Men’s Body Shapes: Your Ultimate Guide

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Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by

Men, have you ever wondered what your body shape is? Or why certain things that look good on a mannequin or a celebrity don’t look that good on you? In popular culture and fashion, body shapes have been primarily associated with women’s bodies. This has been done to have the most desirable look possible for women. However, the same consideration has never been given to men’s body shapes. Quite often, we see men following the new IT trend for dressing. But they end up looking less than perfect because it does not suit their body type. Well, if you are one of the people who are interested in knowing their body type and dressing better, you’re in the right place. Below we have listed the five different types of men’s body shapes. We also have some tips and tricks on how you can dress according to your body shape.

Remember! There is no perfect body shape for anyone. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. But you must approach your understanding with your body with a heavy dose of brutality.

Benefits of Knowing Men’s Body Shapes?

Knowing about the types of men’s body shapes has many benefits. Firstly, your body shape dictates what you should wear. Additionally, it helps you use clothes to highlight your best features. If you know your body shape, you will never look out of proportion. Finally, knowing your body shape will help you see how your clothes need to be altered to fit you better.

How to Find Your Body Shape?

Before even knowing the different types of men’s body shapes, you must know how to find yours. We have a small guide for you to do the same.

Measure Your Body

The most scientific way to find your body type is to measure yourself. The key parts of the body you need to calculate are your shoulders, chest, waist and hips. The proportion of each will indicate your body type.

Look at Yourself in the Mirror

For this, all you need is yourself and a full-length mirror. Dress in your underpants or remain nude and look at your body outline in the mirror. The shape you see is your body type.

Type of Men’s Body Shapes

Now you know the benefits of knowing your body shape, and how you can measure it. Let us move on to the different types of men’s body shapes.

Triangle Body Shape

Your body is larger around the hips and waist in proportion to your shoulders and chest. You most likely have sloped shoulders with a heavier lower body. This body shape is also known as the “dad bod”. To create a more balanced look, you need to put more emphasis on your shoulders. Some celebrity references are Adam Devine and Alec Baldwin.

What to Wear

• Jackets with shoulder padding and narrow athletic cut
• Priority is correct fit at the shoulders
• Single-breasted jackets, as well as vertical patterns, will add a slimming effect
• Light colours on top will add more width to your shoulders
• For collars, get shirts with straight point collars with a medium spread
• Slightly flared pants will help balance your thighs

What Not to Wear

• Avoid double-breasted jackets
• Stay away from polos and roll necks
• Avoid slim or skinny pants or ones with pleats

Men’s Body Shapes: Inverted Triangle

This is also known as the V-shape. Men with inverted triangle body shapes have athletic builds. Their shoulders and chest are significantly broader than their waist and hips. Overall, the upper half is broader than the lower one with a fairly bulky chest, arms and shoulders. The emphasis is on balancing the lower body with the upper half, with necessary tailoring. Some celebrity references are Taylor Lautner and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

What to Wear:

• Slim fit shirts
• Well-fitted but not tight shirts or t-shirts
• Slim-fit slacks
• Wear unstructured jackets to streamline your figure
• Opt for straight leg trousers and jeans
• Emphasize the waist and hips with interesting belts

What Not to Wear:

• Avoid shoulder pads
• Do not wear prints and patterns on the top
• Stay away from skinny jeans and dark colours on the bottom

Rectangle Body Shape

You have a rectangle body shape if your shoulders, chest, waist and hips have roughly the same measurements. Additionally, you might have a slender frame. The goal for you is to create the illusion of broader shoulders and a slimmer waist. Some celebrity references include Hugh Grant and Ashton Kutcher.

What to Wear:

• Horizontal stripes on your upper torso
• Use layering to your advantage
• Opt for wide collars and lapels
• Roll necks will make your chest look broader
• Look for jackets with shoulder pads
• Go for dark coloured trousers or jeans

What Not to Wear

• No double-breasted jackets
• Avoid slim-fit or skinny trousers

Oval Body Shape

The oval men’s body shape indicates narrower shoulders and hips with a heavier waist and chest. Most likely you have slimmer legs compared to your upper half with a rounded stomach. This body type is also known as the apple body shape. Your goal is to lengthen and slim down the body while building your shoulders. Some celebrity references include James Corden and Elton John.

What to Wear:

• Vertical stripes and pinstripes to lengthen your body
• Monochrome outfits
• Use darker colours for a slimming effect
• Opt for V-neck sweaters and long-sleeved t-shirts
• Go for trousers that sit just above your natural waistline
• Untuck your shirts for casual wear

What Not to Wear:

• Say no to double-breasted suits
• Avoid turtlenecks and bold patterns on top
• Stay away from pants that bunch at the bottom
• Never wear tight belts

Trapezoid Body Shape

If you have well-developed shoulders and chest with proportionately narrow hips and waist, then you have a trapezoid body shape. In the world of men’s body shapes, the trapezoid is considered ideal. You will fit into most of the off-the-rack clothing with ease and minimal tailoring. Some celebrity references include High Jackman and Daniel Craig.

What to Wear:

• Vertical stripes will make you look tall
• Checks and plaids add horizontal bulk
• Opt for jackets that taper at your waist
• Wear dark coloured trousers
• Go for light garments on the top
• Add elements of style to your look with pocket squares and other accessories

What Not to Wear:

• Too tight jeans will make your lower half seem too slim
• Wear pants that fall at your natural waistline
• Avoid loose and saggy clothes at all cost

We hope that this article helped you understand the different types of men’s body shapes. Additionally, we also hope you got some insight into your body shape and how you can dress according to it. For any personal styling queries, contact us at Styl Inc and our team of expert stylists will get in touch with you. For more fashion tips and tricks, stay tuned to the Styl Inc blogs. Until next, stay safe and healthy.

Keepin’ it Styl’ish

Sighing off,

Shravani Priya