subject: Selecting A Flattering Suit For Your Body Type [print this page] No one would have to worry about being too large, too thin, too tall, or too short. The fact is, however, that there are no two people in this world who are exactly the same size in every way. While that may make for an interesting, non-boring society, it certainly does make shopping for clothes difficult. Fortunately, weve got some tips for you so that you can select the most flattering suit for your body type.
Minimize Your Waist and Maximize Your Assets
If you are a little heavier than youd like to be, finding mens suits to flatter your body can be a challenge. Its not just womens clothes that seems to favor the thin, well built models, after all. But you can give the illusion of being smaller if you choose the right garments. Stick with darker colors, especially black. Black is very slimming on anyone, and it is also very professional looking. Youll want to stay away from horizontal stripes or big patterns. Vertical pinstripes draw the eye down the body instead of across it, so choose those when you can.
As for fabric, try to favor thinner and more durable materials such as wool over bulkier fabrics like tweed and, heaven forbid, polyester. Choose pleated front trousers and jacket lapels that are peaked to minimize the appearance of bulk and draw the eye up toward your face. Finally, choose shirt collars that are crisp and pointed and make sure nothing on your body is too tight.
The Challenge of The Tall Man
Anyone who says that tall men got the best deal obviously has never tried to purchase tall mens suits. Aside from finding trousers, shirts, and jackets that are actually long enough to cover your extremities, there are a few things you can do to make yourself look a little less intimidating. Stay away from vertical stripes of any kind, including pinstripes. Stick with solid colors or select something with horizontal stripes. Of course, that may not look quite so good on the suit itself, but its something to keep in mind when choosing a tie. Keep your mens suits trousers simple and straight and limit your jacket buttons to one or two to avoid lengthening the torso any further.
The Plight of The Short Man
Short men often encounter the problem of looking stubby and stocky because it can be hard to find mens suits which are of appropriate proportions. Find a good tailor and use him. As for choosing the suit, you will want to get your hands on as many pinstripes as you can find. Just as tall men want to avoid looking taller with vertical stripes, short men can lengthen their appearance by embracing them. Keep jackets cropped with more buttons and avoid trouser cuffs like the plague. Finally, choose darker colors to slim and lengthenat least visuallyyour stature.
