Best Style Tips for Wider Hips

If you've got wider hips, the absolute best styling approach is to create balance through strategic proportions and fits that celebrate your natural shape rather than hiding it. I've spent years helping clients with curvier lower bodies find their signature style, and honestly, once you know the tricks, dressing wider hips becomes second nature. The key isn't camouflage—it's about understanding fit, proportion, and which cuts genuinely flatter your silhouette.

Understanding Your Hip-to-Waist Ratio

Let's start with the fundamentals. Wider hips often mean you've got a defined waist, which is actually a massive styling advantage. The goal is to show off that waist-to-hip ratio because it creates that coveted hourglass shape. High-waisted everything is your friend here—high-waisted jeans, trousers, and skirts all emphasise the narrowest part of your torso whilst giving your legs a longer line. Avoid anything that sits on your hips rather than your waist, as it'll make you appear boxy.

The Upper Body Balance Trick

Creating visual balance is styling 101 for wider hips. I always tell my clients to think about drawing the eye upward. Structured shoulders, statement sleeves, or interesting necklines help create proportion. A well-fitted blazer with defined shoulders can completely transform your silhouette. Boat necks, square necklines, and off-shoulder styles all add width to your upper body, balancing out your hips beautifully. Pair this with darker bottoms and you've got a winning formula.

The Jean Dilemma Solved

Finding the right jeans when you've got wider hips can feel like searching for the Holy Grail, but certain cuts work brilliantly. Straight-leg and wide-leg jeans are absolute winners because they create a balanced line from hip to ankle. Avoid skinny jeans that cling to every curve—they'll emphasise the hip area rather than creating a streamlined look. Bootcut styles also work well, as the slight flare from the knee balances wider hips perfectly. Look for jeans with a bit of stretch for comfort, but not so much that they lose their shape by lunchtime.

Skirts and Dresses That Flatter

A-line skirts and dresses are genuinely magical for wider hips. They skim over the hip area without clinging, creating a feminine, flowing silhouette. Midi lengths are particularly flattering—they hit at the most flattering point on your leg whilst the A-line shape glides over your hips. Wrap dresses are another brilliant option because they cinch at the waist and then flow away from the body. Avoid pencil skirts that are too tight—if you love the style, size up and have it tailored at the waist.

Trouser Tactics

When it comes to trousers, wide-leg and palazzo styles are incredibly flattering. They balance out wider hips by creating a continuous line from waist to floor. Make sure they're high-waisted and sit properly at your natural waist. Tailored trousers with a slight flare or straight leg also work beautifully—the key is ensuring they fit properly at your widest point without pulling or gaping. Avoid tapered ankles if you've got wider hips, as they create an unflattering triangle shape.

Pattern and Colour Strategy

Dark colours on your lower half with lighter or brighter colours on top naturally draws attention upward. This doesn't mean living in black trousers forever—navy, charcoal, and deep burgundy all work just as well. If you love patterns, wear them on top whilst keeping bottoms solid. Vertical stripes on trousers can also create a lengthening effect. Avoid large prints or horizontal stripes on your lower half, as they add visual width.

Where to Shop: High Street Heroes

Mango – Absolutely brilliant for wide-leg trousers and tailored pieces that accommodate curvier figures without looking frumpy. Their sizing is consistent and they understand European proportions beautifully.

Zara – Excellent for on-trend wide-leg jeans and structured blazers. Their high-waisted styles are particularly good for creating that waist definition. Sizing can be inconsistent, so always check measurements.

Whistles – Sophisticated cuts and beautiful A-line skirts. Their dresses are particularly good for hourglass shapes with wider hips. Slightly higher price point but the quality justifies it.

Reiss – Premium high street with tailored trousers that actually fit wider hips properly. Their work wear is exceptional for creating polished, balanced silhouettes.

COS – Minimalist pieces with generous cuts. Their wide-leg trousers and structured tops are perfect for creating proportion. Excellent quality and timeless designs.

Massimo Dutti – Spanish brand with beautiful tailoring. Their trousers and jeans are cut generously through the hip without losing shape. Perfect for a sophisticated, polished look.

Jigsaw – Brilliant for dresses and skirts that flatter curvier figures. Their A-line styles and wrap dresses are particularly good. They understand British body shapes well.

Me&Em – Slightly higher price point but their pieces are designed with real women's bodies in mind. Exceptional for well-cut trousers and elegant tops that balance wider hips.

Citizens of Humanity – If you're investing in premium denim, these are worth every penny. Their jeans accommodate wider hips without gaping at the waist. The quality is outstanding.

Independent Gems Worth Discovering

Rixo – London-based brand creating gorgeous vintage-inspired dresses with forgiving cuts. Their wrap dresses and midi styles are particularly flattering for wider hips, and the prints are absolutely joyful.

Ahluwalia – Sustainable British brand with architectural cuts and interesting proportions. Their wide-leg trousers and structured pieces create beautiful balance whilst being completely unique.

Luxury Options

Max Mara – Italian luxury at its finest. Their tailoring is specifically designed to flatter curvier figures. The investment is significant but the pieces last decades. Their wide-leg trousers are legendary.

Equipment – Beautiful silk shirts and blouses that create elegant upper-body interest. Perfect for balancing wider hips with sophisticated, timeless pieces.

Never Look at a Size Guide Again with Tellar

Here's the thing about having wider hips—sizing becomes an absolute nightmare because every brand cuts differently. You might be a size 12 in one shop and a 16 in another, and it's exhausting. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes genuinely game-changing.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. You measure once—using your bust, waist, and hip measurements—and never look at a confusing size guide again. When you've got wider hips, this is particularly brilliant because you can see your actual size across all these different brands before ordering.

Here's how it works: you measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or input your existing size from a brand you know fits well. Then you use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Mango, Whistles, and hundreds more. It's completely free, works in your browser, and you don't need to download anything.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is also stacked with free styling posts from experienced stylists. It's completely honest, unbiased, and independent advice—no brand affiliations, just genuine recommendations. If you're building your wardrobe and want more detailed guidance, check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide, their comprehensive guide to jeans trends for 2026, and their Ultimate Guide to Dresses.

When you've got wider hips, knowing your exact size before you order saves hours of returns and frustration. Tellar takes all the guesswork out of online shopping—and that's genuinely priceless.

Final Thoughts

Dressing wider hips brilliantly is all about proportion, fit, and confidence. Don't fall into the trap of hiding your body—instead, embrace your curves with cuts that flatter and celebrate your natural shape. High-waisted everything, A-line silhouettes, wide-leg trousers, and strategic upper-body details will become your styling staples. And remember, the right size in the right brand makes all the difference, which is where tools like Tellar become absolute essentials. Your body is beautiful—dress it accordingly.