Dressing Right for your Body Type

[Guest]

[SIZE="3"]Heavy Guys:[/SIZE]
[B]1.NO horizontal lines or patterns.[/B]
This will only increase the illusion of your bulk. Go with solids or vertical stripes. Dressing in all black may make others wonder is your doing a Johnny Cash impression, or going to a funeral. Ignore them. All black is the best weapon color wise for big guys.

[B]2. Buy clothes that fit.[/B]
A LOT of big guys wear clothes that are even bigger. That XXL isint doing anything but make you look bigger, and isn't fooling anyone anyways. On the other end of things, clothes that are too small will make you look like an overstuffed sausage. NOT a good idea. Find items that are flattering, and fit you well.

[B]3. Lay off the Hawaiian shirts..unless you're Gabriel Iglesias.[/B]
Shirts with large prints will draw attention to your upper body, which is not good if your packing a keg instead of a six pack. Gabriel Iglesias can do this because 1. He's a comedian, and it's part of his shtick, 2. He's famous. Unless you anywhere near as funny as him, avoid this blunder at all costs. If you haven't seen Gabriel's stand up, search for his videos TODAY.

[B]4. Avoid double breasted suits[/B].
These will most likely just add to the bulk in the torso region. A very well cut one can help, but most don't. Tread lightly in this area, and if in doubt, go with a dark, pinstriped single breasted suit, with a single vent. Double vents can emphasize outsized posterior regions. Also, try using pocket squares, to add a dash of color.

[B]5. Wear v necks often, and NO turtlenecks.[/B]
A v-neck t- shirt or sweater will draw the eye downward, and balance out your face. A turtleneck will just make you look like a turtle. On dress shirts, try a spread collar with a Windsor or double Windsor knotted tie. It's all about proportion and balance. A spread collar and thick tie, will balance out a thicker face, and draw the eye downward.

[SIZE="3"]Athletic:[/SIZE]
[B]1. Wear tapered shirts.[/B]
If your chest is decently bigger than your waist, most normally cut shirts will drive you bananas. All the extra cloth at the waistline, will just bunch up. Buy shirt that account for your v-taper. For dress shirts, custom made shirts are becoming more affordable, and will show all all the gym time you've put in. I personally suggest J. Hilburn, and have bought from them.

[B]2. Choose relaxed fit, or bootleg jeans.[/B]
Relaxed fit jeans will often provide more room in the thigh, and seat, to accommodate all those sets on the squat rack, and lunges. I LOVE my Lucky 181's in this category. Avoid skinny jeans, as they will under emphasize your legs, and make you look like a flamingo.

[B]3.Buy clothes that fit.[/B]
This should go without saying. However, most well built guys but clothes that are too big, just to have more freedom, and comfort. This isn't the best solution. A shirt big enough to accommodate your guns or quads, will hang loose everywhere else. Shop around until you find a few brands that are cut for athletic guys. Jackets will likely need to be taken in at the sides, so leave room in your budget for tailoring.

[SIZE="3"]Short:[/SIZE]
[B]1. Try vertical stripes.[/B]
A vertical stripe will help emphasize the height you do have. Choose suits with a pinstripe pattern that is rather thin. Big stripes are a no no.

[B]2. No baggy, cuffed, or pleated pants.
[/B]Fitted, straight leg pants and jeans, will emphasize the vertical, and create straight lines that give the illusion of more height. Pleats and cuffs will break these lines, so avoid them. Choose your jeans with low a rise as possible. It's all about lines and proportion. The low rise will improve your proportions.

[B]3. Wear shoes with a thick sole or heel.[/B]
Guy's options are a bit limited when it comes to height enhancing foot wear. Boots are often the best option, without getting in to specialized footwear. Moto boots, and cowboy boots have thick soles, and are great for adding a bit to your stature. Choose dress shoes with thick soles also.

[B]4. Improve your posture.[/B]
This isn't really a pure fashion tip per se, but will help regardless of what your wearing. Standing up straight will approve your overall appearance, and your perceived confidence. Try the Alexander Technique, as it's results are well based. There are videos available, if you search.

[SIZE="3"]Skinny:[/SIZE]
[B]1. Add layers to increase the appearance of mass.[/B]
Layering with t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets, adds a bit to your torso, which is a good thing. Experiment as your climate allows.

[B]2. Horizontal stripes and colors will help[/B]
A horizontal stripe will make you appear wider, and emphasize your shoulders. Avoid a single color, which will make you look even skinnier. Try different colors for pants and shirts, to give a break in the middle. Also avoid all dark colors. Try patterns, such as plaids and bright colors in fitted shirts.

[B]3. Don't wear baggy clothes.[/B]
Wearing a large when your a small, won't help, or fool anyone. Wear clothes that fit, and are cut to emphasize the muscle you do have. Make sure your jackets are the right length, just under your bum. Too long, and you will look like a kid playing dress up.

[B]4. Wear straight leg, or bootcut jeans.[/B]
The cuts will help balance you out, and minimize the beanpole look. Avoid at all costs the hipster skinny jeans. This is a bad fashion statement, regardless of who you are. Doubly so for tall and skinny guys. Do choose dark denim. This is a hard and fast rule, no matter what your body type.

[Guest]

Another good post Fenix. I would add one more thing to the heavy guys wardrobe - gym clothes. To be used in the gym.

Only big-fat party animals and gay guys can wear Hawaiian shirts.