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How To Dress For Your Body Shape – A Body Shape Guide For Men

Male Body Types

Choosing the right clothes that flatter your body shape can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence.

To begin with, it’s essential to understand your body type, which could be ectomorph lean and slim, mesomorph muscular and athletic, or endomorph softer with a little weight. Once you determine your body type, you can select clothing styles that accentuate your best features and create a visually appealing silhouette.

An average man

Measure Your Height

First you want to measure your height. To measure your it accurately, you will need a measuring tape. 

1. Find a flat surface against a wall, preferably without any skirting boards.

2. Remove your shoes and stand straight against the wall, with your heels touching the wall.

3. Make sure your back is straight, your shoulders are relaxed, and your head is level.

4. Ask someone else to take the measuring tape and place it flat against the top of your head. Keep it parallel to the floor.

5. Get them to mark the spot where the bottom of the measuring tape meets the wall. Then extend it if necessary and add up the total. 

6. Take a not of the measurement. 

A man next to a huge ruler

Next Measure Your Neck

To measure your neck for a collar measurement, again you will need a flexible measuring tape.
 
1. Stand straight and relax your shoulders.
 
2. Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck, where the neck meets your shoulders.
 
3. Make sure the measuring tape is snug against your skin, but not too tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your neck.
 
4. Read the measurement on the tape where it overlaps.
 
5. Round up to the nearest half inch or centimetre, depending on the units of measurement.
 
6. Double-check the sizing chart of the brand you’re buying from to ensure the best fit.
a man having his neck measured

Measure Your Chest

This is another measurement that should be taken by another person as it is difficult to get it correct by doing it yourself.  
 
1. Stand straight with your arms at your sides.
 
2. Get the other person to wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, which is usually aroud two inches under the armpits and across your nipples.
 
3. Make sure the measuring tape is snug against your skin, but not too tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your chest.
 
4. Take a deep breath in and out, and read the measurement on the tape where it overlaps.
 
5. Round up to the nearest half inch or centimetre, depending on the units of measurement.  from to ensure the best fit.
 

Measure Your waist

1. Find your natural waistline, which is usually the narrowest part of your torso near your tummy button. You can find it by bending to one side and noting where your skin creases.
 
2. Stand straight and wrap the measuring tape around your waistline, making sure it’s parallel to the floor.
 
3. Make sure the measuring tape is snug against your skin, but not too tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your waist.
 
4. Read the measurement on the tape where it overlaps.
 
5. Round up to the nearest half inch or centimetre, depending on the units of measurement.
a man having his waist measured

Measure Your Inside Leg

To get this accurate you definitely need somebody else to take the measurement. Preferably a professional. This is the one measurement most men get wrong. 
 
1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
 
2. Place the measuring tape at the top of your inner thigh, where it meets your groin.
 
3. Holding the measuring tape in place, ask them to measure down the inside of your leg to the floor, making sure the tape is straight and parallel to your leg.
 
4. Read the measurement on the tape where it meets the floor.
 
5. Round up to the nearest half inch or centimetre, depending on the units of measurement.
a man being measured

Learn About Balance

One of the key factors to consider when choosing clothes is balance. This means that you should aim to create a visually appealing silhouette that highlights your best features and downplays any areas you may be less confident about.

To achieve balance, it is essential to understand your body type. There are three main body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Ectomorphs are typically lean and fragile, with a smaller frame and less muscle mass. Mesomorphs, on the other hand, tend to be muscular and athletic, with a well-defined body shape. Endomorphs can often have a bit of a tummy, with a larger frame and a tendency to store fat.

Once you have determined your body type, you can select clothing styles that are tailored to accentuate your best features. Ectomorphs can use slighty loser clothes to add bulk. 

Mesomorphs are athletic looking and can afford s slimmer tailored cut. 

Endomorphs should use darker colours on their top halfs and lighter on the bottom. Avoid very loose clothing or very tight, have clothes skim the body instead. 

men jumping in the air

Learn About Colour And Your Clothes

Using colour in clothes can enhance your overall appearance and bring out your unique style. Use darker colours on areas you want to hide and brighter lighter ones on areas you want to enhance. 

Knowing the basics of colour or having a colour analysis done can help you mix and match colours in a way that looks harmonious. Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel (complementary colours) can create a bold contrast, while colours that are adjacent to each other (analogous colours) can create a more subtle blend.

Different colours can flatter different skin tones. Warm skin tones (with yellow undertones) tend to look good in earthy colours like beige, orange, and olive, while cool skin tones (with pink or blue undertones) tend to look good in blue, lilac or lemon.

If you’re new to using colour in your outfits, start with two neutral base colours (like black, navy, stone or white) and add in an accent colour. This can help you experiment with colour without feeling overwhelmed.

Ultimately, the best way to use colour in your clothes is to trust your own sense of style and what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!

a man in a yellow suit on a yellow background

Consider The Fabrics You Wear

As mentioned above it can make a difference what fabric you wear depending on what body type you have. Avoid adding bulky fabrics to areas you are not happy with particularly if you have a tummy you want to conceal. 

If you are slim and want to add bulk you can do so by choosing heavier fabrics.

In addition think about the texture and weave. Jersey or lycra fabrics emphasise your body shape so if you want to show off muscles use these fabrics, however if you want to hide a tummy avoid them. 

Finally, any fabric with a sheen will further enhance your body shape. Fake leathers, satin, or 100% polyester fabrics will cling. So bear this in mind dependent on what you want to achieve.

a tweed suit on a stand

Think About The Detail And Accessories

Accessories can be a great way to enhance your best features as a man. 

If you have a square face, wearing a hat with a round brim can soften your features. If you have a round face, wearing a hat with a sharp angle can help define your jawline.

A watch is a timeless accessory that can add sophistication and style to any outfit. Consider a watch strap that matches your belt or shoes. 

A scarf can add texture and depth to your outfit while also keeping you warm. Choose a scarf that complements the colours and patterns in your outfit by adding something that links in with one colour in your outfit.

Cuff links can add detail to the wrists drawing it away from elsewhere. Consider cuff links that link into another part of your outfit. For example a silver pair that links to the buckle on a belt, or a colour that links into your tie. 

Use accessories to draw attention away from areas you are not happy with and twoards areas you are confident in. 

mens accessories on a wooden background

Get Help From A Professional

If you still need help it could be that you;

Hate shopping

Want to up your style game but do not have the time to look into it

Your body shape has changed and you no longer feel good in what you wear

or

You just want someone else to do it all for you.

As your personal stylist, I can help you with all of your wardrobe needs including decluttering, shopping for you or with you, personal styling, and colour and style advice. 

In addition, you can ask me for advice on how to put together outfits, accessorise, and incorporate the latest fashion trends into your wardrobe. I can also help you organise your closet and identify any gaps in your wardrobe that need to be filled.

Overall, my role as your personal stylist is to help you look and feel your best, while staying true to your personal style and preferences. So, feel free to ask me any questions or share any concerns you may have about your wardrobe, and I will do my best to assist you. Contact me or book in for a discovery call to learn more. 

 

Book NOW
men jumping on a pinterest pin
a polarid of men

What Next?

The information given in the post is the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. If you are embarking on anything new get professional advice if required.

If you enjoyed this post and wish to create a capsule wardrobe, I can help you create one quickly and easily. Get started immediately with one of my personal styling services or book in for a complimentary consultation

  • Personal Styling Gift Vouchers – Save up, ask for them for gifts or put towards any of my services. This is the ideal way to afford a personal stylist whatever your budget!
  • Capsule Closet Success Membership – Receive a copy of the Seasonal Capsule Essentials Ebook twice a year worth $19 and gain access to the Capsule Closet Success Course worth $200. Join our private community for support and advice and submit questions every week and have them answered live in our weekly live check-in sessions. 
  • Premium Personal Styling – A personalised colour analysis and body shape style guide, a live wardrobe edit, a personal shopping and a curated Lookbook
  • Personal Styling – 
  • A personalised Colour Analysis, a Body Shape Analysis And Style Guide, a Live Wardrobe Edit
  • A wardrobe Edit – A 20-minute zoom call to discuss your needs and to highlight any particular problems you want to address in the wardrobe edit. A private Pinterest board to pin styles and colours you love. A 60 minutes live video wardrobe edit
  • Colour Analysis And Body Shape Styling –

  • The Capsule Closet Stylist Colour Analysis looks at the natural colouring in your hair, eyes and skin tone and shows how you can complement your natural colouring in your clothes. The Body Shape Style Guide teaches you how to make the most of your best assets, hide what you do not like, find clothes that complement your shape, and choose the perfect fit.

Still Not Sure?

Book a discovery call with me where we can discuss colour, style, decluttering, body shapes and much, much more.  I can identify where you most need help and point you in the right direction. 

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Capsule Closet Stylist is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, Shopstyle and LTK, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Capsuleclosetstylist.com 

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Capsule Closet Success testimonials

'When you join the membership it isn't generic it is tailored to your needs. Michelle considers each individual person and provides advice and guidance based on their needs. I have learnt so much since I joined I feel like I could sit an exam on it now! Honestly, without a doubt if you feel like you are lost with what to wear, you don't know what suits your body shape or your shape has changed, you've lost confidence, you're starting a new job, or you want to minimise your wardrobe, Michelle's membership is without a doubt for you. You can not get better for the price, I have looked!'
Rachel
UK
I joined Michelle's facebook "capsule wardrobe challenge" in June 2020. I loved her approach of starting off with a concept of what colours and styles you were attracted to, followed by what your lifestyle required functionally. It helped me assess my existing wardrobe with a checklist in mind instead of feeling overwhelmed and indecisive. I found the video format and weekly check-ins easy to follow and explained each stage of building a capsule well. She has been quick to answer any queries I have and to offer her professional stylist's opinion with a gentle manner. I am most grateful for Michelle's overarching aim to help her clients "find their happy place". This membership is about being comfortable in your own skin, not about being super fashionable, and that is exactly what I needed. Thank you for helping me find my confidence again. 😊
Helen
Australia
There is no doubt in my mind that having a personal stylist online is worth the investment. In fact, at the end of the day I will spend considerably less while looking and feeling so much better. Why? Because I will never again mindlessly spend and spend and spend on clothes that just aren’t right for me and that don’t make me happy. I think we all dream of that wardrobe that makes us happy and confident, but it is so easy to just give up and just wear something. I know I did. And that is just plain crazy because I love clothes! I have always been attracted to styles that I lacked the confidence to try out. Now, with the help and guidance of Michelle, I can finally explore those styles with confidence knowing that whenever I run an item by Michelle, she will give me her honest feedback on whether or not it will fit with my colors and with how I want to look and feel. In short: Michelle’s advice really is priceless. I feel an A-lister in the garments I have purchased since becoming a member! Pssst: One secret, you don’t have to become a minimalist if you don’t want to. Michelle is not about legalistic minalism, she is all about you finding out what works for you and that – along with her very deep knowledge of style – is why I think her membership works for me when in the past nothing else has.
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