The Science Behind Striped Clothing and Slimming Effects
When it comes to fashion, the choice of patterns can significantly influence how we perceive our own bodies. One particular debate that has persisted for decades is whether vertical or horizontal stripes are more flattering. According to recent research, the answer may not be as straightforward as many believe.
Scientists from the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology conducted a study to determine which type of striped clothing makes a person appear slimmer. Their findings challenge the long-held belief that vertical stripes are the best option for creating a slimming effect. Instead, they found that horizontal stripes, particularly in the form of pencil stripes, were perceived as the most flattering.
The study involved 241 students who were shown images of a woman wearing various types of striped tops. They were asked to rate how slim she appeared in each outfit. The results showed that the direction, type, and spacing of the stripes all played a role in the perception of body shape.
In the first round of the experiment, participants viewed images of tops with horizontal stripes. In the second round, they saw tops with vertical lines. The third round compared both types of stripes side by side. Overall, the top featuring horizontal pencil stripes was rated as the most slimming.
This finding aligns with what many fashion enthusiasts have already observed on social media platforms like TikTok. Users often share their love for horizontal stripes, with some declaring, “Horizontal stripes are in on all bodies!” while others joke about fashion rules being thrown out the window.
The concept of using stripes to create an illusion of height and slimness has been around for a long time. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women’s fashion often emphasized long, lean silhouettes through the use of vertical lines. However, this new research suggests that the perception of body shape is more nuanced than previously thought.
According to the researchers, fabric patterns can significantly affect the perceived overall appearance of clothing. When two-dimensional lines are applied to three-dimensional forms, they can create different visual impressions and optical illusions. This means that the way a pattern is designed can impact how the body is seen.
While horizontal pencil stripes were found to be the most flattering, the study also revealed that not all vertical stripes are unflattering. A top with equidistant vertical stripes was also deemed to make the figure appear slimmer. The researchers concluded that the slimming effect of striped clothing depends on multiple factors, including stripe direction, type, and spacing.
This research adds to a growing body of knowledge about how fashion trends evolve over time. Recently, mathematicians from Northwestern University discovered that fashion trends follow a 20-year cycle. By analyzing roughly 37,000 images of women’s clothing from 1869 to today, they found that styles rise in popularity, fall out of favor, and then experience a revival approximately every two decades.
Professor Daniela Abras, co-author of the study, explained that the constant push to be different from the recent past causes styles to swing back and forth. “The system intrinsically wants to oscillate, and we see those cycles in the data,” she said.
For those looking to incorporate horizontal stripes into their wardrobe, there are several stylish options available. Here are some popular high street picks for spring:
- The White Company Jersey – £45 (Was £90)
- Kaffe Striped Top – £27.99 (Was £34.99)
- Jigsaw Stripe Dress – £79 (Was £99)
- M&S Striped Midi Dress – £26
- Jigsaw Stripe Jumper – £52 (Was £65)
- With Nothing Underneath Jumper – £140
These pieces offer a range of styles and price points, making it easy to find something that suits your taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a casual top or a dressy outfit, horizontal stripes can be a great way to enhance your silhouette and boost your confidence.
