How to determine the best sleeves and necklines for your shoulders
You may know your body type, but did you know that your shoulders are the next most important aspect of your silhouette’s balance? The ideal shoulder line balances the hips but is not exceptionally wide/square or narrow/sloping. Whatever your shoulder shape, choose the most flattering sleeve, neckline and seam detail to help balance your entire silhouette.
If you have narrow, sloping shoulders
If your shoulders are narrow you know it. There is extra fabric on the shoulder and if it fits on the shoulder, it fits snug on the rest. Shoulder bags slide easily. If you have narrow shoulders, look for style and design lines that flare horizontally, such as a boat neck, bare shoulders, a wide “V” or a wide scoop neckline. The idea is to attract attention with wide necks, shoulder accessories and blouses or jackets with a yoke.
Shoulder pads (either “in” or “out”) are always good to have on hand for lifting sloping, narrow shoulders. Shoulder padding also helps straighten out the round line created with heavier arms, as the fabric can drape down (vertical lines slim) instead of revealing the roundness of the arm (roundness adds pounds). Shoulder pads will always be your greatest camouflage companion. The shoulder pads do not need to be Golden Girl Gargantuan. Naturally small pads are virtually undetectable.
The power of filler
Because poor shoulder padding is just as bad as no padding on narrow shoulders, consider this:
o Choose the right style of shoulder pads. Soft, rounded, more natural shoulder pads look best under blouses and sweaters. The idea is to look as if your shoulders are very sharp. It’s not like you’re wearing shoulder pads.
o Get them in a color that matches your skin.
o Buy pads that stick out your shoulders, but don’t raise them, unless you want to shorten your neck.
o Tuck shoulder pad under bra strap and pull as far as needed to balance hips.
o Do not wear shoulder pads with very tight fabrics. In fact, if you have narrow shoulders, avoid tight, shoulder-hugging knits to begin with.
Visit http://www.shoulderpads.com for more information on this topic.
If your shoulders are narrow:
o Avoid sleeveless tops
o Contrasting vest and blouse for visual interest and flare at the shoulder line
o Try hoodies that zip mid-waist to create a wide V, or tie a sweater over the shoulders for extra flare.
o Roll up sleeves and fasten upper arm fabric.
o Choose wide straps on dresses and tops. The wider the strap, the wider the shoulder.
Comeback Hint: Use rubber bands or arm ties to keep long sleeves up to three-quarter length on blouses and sweaters.
Best t-shirts for narrow shoulders
or boat neck
or wide blade
or wide V
or off the shoulder
oSailors
or shawl
If you have broad, square shoulders
Broad, square shoulders can be frustrating. Often your blouse will pull if it’s buttoned up to the neck, the seams go too far into the sleeve, and often you need to choose a larger size to fit off the shoulder. You have broad, square shoulders if, when your arm is relaxed, the shoulder creates a right angle. The shoulder bone is usually prominent. If broad shoulders are a problem, consider the following.
o Try flared or peasant sleeves to attract attention.
o Avoid puffed shoulders, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder looks.
o Avoid contrast on the shoulder by keeping vests or sweaters the same shade as the undershirt.
o Wear vertical center front accessories and avoid attention placed on the shoulder, such as epaulettes.
o Choose dropped sleeves, halter lines, raglan seams, and kimono styling.
o Wear spaghetti straps. The narrower the strap, the narrower the shoulder.
The best blouses for wide shoulders
or yoke gathered
or stop
o Dropped sleeves (good alternative to sleeveless)
Kimono
or raglan
o Wide Shoulder Slimming Blouses
How to determine if your shoulders balance your hips
Here is a practical way to understand how to determine if your shoulders balance your hips:
o Take a piece of string and cut it to about 36 inches.
o Tie one end to a heavy washer or weight of some sort that will pull the rope taut.
o Press the non-weighted end toward the front of your shoulder at the joint. (Move your arm back and forth. You can feel where the joint is.
o Allow the weight to hang down.
o If the string is inside the hip line, your shoulders are wider than your hips and should be minimized.
o If the line is inside the hip, the hips are wider than the shoulder and the shoulder should be increased.
When your shoulder line is balanced, so is your entire silhouette. Use line, texture, color and accent to create your ideal look for your ideal shoulders!
