Men's Body Types Examined and Associated Fashion Recommendations for Each Type
===============================================================================
Have you ever wondered why some clothes seem to flatter your figure more than others? Understanding your body shape and the styling tips that work best for it can help you look and feel your best. In this article, we'll explore the five general male body shapes and the tips to help you accentuate your silhouette.
Celebrity Stylist and Confidence Coach, Kalee Hewlett, and Personal Stylist Alena Le Blanc, the Founder of Le Blanc Label, have co-authored this guide to help you navigate the world of fashion.
1. H-Shape (Rectangle)
With shoulders and waist roughly the same width, creating a straight silhouette, the H-shape body type benefits from adding structure and creating the illusion of a V-shape. Layer clothing, wear structured jackets, and opt for patterns that add dimension to shoulders. Avoid baggy clothes as they emphasize the straightness of the silhouette.
2. O-Shape (Oval/Apple)
Characterized by a wider midsection than shoulders and hips, with a rounded appearance, the O-shape body type can benefit from using darker colors and vertical stripes to elongate the torso. Clothing with a tailored fit is recommended, but avoid tight garments that cling to the stomach area. Structured jackets that add definition to shoulders help balance proportions.
3. V-Shape (Inverted Triangle)
With broad shoulders and chest and a narrower waist and hips, the V-shape body type benefits from highlighting the athletic upper body with slim-fit tops. Balance proportions with slightly wider or straight trousers to not overly emphasize the upper body.
4. X-Shape (Balanced Athletic Build)
With a broad shoulder and narrow waist, but more balanced and less extreme than the V-shape, the X-shape body type benefits from emphasizing the balanced physique with fitted clothing that highlights the waist and shoulders equally. Avoid overly loose or baggy styles.
5. A-Shape (Pear)
With wider hips compared to shoulders, creating a triangular shape with the point downward, the A-shape body type benefits from using clothing that broadens the shoulders, such as structured jackets, shoulder pads, or patterns on top. Keep pants simple and straight to avoid adding bulk to the hips.
For a trapezoid body shape, it is recommended to create contrast in the look by mixing dark and light pieces. Tapered suit jackets and trousers are recommended for a trapezoid body shape to show off the shape.
For a triangle body shape, jackets with padded shoulders and straight-leg pants are recommended to draw the eye up to the shoulders. Bold tops and dark bottoms are recommended to bring focus to the chest and slim the waist. It is recommended to avoid items that highlight the waist, such as bright belts and skinny or cropped pants.
For a more casual option, dark-wash denim with a V-neck tee is recommended. For a formal option, a black pinstripe suit and black dress shoes are suggested. For an inverted triangle body shape, tapered jeans and V-neck shirts are recommended to balance out the body shape by drawing the eye down.
It is important to note that it is recommended to avoid baggy clothes and super-relaxed fits for any body type.
Alena Le Blanc's Le Blanc Label specializes in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs.
This article has been fact-checked and viewed 259,317 times. The information presented here is sourced from multiple recent guides, including Instagram style summaries and TikTok styling advice, which highlight the importance of balancing proportions to flatter each body type visually.
References:
[1] Hewlett, K. & Bell, S. (2021). Flattering Your Silhouette: A Guide to Men's Body Shapes and Styling Tips. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.com/styling-guide
[2] Style Summaries. (2021). Instagram. [Online]. Available: https://www.instagram.com/style_summaries/
[3] Styling Advice. (2021). TikTok. [Online]. Available: https://www.tiktok.com/@styling_advice
[4] Le Blanc, A. (2021). Le Blanc Label. [Online]. Available: https://www.leblanclabel.com/
[5] Empowered by WMN. (2021). Podcast. [Online]. Available: https://www.empoweredbywmn.com/
[6] I Am Fearless. (2021). Podcast. [Online]. Available: https://www.iamfearless.com/
[7] Mind Power Meets Mystic. (2021). Podcast. [Online]. Available: https://www.mindpowermeetsmystic.com/
- To maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling, consider packing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and a fitness tracker to help you maintain your exercise routine.
- For those looking to upgrade their home and garden, incorporating plants can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic and promote a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
- A balanced lifestyle involves paying attention to various aspects of your well-being, including your health, travel, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden. Learning your body shape can help improve your confidence and elevate your personal style.
- A good travel wardrobe has essential items that can be mixed and matched, such as versatile shirts, trousers, and layering pieces. They should fit well and be suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
- Practicing mindfulness, listening to motivational podcasts like Empowered by WMN and I Am Fearless, and nurturing your spiritual well-being can contribute to a well-rounded lifestyle and overall personal growth.
