We are not all built the same way so chances are you won’t have the same body type like anyone else you would love to imitate their style or dashing outfits from. Have you ever replicated an outfit piece by piece carefully with each detail including the colors and style and after all the effort you realize you look nothing like the guy in the picture? That’s because you overlooked the most important factor which is body type. You probably don’t have the same body type and the result is what works for him doesn’t work for you
Some basic room of thumb includes:
- Your body shape and type should take preference over fashion trends
- Dress the body you have now and not the one you hope to have in the future.
- Emphasize on your best features and divert attention from you undesirable features.
Understanding the aspects of your physique allows you to dress well and we will share a few expert tips on how to dress your unique body type.
Triangle
Most men are susceptible to being larger around the waist and hip compared to the top part of their bodies especially as they age. This builds a triangular shape with the base at the waist and the tip at the face. A triangular shape doesn’t mean you have a bad shape but it does mean a little challenge in finding clothes that makes your body look proportional because most men’s clothes are designed with the opposite body features in mind which is broad on top and narrow at the waist. The goal here is to create balance and shape with your clothes and stylishly bulk up your top part.
Vertical stripes are great for this body type because it creates a streamlined effect that slims down and elongates the upper body preferably worn from the chest upwards. You may also wear tailored patterned blazers like checked blazers and fitted waistcoats with solid trousers because the mix of solid colors and prints will create an illusion of shape taking the focus away from your large waist. Jackets with structured shoulders helps square off your frame same as tailored to fit single breasted jacket with extra room around the waist because they allow a more relaxing and slim fit. You can play with brighter colors with details and pattern around the shoulders and chest to broaden your upper half or slimming darker colors for your mid-section.
Avoid wearing fitted polo shirts or roll necks because they could make you look slender while emphasizing the roundness of your waist. Avoid skinny fits and extreme tapers because they draw attention to the center of your body.
Inverted triangle
This body type is mostly the story for men who dedicate hours at the gym every week to accentuate their shoulders and narrow their waist. It features broader chest and shoulders compared to the waist and hips.
This is perhaps the easiest or most challenging body type to dress because it is probably the ideal shape for men’s body type since most men’s clothing are made with this shape in mind alternatively, most manufacturers cater for men who are out of shape so buying clothes for this body can be a bit challenging too plus getting the proper fit since clothing that fits the shoulders could sag in other parts. The goal here is to show off your toned and fit body so, fitted clothes that reduce visual folds to emphasize on the sharp lines of your torso and clothes that adds bulk to your trim midriff to balance the proportions of your broad upper body is recommended.
This body type is mostly the story for men who dedicate hours at the gym every week to accentuate their shoulders and narrow their waist. It features broader chest and shoulders compared to the waist and hips.
This is perhaps the easiest or most challenging body type to dress because it is probably the ideal shape for men’s body type since most men’s clothing are made with this shape in mind alternatively, most manufacturers cater for men who are out of shape so buying clothes for this body can be a bit challenging too plus getting the proper fit since clothing that fits the shoulders could sag in other parts. The goal here is to show off your toned and fit body so, fitted clothes that reduce visual folds to emphasize on the sharp lines of your torso and clothes that adds bulk to your trim midriff to balance the proportions of your broad upper body is recommended.
Rectangle
Men with rectangle body shape usually have a thin and tall frame with their shoulders roughly the same width as their waist and hips. The goal here is to avoid looking like a plank of wood but to widen the shoulders and add an effect from top to down creating an illusion of structure.
Horizontal stripes across your upper body are a great choice as they add width to your slight frame. A layered look like a button-down shirt and a fine-gauge crew neck jumper can instantly add bulk to your frame. Pops of colors and prints can expand the dimensions of your slim frame and neatly tied scarves can add flesh to your upper torso.
Avoid double-breasted jackets as this does little or nothing for this body shape.
Oval
For a guy who is big, the middle of his torso is broader than his hips and shoulders. The rest of this build tends to reflect shorter and broader limbs. The goal here is to get clothes that slims and frames the body.
Vertical lines and checked patterns are great also traditional dark hues because they offer a slimming look. Suspenders are great as well as neckties to avoid ties that drapes over the bulge of the stomach. Properly sized pants and shirts with long sleeves are great to make the limbs look longer.
Avoid tight fits as it emphasizes the bulk of the body and patterns or visual clutter as they draw attention to the midsection.
Trapezoid
This body type is said to be the average build that most designer mannequins have with the waist as the narrowest point and the rib cage broadening up to the shoulders and collarbone. Mostly the trapezoid body shape is usually confused with the rectangle body shape because of their similarities but getting a measurement done and an expert set of eyes could help point out the difference. The goal here is to showcase your athletic body shape in slim and fitted clothes.
Vertical and horizontal stripes are great so you can choose which ever you need based on your height. Close fit trousers and jackets that tapers your waist is recommended as well.
Avoid baggy clothes and short, fat or oddly-sized ties as they throw off the balance of your torso.
Spending a million bucks to own a trendy wardrobe won’t make you fashionable or stylish if you don’t know which clothes complement your body type. By understanding your body frame and how to appropriately dress it, looking like a true Adonis is achievable.