Dress for your body type

Not all men are created equal! Who ever said we were, did not understand fashion or style. Our female counterparts have it much harder than we do, many more shapes and curves to take into account and try to accommodate or camouflage. But this does not mean that we do not have to pay attention or understand the basics. Remember this too, fashion refers to the clothes themselves, while the word style is how you manage and coordinate the fashions you wear. Just because something is stylish doesn’t always translate to something you should include as part of your style. Your age, situation, and body type all play a role.

Understanding your body and how to dress it to minimize your flaws and accentuate your positive attributes is crucial to your good image. The real test in determining what to buy and what to wear is always the fit of the clothing. Just because something costs an arm and a leg doesn’t mean it fits you or your shape. Don’t just buy things that you know are in fashion without analyzing whether or not the weather works for you.

There are 3 basic body types: heavy, average, and lean. There are also 3 height variations: high, medium and low. The guy who is average in build and height has it pretty easy. You can use just about anything and make it work for you. The key is to dress in clothes that fit you well. Garments should not be too big or too small. But if you don’t fit into that category, we need to take a look at you and discuss how you should dress or what you should avoid to optimize your appearance.

Heavy set:

Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns: If you have a paunch or are a bit on the “teddy bear” side, avoid horizontal stripes and patterns. Instead, choose stripes or patterns that are vertical (top to bottom), a person’s eye will follow the lines and give the visual illusion of length and a slimmer build.

· Avoid pants with pleats or tapered legs: Pleats only add extra fabric around the midsection and body. Tapered pants will cause the fabric of the pant leg to bunch up at the ankle, making you look bulkier and bigger than you are. Opt for straight, flat-front pants. This will give you a slimmer look by creating a straight line from your hips to your shoe.

Avoid shoes that are bulky or too square or round: a bulky shoe gives the illusion of weight. Instead, choose footwear that is sleek and streamlined. This will also give you a slimmer appearance.

No Large Prints or Patterns – Large prints or patterns only draw attention to their shape. Wearing shirts with a large pattern or print will only draw attention to your upper body, and if you’re trying to hide your belly, this will only do the opposite. Choose prints and patterns that are small and understated.

· No flashy or ultra bold colors: Flashy, bold colors or drastically contrasting top and bottom will only break your body’s line of sight in half. This will also draw attention to your abdomen. Instead, opt for a monochrome color scheme. This will instantly make you look 15 pounds lighter and create a perfect line from neck to toe.

· Avoid turtlenecks or crew neck shirts: this will only make you look heavier than you are. Instead, choose a neckline that is more open, such as a V-neckline. This will make you look much better and ultimately slimmer.

Skinny and tall:

· Stay away from vertical stripes: Vertical stripes will only make you look slimmer. Choose shirts that have horizontal stripes to give the appearance of volume. Horizontal stripes will make your shoulders and chest look bigger.

· Wear fitted or tailored shirts: Oversized boxy shirts will only make you look like you’re wearing a tent. Fitted shirts will create a big V-shape and give you a more muscular look. To add a bit more, wear a shirt underneath or a cape over it to add visual weight to your body.

Choose lighter colors: All black or dark shades will only make you look thinner than you are. Choose colors that are lighter in tone and ultimately give you a heavier appearance.

Shorts:

Avoid baggy pants: Baggy pants will only make you look shorter. Choose skinny or straight-leg pants to give you the look or height.

Avoid Pleated and Cuffed Pants: Pleats and cuffs will break up your body’s line of sight and ultimately make you look low. Instead, opt for flat pants without pleats to ensure a clean, crisp line from waist to toe.

Wear low-rise pants: High-rise refers to the distance between the bottom of your crotch and the top of your waist. Don’t buy regular-rise pants; instead, choose a pant designated low-rise. This will prevent a baggy or sagging crotch and give you the appearance of longer legs.

· Avoid big letters: Big letters will eat you up. Choose shirts and pants with small print to make you appear taller.

Understanding and paying attention to your body shape and structure is essential to keeping you looking your best. The reality is that we are not all the same in terms of shape and height, but the way you dress and wear your clothes will help bridge the gap.