volume with their utility pockets, making them great for creating curves on rectangle shapes or balancing out a pear-shaped body. Wear them with fitted tops, tank tops, or cropped sweatshirts, or with a structured blazer or tucked-in shirt for an edgy look.

Pro tip: Stick to neutral tones for a versatile, urban aesthetic.

• Culottes

Best for: Apple, pear, and tall shapes

• These cropped wide-leg pants add drama and style and are great for those who are conscious about their wider hips or even for those who want to add volume to their lean frame. Pair them with tucked-in shirts or fitted tops to emphasize the waist. For a modern twist, wear a slim-fit blazer or a cropped sweater.

Pro tip: Heeled shoes can help elongate the legs and balance the cropped length of culottes.

• Joggers

Best for: All body shapes

• Joggers are a casual, comfortable option with a sporty vibe. Their tapered fit and elastic waist make them flattering for most shapes. They work best with crop tops, fitted T-shirts, or hoodies for a laid-back look, and can also be dressed up with a blazer and sneakers for an athleisure-inspired outfit.

Pro tip: Choose joggers with a slim fit and ankle cuffs for a more polished appearance.

• High-waisted pants

Best for: Hourglass, pear, and petite shapes

• High-waisted pants cinch at the waist, accentuating curves and elongating the legs, making them a favourite for many body shapes. They pair well with tucked in tops or wear cropped blouses, or even with fitted sweaters or structured tops for a chic, balanced look.

Pro tip: A belt can add extra definition to your waist and elevate the overall look.

Before buying any kinds of pants, make sure you try them and they fit well at the waist, hips, and are the perfect length for you. Always try on different styles to see what suits your body shape best. Experiment with fabrics that complement your figure—structured cotton works well for a polished look, while flowy chiffon adds softness and movement. To create a balanced and proportionate look, pair voluminous pants with fitted tops and vice versa.

The right pair of pants can transform your look and boost your confidence. With so many styles to choose from, there’s a perfect style out there waiting for you.