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Dressing for Your Body Type
Despite Thomas Jefferson’s bold proclamation that "all men are created equal," the truth of the matter is that we come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Though the majority of the guys we see on TV and in the magazines are tall, lean, and muscular, the reality is we aren’t all built quite like that.
Depending on your specific body shape you should consider different clothing types and patterns when aiming to dress your best. Not to worry, the fact that you don’t have a physique like James Bond doesn’t mean that you can’t find racks full of stylish men’s clothing that will accentuate your most appealing features.
Note: Your body shape doesn’t impact how your clothes should fit. Whether you’re big, small, short, or tall, you should decide on outfits that fit you the way you want and inspire confidence.
Before You Shop
Before you decide which clothes are the best for you, it’s imperative that you know your body shape. Even though male bodies have fewer curves to account for than women, determining your body type is equally important when it comes to accurately picking outfits that look good on you.
Knowing what types of clothes are best for you will also cut down on the time you have to spend shopping. Understanding what to look for will have you in and out of your favorite store in a flash.
Tall
What to Shop for: Tall guys don’t want to appear looming or oversized. To achieve this, think about adding visual elements that will break up your height into smaller segments. Accessories like hats and belts are helpful, as they will add horizontal detail to your outfit.
Avoid monochromatic outfits and vertical stripes.
Short
What to Shop for: Select clothing that doesn’t overwhelm your frame, like a skinnier necktie or pants with a shorter rise (the distance between the crotch and waist). Details like vertical stripes and peaked lapels will also help draw attention upward.
Avoid horizontal elements and trying to be tall with obvious workarounds like height-adding shoes.
Stocky
What to Shop for: Opt for clothing that offers a more generous fit. Consider swapping out a belt for suspenders, to keep your pants from bunching around your midsection. Don’t attempt to squeeze any part of your frame into clothing that is too small. Dark colors are particularly slimming. When it comes to suits, consider double-breasted styles.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Slim
What to Shop for: Make a point to purchase clothes that fit your figure snugly, without sacrificing comfort. Try on some heavier fabrics. For example, herringbone or corduroy will add visual bulk to your body.
Avoid loose clothing that draws attention to your slender frame. And stay away from wide lapels on suits.
Athletic
What to Shop for: Whether you’re a serious athlete, a gym rat, or the rare winner of the genetic lottery, an athletic build comes with a distinct set of challenges. Dramatic changes in width require dress shirts to be tailored to fit the shape discrepancies between your shoulders and waist, and pants to account for broader thighs and skinnier lower legs.
Avoid untailored, shapeless clothes as they will hide some of your best assets.
Remember guys, no matter what shape or size you are, there are easy ways to make sure you’re dressed to impress!
