It's a common misconception that men do not suffer from the same body image concerns that women do. Many men fall squarely outside the established ideal of tall and lean - leaving them feeling self-conscious of themselves. Furthermore, the fashion industry tends to use this same ideal as their starting point for their lines. Thankfully however, people's eyes play many tricks on them so regardless of whether you think you've won or lost the genetic lottery, there are clothing options available that can go along way to help camouflage less than “ideal” body types.
The Thin Man
Many men devote to diet and exercise in an effort to slim down and regard, with disdain, those men who can seemingly eat whatever they wish without gaining weight. However, the truth is, being too thin is a real problem that many men face as well. As far as fashion is concerned, it can be just as difficult to find flattering clothes for smaller frames. Here are a few fashion tips for thin men that will help you create the illusion that you are better proportioned than you actually are.
- Avoid fitted dress shirts - if you have a small ribcage, these will only accentuate it. Buy shirts that fit your size, but do not cling to your body. Shirts that come slightly away from your midsection will help draw attention away from a skinny torso.
- Light shoulder padding - if you want to detract from your pencil thin physique, try blazers with light shoulder padding to help create that much sought-after “V” shape.
- Use the tailor - the No. 1 key to good fashion for absolutely everyone is proper fit. Don't be afraid to have a blazer tailored to fit or a shirt taken in or sleeves shortened on a spring jacket. If you have any doubts about what your tailor should do, just ask him or her. They are the experts in achieving a proper fit.
- Consistency - a key fashion tip is to avoid inconsistencies in the fit and drape of your tops and bottoms. Bulky sweaters with snug fitting jeans, for example, only make your thin stature glaringly apparent.
- Banish pinstripes, welcome other patterns - one of the worst things any skinny guys can wear, in my opinion, is pinstripes. I know they are quite en vogue right now but frankly, they aren't flattering for skinny men. Instead, try some equally trendy patterns, such as a windowpane, that adds some weight to your overall appearance.
- Choose heavier fabrics - opting for heavier, slightly bulkier fabrics for all of your clothes can really help to add some thickness to your frame. Try chunky knitted wool sweaters with a pair of wool or even corduroy trousers. Even dress shirts with a higher thread count will be surprisingly effective in bulking you up.
- Say “no” to v-necks - they create a smooth, vertical illusion that makes you look taller and thinner. Instead go for turtlenecks and crewnecks that break up the visual continuity. Also, pick shirts with spread collars as they help to make the upper portion of your chest seem wider.
The Fat Man
Even though you are still over your goal weight, there are several ways to create a slimmer looking physique.
- Don't squeeze into anything - clothes should fit perfectly and garments that are too tight not only reveal the imperfections you'd rather not share, but they are also very uncomfortable and, when one is uncomfortable in their own clothing, it is obvious and draws even more attention to your body.
- Don't swim in your clothes - clothes should fit perfectly (did I say that already?) and garments that are too loose just make you look bigger than you actually are. Clothes should skim over your body and smooth out the visual appearance. A garment should dress the largest parts of your body and be tailored, if necessary, to fit the rest.
- Subtle pinstripes are good - just as a thin man should try bolder patterns, you should not! Subtle pinstripes are very effective in elongating the legs and body, creating a thinner, leaner appearance.
- Try low-rise pants - this one is “hit-and-miss”. Sometimes, depending on the pants, a low-rise fit, which has a shorter distance between the top of the waistband and the crotch, can actually give the impression of a leaner body. This is usually more helpful though in individuals whose extra weight is more evenly distributed over their entire body. For those men who carry the bulk of their weight in the stomach, this can be an absolute no-no as it can create the look that your belly is actually pushing the front of your pants down.
- Empty your pockets - keep your keys, hands, wallet, cellphone, etc. out of your pockets. Instead, carry an attaché or man-purse or something equally stylish. Lumpy pockets put the focus on a large midsection.
- Wear three-button blazers - these are just as classic as two-button blazers but elongate your body and make you appear taller, and therefore leaner. Always leave the top button on your blazer undone as it will stop your clothes from pulling, particularly in the midsection.
- Straighten up and fly right - good posture goes a long way to making anyone look as though they've instantly dropped weight.
- Wear pants with a longer hem - try adding a little length to your hem to make you seem taller and slimmer. Your hems should almost hit the ground.
The important lesson, no matter what your body type is to accentuate the positive and play down those qualities you don't favour as much.
