Clothes are rarely \u201cwrong\u201d for a body. They may simply be cut for a different body type. When you start choosing clothes based on your body type, you\u2019ll find outfits more quickly that fit well, feel comfortable to wear and look smart without being too flashy.<\/p>\n\n
Here\u2019s a simple style guide for three classic challenges faced by men: broad shoulders, a bit of a tummy and a tall, lanky build. You may well fall into several categories at once, so think of these tips as tools that you can combine.<\/p>\n\n
Dressing for your body shape isn\u2019t about hiding yourself. It\u2019s about balance: making your upper body, waist and legs work together so that your clothes hang nicely and your proportions look well-considered.<\/p>\n\n
Stand in front of a mirror wearing a T-shirt that fits reasonably well and a pair of jeans<\/a>. Look for three things: the width of your shoulders, where you\u2019re fullest (chest, stomach, hips), and whether your upper body and legs look \u201clong\u201d.<\/p>\n\n A small point that many people overlook: the size at the neck or waist isn\u2019t the whole story. Two men may wear the same size but have completely different requirements in terms of shoulders, length and leg width. That is also why size ranges such as plus sizes and Number sizes<\/a> (LT to 6XLT) can make a noticeable difference when it comes to getting the fit just right.<\/p>\n\n The classic \u201cV-shape\u201d with broad shoulders and slightly narrower hips looks sporty, but can also mean that the upper body draws all the attention. The aim is to draw the eye downwards slightly and create a more balanced silhouette.<\/p>\n\n Choose tops that create the illusion of length and lightness, rather than adding extra width. V-necks and open collars often work wonders because they create a vertical \u201cspace\u201d in the centre of the chest. A shirt with open collar<\/a> or a polo shirt with a couple of buttons undone can have the same effect.<\/p>\n\n At the same time, it helps to keep the top half looking relaxed. A plain T-shirt, a dark jumper or a shirt with a subtle texture allows the shoulders to fall more naturally. Conversely, very bold horizontal stripes, large chest prints and overly stiff fabrics can make the shoulders appear even broader.<\/p>\n\n On jackets and blazers, the shoulder seam is crucial. If it sits outside your shoulder bone, you\u2019ll end up with a \u201cshoulder gap\u201d that looks wider than necessary. A single-breasted blazer with a slim lapel and no heavy padding often creates a more flattering overall look than a wide, double-breasted style.<\/p>\n\n If you carry weight round your tummy, it\u2019s tempting to go up a size and hope that everything will look better. This often ends up with shoulders that are too wide, sleeves that are too long and a \u201ctent\u201d that flaps about.<\/p>\n\n Go for clothes that drape over your body, rather than clinging or sagging. A T-shirt made from a slightly heavier fabric drapes more smoothly than a thin, soft jersey, which can bunch up around the tummy. Shirts with a little room around the tummy and a bit of length at the back often look more put-together, especially when you\u2019re on the move.<\/p>\n\n Trousers are your best friend here. A good waist height that sits securely makes more of a difference than most people realise. A waist that\u2019s too low can easily create a crease in the middle of your tummy, whilst a higher waist (without looking \u201cgrandad-like\u201d) gives a smoother front and greater comfort when you\u2019re sitting down.<\/p>\n\n Layer<\/a> is also a great look when done right: an open cardigan, a light overshirt or a blazer<\/a> Worn open, it creates two vertical lines that bring balance to the centre. Just be careful with very short jackets that end right at the stomach if you want a more streamlined look.<\/p>\n\n Being tall makes many styles easy to wear, but you can also end up looking \u201clong\u201d in a way where your clothes mostly form a vertical plane. The key here is to create deliberate breaks.<\/p>\n\n Colours are the quickest solution. A single-colour outfit from head to toe can look great, but on a very tall man it can make him appear even taller. Instead, try dividing your body into two: a dark top and lighter trousers, or vice versa. This creates a natural break in the middle of your body.<\/p>\n\n Patterns are something you can typically wear with confidence: checks, wide stripes, mottled knits and textures fill out the silhouette and add detail, so the eye isn\u2019t just drawn up and down. You can also play with layers of different lengths: a shorter jacket over a longer jumper, or an overshirt that stops at the hips over a slightly longer T-shirt.<\/p>\n\n It\u2019s worth checking the size chart if you often find that your sleeves are too short, the back is too short, or your trousers ride up. A good length gives a more \u201cexpensive\u201d look, even with very simple basics.<\/p>\n\n It\u2019s often the small adjustments that make all the difference, particularly with plus sizes and larger sizes. Once the fit is right, colours and trends become secondary.<\/p>\n\n Here is a handy checklist you can use in the changing room or at home in front of the mirror:<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019re only going to adjust one thing, start with the shoulders on tops and the waist on trousers. That\u2019s where most fit issues start.<\/p>\n\n It can be useful to have a quick overview. Use the table as a guide, not as set-in-stone rules.<\/p>\n\n When you\u2019re getting ready in the morning and just want to look presentable, it helps to have a few tried-and-tested tricks that almost always work.<\/p>\n\n Try thinking in terms of \u201cweight distribution\u201d. If you have broad shoulders, shift a little more weight onto your legs by choosing a straight or slightly bootcut fit rather than very narrow trousers. If you have a tummy, draw attention to your face and legs, whilst keeping the mid-section understated. If you\u2019re tall, create a deliberate break at the waist with a belt, a colour change or a layer.<\/p>\n\n Simple details can also influence the proportions:<\/p>\n\n And yes, shoes do matter too. A chunkier trainer or boot can give a tall man a sense of \u201cgrounding\u201d, whilst a very pointed, elegant shoe can make the overall look appear longer and lighter. If you have a bit of a tummy, a shoe with a bit of volume can draw the eye downwards and create balance.<\/p>\n\n It\u2019s easier to get it right when you have a few tried-and-tested combinations. Here are some that usually work well and are easy to put together in standard, plus sizes and plus-size ranges.<\/p>\n\n For broad shoulders:<\/p>\n\n For a flat tummy:<\/p>\n\n For tall and long:<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019re not sure where to start, start with the trousers. Once the waist and leg width fit properly, it becomes much easier to choose tops.<\/p>\n\nBroad shoulders: make your upper body look more composed<\/h2>\n\n
Centre-front: create length, space and a flattering front<\/h2>\n\n
Tall and slender: break up the line and play with proportions<\/h2>\n\n
Fit first: three places you should always check<\/h2>\n\n
\n
What should you choose and what should you steer clear of?<\/h2>\n\n
\n\n
\n \nBody type<\/th>\n Good choices<\/th>\n Please be careful with<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Broad shoulders<\/td>\n V-neck, open collars, plain colours or subtle patterns on the top half, single-button blazer without padded shoulders<\/td>\n Very wide horizontal stripes at the top, thick shoulder padding, double-breasted jacket in a stiff fabric<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stomach in the middle<\/td>\n Tops that skim the body, slightly heavier fabrics, worn in layers with gaps, trousers with a fixed waist height<\/td>\n Very thin, clingy T-shirts, low-waisted ones that cut right across the middle of the tummy, short jackets that stop at the widest part<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tall and long<\/td>\n Colour contrasts between top and bottom, checks\/textures, layers of varying lengths, different lengths on shirts and trousers<\/td>\n Excessively long, monotonous \u201ccolumn-like\u201d styles with no breaks, sleeves that are too short, and leg lengths that make the clothes look too small<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n Small changes that make a big difference in everyday life<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Outfit templates you can copy straight away<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n