Dressing for Your Body Type: A Guide for Men

You know what’s sad? A guy with a lot going for him who feels like he can’t succeed with women, with his career or with life in general. You know what’s even sadder? That many of these guys can improve the odds of success by learning one simple trick: dress for your body type.

The guy with a bit too much heft around the middle needs to work with that, not hide it under a shirt as big as a bed sheet. The man who thinks he’s too short to win attention needs to dress like a guy who deserves attention, not a height-challenged wallflower.

The clothes you wear play a significant role in how you look and how you feel. Perhaps more important is that clothes play a role in how you look to others and how they feel about you.

“Style influences the way you see yourself and the way others see you. When you feel good, others feel that vibe, they feel the energy that you bring,” says Aisen Li, known as the Asian dating coach.

Consider, for example, guys who think they are too short.

“A lot of times these guys feel so insecure about their height that they would neglect their clothes,” Aisen says. “These guys say ‘I already don't feel or don't look as good as the other guy. So why do I need to spend money and try to look good because it's not fair competition anyways.’”

The competition may not be fair. But get over it. That’s life. Avoiding the competition is a sure way to fail. Aisen notes that some shorter guys will look to save money by buying clothes off that rack that just don’t fit them well. “So a lot of times the pants need to be hemmed, which makes them look even smaller. And they wear a jacket that is cut for someone taller. So they look like they are wearing their big brother’s clothes.”

So what does Aisen advise?

“We have to understand that we need to value ourselves for who we are,” he says. And, if you’re not blessed with the perfect physique, you probably need to try harder than average in areas such as choosing clothes.

In this guide, we'll explore the impact of clothing on confidence and self-expression, delve into different body types, and offer dressing tips tailored to each body type.

Before diving into specific dressing tips, it's essential to understand the various body types that men typically fall into. While every individual is unique, most men can be categorized into a few broad categories:

Ectomorph : Ectomorphs tend to have a slim and lean build with narrow shoulders and hips. They often have a fast metabolism and struggle to gain muscle mass.

Mesomorph : Mesomorphs are characterized by a well-proportioned physique with broader shoulders and a narrower waist. They typically have an easier time building muscle and maintaining a fit appearance.

Endomorph : Endomorphs have a softer, rounder body type with a tendency to store fat more easily. They often have wider hips and struggle to lose weight.

Understanding which category you fall into can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to selecting clothing that flatters your body shape.

Ectomorphs:

• Emphasize layers: Layering can add visual bulk to your frame. Try wearing a well-fitted shirt beneath a lightweight sweater or jacket.

• Opt for structured pieces: Structured blazers and tailored shirts can create the illusion of broader shoulders.

• Avoid oversized clothing: While it may seem counterintuitive, swimming in baggy clothes can make you appear even slimmer. Opt for slim-fit or tailored clothing instead.

Mesomorphs:

• Highlight your proportions: Showcase your well-defined physique with fitted clothing that accentuates your shoulders and chest.

• Experiment with patterns: Vertical stripes or patterns can elongate your silhouette, while horizontal stripes can add width.

• Don't hide behind oversized clothes: Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose or baggy, as it can obscure your natural shape.

Endomorphs:

• Focus on fit: Well-fitted clothing can streamline your silhouette and prevent you from looking bulky.

• Choose dark colors: Darker shades can have a slimming effect, while lighter colors may highlight areas you're less confident about.

• Incorporate vertical lines: Vertical patterns or details can create a longer, leaner appearance.

Dressing for your body type is not about conforming to rigid standards of beauty but rather about understanding and embracing your unique physique. By choosing clothing that complement your body shape, you can enhance your confidence and showcase your personal style. Remember to focus on fit, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of dressing for your body type.