Finding the perfect knitwear isn’t just about layering—it’s about the right fit. Just like choosing the right top, your knitwear should complement your body shape, enhance your best features, and keep you effortlessly stylish.
Let’s dive into this guide and discover how to choose the best knitwear for your body type and personal style!
Understanding Your Body Shape
Before choosing the perfect knitwear, understanding your body shape is key to creating a wardrobe that flatters your figure and enhances your style. While everyone’s body is unique, most shapes generally fall into these categories:
- Rectangle: Shoulders and hips are aligned with minimal waist definition.
- Triangle: Narrower shoulders with fuller hips and thighs.
- Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders and chest with narrower hips.
- Hourglass: Well-defined waist with balanced shoulders and hips.
- Apple: Fuller midsection with slimmer limbs and a less defined waist.
Keep in mind that body shapes exist on a spectrum, and many people share traits from multiple categories. Instead of rigid labels, focus on achieving balance and highlighting your best features for a confident, stylish look.
Knitwear Picks for Every Body Shape
Rectangle Shapes
For those with a straight silhouette, knitwear with texture, structure, and layering brings dimension to the overall look.
Consider peplum or belted style jerseys, chunky jumpers or textured patterns for volume, wrap or belted cardigans to define waist and cropped knit jackets.
Shop the pieces here:
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-cardigan-silver-6334b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-flower-jumper-silver-black-6315b1
Triangle Shapes
With a narrower top and fuller hips, the key to balance is drawing attention upward. Structured necklines, bold patterns, and statement details help create visual harmony, enhancing proportions effortlessly.
Suitable styles for triangle shapes include boat necks and cowl necklines to broaden the shoulders, textured or patterned tops to draw attention upward, and cropped or fitted cardigans to define the waist. 
Shop the pieces here:
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/cardigan-knitwear-black-6336b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-jacket-silver-6339b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/top-knitwear-multi-grey-19bb1
Inverted Triangle Shapes
For those with broader shoulders and narrower hips, V-neck or scoop neck jerseys help soften the upper body, while flowy, A-line, or hip-length jumpers create a balanced silhouette. Open-front or waterfall cardigans add elongation, and flared or peplum jackets help define the waist for a more proportionate look. 
Shop the pieces here:
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/top-knitwear-multi-pink-16bb1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-cardigan-royal-6334b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/jumper-knitwear-black-ivory-6343b1
Hourglass Shapes
Hourglass shapes shine in a balanced silhouette with a defined waist. Fitted and slightly structured knitwear, wrap styles that accentuate the waist, and mid-hip length jerseys and jumpers help highlight natural curves. 
Shop the pieces here:
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/jersey-knitwear-black-0011b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-jacket-black-6339b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/cardigan-knitwear-black-6336b1
Apple Shapes
Knitwear that skims the midsection and elongates the torso creates a more streamlined look. Longer hemlines and vertical ribbing enhance this lengthening effect.
For an apple-shaped body, opt for tunic-length styles, open-front designs with vertical details, and elegant draping. Cowl neck sweaters and long cardigans also help create a flattering, elongated silhouette. 
Shop the pieces here:
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/top-knitwear-multi-grey-19bb1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-cardigan-black-6334b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/touch-of-wool-jacket-black-6339b1
https://www.bfc.co.nz/products/cardigan-knitwear-claret-6336b1
Conclusion
Choosing knitwear that flatters your body shape can transform both your look and confidence. Rather than following fleeting trends, understanding your unique proportions allows you to make timeless, flattering choices that truly suit you.
At Ballentynes Fashion Central, we believe great style starts with self-awareness—embracing your natural shape with thoughtfully designed knitwear.
From womens jumpers and jerseys to cardigans and jackets, our inclusive collection is made for the NZ climate and your personal style. Shop now and enjoy free shipping on orders over $99.99!