How to Wear a Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit can be a mesmerizing piece that looks both polished and sophisticated. For women with pear-shaped figures, a fitted jumpsuit that is cinched at the waist will draw attention to the upper body and balance out wider hips and thighs. A strapless neckline or off-the-shoulder style is also ideal for balancing a narrow bust.
Origins
Jumpsuits may be described as “fearsome,” “sexy,” or even “ass-kicking,” but they also have an amazing ability to adapt to whatever the wearer’s needs are. Originally created in 1919, Florentine designer Elsa Schiaparelli gave the all-in-one body garment fashion chops by designing a number of elegant one-pieces for pilots and parachutists. Then came WWI air raid pyjamas that women took up as their new workwear (Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of patriotism). By 1937 Katharine Hepburn gave the utilitarian look its Hollywood cred, wearing a silk jumpsuit with polka-dot headband to play a factory worker in her film Stage Door. Then in the 1950s, American designers such as Bonnie Cashin started experimenting with evening jumpsuits but it would take another decade before they went mainstream.
During the ’60s, Pauline Trigere made them a staple for dancers and rock musicians, and they popped up in Vogue—including a black jersey jumpsuit designed by Guy Laroche—in September 1964. By the ’70s, they were one of disco’s hottest items, worn by Cher and the ladies of Charlie’s Angels.
The jumpsuit continues to evolve, with a range of styles for different occasions. For instance, it became a common outfit for actors playing characters from the future on Star Trek (or a futuristic version of the ’70s glam rock era). The uniform uni-garment has become a symbol of a forward-looking society that has moved beyond superficial concerns, but it also harks back to a time when manual laborers wore the same sort of work clothes.
Styles
Jumpsuits are available in many different styles to match any occasion and outfit. They can be fitted, cinched at the waist, flared, or wide-legged. The right style can help you look taller, slimmer, or sexier. Some styles are also available in a variety of colors and prints. For example, a striped jumpsuit can create a nautical feel, while a solid-colored jumpsuit can be more classic.
The material is also important when choosing a jumpsuit. A stiffer material can add structure to a jumpsuit, while a softer material will make it more flowing. The fabric also influences how the jumpsuit fits on your body. A jumpsuit jumpsuit with a high neckline or wide shoulders will draw attention to your upper body, while a lower-body-heavy design will balance out your figure.
There are also a variety of outerwear options that you can pair with your jumpsuit to create the perfect look. A denim jacket can give your outfit a casual look, while a blazer or cape will add a more formal edge. You can even wear a long coat with a jumpsuit to stay warm on cool days.
Fabrics
Depending on the intended use, jumpsuits can be made from a wide range of textiles. Lighter fabrics can help keep wearers cool, while heavier materials provide warmth and durability. A cozy, pajama-adjacent design might call for a stretchy jersey knit, while a more formal look may require linen or cotton.
In the second half of the 20th century, as jumpsuits moved away from their utilitarian roots into fashion wear, they became skinnier in stretch knits and bolder with details such as power shoulders and halter necklines. Some women’s jumpsuits were sleek and fitted, influenced by the draping of evening gowns. These styles became popular with rock stars and jet-setters, and echoed contemporary fashion trends.
For ease of movement, consider a jumpsuit made jumpsuit from a lightweight fabric such as jersey or spandex. A stretch stitch is best for seams that need to flex. For a polished appearance, try to minimize wrinkles by removing them immediately after wearing and keeping the garment out of direct sunlight during storage.
When determining how much fabric to buy, start by measuring your waist, hips and inseam. Then, add inches to each measurement to find the total size of your desired jumpsuit. You’ll also need to account for seam allowances when calculating the amount of fabric you’ll need.
Getting Started
If you have never worn a jumpsuit before, it may take some time to get used to it. However, once you master this style, it will become your go-to outfit for work or errands during the week. Start by choosing a jumpsuit that fits you well. You will want the fit to be snug around the shoulders and chest, and looser on the legs and crotch. You will also want to choose a length that is appropriate for the shoes you plan on wearing it with. If you are going to wear it with heels, try it on while wearing your heels so that you can see how the length looks and if it needs to be hemmed.
It is important to know how to use the restroom when wearing a jumpsuit, as you will not be able to unzip or undo it at the waist. Practice using the toilet in your jumpsuit at home before you wear it out to ensure that you can navigate this challenge successfully. You should also choose a jumpsuit with easy access to the crotch area, such as one that has a zipper, buttons, snaps, or ties on the front and back.
If you are going to dress up your jumpsuit for an event, consider adding a fabulous jacket or blazer on top of it. A blazer can take your outfit from casual to chic in no time. You can also add a belt to your jumpsuit to help define your waist and make you appear slimmer, especially if it is fitted at the waist.
