How to Hide Big Hips and Thighs

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 18, 2025 References

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Are you having trouble picking out the perfect look? Don’t worry. While there's nothing wrong with big hips and thighs, some people prefer to hide them. There are tons of stylish, flattering outfit combinations out there that can go great with your body type. We’ve narrowed down some specific outfit ideas, so you’ll be able to look and feel your best.

1

Shapewear

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Shapewear hides and smooths out curves. These garments are made with skin-tight material, which helps slim down your figure. Shapewear is very easy to use—just slide into your shapewear garment of choice before slipping into the rest of your outfit.
- You can buy shapewear online, or at many big-name clothing retailers.

2

Long pants

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Capris and other short pants tend to make your legs look thicker. Instead, slip on a pair of long jeans or slacks, which lengthen your frame while disguising your thighs.^{[1]
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- High-waisted pants are another great option.^{[2]
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- If you can, stay away from skinny jeans, as well as pants with side pockets. These tend to bring more attention to your hips and thighs.^{[3]
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3

Boot-cut pants

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These pants don’t highlight your hips. Instead, boot-cut pants create a smooth, even look all the way down your legs, from your hips to your ankles. If you don’t have any boot-cut pants lying around, that’s okay! Flared pants can also slim down your hips.^{[4]
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- You might slip into a pair of boot-cut jeans for a night out, or get ready for work in a pair of flared slacks or trousers.

4

Colorful tops with dark pants

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Mix and match bright tops with dark bottoms.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker

Expert Interview} Look through your closet for any bright, colorful, or patterned tops—the more eye-catching your shirt is, the better. Then, slip on a dark skirt or pair of pants, which help emphasize your top. This way, your upper body will be the focus of your outfit and it will visually balance out your proportions.^{[6]
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- For example, you might pair an animal-printed blouse or dress shirt with a pair of black slacks.

5

Hip-length tops

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Instead, pick out a short tee that falls directly above your hips. This type of shirt helps balances out your figure and is a great way to round out your look.^{[7]
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6

A-Line skirts and dresses

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A-Line cuts help your legs look slimmer.^{[8]
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Research source} Unlike other dresses and tops, A-Line cuts fit comfortably around your waistline and flow down in a triangular shape.^{[9]
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- If you have the option, choose a dress with a flowy fabric instead of a skintight one. Flowy fabrics don’t draw as much attention to your hips and thighs.

7

Unconventional necklines

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Unique necklines switch up the focus of your outfit. Search through your wardrobe for a shirt or dress with a fun neckline, like an off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical, or cowl neck. This way, the eye won’t be naturally drawn to your hips or thighs.^{[11]
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- For example, you might pair an off-the-shoulder top with a pair of high-waisted pants for a chic look.

8

Shoulder pads

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Shoulder pads help highlight your upper body. Look for a dress shirt, blazer, or other garment with plenty of padding over your shoulders—this will balance out your hips. If you don’t have any padded tops, take some shirts or jackets to your tailor to get some padding added in.^{[12]
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- You might slip on a padded blazer before heading to work, or grab a padded top for a casual afternoon out.

9

Waistline belt

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A cinched belt helps bring attention to your waistline. Slip into your favorite top or dress. Then, loop and secure the belt to really define your waistline.^{[13]
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- This look works best with shorter tops that end around the middle of your hips.
- Any kind of belt will work for this. Sources don’t specifically recommend wearing thin or thick belts.^{[14]
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10

Statement accessories

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Jewelry and scarves help draw the eye up. Dig through your wardrobe and look for any decorative scarves, chunky necklaces, bold earrings, or other accessories that will make your chest and neck area the center of attention.^{[15]
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- For example, a short, chunky necklace will draw a lot of attention to your neckline, and not as much to your hips and thighs.

11

Heels

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This, in turn, helps balance out your hips. Any pair of heels will work for this, whether they’re pumps, wedges, or another cute pair of shoes.^{[16]
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Tips

If possible, steer clear of horizontally-striped tops, pants, skirts, and dresses. Horizontal stripes tend to make your figure look wider, and aren’t ideal if you’re trying to hide your hips and thighs.^{[17]
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If you’re on the shorter side, grab a pair of pointed-toe shoes. These help add some length to your figure.

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