Natural waist is the smallest part of a person’s midsection or a garment constructed to fit this area. Clothing designed to accentuate this waistline can include dresses, blouses, and pants. Natural waist jeans are buttoned at the smallest part of the waist, while the low-rise type of denim reaches only to the height of the hips. The idea of accentuating the waist in women’s dresses dates back to the 1820s.
In fashion, the term natural waist refers to the smallest part of a person’s midsection or a garment constructed to fit this area. No matter the type of figure, everyone has a natural waist or waist. Clothing designed to accentuate this waistline can include dresses, blouses, and pants.
Pants that are made with a natural waist are buttoned between the lower ribs and the belly button, where the smallest part of the waist occurs. The natural waist is considered flattering on all figure types. It’s especially flattering on the heavy set’s figure-hugging pants, because the pants then drape the belly and hang down in a way that creates a long, slim leg line. The look of a longer leg can help make the waist appear smaller. Pants that button up here can also help shorter figures look taller due to the illusion of a longer leg.
Natural waist jeans are different from the low rise style of jean. Jeans with a natural waist are buttoned at the smallest part of the waist, while the low-rise type of denim reaches only to the height of the hips. Low-rise jeans tend to flatter only slim figures.
On shirts or blouses, a noticeable seam at the natural waist has the effect of cutting the body in half, which may not be flattering on shorter and larger body types. Empire, or high-waisted, top styles generally look best on these figures. Skinny belts that fit the natural line are also not recommended for petite figure types and plus sizes. Tall, slim body types are often flattered by horizontal waist seams and narrow belts. Wide waistband accentuated at the top, as well as wider belts, can be worn well for all body types, even petite and plus sizes.
Dresses made to fit at the natural waist may have vertical seams from the shoulder that change to horizontal seams that accentuate the waist. Elastic waist dresses with horizontal ruching also accentuate the waist. A dress can also feature a sash in a contrasting color to draw attention to the waist.
The idea of accentuating the waist in women’s dresses dates back to the 1820s. Dress styles featured long sleeves and drapery of head-to-toe fabric, but the natural waist was accentuated with seams. Later, corsets became popular in dresses. A corset is a laced strip of fabric that cinches or tightens a garment at the waist.
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