How to Dress for Your Body Type: Men’s Style Tips
Hey there, handsome! Are you tired of feeling like your clothes don’t fit quite right? Or maybe you’re just not sure what styles flatter your body type? Well, you’re in luck because today we will discuss how to dress for your body type as a man.
Below I will teach you how to accentuate your best features by focusing on fit, color, and patterns and wisely accessorize for a balanced, stylish look dependent on your body type.
The scientific names for men’s body types correspond to the three somatotypes: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Note that the somatotype classification system is somewhat simplistic. Individuals may exhibit a mix of these somatotypes.
So let’s dive in!
Understanding Body Types
Men come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding your body type is the first step towards dressing your best.
There are three main body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Each body type has unique characteristics, and dressing to accentuate your best features is key to looking and feeling confident.
Ectomorph
Ectomorphs are typically lean and have smaller frames. If you’re an ectomorph, putting on muscle mass may be challenging. However, this body type tends to have a faster metabolism, making it easier to stay lean.
Regarding dressing, ectomorphs should focus on creating the illusion of a broader chest and shoulders.
This can be achieved by wearing structured blazers, padded jackets, and horizontal stripes.
Mesomorph
Mesomorphs are generally athletic and well-proportioned. If you’re a mesomorph, you likely have a muscular build and a defined waist.
This body type can wear various clothing styles, but the key is to accentuate your muscular frame.
Fitted clothing, such as slim-fit shirts and tapered trousers, can highlight your physique without looking too tight.
Endomorph
Endomorphs tend to have a larger frame and carry more body fat. You may find losing weight and building muscle challenging if you’re an endomorph.
However, this body type tends to have a naturally strong build, making it easier to lift heavier weights. When dressing, endomorphs should focus on creating a balanced silhouette.
This can be achieved by wearing clothing that fits well and doesn’t add bulk. Darker colors and vertical stripes can also help elongate the body.
Remember, dressing according to your body type highlights your most attractive attributes. Understanding your body type and dressing accordingly allows you to look and feel confident.
Dressing for Ectomorphs
Are you an ectomorph? Lucky you! You have a slim and lean body type, which means you can wear almost anything and look great. However, a few tips can help you accentuate your best features and create a balanced look.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| 1. Go for fitted clothes | 1. Avoid baggy clothes that don’t show off your frame |
| 2. Wear slim-fit or straight-leg pants | 2. Avoid baggy or loose-fitting pants; be cautious with tight skinny jeans |
| 3. Layer with jackets or blazers | 3. Don’t neglect layering to create structure and a muscular appearance |
| 4. Use accessories for definition | 4. Don’t skip accessories that help define your waist, shape your outfit, and add interest |
Dressing for Mesomorphs
Men with a mesomorphic body type are generally athletic and muscular, with a well-proportioned build.
If you’re a mesomorph, you likely have a naturally V-shaped torso with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
Your goal when dressing should be to highlight your muscular physique while creating a balanced look.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| 1. Opt for fitted tops | 1. Avoid baggy or loose-fitting tops |
| 2. Choose straight or slim-fit pants | 2. Avoid skinny jeans or tight-fitting pants |
| 3. Keep accessories simple | 3. Avoid bulky or oversized accessories |
| 4. Maintain balance and proportion in outfits | 4. Don’t focus only on highlighting your athletic build without considering balance and proportion |
Dressing for Endomorphs
If you have an endomorph body type, you know that you tend to carry extra weight around your midsection. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish and feel confident in your clothes. Here are some tips for dressing for your body type.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Choose well-fitting clothes | Avoid baggy clothes that make you look bigger |
| Pick straight or bootcut pants | Avoid skinny jeans or overly tapered pants that emphasize your midsection |
| Utilize layering with jackets/scarves | Don’t skip layering, as it helps create a more streamlined silhouette |
| Opt for vertical lines or patterns | Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns that make you look wider |
| Experiment with various colors | Don’t limit yourself to only dark, slimming colors; incorporate brighter colors and patterns too. |
General Tips for All Body Types
Fit is Key
When dressing for your body type, the most important factor is fit. No matter what shape or size you are, clothes that fit well will always look better than those that are too tight or loose. Ensure your clothes hug your body in all the right places without feeling constricting or uncomfortable.
| Body Type | Best Fit (Top) | Best Fit (Bottom) | Tips & Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ectomorph (Rectangle) | Slim-fit shirts, tailored jackets | Slim or straight-leg pants | Opt for clothing that is proportional to your frame, and avoid overly tight or loose garments that may appear unbalanced. |
| Mesomorph (Rhomboid, Inverted Triangle) | Regular or tailored fit shirts, structured jackets | Straight or slightly tapered pants | Choose clothing that accommodates your broader shoulders and chest while maintaining balance with your lower body. |
| Endomorph (Oval, Triangle) | Relaxed or tailored fit shirts, jackets with vertical lines | Relaxed or straight-leg pants | Opt for clothing that provides comfort and a slimming effect, with vertical lines to create length and balance. |
If you’re unsure what size to buy, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many stores have trained staff who can help you find the perfect fit for your body type. Don’t be discouraged if you must try on a few different sizes before finding the right one – it’s worth the extra effort!
Color and Pattern
Choosing the right colors and patterns can also make a big difference in how you look and feel. Darker colors like black, navy, and charcoal can be slimming, while lighter colors like white and pastels can make you look larger.
| Body Type | Best Colors | Best Patterns | Tips & Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ectomorph | Both dark and light colors, monochromatic schemes | Horizontal Stripes, Checks, plaids, textures | Choose colors that create visual interest. Checks and plaids create width; textures add depth. |
| Mesomorph | Dark colors on top, lighter colors on the bottom | Vertical stripes, small-scale patterns | Darker colors on top help balance broad shoulders, while vertical stripes and small patterns create length and balance. |
| Endomorph | Light colors on top, dark colors on the bottom | Vertical stripes, simple patterns | Light colors on top draw attention upward, while dark colors on the bottom minimize the appearance of wider hips. Vertical stripes create a slimming effect. Simple patterns add visual interest without overwhelming the frame. |
When it comes to patterns, vertical stripes can help elongate your body, while horizontal stripes can make you look wider. If you’re unsure what patterns to choose, start with something simple like a solid color shirt or a subtle pattern like a small check or plaid.
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add personality and style to your outfit, but they can also help balance your body proportions. For example, a wide belt can help define your waist and create a more hourglass shape, while a scarf or hat can draw attention to your face and away from other areas.
When choosing accessories, ensure they fit your body type and don’t overwhelm your outfit. If you’re wearing a lot of patterns or bright colors, opt for more subtle accessories like a simple watch or a classic leather belt.
| Body Type | Best Accessories | Tips & Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Ectomorph (Rectangle) | Slim ties, narrow belts, small lapel pins | Accessories should be proportional to your frame to create visual interest without overwhelming your figure. |
| Mesomorph (Rhomboid, Inverted Triangle) | Medium-width ties, belts with minimal buckles, statement watches | Opt for accessories that balance your broad shoulders and create harmony between your upper and lower body. |
| Endomorph (Oval, Triangle) | Wide ties, suspenders, pocket squares, bold glasses | Choose accessories that draw attention upward and create vertical lines, which can have a slimming effect. |
Resources
Organizations:
- The Art of Manliness. https://www.artofmanliness.com/
- Men’s Health. https://www.menshealth.com/
Books:
- “Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion” by Alan Flusser Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dressing-Man-Mastering-Permanent-Fashion/dp/0060191449
Website Resources:
- Men’s Fashion Magazine Link: http://www.mensfashionmagazine.com/
Video References
Bright Side Fit
Teachingmensfashion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different male body types and how do I determine mine?
The three main male body types are ectomorph (lean and small-framed), mesomorph (athletic and well-proportioned), and endomorph (larger frame with more body fat). You can determine your body type by assessing your physical characteristics and comparing them with the descriptions provided.
Can ectomorphs wear baggy clothes to appear larger?
While baggy clothes might seem like they would add bulk, they often make ectomorphs look even smaller. It’s better to wear fitted clothes that create the illusion of a broader chest and shoulders.
What type of clothing should mesomorphs avoid to prevent looking too bulky?
Mesomorphs should avoid baggy or loose-fitting tops that can hide their well-defined physique. Instead, opt for fitted clothing that highlights their muscular build.
How can endomorphs dress to look slimmer?
Endomorphs should choose well-fitting clothes that don’t add bulk and utilize vertical lines or patterns to elongate the body. Layering with jackets or scarves can also create a more streamlined silhouette.
What are some general tips for all body types when choosing clothes?
The fit is crucial for all body types. Clothes should hug your body in the right places without being too tight or loose. Additionally, the right colors and patterns can enhance your body type, with darker colors being slimming and vertical stripes creating length.
How can accessories be used to enhance or balance a man’s body type?
Accessories like ties, belts, and lapel pins should be proportional to your frame. They can define your waist, draw attention to your face, and add personality to your outfit without overwhelming your figure.
