When dressing yourself in a proper fit, it’s sometimes hard to keep in mind how to accentuate your body shape. As much as that patterned red shirt looks regal on the rack, how does it look on? It’s already hard enough trying to find clothes you like, but when it doesn’t quite fit the way you want it to, you can’t help but doubt your shape and the way you’re built. The fact is, everyone’s physique is unique and different, and your body type shouldn’t stand in the way of elevating your style.
Rather, learning to emphasize the key aspects of your build can not only keep you looking sharp but can have you feeling confident in pieces you know spotlight your best features. Recognizing a variety of body types, focusing on the value of tailoring, and dressing for the body you have now, Man of Many has your one-stop guide on how to dress for your body shape.
5 Types of Male Body Shapes
There’s several types of male body shapes, none are the same, but these are among the most common to describe different physical figures.
1. Oval Body Shape
Characterized with slim shoulders and chest, along with wider waist and slim hips, the oval is a prominent body type among men. As the focus on ovals is trying to reduce the look of the waist area, you’ll want to focus on investing in pieces that have darker tones, or vertical stripes. Getting tailor made pants can also be paired with these colors to create a slimmed look.
2. Rectangle Body Shape
Rectangles tend to be perfectly proportioned between the waist and hips. This body type is often easy to work with, and can play with prints and patterns. But be wary of vertical stripes as this can exaggerate your already rectangular shape.
3. Triangle Body Shape
The triangle shape similar to oval, has a wider waist. The shoulder area is much more narrow, so be prudent in using dark colors and try to accentuate your upper-half more, and narrow down your bottom-half.
4. Trapezoid Body Shape
With broad shoulders, wide chest, and a narrow waist, trapezoids are blessed with having one of the easiest body shapes to work with. Industry standards for off the rack clothing are usually fit to the trapezoid body typ
5. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Top heavy with an accentuated waist, this body type is usually found among men who are athletes or spend a lot of time at the gym. For an inverted triangle, most articles of clothing are flattering. However with a bigger upper body, shirts tend to sag in other areas around the abdomen. If you really want to focus on showing off your figure, invest in polo shirts or V-necks. This draws attention to the chest making your shoulders look smaller, and clothes more fitted.
Your New Best Mate: The Tailor
Once you come across an ensemble that reflects both your style and accentuates your body, it’s time to take a stop at the tailor. These absolute-clothing-know-it-alls are your one stop shop in ensuring all your pieces are custom fit. From hemming pants to make them shorter, or taking in the seams of a shirt, the tailor not only keeps your clothes fitting properly but can also serve as a great style consultant.
Now that you have your proper fit together, and you’ve become best friends with your tailor, congratulations you’re probably looking handsome as hell. All that’s left is to throw some confidence into that stride. Your body is your own, and your style demonstrates you’ve chosen to feel good in your physical build. Own it! Confidence matters.