
Clothing for Muscular Women – 4 Simple Rules
I was inspired to write this article after having an emotional experience with clothes. I have a history of ripping pants, long-sleeved shirts, and never finding jeans that fit my quads, calves, and waist uniformly. This sort of problem can be nice to have. It’s kind of a source of pride: knowing I’ve grown enough muscle to burst out of clothes made for average girls and having an athletic build that is not the societal norm. But around 2010, when my mom bought me a dress that made me look like a bulky mini hulk, I thought my muscles were too unfeminine to look appropriate in a dress. I had athletically induced fashion disorder or AIFD (coined by myself). It was not until I learned that shapes (or the cut of an item of clothing) were my problem, not my body. I’ve since been able to wear dresses, skinny jeans, long-sleeved shirts — anything I wish.
We all know muscular women look great naked, but finding the right clothing to flatter our physiques can be tricky. Some styles can artificially broaden our bodies and make us look blocky. This is because most clothing is designed for the masses: skinny, average, or plus-sized people. And these designs often leave baggy or ill-fitting material in areas where athletic women are leaner than other women. Clothing designed for the masses can also create a boxy effect on an athletic woman, when she does not need it. These are just a couple of the issues athletic women run into when searching for flattering clothing. The guidelines below can help make clothes shopping for a muscular build simple.
*** This page updates regularly to keep up with changing trends. The links below are connected to affiliate commission accounts. All clothing featured are handpicked to match the recommendations in this post. ***

Quick Neckline Tip: Almost any variation of a square neckline can serve to broaden the body in an unflattering way, as well as thick straps or straps that rest far from the neck area. Any of those designs tend to give the illusion of broadness or exaggerate an already broad upper body. In addition to the basic neckline guidelines below, loose-fitting t-shirts (ex: exposed shoulder – see image below) and tight-fitting (see image below) also flatter an athletic, feminine build, as well as elastic, close-fitting long-sleeved tops. With any style of top or dress, be sure to follow the neckline guidelines below, and read on for tips on pants and gym wear.

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Spaghetti Strap You’d think based on the rules above that this design is totally safe, and it might be depending on your muscularity. What to be aware of with spaghetti straps is the placement of the straps. The closer the straps are to the neck, the more slimming the neckline is. |
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Halter Strap This is the epitome of a V-neck design and it’s lovely. The straps sitting close to the neck and exposed shoulders lean-down the upper body and flatter muscularity and athleticism. |
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Strapless A strapless design generally eliminates the neckline issue: there is no fabric in the way of the shoulders or neck area that can create the illusion of broadness. However, be choosy with the design of the waist. High waistlines and accents, like mid-waist-height belts, can create a broadened appearance. |
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Scoop The round sloping in this design makes this otherwise body-widening neckline more flattering for a muscular chest and arm area. |
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Halter Exposed shoulders: check; straps close to the neck: check. This combination is excellent for showcasing an athletic upper body. Stray for designs with straps that are so wide that they cover more than just your upper traps. Wide straps that stretch from the neck to the shoulders broaden the neck area. |
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High Halter This neckline would be body-widening if the fabric did not hug the neck area so closely and rise above the clavicle. By traveling up from the chest to the neck, the design creates the illusion of length. |
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Asymmetric Without the exposure of one full shoulder and arm, this design would appear to broaden the upper body. Be selective with this neckline, particularly with the heaviness and fabric of the strap that rests on the shoulder and where the fabric wraps around the body on the strapless side. The lower on the body the area under the armpit is on the strapless side, the more slimming this design is, and the lighter and more flowy the fabric, the better. This will further soften your athletic beauty. |
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Illusion Without the semi-transparency of the fabric in the upper chest area, this design could easily widen the body. Here the transparency of the fabric showcases the beauty of your shape, rather than an expansion of fabric across the chest that can be uncomplimentary and body-broadening. |
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Grecian This can be one of the most flattering necklines on an athletic upper body. You get the accents of bare shoulders and the slimming effect around the neck area. There are variations of this design, of course, so select options with slim straps and delicate fabrics, versus clunky straps and heavy fabrics. |
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Puff/Lantern Sleeve It’s always good to have options. When selected carefully, this sleeve option can be attractive while granting you that extra room for your shoulders and arms. To make this design as flattering as possible, only select large or long puff sleeve when they are lightweight and/or sheer. This will avoid widening your appearance. Also select options that puff out slightly, particularly with short puff sleeves. As you’ll see in the below images, there are fashion-forward options to choose from. |
Rule 1. Accentuate your shoulders and arms with form-fitting, shoulder-flattering, and/or sloping necklines
Rule 2. Not so tight — look for breezy and/or halter-style tops, instead of skin-tight styles
For work or a professional style, flowy tops flatter a muscular or athletic upper body. My biceps are 12 ½ inches, and this rule has never failed me when looking for work clothes. Sleeveless tops with a square-shaped neckline broaden the upper body, whereas sleeveless tops with haltered necklines have a narrowing effect on the upper body, while highlighting shoulder and trap muscles. The solution: eliminate and/or avoid square-shaped necklines from your wardrobe. Extra tip: Avoid horizontal stripes, as this design definitely creates an illusion of broadness across the body.
What to Wear
Professional Wear


SHEIN – Polka Dot Shirred Frill Cuff Blouse

Casual Wear/Clubwear




Rule 3. Feel free to dress up. Don’t be afraid of (stretchy) long sleeves, and you can’t go wrong with strapless
Stick with V-necks and straps that rest close to the neck. This creates the illusion of a longer torso and makes muscles pop!


For well-developed glutes, a form-fitting dress can look beautiful and impressive. A skirt or dress that falls just above the knee can look just as flattering. I don’t recommend going too short or too tight. Short and/or tight skirts and dresses can be cute on a skinny girl, but a muscular girl is often more of an eyeful and may draw more attention than desired. The choice is up to you.
Dresses/Skirts





Rule 4. When it comes to pants, accentuate your shapely legs and look for fitted, stretchable styles; also try roomy styles
Bottoms

The best-fitting work pants I’ve ever purchased:




Sports Tops and Bottoms
Triangle-shaped tops with straps are close to your neck and not directly on your shoulders flatter muscular traps and shoulders. Racerbacks also flatter an athletic upper body.


Exercise pants are easy to buy because they’re already stretchable! Bodysuits also often have built-in stretchability.

Summary of what NOT to wear:
For tops and blouses, stay away from wide straps that sit directly on your shoulders. Wide straps or the placement of straps far from the center of the body often create a blocky appearance. For bottoms, stay away from restricting materials. Tight clothing with limited stretchability or elasticity restricts healthy blood circulation — something a fit woman should care about. Unless your skinny jeans are stretchable, consider staying clear of them. Take the above four simple rules and rule the clothing aisles and your closet. If you have some tips of your own, please share them with me. Fit women and girls have to help each other on our respective fitness journeys.
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Square Some clues are all in the name, and this neckline says, “stay away.” A square neckline will only serve to broaden the upper body in an unflattering way. |
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Sabrina This neckline should be an obvious no-go because of how much it creates the illusion of broadness, even on the slim upper body depicted in the graphic. |
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Queen Anne Wow, look at those straps. This design would broaden anyone’s build and does little to flatter the chest area. |
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Off-shoulder This design, like the V-neck is an exception to the previous design necklines. Depending on your muscularity and the shape of your shoulders, this design can be flattering. Defined, shredded (low body fat) arms would go well with this neckline, versus a less defined, but buff build. So, if you have a muscular upper body, you can probably pull this neckline off best after a shredding, competition, or summer slim-down cycle (if you subscribe to any of those), rather than off season, for example. |
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Jewel These straps are too wide. Despite its name, believe me, this neckline would not be a jewel in your wardrobe if you have an athletic upper body. |
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Cowl These straps are too wide and broad and rest on an area of the shoulders that will only serve to unflatteringly broaden the upper body. |
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Bateau This neckline has both thick straps arching out on the shoulders and a square frame from the neck downward. This shape can widen the body’s appearance. However, the inward arching of the armscyes can possibly flatter the shoulder area, so if you like this neckline, I’d suggest trying it. |
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Wide or Thick-strap V-neck Although the V-neckline is often flattering for an athletic upper body, where the straps on a neckline rest and the wideness of the straps can create a slimming or a broadening effect. The closer the straps are to your neck and the thinner they are, the more slimming the neckline will be. |
I want your feedback. How can this article be improved?
Some of the above images take you to Amazon.com for purchase. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I also earn commissions as a member of the Ascend, Acorns, Google, and CommissionJunction networks. All products advertised align with the philosophies of this website.
Article initially published on May 4, 2015 - Updated and republished on May 4, 2018
As an athlete for over 22 years and a broke single mom for most of that time, I created brokesinglemomfitness.com, now LLAFIT.com, to aid anyone who believes the road to fitness requires a lot of cash or time. In reality, the way to fitness is paved with knowledge and firm principles; teaching readers how to master both is the goal of this site. LLAFIT – Lifelong Applied Fitness

33 Comments
Rachel
Wonderful article, thank you! My legs are growing due to ,uncle growth and am struggling at finding dress pants. Any suggestions?
Sylvia
Thanks for reading the article. I hope it helps you with shopping. For dress pants, it’s about a roomy but flattering fit, or, if your job is more casual, stretchy and fitted pants can work well.
Lcee
I’ve found that Anne Taylor and Loft make some stretchy dress pants. if you can get away with it at work, black denim also works really nicely. I also just got a pair of Mavi jeans that are crazy stretchy and Lucky Lolita fit is my go to fit. I’m having an issue finding dress shirts that fit my arms and don’t make me feel like I’m going to rip the back if cross my arms in front, so I end up wearing oversized shirts that are pretty unflattering. If someone can start making fitted shirts that are stretchy in the arms, I’m all in.
Sylvia
Hi Rachel, thanks for the tip on Anne Taylor and Loft! As far as finding dress shirts that fit your arms, if you need the shirts for work, I find looking for tops that are designed to be loose-fitting work best. And, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to show some muscle with a tighter sleeve. Some examples are below.
Off Shoulder Batwing Sleeve: https://amzn.to/2nNccaa
Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic: https://amzn.to/2EdXwLw
Drop-Shoulder Single Breasted Shirt: https://amzn.to/2EcD79y
Cardigan Blouse: https://amzn.to/2nOphAa
Tight sleeve option: https://amzn.to/2H21TXK
Julie panaro
Great article! As a lawyer, I’ve had to stick to strictly business attire, and found Brooks Brothers has fitted dress shirts that are cut a bit slimmer in the body, but the shoulders and upper back are more generous. I wear a size 10 to for my upper back, but, try a few on and see if they work for you. You go with the last spread!
Sylvia
Thanks for the Brooks Brothers suggestion, Julie, and I’m happy the article helped you. Wow, a lawyer and an athlete. That’s awesome. What sport are you in?
I’ll look up some items from Brooks Brothers, including the fitted dress shirts, and see about uploading them to this article!
Ash
Thank you! its so good to see ANYONE approach this topic realistically. I need more info tho, I’m terrible at fashion, and with muscle to boot i find I’m looking at pictures of me like WTF!!! its annoying because you work so hard to look hot and you should be able to wear whatever you like! lol 100% agree with short skirts, and add to the bucket, short jump suits, cut at the weirdest level it can look like your thighs are hulk like 🙁 Im going to start researching lots.
Sylvia
What else would you like to have covered in the article?
Meg
I am a 19 year old girl and have a
Breakdown every time I go shopping as getting clothes to fit and not rip over my lats Is impossible. My mom sent me this link. Reassuring to know I’m not on this journey alone. The search for work clothes continues. Thanks for your help x
Sylvia
Hi, Meg. I’m so happy I could help, and it’s awesome that your mother researched this issue for you. Just remember that everyone has issues finding the best clothing styles for their body. I learned this from watching What Not to Wear when I was a teen, like you. : ) Never feel bad about your athletic build. Just find what shapes work best for you, and from then on, shopping will be a lot easier. Online shopping really helps with narrowing down styles and shapes.
Jenny wren
Hey Sylvia. Confused about V necks and spaghetti straps ” stick to v necks, ” and “v necks are a no no”… What did you mean thanks !
Sylvia
Thank you, Jenny, for your question. I’ll have to add more detail to my article to prevent other readers from getting confused. The V-neck shape itself is not unflattering, but V-necks with wide straps can create a body-widening effect. In the bottom image of my article that has various women posing, you’ll notice the woman in the orange, sleeveless v-neck dress. Her straps are very wide. The V-neck shape, added with the wide straps, and a muscular build can have triple the body-widening effect. V-necks with narrow or thin straps can work just fine.
Spaghetti straps can pose an issue when the cut of the top itself is square-shaped, as opposed to V-shaped or scooped. A square neckline can create a widening effect, whether you’re wearing spaghetti straps or even a strapless dress. Here’s a prime example: https://tinyurl.com/yb2yjutv
Wendy
Thank you so much for your article. I don’t fit any of my clothes anymore and it’s frustrating trying to buy new clothes that do fit. I love my muscle but I really miss being able to just put on something and have it look good, especially formal wear. I really hope with the growing popularity of lifting for women that there will be more brands that cater to that body shape.
Sylvia
Wendy, I’m glad my article helped, and I hope the message I got across is that there are many fit girls like you who look awesome because of your athleticism, but the clothing industry ignores our demographic. Luckily, however, we do still have options. As long as you pay attention to what shapes work best for you, you’ll have endless clothing combinations that you can work with.
Leigh
Thanks for writing this article, I’m 17 and recently I’ve been struggling with my body image. I’m fairly muscular (I do rock climbing) and still figuring out how to dress so that it flatters it. I want to look athletic but still not draw attention to my curves, which is a difficult balance. If I wear loose stuff I look big, if I wear tight stuff I look really curvy and stuffed in. I don’t want to look either of those things.
It’s so difficult to buy clothes that actually flatter me.
I love racerback tops but unfortunately in winter that’s not really an option.
Sylvia
I’d first like to congratulate you on being fit at 17! Keep it up, because if you stay fit from a young age, you’ll stay looking young; particularly if you continue maintaining and/or building muscle. As for body image issues, I understand. Muscular girls are more rare than girls with average builds. But don’t worry, those average girls want your athletic build. They just don’t want to do the work. Body image issues are also normal when you’re young, even throughout your twenties. Clothing styles can really help. I hope my overall tips helped.
As for what to wear in the winter, sweaters can be easy. The material goes over the arms and shoulders in a way that typically does not create a widening effect. Unless you buy a sweater that is too big. I like sweaters that fit my arms snuggly, but many sweaters also have a little extra room for the arms, which helps for a muscular build. I’ve seen many muscular women in fitted sweaters and they look awesome. The main thing to do is follow the general shape guidelines in this article, and I know you’ll find more clothing options.
Ana
Thank you for this article!!
Sylvia
I’m glad you found it useful, Ana.
Lina
Thank you for sharing! I have huge muscular arms that look very unfeminine in some dresses and skirts. This was very helpful!
Heather
Great article, but wish the pictures should show muscular women.
Sylvia
Heather, I wish there were more muscular women models. I found one, from Barbell Apparel.
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Anvil 6750
Nice styles! I like your collection so much and I am so excited to try these styles. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Sylvia
Thanks for reading, Anvil 6750. 🙂
Ivette
I love this. As a relatively early-stage mtf transgender woman, shopping for tops is the hardest thing in the world to do because of all the muscle (I used to be a competitive powerlifter as a male♀️). This article made shopping for clothes so much easier, pleasant, fun, and most of all, useful!❤️
Sylvia
I’m so happy my article helped you as you transition. If you discover any tips to add to the article, please let me know. The more tips, the better for all.
Ericka Torain
Thanks. I am a mom of a 12 yr old gymnast who is just trying to figure it all out and I have trouble fitting her. This is helpful.
Sylvia
Hi Ericka, it seems like you’re really supporting your daughter in her sport and with the athletic body it has given her. I hope my tips flatter her build and make shopping easier for her. After a while, knowing what shapes flatter her best will be second nature.
social sunday
Great writing! You have a flair for informational writing. Your content has impressed me beyond words. I have a lot of admiration for your writing. Thank you for all your valuable input on this topic.
Sylvia
Thank you for the support, Social Sunday!
Laura
This is a great rundown! I’m a crossfitting mom who’s always had a muscular build – it’s gotten harder than ever to find clothes that are worth wearing out in public. 🙁 I’ll try your jeans suggestions, that’s always the hardest for me. I have a pair each from Gap and Old Navy in their “curvy” fits, which seem fine when I first put them on. The nice stretchy fabric fits over my legs – but it’s so stretch that the waist just slides right down. Bummer. I would suggest checking out tops from Old Navy. They carry most of their tops in “tall” online, and while the fit is hit or miss, I’ve had good luck getting shirts from them. The “tall” designation gives a little more width through the shoulders, as well as some extra length in the sleeve and torso, without fitting like a bag.
Sylvia
Hi Laura, I hope my jeans tips do help you. I found that jeggings work best for me, from my calves to my waist. Some jeggings aren’t perfect, however, and still leave extra space in the hip area. The best thing to do is stick with a brand and style once you find a right fit, as you have done with Old Navy and Gap pants. I’ll definitely track down some pants from those stores and update my article with your tip!
Phoebe
This is the best article I have read so far because it addresses a need that have bothered me for a long time. I have an athletic upper body (broad shoulders and very pronounced muscles) even though I don’t workout and my major concern is getting outfits that will not make my “Muscular” physique so obvious.
These tips will go a long way.
Thank you