Ever wondered why some outfits look amazing on your friends but seem off when you try them on? The secret might lie in your torso length. Understanding whether you have a long torso or a short torso is crucial for elevating your style game. Whether you're long waisted or have a short waisted body type, knowing your proportions can make all the difference. Let's dive into the world of body proportions and discover how to make the most of your unique silhouette!
The Backstory: Why Torso Length Matters
Many years ago, during my studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), one of New York's top image consultants said, "Why does no one ever talk about hip placement? This knowledge is so crucial; every woman should know it." She was introducing a body shape classification to us and got slightly emotional when it came to body proportions. I still have a picture she showed us that day—a screenshot in terrible quality from her presentation. Here it is:
As you can see in this image, two women of similar height can have dramatically different body proportions. This isn't just about how high or low someone's hips sit—it's about the overall balance of their silhouette, particularly their torso length. The difference between a long torso and a short torso can significantly affect how clothes fit and look. Only after I started to work with clients was I able to fully understand my teacher's words about the importance of torso length.
Identifying Your Torso Type
Curious about your torso type? Here's a simple test:
- Place one hand right under your bust.
- Put your second hand directly below the first.
- Locate your belly button.
If your belly button is covered by your second hand or just below it, congratulations—you have a balanced torso. If it's much lower, you're part of the long torso club. If it's somewhere between your hands, welcome to the short torso squad. So, what is a long torso? It's when your upper body is proportionally longer than your lower body.
Remember: you cannot rely on your height. Not every tall girl has a long torso, and not every petite one has a shorter torso. Nature loves variety!
Not so long ago, the internet was blown away by a viral TikTok video of this young woman because of her unique body frame.
Courtesy of TikTok @emmielovescows
As you can see, she is absolutely stunning and, in addition to that, she has a Pear body shape and a long torso (they often go together). If I asked you to guess her height, most likely you'd say that she's tall. However, according to her, she is 5'3", so she falls under the petite category.
Long Torso: Let's Elongate Those Legs, Too!
If your waist sits lower on your body and you often find that tops are too short, you likely have a long torso or are long waisted. Also, there's a big chance that your body shape is an Hourglass or a Pear.
The key to balancing a long torso is to visually "subtract" a bit from your upper body and add it to your lower body. Wondering how to dress a long torso? Try these tricks:
- High-Waisted Everything: High-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts are your best friends. They visually shorten your torso and lengthen your legs.
- Crop Tops: Embrace the crop top trend! Pair them with high-waisted bottoms for a perfectly balanced look.
- Belt It Up: Use belts to create a visual break higher on your torso, effectively "shortening" it. Bonus: a belt the same color as your bottom steals some length from your torso and gives it to your legs.
- Opt for Pointed-Toe Shoes: They visually elongate the leg line. Heels make you taller and your legs longer.
- Monochromatic Lower Half: Wearing the same color from waist to toe creates an unbroken line, making your legs appear longer. So pants or a maxi skirt paired with shoes in the same color is a winning strategy, as well as a monochromatic skirt + tights + shoes combo.
Pro tip: A high-waisted, wide-leg jumpsuit can be a game-changer for long-torsoed beauties, creating a streamlined silhouette that balances your proportions perfectly. It's also a great way to elongate your legs if you have a long torso.
Remember: Women with a long torso and full hips were considered the epitome of femininity during the Renaissance. You can spot this body type in many paintings, including Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus."
Short Torso: Time to Lengthen That Midsection
If your waist is higher up, shirts tend to be too long, and high-waisted pants hit above your natural waist, you're probably rocking a short torso or a short waisted body type. Most likely, in addition to that, you've got legs for days and an Apple or Inverted Triangle body shape, but there are always exceptions.
Brigitte Bardot is short-waisted but maintains an hourglass figure with an incredibly defined waist. According to different sources, her waist measurement in her younger years was 20 to 23 inches.
So, how do we frame a short torso? First of all, it's always a good idea to switch focus from torso to the legs. Legs are one of your greatest assets, so don't be shy to use them! Rock tailored trousers, have fun with skirts of any length, and choose bottoms in any color and pattern that you like. That will not elongate the torso, but it will definitely bring delight to your look.
If we're talking about balancing proportions, your mission should be to create the illusion of a longer midsection. Wondering how to elongate your torso? Consider these tips:
- Low-Rise and Mid-Rise Bottoms: These styles help extend your torso visually. Pair them with longer or tucked-in tops.
- Vertical Stripes and Patterns: Opt for tops with vertical stripes or patterns to draw the eye up and down, elongating your torso.
- Avoid Belts at Your Natural Waist: Belts can further shorten the appearance of your torso. If you love belts, try wearing them lower on your hips. If your belt is similar in color to your top, you get extra points.
- V-Necks and Long Necklaces: Do you know what else can elongate the midsection? Really deep and slightly narrow necklines, such as V-neck, plunge, or surplice. A long necklace or skinny scarf will do the trick, too.
- Monochromatic Outfits: A single color from shoulder to toe creates an unbroken line, making you appear taller and your torso longer.
Style secret: A long, open cardigan or duster coat can work wonders for those with a shorter torso, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette.
Embrace Your Unique Proportions
Remember, whether your torso is long or short, there are no good or bad body frames—just unique ones. Just as there's no "good" or "bad" eye color, Zodiac sign, or blood type.
Styling is all about creating visual harmony that feels right for you. Don't be afraid to break the "rules" and experiment with different styles—sometimes, the most unexpected combinations can lead to your signature look!
By understanding your body's unique proportions and armed with these styling tricks, you're now ready to conquer your wardrobe with confidence. As we often discuss in our image consulting services, the key to great style is knowing how to work with what you've got.
Whether you're mixing patterns like a pro or exploring daring trends like naked dressing, understanding your body proportions is the foundation of great style. So go ahead, play with these tips, and create looks that make you feel like the style icon you are!
Happy styling!
