If you have an apple shape it can often be hard to find a brand of clothing that works for you. After much research, I believe I have found a great one!
If you are an apple-shaped woman you know that there are very few brands that design for our shape.
In fact, when Sylvia asked me to write about my favorite brand, I didn’t have one (although I previously wrote about my favorite shops for women with the apple body shape) and didn’t know if I could find one.
Best brand for apple shaped women
However, I took it on as a challenge to find a brand that is widely available and reasonably priced. I found it at Macy’s with their Alfani brand.
They have a variety of clothing from work wear to casual pieces to fancy special-occasion clothes.
I visited two Macy’s to see if they were similar, one in a large city and one in a smaller city, and found a nice variety at both stores.
What makes a good brand for apple shaped women?
Honestly, I found it to be thoughtful details.
For example, the dress above has a wider, rounder neckline that I find to be the most flattering if you have a big bust.
It’s also made of textured fabric that has stretch and the dress is lined.
The textured fabric camouflages any bumps or dents and the lining keeps it skimming your body rather than clinging.
The details around the cuffs are eye-catching and keeps the dress stylish and fun.
I own several pairs of their pants after I discovered their waistbands, usually my biggest hurdle in finding pants. The fabric is also stretchy, so no constriction or tightness.
They have a variety of cuts and styles with on-trend colors and fun patterns and the waists were wide and stretchy.
I also found they had short and long pant lengths, something I appreciate being 5’2”!
They have several sweater styles with asymmetrical hems and interesting sleeves and collars.
Want to know why asymmetrical clothing is so flattering, check this article on how to wear asymmetrical clothes.
The black sweater I’m wearing above is super-flattering with the fabric fitting my bust well, then skimming over my middle and ending in a cute cut that covers the backside.
The way the sweater is cut and the knit of the fabric makes this sweater one of the few sweaters I own that I don’t feel the need to add a jacket or vest to give me more coverage. It covers what I want and it does it in a cute way!
As an apple-shaped woman, I had given up on trying to find a jacket that actually zips, but I found one here! It has the stretch fabric on the side and the faux leather on the front, making it look stylish.
The zipper pockets are in a flattering diagonal and the collar lays flat, even with a large bust, so would look great with a scarf over it. It also hangs nicely when opened. It doesn’t drape awkwardly around my bust, but hangs straight giving me a nice vertical line that breaks up my bust and torso. It’s also available here in a plus-size.
I could have bought a lot more items, so here are some items I am really tempted by:
I’m sure there are other brands out there that I’m not familiar with and I know there are boutique brands, but if you’re like me and live in a place where the mall is your only option, then this brand at a major chain will give you many options.
Want more tips? Check our guidelines on how to dress the apple body shape.
Have fun shopping!
P.S. If you like a free downloadable style guide for the apple shape, you can download the guide below (website only).
Julia
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Ruby Road is my favorite. The Jean’s and twill pants fit my sprawling backside better than other brands! Their blouses, shirts, vests, sweaters, are very generously made. I find them at Dillards, Belk, and on line at these stores. I am going to find a Macys and try the Alfani brand. Hope it will be good fit for me!
Hey Paula! Thanks! I’m 5’2″ and totally hear ‘ya when it comes to pants.I’ve actually started wearing more skirts and dresses and can find them more easily. Might be an option for you? Good luck to you!
Thank you for great post! I am 5’1 and have such a hard time finding flattering pants! I will definitely check all the outfits! They look great on you!
Julia, thanks for this great post. I too an 5′ 2″ and apple shaped so really appreciate this information. You look great in your choices 🙂
Thanks Cynthia! I’m the exact opposite of a super-model, but, heck, if I can do it, anyone can!
She looks super in all her outfits. It shows that she put thought into her look and she looks classy too.
Thank you Sherry!
Oh Julia, what an opportunity… for this article you HAD to shop. Otherwise you couldn’t properly show it us. Right? That was not really a punishment, was it? Legitimately shopping. The best. No guilt.
Great pieces girl. Who would have thought years ago? Looking swell. I love that black sweater with the skinny pants and the white necklace the most.
Ha ha! Exactly! I had to shop. It’s my job. That black sweater is getting so much wear this winter. Thanks for your kind comments.
Julia I love Alfani. Thank you for showing us Apple ladies some true style. I have a belly from having 4 children that frankly never went away. A lot of tops I see are not long enough to drop over the lower belly fat I have. It hits right in the middle. Not very attractive. Thanks again for the awesome photos and ideas.
Thanks Loretta! You can do it!
I’m 60 and have gone from figure8 to apple. At only 5″ I appreciate your recommendations. You always look so nice. I’ll be checking out this brand.
Thank you so much for targeting the apple shape. I’ve struggled my entire life w this shape. When your young & thin, it’s not so hard. But over 50, and weight doesn’t budge, I find it harder to find clothes that fit without looking frumpy. Jeans are a special challenge! Thank you for sharing, I will definitely go check this out.
Hi Kim, we definitely have the hardest shape to dress but, believe me, you can look good in clothing. It just takes a bit more time because we’re like rare jewels. Good luck shopping and remember when you’re in the changing room repeat “It’s not me. It’s the clothes.” and you’ll do great!
My step mom, Nancy (the 60’s model on my blog) has quite a few pieces of Alfani and loves it!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, your step-mom is a smart cookie!