These Fashion Mistakes Can Add 10 Pounds to Your Look

This article appeared in Pensandpatron and has been published here with permission.

These Small Changes Make All the Difference

The world of fashion is based on classic and contemporary looks that are meant to make us look and feel our best. However, if we make styling mistakes with even the smaller details in our outfit, we can end up ruining the whole look by appearing as if we’ve gained extra weight. Nobody wants this result so stay tuned to hear about these fashion mistakes to prevent the same from happening with your outfits.

The Loose Sweater and Skirt Combo

While loose sweaters are a go-to winter essential that provides great comfort to us all, this item of clothing also hides our waistline and makes our lower body appear shorter. So, when pairing our sweaters with skirts, it is imperative that we tuck the garment in.

The Loose Sweater and Skirt Combo

Otherwise, we will look frumpy like the woman in the left picture here. Also, a good trick to remember would be to pair the loose long-sleeve with a tighter skirt, in order to flatter your figure.

The Waistline Cinch

The waistline is most women’s smallest area, so it’s important not to hide this part of our bodies but rather to embrace it. As seen in the image on the left, when we wear garments that are loose and unflattering it can be deceiving and make us look bigger than we actually are.

The Waistline Cinch

That’s why we suggest either to add a belt to cinch in your waist or get your clothes altered tighter as this woman did (right-side).

Avoid Bulging

When an article of clothing causes bulging, it means that it makes you appear swollen or lumpier than you actually are. This is a look that nobody actively wants so try to avoid buying clothes that have this effect on you.

Avoid Bulging

As seen here, this black cocktail dress is making the woman appear as if she has stomach rolls and the mom jeans on the right are also guilty of the same thing.

Tuck in Your Shirt

When wearing a long-sleeve tee with a skirt like pictured here, pulling down the shirt immediately adds on imaginative extra pounds (see the left-side). This is because you have divided your figure into two pieces and given the effect of stomach rolls.

Tuck in Your Shirt

This is not a look that we want to promote as it is most unflattering and doesn’t show off the skirt well. Rather tuck in the shirt and let the skirt’s waistband give you a good cinch in.

The Best Belt for You

When it comes to trying to flatter the figure, a good rule of thumb is to opt for a thicker belt. The wideness of a chunkier belt is better for cinching in your waist.

The Best Belt for You

Also, you can wear belts that are light in color but it depends on what clothing you wear with it. If your coat is darker than the belt you are wearing, then this could make your waistline appear larger.

The Art of the Skinny Jeans

When it comes to choosing the right pair of skinny jeans for you, try to remember to choose ones that are slightly loose and that show off your ankles. Also, don’t wear shoes with jeans that contrast in color, since this will give the illusion that your legs are shorter and in return, make you look heavier.

The Art of the Skinny Jeans

Out of the two photos this lovely lady took, we feel the one on the left is more flattering as she tucked in her tee and wore cute sneakers.

Show-Off These Body Parts

When we’re feeling like we’ve picked up some pounds, our knee-jerk reaction is to try to cover ourselves up in clothes that hide as much as possible.

Show-Off These Body Parts

While we understand and empathize with this fashion choice, there are a few body parts that should never be hidden – we refer to these as the ‘thinner’ parts which include your neck, wrists, ankles, and waistline. Showing off these body parts makes us look thinner and feel more dainty.

The Coat to Skirt Dimension

A big fashion no-no that makes us look heavier is to wear a coat or raincoat that is shorter than our skirt. This is especially true with contrasting colors.

The Coat to Skirt Dimension

By wearing a coat that doesn’t cover the length of our other garment, we create the appearance of an extra layer that cuts our figure in an unflattering manner. The image here speaks for itself… So ladies, don’t forget this vital piece of information the next time you’re buying a coat.

The Right Undergarment

Wearing the right undergarment beneath your clothing will ensure that you are nicely tucked in and creates smooth lines. We’re pretty sure that nobody wants the alternative, so make a considerable effort to buy the bras, undies, and shapewear that is best fitted to what you wear on top.

The Right Undergarment

The image here shows the difference it makes when one wears the incorrect undergarment vs. the right one. The contrast between the two is very noticeable in the woman’s stomach area.

The Tracksuit Wins Here

While one would think that short shorts would always beat the tracksuit pants when it comes to what’s more flattering, that is in fact not the case here. If our shorts are too short, they can make us appear bigger. Whereas, fitted yet still breathable track pants can be very flattering (as seen on this woman).

The Tracksuit Wins Here

Another reason we are criticizing her outfit on the left was due to the childish print of the tee that draws negative attention to the stomach area.

The Rule About Lines

Vertical lines help make us appear more streamlines and longer, while horizontal ones can have the opposite effect, especially in the abdomen area. So, for this woman’s dress which displays a mix of both, it can get tricky when deciding how to accessorize it.

The Rule About Lines

This is when the dress’s length comes into play – since it is below her knees, we prefer the blazer on the right that cinches her in at the waistline.

The Pencil Skirt Principle

When choosing a flattering skirt, there is a common misconception that the short, black, and tight one is the answer. This is actually not the case since short skirts cut the lines of our legs unnaturally and even more so if it’s in a dark shade.

The Pencil Skirt Principle

Plus, the garment is uncomfortable to walk and sit in which lends itself to be impractical. Rather choose a pencil skirt that complements your shape and expresses your femininity.

The Power of a Tan

While this next one might surprise some, the power of a tan is known to give the effect of shredded weight. If you still don’t believe us, just look at the before and after display here – the difference in her legs definition is sizable.

The Power of a Tan

This is because darker skin gives the illusion of a concealed finish. Furthermore, a tan can hide unfavorable redness or bruising, which provides an added bonus. So, if you’re not feeling yourself, spray on some tan, and voila!

Don’t Overkill the Oversized Look

When rocking oversized clothes, it’s important to pay attention to the accessories you choose to wear with them. Due to the baggy nature of the garment on top, we suggest keeping your handbag and jewelry more on the daintier side.

Don’t Overkill the Oversized Look

The images here perfectly depict how the smaller accessories make all the difference by tying the outfit together and not adding extra weight to your top-half. Lastly, remember to show your wrists when wearing these oversized garments.

The Sweater Fix

While the loose sweater is beloved to many of us, our waistline would say otherwise if it could do the talking. This is because sweaters hide our waists and give the illusion of a shortened torso. A good trick to remember when styling your sweater next time is to add a belt that lifts it up and accentuates your figure.

The Sweater Fix

The before and after is quite astonishing when you realize a tiny belt was to thank for all that magic. Now, your outfit is stylish, flattering, and makes you look 10 pounds lighter!

How to Style Your Busiest Dress

When it comes to styling your looks, a fashion tip that has stood the test of time is remembering that less is more. Due to the business of the patterned dress, the jacket should help tie the look together and flatter the woman’s physique.

How to Style Your Busiest Dress

For this reason, we prefer the look on the right, as it tones down the vibrance and gives a slimming effect. However, with that being said, we do love the pop of the red on the left but feel the short cut makes the woman’s hips look bigger.

Roll it Up

When it comes to styling your outfit in the most flattering way, you’ll find that it’s all in the smaller details. Like we mentioned earlier, showing off your neck and wrists can make a difference as seen with this woman, as well as one another trick – rolling up your jeans.

Roll it Up

This styling tip is primarily for when your jeans are more on the baggier side as rolling them up allows your ankles to show. This immediately creates a thinning effect on your legs which we’re sure everyone would enjoy.

It’s All in the Fabrics

When we wear clothing that is too tight on us or has a rough material, it can make us look bigger than we actually are. That’s why it’s usually better to wear garments that are made of smooth and forgiving fabric in order to cover up any unwanted areas.

It’s All in the Fabrics

Also (as shown on the left-side here), try steering clear of square-shaped or rigid necklines as they cover up our neck area and give a boxy-effect to our chest.

The Stripe Dilemma

While it is a misconception that all vertical stripes are thinning and horizontal ones add on the pounds, the thickness of the stripes is the true indicator when it comes to what looks flattering. For example, frequently narrow stripes add dimension and can help hide our pounds, while thicker and rare stripes can hide our feminine curves and make us look dumpy.

The Stripe Dilemma

This is seen in the image here, as even though the woman on the left is sporting the infamous horizontal lines, due to their thinness and large frequency, she looks great.

The Geometric Design Downside

While geometric design patterns on garments are aesthetically-pleasing, oftentimes they leave us looking square-shaped. This is evident in the image displayed here as the same woman in two similar dresses looks way better and thinner in the plain black number.

The Geometric Design Downside

This doesn’t mean that we cannot rock garments with this design but when it comes to dresses and skirts, it’s not recommended unless the garment is short and shows off your legs.

The Trouser Fit

Ladies, trouser pants provide such a classy and sophisticated look, especially for work attire. The key to wearing the right pair is all in the fit. As seen on the left side here, the beige trousers seem to swim on the woman and make her appear larger.

The Trouser Fit

Whereas, the black pair on the right have a complementary effect on her because they are better fitted to her legs. See how the pants tighten in the middle and then flow out towards the hemline? Now, that is a great fit!

The Shoe Details

Heels have the great power to make us look taller and in doing so, we appear thinner. However, the type of heel we pick to wear should be a well-thought-out decision. In the image displayed below, while the two pictures look very similar, the heels differ slightly in style.

The Shoe Details

The ones on the left are the classic peep-toe stiletto, while the ones on the right have less of a platform and have that strap across the ankle. Unfortunately, this ankle-strap adds an odd dynamic to her ankles and gives an unflattering effect to her legs.

The Smartest Smart Jacket

A smart jacket can spruce up any outfit and give a more formal appearance. We believe they’re a closet must-have for this very reason. And while we actually think both jacket displays look nice here, the obvious winner for us is the plain white one, due to its shortened length.

The Smartest Smart Jacket

The smart jacket is supposed to create a square frame on our shoulders, so the most flattering choice here would be to wear one that still accentuates your bottom frame.

The Kimono Rule

The Kimono comes from Chinese fashion during the Wu dynasty dating back to many centuries ago. The garment appears similar to the style of a silk robe except it has become more day-time acceptable over time. And today, the kimono is a beloved fashion feature for outfits on-the-go.

The Kimono Rule

However, one must remember to wear a long-cut one as shown here on the left. Otherwise, the garment just looks like a flowy cardigan that would make anyone look chunkier. Plus, the whole point of it is to reflect a robe so the long length is necessary.

How to Pair Your Loose Jeans

If you opt to wear looser jeans, then how you pair them will determine if your outfit will be flattering on you or not. On the left-side here, there are a few styling mistakes that led to the woman looking frumpy.

How to Pair Your Loose Jeans

Firstly, she chose to wear a tee that covered her decolletage and then wore an oversized cardigan over that. A good rule of thumb to remember if you’re going to wear loose jeans is to ensure your chest is slightly exposed as she smartly did on the right-side.

The Shape of Sunglasses

Believe it or not, even wearing the wrong shape of sunglasses can make us look bigger than we are. That’s why it is imperative to wear the right pair for your facial structure. The fashion rule of thumb here is to wear the shape that actually contrasts with your face.

The Shape of Sunglasses

For example, if you have a more circular-shaped face, then opt for a square-styled pair of sunnies like this Gucci pair as indicated here. While the round sunnies are stylish, they are not fit for everyone’s face shape.

The Beltloop Tuck

Do you have a top or blouse that’s just a bit too long or baggy on you, so you never really wear it? Whether or not you spent a lot of money on it makes no difference. Either way, it would be a shame to get rid of it.

The Beltloop Tuck

Luckily, we have the ultimate hack for you — all you’ll need is that baggy shirt and a pair of pants or shorts with belt loops. Simply thread the extra fabric at the bottom of the shirt through one of the belt loops on the side. Then, take the tail of the shirt that’s been looped through and tuck it into your pocket.

Opt for Well-Fitted

No matter your size, it’s important to find clothes that fit you. Many people opt for larger clothing in order to hide certain areas of their bodies that they feel less comfortable showing off, like their tummy or midsection. In reality, though, this habit can make you look much bigger than you actually are.

Opt for Well-Fitted

Rather than choosing a loosely-fitting dress as shown in the picture, try well-fitted clothes that take the attention away from your midsection, but still define your waist.

The Power of Posture

This next fashion mistake isn’t even about fashion per se but has a lot to do with looking bigger. Learning to stand with correct posture can help elongate us and actually make us appear taller and thinner.

The Power of Posture

While the example shown here is rather dramatic, it does get the point across that having a bad stance can make our bellies look bigger and our bodies shorter. So ladies, remember to stand up straight with your shoulders back!

The Side Tuck

We’ve all heard the saying, “Less is more.” Well, that sentiment definitely applies to fashion, too! It really doesn’t take much to give a simple outfit that extra oomph you’re looking for.

The Side Tuck

Take a side tuck, for example. Not only does this kind of tuck create a bit of shape, but it also adds some flair to minimal outfits, like jeans and a sweater.

Winter Essentials

When it comes to dressing for winter, obviously our main priority is to keep warm. However, with that being said, we still want to look fashionable and wear items that are favorable to our figure. So, while we feel most cozy in an oversized sweater, it is also the garment that makes us look the frumpiest.

Winter Essentials

A good alternative would be to try an oversized cardigan that is long in length like the one shown here. Pair this number with a fitted top, and you are ready to rock the winter.

The Higher the Heel

You know that iconic phrase, “the higher the heel, the closer you are to heaven?” Well, we’re big enthusiasts of it because high heels truly do make us appear taller and as a result, our legs look longer. The proof is in the picture here on the right.

The Higher the Heel

While we still feel the woman on the left has rocking legs, we do feel that the straps on the shorter heels also contribute to why she looks shorter. Remember to show off our god-given lovely ankles!

Printed Pants

Printed pants are a great substitute for plain black or grey trousers, however, the size of the print will determine its success. Try to remember that larger prints make the person wearing them look bigger, while smaller prints give a thinning effect.

Printed Pants

That is why the tiny flower print on the left-side is recommended over the pretty pink pattern. While we can admire large and dramatic prints, that doesn’t mean they need to be displayed on our pants.

Don’t Give Up on “Frumpy” Pieces

If you have an article of clothing that you really love but it’s a bit frumpy or unflattering, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up on it altogether. Most clothing items can be made to look chic with the right accessories or tailoring.

Don’t Give Up on “Frumpy” Pieces

Cinching the waist with a belt can make a shapeless dress flattering. Pairing an old-fashioned dress with a modern-looking jacket can make you look younger. In short, don’t give up on the clothes that you love.

Going Dark With Makeup

Wearing heavy dark makeup, as opposed to a lighter fresher look, can make you appear both heavier and older. A lot of dark makeup can drag down the overall aesthetic of your face and make all of your features look larger, including features you don’t necessarily want to be enhanced.

Going Dark With Makeup

Your best bet is to have just one facial feature with dark makeup and keep the rest light. For example, if you opt for a smokey eye then don’t go for a dark lip as well.

Cardigan Length

Keeping a long cardigan untucked can make your hips look wider and can create the illusion of a short torso. The simple act of tucking in a cardigan can accentuate your waist and create an overall slimmer and chicer aesthetic.

Cardigan Length

Add in a belt to cinch your waist and a jacket or unbuttoned blouse to complete the look, and you’ll be good to go! Bonus points if the jacket or unbuttoned blouse is on the longer side, as that will elongate your torso and have a slimming effect.

It’s All in the Details

Changing a few small details in an outfit can completely alter your overall look. Simply unbuttoning the topmost buttons of your blouse can elongate your neck, as well as make you look less stern.

It’s All in the Details

A belt that perfectly matches your dress (meaning, it came with the dress itself) can be boring and the lack of a break in color can make you appear frumpy. Instead, use a different belt in a matching color.

Wearing All Black

Yes, black is a slimming color. However, overdoing it and making sure that your entire wardrobe is strictly black can create the vibe of someone who’s trying a little too hard.

Wearing All Black

Think about someone who wears an obscene amount of foundation — you’d probably assume that they have some acne or something else they’re trying to cover up. Wear slimming black if you want to, just make sure not to overdo it. Every now and then, throw in some other colors.

Tight and Stretchy Jeans

Yes, we want jeans that are form-fitting and show off our lovely curves. It’s also true that we want jeans that are stretchy and comfortable, so we can move around in them.

Tight and Stretchy Jeans

That being said, we don’t want jeans that are so tight and stretchy that our thighs look like they may pop out at any second! A general rule of thumb is to buy jeans with at least 2% of elastic fiber and pants need to have a minimum of 4% elastic fiber.

Draw Attention Upward

If you have a larger midsection and want to divert attention elsewhere, a stylish blazer can most definitely do the trick! This look brings the eye upward, away from one’s tummy. Furthermore, the sleek lines of the blazer have a slimming effect by creating vertical lines along the silhouette.

Draw Attention Upward

Just remember to tuck your lower layer shirt into your jeans or skirt, so that it doesn’t bunch up or create rolls under the blazer.

Say “No” to Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks may hide any excess around the neck area but they also create a larger look overall. Turtlenecks add bulk to the upper body, which can be especially problematic for those with broader shoulders.

Say “No” to Turtlenecks

This type of top will draw attention to your jawline which can be a positive or negative thing, depending on how happy you are with that part of your body. On a similar note, turtlenecks tend to make women’s chests appear larger — which can be a good or bad thing.

Glasses Frames Can Change the Game

If you wear glasses on a regular basis, it may be worth investing in an updated pair if you want to make over your look. Thick-framed glasses can make a person’s face appear larger as well as older.

Glasses Frames Can Change the Game

A delicate frame, however, is likely to be less intrusive on one’s face. Similarly, simple and light-colored frames can be extremely flattering. Dark-colored frames with a lot of embellishments can make the face look heavier.

Location Is Everything

By now, we all know the importance of tucking in our shirts for a slimming and chic look. However, it’s not enough to just tuck in your top — you have to tuck it in the right place.

Location Is Everything

Shirts that are tucked in too low, or tucked into sagging pants, will make you look plump as it appears that your belly is pushing the pants down (even if it’s not). Make sure to get pants that fit at your waist and tuck your shirt in well above the hips.

Dainty Jewelry for a Dainty Look

If your jewelry is big and loud, then your aesthetic will be big and loud. Similarly, if your jewelry is delicate and classy, that’s the vibe that you’re more likely to give off.

Dainty Jewelry for a Dainty Look

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a large-than-life persona but if that’s not the look you’re going for, then chunky jewelry may not be the best choice for you. If you want to make an entrance, though, big jewelry may just be the way to go!

Tent Tops Are a No-No

Tent tops are called ‘tent tops’ for a reason and their name alone should be enough to discourage people from wearing them. If you like the look of a flowy, light shirt, then opt for a loose shirt that has a bit more to the cut.

Tent Tops Are a No-No

We recommend a form-skimming shirt that won’t look like a literal tent but won’t be completely form-fitting either. Like most things in life, loose shirts are best in moderation.

Flared Shorts Are Your Friend

Shorts that are tight and straight-legged can be unflattering and create the illusion of a thicker thigh. However, if you opt for flared shorts, then your legs will look far slimmer in comparison. Since they’re looser, they’ll most definitely be more comfortable too.

Flared Shorts Are Your Friend

Flared shorts create a bit more of a diverse aesthetic, which is flattering to those who want to accentuate their curves. Straight-legged shorts, on the other hand, create the illusion that your leg doesn’t have any shape to it.

Matchy-Matchy

Unless you’re in grade school, the matchy-matchy look is never flattering. Not only is it boring but if all your clothes are the same pattern, it can make you appear larger than you are because it’s so much of the same aesthetic.

Matchy-Matchy

Instead, try to wear just one patterned piece. Another option, which is way more fun, would be to play with different patterns within the same outfit. Clothes that “clash” in an artistic way can look incredibly stylish!

Pay Attention to Pockets

Pockets can make someone look wider, especially if you plan to utilize said pockets and store various items in them. Pay attention to pocket placement — do the pockets draw attention to your stomach or some other area you don’t want to be emphasized?

Pay Attention to Pockets

The shape of your pockets is important, too. Are the pockets large and sagging outward, making you look wider? Or are they sleek and tucked in, so as not to add any bulk?

The Fit and Flare Dress

When it comes to flattering dress styles, the winner is without a doubt, the classic fit and flare dress (as shown on the right-side). The shape cinches us in at our smaller area and then flares out to hide our wider section.

The Fit and Flare Dress

The difference between this fit and the gapping bodycon dress (as shown on the left-side) is quite remarkable on this beautiful model. While her beauty is evident in both photos, the fit and flare number really complements her physique.

Which Boot is Better?

When it comes to choosing the most flattering boot to complete our look, adding a little heel never hurts (well, unless the heel is uncomfortable and then it actually does).

Which Boot is Better?

The great benefit of a heel is that it gives us more height and in return, makes us appear thinner. Plus, the shoe on the left here allows the ankles to still be seen which we now know is a great fashion tip.

Same, Same but Different

While we ourselves took a minute to figure out the difference between the images here, once we did, we realized the power of a fresh haircut. The woman here is wearing the exact same outfit but her shorter hairdo in the right image truly makes her appear lighter.

Same, Same but Different

This is because more of her chest and shoulder area is now exposed which is known to be more flattering. So girls, the next time you’re feeling like you need a change or want to shed some pounds, take yourself first to the hairdresser.

The Maxi Dress

It is a fashion myth that women with heavier mid-sections should wear wide, tent-like dresses like the one shown on the right here. While this doesn’t mean that the bodycon fit is the only way to go, there is a more flattering style that we want to promote – the empire waistline.

The Maxi Dress

As seen on the dress on the left, the fit slightly tightens above the waist area before flowing down. This shape helps flatter the female body and helps hide the unwanted parts.

Knowing Your Shirts

If you’re attempting to hide some pounds, wearing a shirt without buttons (like pictured on the left-side here), will not aid you in your quest. In fact, it will have the opposite effect on you and make you look frumpy.

Knowing Your Shirts

We recommend rather to wear a shirt with buttons that you can leave open with a plain tee underneath (as seen on the right-side). Now you have yourself a chilled yet lengthened look that flatters your figure more.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Some of the World’s Most Recognizable Logos

Although many logos might seem random at first, they are all usually carefully thought out and usually have more than one meaning hidden in them. Let’s take a look at the hidden meanings behind some of the most recognizable logos around the world.

Airbnb

While it resembles a paperclip, the Airbnb logo represents the four primary values that Airbnb holds – a head that represents users, a location symbol that represents housing and lodging, a heart that represents love, and the letter “A”, the first letter of Airbnb.

Airbnb

Haribo

We’ll be honest here – if you haven’t had a Haribo gummy bear yet, you need to buy yourself a pack right now. The gummy bear is not the only thing that makes Haribo stand out. Its unique name comes from the first two letters of the name of its founder, Hans Riegel, and his hometown, Bonn. Its logo comes from Bonn too. Haribo began when Hans sold sweets at funfairs, which featured dancing bears. Hans added the bear to his logo, and, thus, their mascot was born.

Haribo

MasterCard

For the statistics buffs out there, MasterCard’s logo is an interesting one. The international financial corporation’s logo looks like a Venn diagram – with two circles intersecting in the middle. The designer used color psychology in its logo, making every part of the logo matter. The red in the left circle stands for bravery and passion, and the yellow circle on the right symbolizes prosperity. The two colors meet in the middle, which is the ideal place MasterCard wants their customers to be.

MasterCard

Subway

It’s hard to find a single person in America who hasn’t had a Subway sandwich. At first glance, the logo seems fairly simple – written in green and yellow, with two arrows pointing outwards. The arrows exist for a reason, though – they symbolize the entrance and the exit of a subway, telling you that you can eat Subway on a subway. The green and yellow play a role as well. The green stands for healthy good, and the yellow for the enjoyment you’ll get out of it.

Subway

NBC

The National Broadcasting Corporation, or NBC, is one of the oldest television networks in America, founded way back in 1926. Its logo is a pretty unique one – shaped like a peacock with a multitude of colored feathers. The logo has a long history, though. It was developed during the time when color TV was first introduced in the US, and the logo was designed to motivate customers to switch to color television. The owners wanted to represent that the company was “as proud as a peacock” for introducing a color system in their shows.

NBC

Le Tour De France

The Tour De France is one of the most popular bicycling races worldwide. It is chiefly held in France, although it passes through other countries sometimes as well. If you take a close look at its logo, you’ll notice that the letter “r” looks like a bicyclist. There’s also a second symbol hidden. The yellow circle that looks apparently like the wheel of the bicycle also represents the sun, indicating the race is only held in the daytime.

Le Tour De France

Amazon

You must live in a cave if you haven’t heard of Amazon. The company, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, started as an online bookstore, but soon grew into one of the largest marketplaces for online shopping. Their logo is simply the word “Amazon” with a yellow arrow underneath. The arrow is carefully placed between “a” and “z” – meaning that they sell all products from a to z. The arrow also looks like a smile, which represents the happiness of its users.

Amazon

Hershey’s Kisses

Hershey Kisses are a favorite candy for many kids and adults alike. Its unique shape, along with its delicious filling, leaves the aftertaste long after you’re done eating. So, we would all want an extra free Hershey Kiss, right? You can totally find one – all you have to check is the front of the bag. Notice the space between “K” and “I” in the logo? It’s shaped like a Hershey Kiss! Okay, you can’t actually eat it, but it’s still a pleasure to your eyes, no doubt about that.

Hershey’s Kisses

TripAdvisor

Speaking of travelers, TripAdvisor is a favorite for many, as it allows people to choose, rate, and review their destinations. The destinations could be anything – starting from a popular landmark to the best salad restaurant in the city. TripAdvisor’s logo looks like an owl, a bird known for its knowledge and wisdom. Its eyes are colored green and red, representing the two choices a traveler must make – to go or not to go.

TripAdvisor

Vaio

Originally a brand of Sony, Vaio stands for Visual Audio Intelligent Organizer. Located in Japan, Vaio produces personal computers and smartphones that have become a favorite of many users around the world. Its logo is a strange one, with the “V” and “A” of the text joined together in a wavy line. The “V” and “A” look like an analog wave, whereas the “I” and “O” represent 1 and 0 – the numbers that denote a digital signal. This is definitely a nod to all the electrical engineers who work there!

Vaio

Northwest Airlines

One of the oldest airlines in the United States, Northwest Airlines Corp. was founded way back in 1926. Its logo is a masterpiece and comes with a couple of hidden surprises. Although the logo seems fairly bland at first, if you look carefully on the left, you’d see that the logo features both an “N” and a “W” hidden in negative spaces. If you take a look at the triangular part of the “N”, you’ll see that it points north-west as if the circle is a compass.

Northwest Airlines

Dell

When it comes to personal desktop computers and laptops, Dell is one of the first brands that comes to everyone’s mind. Its logo is fairly simple – a circle with DELL written inside, except that the “E” is slightly tilted. The tilt is there for a reason, though. The founder, Michael Dell, wanted to “turn the world on its ear” with his new-found company, and that is why he decided to turn the “E” slightly.

Dell

Tostitos

“Bringing the Party” – you’ve probably heard of the tagline numerous times if you’re a fan of tortilla chips. That’s literally what the company does. Now, the next time you’re shoving chips in your face, take a look at the company’s logo. You’ll notice that, between the two “t”s, there’s a bowl of chips in the dot of the “i.” Tostitos sure knows how to help the chips-lovers party, and they do it exceptionally well.

Tostitos

National Geographic

National Geographic started off as a magazine and soon grew to be a television channel, specializing in nature and wildlife documentaries. Its logo is a straightforward yellow rectangle, but the logo contains much more depth. The rectangle symbolizes a door, opening a world of knowledge about nature and science. The yellow color represents the color of the sun – the source of energy for the entire world. Once you know the meaning, the logo seems strangely apt for a company dedicated to nature.

National Geographic

Gillette

Founded all the way back in 1901, Gillette is now owned by the multinational company Procter & Gamble. It is a popular brand for men worldwide, with their deodorants and colognes.  However, their main specialty has always been their shaving accessories. Gillette boasts sharp razors that make shaving a breeze. Maybe this is why you’ll notice that there is a slit between the “G” and the “I” in the logo – representing that they are able to cut anything. The next time you’re shaving your beard or your hair, maybe keep that in mind and be extra careful.

Gillette

GameCube

The GameCube was a video game console launched by the video game company Nintendo in 2001, and it took the world by storm. The GameCube was the first console that used optical discs as a storage system. Its logo looks very sleek and stylish, but it has meanings hidden in it as well. The outer cube looks like a large “G”, but if you look at the negative space, you will notice a smaller “C” as well. This is there to indicate the first letters of the two words of the console.

GameCube

BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke, more commonly known as BMW, is a German automotive company that dates way back to 1916. The original logo of BMW primarily consisted of the colors, blue and white – the same colors of the Bavarian flag. That’s not all that is interesting about the logo, though. If you concentrate on the inner circle of the logo, you can see a spinning propeller. It is thought that this similarity was intentional, due to the company’s aviation history back in the 1920s.

BMW

LG

LG Corporation is a South Korean multinational conglomerate, recognizable around the world for its electronic devices and home appliances. Its logo is a dark-pink circle with an “L” and a “G” embedded within. However, the logo also represents a human face. The “L” symbolizes the nose of the human, and the “G” makes up the rest of the face. This makes the brand more approachable, as the logo’s human-like features make customers more attracted to the company.

LG

FedEx 

Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, FedEx is an amazingly popular delivery service. Its logo is one of the most recognizable ones in the world, having been plastered on all of its trucks and planes. The logo seems very boring at first – it is simply the word “FedEx” written in blue and orange. However, hidden in the negative space between the “E” and the “x” is an arrow, which indicates speed and precision. This is exactly what the company takes pride in.

FedEx

Wendy’s

When it comes to American fast food, the most popular name you’ll hear besides McDonald’s and Burger King is Wendy’s. Founded in 1969 in Ohio, Wendy’s has become an extremely popular option for many Americans for its cheap, good food. If you look at the collar of the girl in the Wendy’s logo, you’ll be able to make out the word “Mom”. This was intentionally designed, to represent homemade food just like that of a mom.

Wendy’s

Beats

The logo for Beats by Dr. Dre looks very simple – a “b” that is surrounded by a circle – but looks can be deceiving. There’s more to the brand logo than Dr. Dre lets on. If you look hard enough, you’ll see that the circle represents a human head and the “b” looks like a headphone, accurately representing the company’s high-quality headphones. This allows the customers to see themselves in the logo and be more attracted to the brand.

Beats

The Pittsburgh Zoo

One of the major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States, the Pittsburgh Zoo is a must-visit attraction for tourists in Kansas. The zoo’s logo is a serene one – representing a huge tree with birds flying around. Whilst the black part of the logo stands out on its own, that’s not all there is to it. In the white space of the logo, you’ll notice a lion and a gorilla staring at each other, probably getting ready for a brawl. Who would win in a fight between them will remain a mystery to us though.

The Pittsburgh Zoo

Vodafone

The British mobile service company Vodafone is a favorite of many due to their creative advertisements and a strong network. Their logo however is somewhat bizarre, and it leaves many designers baffled. Many people mistake it for an earpiece, but the logo actually represents an open quotation mark i.e. the beginning of a conversation. In other words, with Vodafone, you can talk to your friends any time for as long as you want.

Vodafone

British Blind Sport

The British Blind Sport is a charity that aims to make sports and other recreational activities more accessible to the blind and the partially sighted people in the UK. The logo seems to be that of a British flag that is split in the middle. At first look, you might think that it had been done to make the words easier to read, but if you concentrate further, you’ll notice that the cavity in the middle is shaped like an eye – apt for a charity that deals with helping the blind.

British Blind Sport

Bronx Zoo

We’ve got to admit – logo designers for zoos are pretty creative. Take the logo for the Bronx Zoo of New York, for example. The Bronx Zoo is the largest zoo in a metropolitan area in the United States, and its logo features giraffes, the tallest animals on the planet. If you concentrate between the legs of the giraffes, though, you’ll notice the skyline of New York – home to some of the largest skyscrapers in the world. There’s no doubt that this was intentional.

Bronx Zoo

Goodwill

A non-profit organization centered in Boston, Goodwill aims at providing jobs, employment, and other community-based programs to people who have a barrier to entry. Its logo looks like an overly zoomed “G” on a blue background, and it makes sense – the “G” matches with the font for “goodwill” used underneath. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the “G” looks like the cropped out smiling face of a person. The logo is supposed to make you happy, although it is a bit creepy if you look for too long.

Goodwill

Orbit

Wrigley’s Orbit is a chewing gum pack that comes in packs of 14 and leaves your breath mint fresh. The Wrigley Company put some thought into designing the logo of Orbit. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the “O” in Orbit isn’t written like the rest of the text – it is split in the middle into two different colors. One of them is darker than the other. The “O” ingeniously represents the day and night cycle that a planet goes through whilst rotating on its orbit.

Orbit

Atlanta Falcons

For graphic designers, the logo of the NFL team Atlanta Falcons has to be one of the coolest ones out there. For a team that is named Falcons, it makes sense that their logo would be that of a bird. However, the logo is so much more than that. The symbol that looks like a red falcon at first sight also represents the letter “F” – the first letter of the word Falcon. Their cool logo should be a good enough reason to support them in the next season.

Atlanta Falcons

Washington State University

Hidden meanings in logos are not just limited to corporate companies or NFL teams; universities put their own spin on them as well. Back when Washington State University was still a college, Randall Johnson, an art major at WSU, designed the logo with the letters “WSC” for the university. The logo was shaped to look like a cougar head, after the Washington State Cougars. When the institution gained university status, the logo was changed to “WSU,” but the cougar head remains.

Washington State University

Adidas

We’ve all heard of Adidas. The popular sportswear manufacturing brand has been the sportswear solution of many athletes worldwide, starting from track and field to soccer and basketball. When its three-striped logo was originally designed in 1967, it wasn’t supposed to mean anything. However, in the 1990s, the stripes were slightly slanted to represent a mountain, which in turn, represents obstacles that consumers can overcome with Adidas.

Adidas

Museum of London

We think that this is one of the most interesting logos on the list. What do you think of when you hear the word “museum”? Old statues and broken vessels over a thousand years old? The Museum of London challenges the notion with its bright colors and organic shape. The logo however has an interesting meaning behind it. It represents how the geography of London has changed over time and symbolizes the changes that all people have and will go through.

Museum of London

Unilever

A British-Dutch multinational company, Unilever is now a popular name in every household. They produce a myriad of products, starting from cosmetics to soaps and even energy drinks. You might find it hard to keep track of everything they produce. Luckily, Unilever has an easy solution for you. The seemingly random symbols on its logo consist of everything they have ever produced, all within the huge “U”.

Unilever

Pinterest

The entire point of Pinterest is to “pin” things that you’ve come upon randomly whilst browsing the web. These may include DIY recipes, or even memes – anything that has caught your interest. This is where the name Pinterest comes from – it pins your interests. If you look closely, you’ll see it in the logo as well. The “P” is shaped like a pin, making the logo true to the company’s name.

Pinterest

Formula One

The highest form of single-seater auto racing, Formula One is a race that many automotive fans have great enthusiasm for. They changed their logo recently, but before that, their logo looked like a black “F” with a red race flag beside it. However, in the whitespace between the “F” and the flag, you’ll be able to make out the shape of a “1,” making the logo complete and true to its name.

Formula One

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and is a favorite for many users. We bet that many of you may even be reading this article from a Firefox browser right now! Take a quick look at the icon. You might think it represents a fox, but it’s actually a red panda. According to the company, they relate to the red panda in the sense of their uniqueness, as the red panda is equally rare and endangered.

Mozilla Firefox

Bacardi

Do you know the name of the largest private spirits company in America? It’s Bacardi. Surprisingly though, their logo has nothing to do with drink but rather features a bat. The history behind it is quite amazing. The wife of the co-founder saw a bat in a factory of Bacardi. She decided that this was some sort of lucky sign, and convinced the co-founder to put a bat on the logo. That’s a pretty awesome story and resulted in a really unique and memorable logo.

Bacardi

Coca-Cola

In this list of seemingly intentional, intelligent, carefully designed logos, here’s one that’s completely accidental. Coca-Cola has been a popular drink worldwide for decades, but it was much later that someone from the company realized that within the Coca-Cola logo, the Danish flag was embedded. Once it was discovered, they took full advantage of it. They set up a publicity stunt in Denmark’s largest airport, where they greeted people with flags. Come to think of it, giving people cans of coke would’ve been much better, though.

Coca-Cola

Toblerone

The Swiss chocolate company is a favorite of many sweet-toothed people around the world. Founded just beside the Alps, it’s no surprise that the Toblerone would feature the Matterhorn mountain – one of the largest mountains in Europe. Take a moment, and look at the negative space in the mountain. You’ll notice that a bear is hidden within the logo. Apparently having bears in the mountains is a good indication that you need chocolate.

Toblerone

Sun Microsystems

An old technology company founded in America, Sun Microsystems specializes in computers, components, and software. You’re usually advised not to look directly at the sun, but we can make an exception this time. No matter how you look at the logo of Sun Microsystems, you’ll be able to read the word “Sun” from every direction. We suppose, it means that they are ubiquitous and have all directions covered. The sun is the center of our solar system after all!

Sun Microsystems

My Fonts

Based in Woburn, Massachusetts, My Fonts is a go-to for many graphic designers around the world. Launched in 1999, My Fonts is an online font distributor with a huge collection of fonts for its users to choose from. If you take a close look at the “My” part of the logo – you’ll see that it looks like a hand. The hand inside the logo was intentional, representing that the user can get their hands on any font they like.

My Fonts