Fashion
9 Playsuits For Pear Shapes For The Unashamedly Thick Of Thighs
As a lady with more than a chunk of honky tonk badonkadonk, I know only too well the trials and tribulations that accompany the search for playsuits for pear shapes. But as an unashamed comfortable-clothing-queen, playsuits are one of my favorite go-to pieces when dressing for the summer season.
The perfect mix of easy, effortless style and minimal crotch-flashing, the humble playsuit is the garment that just keeps on giving. Boasting full-blown outfit potential in less than 10 seconds of slipping and zipping, the playsuit is the perfect lazy throw-on when you want to hide the fact you vacated your bed three minutes before running out the door. It's easily dressed up or down with accessories for quick-snap transitional day-to-night wear, and available in an abundance of comfy plain and printed styles and fabrics — so in theory, what's not to love?
However, my dilemma always starts when it comes to the dreaded changing room challenge. Thanks to my reaching the booty pile way earlier than the boob pile in the great pre-birth body parts amnesty, playsuits often leave me facing a difficult style dilemma: An all-in-one that drowns my chest but hugs my thighs, or a form-fitting top half paired with shorts that shackle my thighs like a trussed-up chicken's?
An equally-proportioned figure was the craving of my deepest, darkest romper-flaunting desires, until I stumbled across the blog of the enviously style-savvy Chante B. With her Romper Love post as an aid, I was able to arm myself with five vital playsuit-purchasing questions:
1. How short is it? (I.e. will it cause me to violate public decency laws by wearing it, or, more importantly, my office's dress code?)
2. What fabric is it made from? (Is it seductively silky, but stretch-less? Is it figure-hugging jersey? And, more importantly, can you eat cake in it?)
3. Will it be tight around my thighs? (Am I happy to accept the restrictions of denim in the name of fashion, or would I prefer something more light and free-flowing?)
4. Does it have stretch? (Again, do I want to be able to eat in this thing? The answer should be yes.)
5. How will I put it on; is there a zipper? If so, where is the zipper? (All good questions to have strong, concrete answers to prior to that bladder-bursting third pint of cider.)
With these points to guide my playsuit pilgrimage, I was ready to take on the rompers and re-enter the changing cubicle with a renewed sense of confidence. Pear-shape-loving playsuits, come to me, my pretties!
ASOS Playsuit With Kimono Sleeve
ASOS Playsuit With Kimono Sleeve, $64, ASOS
In a lightweight, ethereal, subtly figure-hugging crepe fabric and at a mid-thigh length that makes flashing reassuringly unlikely, this romper offers enough of a center-cinch to highlight your waist without being uncomfortably tight or restrictive around the thigh or chest area.
The shorts are free-flowing and roomy, whilst the batwing-style sleeves offer a perfect perspiration-mark antidote to those hot, humid summer nights. However, be warned — with a hook-and-eye zip back fastening, you may need to pick a friend to accompany you on bathroom breaks!
Sarah Tribal Print Pom-Pom Bardot Playsuit
Sarah Tribal Print Pom-Pom Bardot Playsuit, $20, Boohoo
In a relaxed, pull-on, off-the-shoulder style, this playsuit is perfect for small-boobed women who want to rejoice in their ability to tan bra-strap free. The soft, stretchy tribal print material offers optimal thigh comfort, whilst the pom-pom trim caped top is great for complementing wide hips, or alternatively giving your outfit a touch of superhero style.
Hearts And Bows Avery Off-Shoulder Playsuit
Hearts and Bows Avery Off-Shoulder Playsuit, $19, Ark
With a softly ethereal feel, this beautiful Hearts and Bows playsuit offers a relaxed, off-the-shoulder, mid-thigh cut, and an elasticated waist fit to keep you company during a delightful three-course meal. The pull-on style is made for snappy summer dressing, and the dreamy flower-decorated lace trim will make you feel like snowflakes should always be your go-to style muse.
Hearts And Bows Sorrento Elephant Print Playsuit
Hearts and Bows Sorrento Elephant Print Playsuit, $24, Ark
In a light, airy cotton material with spacious shorts, elasticated waist, and strappy cut-out neckline, this pull-on playsuit would look perfect paired with gladiator sandals come day, and chunky-strapped white clompy sandals come night.
H & M Tiered Playsuit
Tiered Jumpsuit, $35, H&M
Part of H&M’s “Conscious” sustainable fashion collection, this gorgeous multicolored playsuit is relaxed-fit, with adjustable shoulder straps, a cut-out back section, and concealed side zip. The shorts are adequately bum-covering, and the culotte-style shorts make walking and sitting completely hassle-free, despite the lack of stretch.
Feather Kimono Sleeve Playsuit In Black Lace Trim By Motel
Feather Kimono Sleeve Playsuit In Black Lace Trim By Motel, $85, Motel Rocks
Offering a soft, silky feel and elegantly draped fit, this sultry black playsuit balances a deep V neckline with wide, hand-skimming lace-trim kimono sleeves, and flowing bias-cut shorts. A zip is concealed in the back of the playsuit, and the waist is elasticated for additional comfiness.
River Island Orange Strappy Cropped Jumpsuit
Orange Strappy Cropped Jumpsuit, $71, River Island
With wide-fit legs cropped to the upper shin and a fitted low-backed top, this flowing burnt orange jumpsuit with concealed side zip is ideal for office wear, cloudy summer days, or occasions when you just want a bit more coverage. The relaxed cut is perfect for pear-shaped posteriors, as the wide legs softly skim bounteous hips and thighs without any clinging or digging.
Ilana Kohn X UO Hexagons Jumpsuit
Ilana Kohn X UO Hexagons Jumpsuit, $119, Urban Outfitters
This effortlessly simple, monochrome, below-the-knee cropped jumpsuit is in a loose-fit cotton for a too-cool-for-school “I woke up like this” look, allowing you to go about your daily errands whilst feeling as comfy as if you were chilling in your PJs. What’s more: Next to the concealed side zip are two sneaky pouch pockets — thank you UO and Ilana Kohn, for realizing that women like slouching too!
JOA Navy Romper
JOA Navy Romper, $85, Urban Outfitters
A semi-structured rayon and cotton mix, this knee-length open-knit playsuit makes a big nod to the ’90s grunge trend with its resemblance to a modified boyfriend-cut shirt, including low-slung knotted waist detail. The spacious yet structured shorts are also short enough to keep you cool, without the potential pitfalls of bearing your bum cheeks.
