We know that women come in different shapes and sizes but men do too – slim, large, tall or short, there are many different male body shapes that don’t always flatter the same look.
One of the easiest outfit for a man to get wrong is the classic suit particularly if you buy men’s suits online rather than have them professionally measured and fitted by a tailor.
All suits are made equal are they not? Well no they aren’t and you can’t always tell the cut of something and whether it is going to suit the man in your life just by a photograph. So just as there are tips on dresses for pear shaped women versus the apple there are also some simple style advice your man should always follow if he wants to look his best when dressed to impress.
The shorter man
If your man is slightly shorter in stature but big on style then there are ways of using the classic suit to lengthen those limbs and take his look to new heights. The first thing to ensure is that the suit is a good fit. Jackets that hang well below the bottom, arms that have inches of spare material and trouser legs that tuck into the shoes will just make your man look shorter and like he has borrowed someone else’s clothes to boot!
If you can go for custom made or tailored suits that fit perfectly to give you an overall longer look to your limbs. If not ensure you have his exact measurements before making your purchase and if in doubt have the number of a good tailor to hand to tidy anything up. Perfectly fitting trousers for instance avoids you having to wear a belt which also adds inches to your look so getting the right fit works in more ways than one.
Couple a good fit with pencil thin shoes to give the illusion of longer feet and the overall effect is complete.
The tall man
Don’t be fooled into thinking a tall man can pull off anything. Great height can be quite imposing if dressed head to toe in pinstripe. So stay clear of prints if your guy is above average height and go for a more simple cut that is loosely fitting for a softer more gentle silhouette.
Tall men can probably get away with more in terms of cut but colour is very important to flatter the taller profile. Light colours are perfect for slimmer bodies and is more approachable than a powerful dark colour all over. Choose a wide tie and rounded shoes to add width to a tall frame.
The larger man
If your man struggles to find something that fits both neck and body then it can add pounds to an already broad shape. Too tight around the body and he will seem to burst at the seams; too loose and he may look altogether shapeless. Custom made is of course ideal in these situations but if that is not possible choose a suit that flatters the chest and draws attention away from the stomach. Again avoid prints both in terms of the suit and shirt with a rule of thumb being the simpler the better for a cleaner look that can hide a multitude of sins!
Dark suits look better than light colours to give your man’s edges a more defined look. Add shoes that have a good solid heal, perhaps even with a small wedge to add height to his width.
The strong man
If your man spends hours in the gym perfecting his body he doesn’t want to ruin it all with an ill fitting suit. It is a fallacy that well-built men look good in anything, they don’t! Men with larger arms and chests often have the same problem as the larger man in trying to find a cut that flatters his shape without making him look like the incredible hulk.
He has a nice body so why not show it off with lightweight jackets and shirts that have low collars so that the neck isn’t cramped and choking. Go for jackets with two buttons to flatter a slim waist and again choose solid shoes so the overall look is powerful and controlled.
There’s nothing more attractive than your man in a suit whatever the occasion. Help him create that irresistible look by working in some of these handy hints next time an invitation falls through the door.
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