Mens Fashion and Body Types

12:07 am Contributed by JW

We all have our set of challenges when it comes to finding clothes we find flattering on ourselves, otherwise known as dressing for your body type. But if chosen well, the right clothes can hide the features we don’t like about ourselves and accentuate our best ones. Let go through some if not all of the fashion tips to live by when dressing for body types that might be a bit challenging. Of course there are exceptions to the rules, but keep these tips in mind when putting a wardrobe or an outfit together. Tall Guys Challenges Particularly tall guys should say away from vertical stripes including pinstripes since they tend to accentuate height. Horizontal stripes and windowpane plaids are more flattering patterns. If you are thin to boot, wearing fabrics that cling is a bad idea, but wearing baggy clothes also brings attention to your svelt physique. Being tall and thin myself I have always been challenged with looking for the perfect fit in shirts, trousers, sweaters and suits.

I have found that wearing shirts that are slightly fitted with spread collars and trousers that are straight in the leg, not tapered in any way, work best. Also, sweaters with a closer fit to the body, but not fitted are more flattering. And since suits with three buttons tend to lengthen the body, stick with one and two buttons. Short Mens Benefits Short guys should avoid cuffed trousers, long suit jackets, and loud patterns. You don’t want to bring attention to your smaller stature. Pinstripes and other stripes (preferable not too bold) and dark solid colors are your best bet since they visually lengthen the body. Also, two and three buttoned suits with long lapels will give you a flattering, longer silhouette. And remember, when buttoning your suit leave the top button on two and three button suits undone since this will give the illusion of being taller.

When it comes to ties, avoid Windsor and double Windsor knots – in other words stick with small knots. This will help you avoid looking like a kid. Do you have junk in the trunk? Heavyset men shouldn’t wear bold patterns of any sort. Pinstripes and solid colors, especially dark ones, are your friends. Bulky fabrics such as tweeds should be avoided when it comes to suits, and softer wools such as gabardines and super 100’s should be embraced. Do wear suits with peaked lapels since they carry they eye upwards.