While we often associate the ladies with dressing for their figures, guys could use just as much help. No matter if you’re into shopping at a premium boutique or your local mall, any well-dressed man will tell you that it always comes down to fit. There’s nothing more uncomfortable (or more unflattering) than wearing clothes that don’t fit your body correctly.
With this in mind, we’ve isolated four general body types (emphasis on general), and the strategies that will help each type of guy, regardless of size or shape, look great. Before you go insane, understand that these are general rules of advice. We understand that the body profiles are broad descriptions, and like anything in life, every body is different—so when it comes to this advice, take it with a grain of salt. That said, this is How to Dress For Your Body Type.
Before we begin, understand what certain cuts of clothing do to your body.
Type 1: The Average Build
Type 2: The Inverted Triangle
Simply put, this is the athlete. This shape is similar to the trapezoid shape that the “average” build may have, but with more extreme proportions. Moderate to heavy muscle definition means that your shoulders are broad; with a narrow, defined waist, and muscular arms and legs.
While slimmer guys may find that they can throw on a medium shirt right off the rack and walk out, you need some extra assistance when it comes to shirting. Considering your chest is broad, the conventional wisdom is that you should wear a v-neck. In theory, this creates a natural visual line that narrows your chest and draws the eye to your trim waistline. While that’s all well and good, V-necks are admittedly pretty corny when not worn under something else, so instead opt for crewneck shirts that utilize graphics, or horizontal stripes. Horizontal stripes (like Breton Stripes) broaden the figure. While this is ill advised if you’re packing extra weight around your middle, the fact that your stomach is lean means that you can aesthetically add to this part of your figure without looking wide.
Always look for shirting that can accommodate your brawnier upper body, chest, and arms, while going for a tailored waist. If you’re looking for a department store trick, try going for a shirt that says “slim fit,” just buy one size larger than you normally would.
When it comes to bottoms, look for “slim” items, but not skinny. While your time on the treadmill may leave you able to fit into something skinny, you’re pants have a high chance of looking like running leggings—or worse, like you skip “leg day.” This doesn’t mean you should only wear straight leg trousers, just be mindful of when too skinny is, well, too skinny.
For suiting, opt for double breasted suits, but be cautious. Double breasted jackets make the body look bulky in the upper body, but when sculpted, can support the added visual weight of the shoulders and chest, while emphasizing a narrow waist. Think of a dark colored, unstructured suit. You want to be aesthetically supported, but not disproportionate.
Type 3: The Rectangle
Skinny as a rail, or simply narrow in build, like a rectangle this body type is straight up and down. More pointedly, the waist and the shoulders are the same width apart. This distinction makes this shape deviate slightly from an average, or athletic build, where the hips and waist are narrower than the shoulders and chest. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re skinny or undefined, it’s more of a shape that’s less likely to show muscle definition, or simply appears narrow.
The name of the game for this figure is to add definition where this is none. Adding this definition via clothing can be done in a few ways. Layering is really the simplest way to begin. With a smart layered knit, you’re adding to the upper half, while emphasizing your neutral waistline. Add a jacket to create depth and visual strength in the shoulders. These things will make you look muscular, even if you’re stick skinny.
When it comes to bottoms, you should opt for a skinnier pant. This way, you’re creating a inverted triangular line that goes from your chest to your bottom—much like the inverted triangle type. Fortunately, considering this figure is generally lean looking, you’re able to be flexible with what you wear, and still look skinny.
However, be careful when buying things off the rack, as brands that provide more generous cuts—whether they’re T-shirts are—will leave you looking swallowed up by your clothing if you’re not careful. You can (and should) look for “slim fit” items, especially when it comes to buttondowns and suit jackets. While other guys may pass on structured blazers, look for something that fills out your shoulders and chest.
And before you think that your trim physique means you don’t need to see the tailor, think again. Most clothing off the rack (particularly suits) will fit in one section, but swallow up your arms or waist. To avoid looking boxy and unbalanced, considering taking your jackets to a tailor to have the sleeves narrowed. The result will be a strong upper body, with the sculpted torso and slender leg that makes this silhouette distinctive.