Sheath dress for pears

ramya

Can sheath dresses work on pears like me or should I stick to fit and flare . I liked the zigzag dress that una wore and want to try something similar. The return policy is not good here so thought would ask for opinion s

12 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Una's dress is more like an A-line shift than a sheath.

Here's one person who makes the distinction. I wouldn't agree with her 100% but the visuals give a general idea, anyway.

A sheath OR a shift can work on a pear. But it might be difficult to find a sheath that fits well. However, it can be done; Celia found a gorgeous one (that also, magically, worked on hourglass Janet, and petite rectangle Sarah!)

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

They're hard for me in general but have lucked into a couple that must have been relatively more pear- friendly. Have to go for fit through the hip first and usually minor alteration on top and also cut so that the proportions look ok. I don't shop for
them much because yield is so low. Interestingly, i found good fit in discount- store Calvin Klein and in a high- end brand.

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

I actually prefer a sheath dress for our shape- some flared skirts make me feel larger than I am in the hips.
A sheath with a cropped jacket like your denim one would look great, and the jacket gives more balancing volume on the shoulders.

12 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

It depends how much of a pear you are. I am an hourglass with pear tendencies and sheath dresses work for me. If your hips are very much bigger than your shoulders than it may be a tough fit. Even for me I always need to size up to fit my hips and alter the top part.
I would say go and try, you may be pleasantly surprised. Stretchy but substantial ponte or jersey is a good option.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Depends how pear shaped you are. My top and bottom are at least a full size different. Because of that, I cannot buy a sheath dress off the rack. It would require significant customization. I find it easier to buy a pencil skirt and matching top to imitate the look of the dress but accommodate my pear shape.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

To clarify -- a SHIFT dress (like Una's) should fit more easily if it is an A-line style like that. (There are different cuts of shifts, too, wtih some being straight and some A-line). A shift is more body-skimming and waist surrendering than a sheath, which is more tailored or even body-con.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Yes, it depends on how pearish you are and what type of pear (A vs 8). I am very pearish and an 8 shape (butt and high hips pear, not thighs) so sheaths almost never fit me, and when they do I think they emphasize my booty too much and are too bombshelly. A line shifts can work very nicely though as long as they aren't cut too straight.

12 years ago

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