Men’s Style - How To Dress For Your Body Type?

Understanding your body type helps you accentuate your best features and hide flaws. Sartorial choices must be based on what suits your body type rather than simply following trends.

However, we are all guilty of choosing trends that don’t necessarily complement our body types more often than we would like to admit.

A great wardrobe includes a mix of classic pieces and current trends, all tailored to suit your body type. Knowing your body shape allows you to dress well and look impeccable.

In this guide, we break down the most common male body types and offer tips on how to dress for each shape.

• The Five Common Male Body Types
• Inverted Triangle Shape
• Oval Body Shape
• Rectangular Body Shape
• Trapezoid Body Shape
• Triangular Body Shape

Inverted Triangle Shape:

This body shape is characterised by significantly broader shoulders compared to the waist. The chest and shoulders are well-developed, while the waist and hips are narrow and slim. The key here is to create balance in the silhouette by accentuating the waist so that the body looks more proportionate.

What to wear: Opt for neutral shades of tailored pants or chinos and shirts for a polished casual look. A relaxed fit works better for this body shape, as it balances the lower torso. Jackets paired with a T-shirt and slim-fit jeans are a great look for the weekends.

Slim-fit polo shirts or V-neck T-shirts help to create a flattering and balanced upper body silhouette. All shirts and T-shirts should be slim-fit, as they help create the illusion of narrower shoulders. For suits, opt for trim-fit, button-down, custom-made suits made from lightweight fabrics that follow your body’s natural line.

What to avoid: Skinny jeans, jackets or blazers with shoulder padding, scoop necklines, T-shirts or shirts with shoulder detailing.

Oval Body Shape:

This body shape typically has a wide torso compared to the shoulders and hips. The limbs are shorter and broader, with the midsection being the widest part of the body. The key here is to find clothes that slim the midsection and frame the body shape.

What to wear: Slim shirts with stripes are a great choice, as they help divert attention from the midsection. Pants and trousers in muted shades and slightly tapered fits are perfect to elongate the lower body and create balance.

Henley necklines are flattering for this body type. Dark, single-breasted, and slightly tapered jackets look great. When it comes to suits, opt for pinstripe suits to create the illusion of an elongated body. Darker suits will create a more slimming effect.

What to avoid: Tight-fitting T-shirts, cropped or cuff-style pants, detailing or patterns around the midsection area, horizontal stripes.

Rectangular Body Shape:

This body shape generally has a tall and thin frame. Rectangular shapes have shoulders, waist, and hips that are similar in width. The key here is to create the illusion of more structure and definition.

What to wear: This body shape can carry off prints and colours with ease. Opt for slim-fit chinos, jeans, and trousers to maintain the appearance of long legs. Team structured jackets with printed T-shirts for a fun, casual look. When it comes to suits, mixed-patterned and dimensional suits look great. A single-breasted blazer with structured shoulders will add bulk to the shoulders and create definition.

What to avoid: Double-breasted blazers, pinstripe suits.

Trapezoid Body Shape:

This body shape is defined by a narrow waist and broader shoulders and chest. The rib cage widens steadily up to the collarbone and shoulders, which are the broadest parts of the torso. This body shape is athletic and relatively easy to dress.

What to wear: Tailored trousers in various colours and patterns look great. Shirts with vertical stripes help elongate the torso and make you look taller. Opt for slim-fit T-shirts and shirts, as they suit this body shape well.

Jackets that taper toward the waist help to slim down the waist while accentuating the shoulders. For suits, blazers with structured shoulders and tapered ends help balance the silhouette. With this body shape, the choice of colours and patterns is virtually endless.

What to avoid: Baggy T-shirts, ill-fitting jackets or blazers, baggy pants.

Triangular Body Shape:

This body shape is characterised by narrow shoulders and a broader waist and hips. Most men with this shape have a waist and hips that are larger than the shoulders and ribcage. The key here is to create balance and shape with your clothing choices.

What to wear: Shirts and T-shirts in vertical stripes and muted tones create the illusion of a slim, long torso.

Jeans and trousers should be relaxed fit or slightly tapered. Structured jackets are an excellent choice as they help broaden the shoulders and balance out the hips.

Patterns and detailing around the chest and shoulders add volume to the upper body while minimising the broad hips. Crew necklines are very flattering for this shape. When it comes to suits, opt for a slim-fit, single-breasted blazer with structured shoulders.

What to avoid: Double-breasted blazers, fitted polo shirts, roll necks, skinny jeans, bold and bright prints.

Conclusion:

Great style comes with a good understanding of one’s physique. Knowing what works well for you boosts your confidence, which, in turn, is reflected in the way you carry yourself.

To stand out in a crowd, add a few details to your ensemble: a colourful pocket square, a stylish watch, and well-chosen shoes.

These accessories help refine your look and elevate your overall style. Dressing for your body type not only ensures you look your best, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment with fashion while staying comfortable.