Popular theory on the most slimming fashion style debunked in new study
A new study from the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology challenges the long-held belief that horizontal stripes make wearers appear wider, finding instead that horizontal pencil stripes can create a slimming effect. The research examined how stripe direction, type, and spacing influence body perception, revealing that not all stripes have the same visual impact. Factors such as uniformity and width of stripes play a significant role in how clothing affects perceived body shape.
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Fashion & Beauty Popular theory on the most slimming fashion style debunked in new study By Asia Grace Published May 1, 2026, 12:58 p.m. ET Here’s the skinny on looking slim — horizontal stripes are in! Fashionistas of varying physiques have long been force-fed the belief that wearing horizontal stripes makes the body look short and fat. Well, that’s a big fat lie, according to eye-widening new data, debunking the antiquated myth about lined patterns and width. 9 Horizontal pencil stripes offer the highest slimming effect on the female body, according to new research. WHstudio Leushin N – stock.adobe.com “The pencil stripe style, characterized by horizontal stripes, makes the figure appear slimmer,” authors of the April 2026 study revealed.
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