Men's Style: How to Dress for Your Body Type
Everybody is different, that’s why it’s important to choose a style that works for you! While people's sizes differ, everyone is likely to match one of the four main body types: H, O, V and A. So, let us walk you through what each of them looks like. Finding your shape is the first and most fundamental step to choosing the right clothes that will flatter your figure and accentuate your best features! Once you've determined this, dressing gets a whole lot easier and channeling great style becomes a breeze. Trust us! Read on and get in the know.
So, you've got an H frame. What does that mean and how should you dress?
You’ve got an H (rectangular) frame if your hips and shoulders are the same width. More often than not (although not exclusively) this body type is long and slim, with a fairly narrow waistline.
Pick the right clothes for your type: here, you want to add some structure to your figure by visually slimming down (or at least not emphasising) your hips, while simultaneously broadening your chest and shoulders. Choose basic slim or regular cut trousers, preferably in darker colours. On top of this, you should aim for t-shirts, tops and jackets that are more fitted, or shirts that are shaped at the waist. Up top is where you want to add a splash of colour or a horizontal design. Your neckline will also benefit from V-necks or contrasting collars, which are ideal for reshaping your straight up, straight down frame. The benefits of this body type are that you can get away with tighter fitting clothing – something others can only dream of!
So, you've got an O frame. What does this mean and how could you dress?
You’ve got an O (oval) frame if your hips and shoulders are the same width, and your chest or waist is a little larger.
Pick the right clothes for your type: the key here is to tone down your curves while emphasising your shoulders. Enhancing the breadth of your shoulders will better balance out your frame. Start by choosing shirts, tops and jackets that are slightly structured, as these models will really make the most of your shoulders. Stick to bolder cuts though rather than colours. In fact, on your top half it’s important to limit your choice of bright shades or big print designs, as these will only draw the eye to the roundest part of your body. Try vertical stripes and V-necks instead, which will elongate your figure and visually slim you down. To achieve a similar result, select dark-coloured, regular-fit trousers – neither too loose nor too tight.
So, you've got a V frame. What does this mean and how could you dress?
You’ve got a V (inverted triangular) frame if your shoulders are much wider than your hips and your waist. This is often the body shape of sportsmen and bodybuilders.
Pick the right clothes for your type: flatter your athletic figure with nicely fitted (but not skin-tight) clothing. If your legs are strong and muscular, go for regular or semi-slim trousers. Slimmer legs look great in coloured fabrics, like camel or burgundy. On top, you can’t do much better than a round-neck tee or a short sleeve polo shirt. Fitted shirts are ideal too – just make sure you pick the right size for all-day comfort! And when you need a sweater or a pullover, choose round-necks over Vs, and avoid statement shoulder panels or collars (such as shawl collars) whenever you can.
So, you've got an A frame. What does this mean and how could you dress?
You’ve got an A (triangular) frame if your hips and your waist are wider than your shoulders. Just like the peak of an A, you're smaller up top.
Pick the right clothes for your type: the objective here is to flip the triangle around and broaden your shoulders, while making your waist look smaller and slimmer. Choose regular-fit or bootcut trousers paired with discreet belts that won’t draw the eye to your waistline. Next, you’ll want a good set of t-shirts and jumpers – with attention-grabbing scoop or V necks, if possible – and horizontal stripes or patterns that run across the top of your chest. If you want to wear a shirt, choose a regular fit and keep it untucked for a more casual look.
Dress better with your body shape in mind!
So, now you have a strong starting point for great style; you know your body type and you've got to grips with all our tips and tricks of how to make the most of it. Just remember that nothing is set in stone. These rules can be bent to some extent, but they stand as great guidelines nonetheless. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to wear clothes that are comfortable and that you feel good in.