I owe a great deal to Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian West—but the—ahem—most significant influence? How I finally learned to appreciate my ample backside. Before “Bootylicious” hit the airwaves, I was shy about my curvy rear. Now, I’m not claiming Beyoncé single-handedly transformed my mindset overnight, but seeing J.Lo and KKW reshape cultural attitudes toward butts definitely helped shift my own perspective. They made me realize my fuller bottom is something to celebrate, not conceal.
Still, even if you’re lucky enough to have a voluptuous derriere, fashion challenges remain. A garment that fits your bottom might not fit the rest of you the same way. The good news? There are plenty of styling tricks to highlight and flatter your shape.
Unless you’re aiming for a visible panty line (which I doubt), choosing the right underwear is essential. Otherwise, you risk that unflattering double-butt effect showing through your clothes. I’m not a thong fan (mainly because, ouch), and thankfully, other options exist. First, be honest: do you buy knickers in the correct size for your bum? For me, I need to size up. Even though I wear a size 10 in trousers, I purchase size 12 in underwear to avoid cutting my bottom in half. I also prefer polyester over cotton.
From left: Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Lopez
Luckily, I’ve collected some wisdom over the years on how to—and how not to—dress a curvy bottom. From the perfect underwear to the most flattering coat, these hacks will boost your confidence when showing off your shape. Important note: This isn’t about making big bums look smaller—it’s all about embracing what you’ve got. Scroll on for tips on finding the best clothes for big bums.
I purchase these repeatedly.
These fit the rear perfectly.
Playful yet elegant.
Match this with a simple white tee or blouse.
Wear this with heels or sneakers. You can even style it in winter with boots and a turtleneck underneath.
This item will stay in your closet forever.
We love this daring choice.
To really showcase your bottom, high-waisted jeans or trousers are your best bet. Not only do they cinch your waist to create an hourglass silhouette, but they also hug your rear for a peachy look.
You’ve got the right underwear and trousers—so why ruin it by letting a shirt hang over your bum? This is where many people slip up. (I know because I’ve done it myself.) If you don’t tuck in your top or choose a shorter hem, you lose your body’s shape, hiding that lovely hourglass figure. Try a crop top or cropped sweater—they’re perfect for highlighting your bottom.
It might seem that pencil skirts are ideal for enhancing your bum, but an A-line style is actually more flattering, says Who What Wear UK Editorial Director Hannah Almassi. I’d also recommend a high-waisted midi skirt or a wrap skirt that creates an hourglass shape.
For dresses, focus on showing off your waist to create a great silhouette (and thus make your bum look good). I wore one wrap dress from Warehouse all summer, and I received compliments every time.
You might think a belted jacket is perfect for highlighting your bum, but it can be tricky. In my experience, if a belted jacket hits around knee height, it can overemphasize your bottom. However, a jacket that falls just above the ankle is much more flattering. The full length directs the eye downward instead of stopping midway.
When wearing a blazer, make sure it has a back vent (the slit over your bum) down the center. This not only shows off your bottom better but also prevents excess fabric from adding bulk. For bombers and leather jackets, if they hit at your waist, there’s no issue; but if they’re oversized, avoid buttoning them up, or they may look unnecessarily bulky.
