Dressing for your body type
Not all men were created equal! Who ever said we were, didn’t understand fashion or style. Our female counterparts have it much harder than we do, many more shapes and curves to be aware of 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 clothing itself, while the word style is the way you manage and coordinate the fashion you wear. Just because something is styled doesn’t always translate into 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 true 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 will fit you or your shape. Don’t just buy things you know are in style without analyzing whether or not the weather works for you.
There are 3 basic body types: heavy, average, and thin. There are also 3 height variations: tall, medium, and short. The guy who is average in build and height has it pretty easy. You can use almost 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 analyze you and analyze how you should dress or what to avoid to optimize your appearance.
Heavy set:
Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns: If you have a belly 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 just add extra fabric around the midsection and body. Tapered pants will cause the fabric on the pant leg to bunch up at the ankle, making you look bulkier and bigger than you are. Opt for straight pants with a flat front. This will give you a slimmer appearance by creating a straight line from the hip to the 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 just draw attention to your 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 tummy, this will only do the opposite. Choose prints and patterns that are small and understated.
No flashy or ultra-bold colors: Loud, bold colors or drastically contrasting tops and bottoms will only break your body’s line of sight in half. This will also draw attention to your abdomen. Instead, opt for a monochromatic color scheme. This will instantly make you look 15 pounds lighter and create a perfect line from neck to toe.
· Avoid turtlenecks or round-necked 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 thinner. Choose shirts that have horizontal straps to give the appearance of volume. Horizontal stripes will make your shoulders and chest look bigger.
· Wear fitted or fitted shirts: Big boxy cut shirts will just make you look like you’re wearing a tent. Slim-fit shirts will create a big V shape and give you a more muscular look. To add a bit more, wear a shirt under it or a layer over it to add visual weight to your body.
Choose lighter colors: Anything black or dark will only make you look thinner than you are. Choose colors that are lighter in tone, ultimately giving you a heavier appearance.
Bermuda:
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 pants with pleats and hems: pleats and hems will break the visual line of your body and ultimately make you look low. Instead, opt for pleat-free flats 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 pants designated as low-rise. This will prevent a baggy or sagging inseam and give you the appearance of longer legs.
· Avoid big letters: Big letters will eat you up. Choose shirts and pants with small letters 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 to bridge the gap.
