The first step towards successful dressing is to understand your own body type and to learn to select the appropriate outfits to compliment your strengths and correct your weaknesses. I am sure you must have hear of people saying that people with bigger build should avoid horizontal strip, or wearing cuffed pants will make you look shorter. Well, these are really the tip of the iceberg, but before we go into more details of what to wear or avoid, let’s look at and example of a good body proportion.

For a perfect body shape:

  • Shoulder Width : The perfect proportion for a male body is one where his shoulders are wider than his hips (A>B)
  • Legs length : The length of body of the top of the head to the leg break( where the leg folds), should equal to the length of the legs (C=D)
  • Should Slope : The normal shoulder slopes on has a 5cm or 2″ drop from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder.

The following diagrams will show you on how to determine your own body type.

After you have determined your body shape, legs length and should slope, quickly measure your height and classify yourself as Short(168cm or under), Average (170-178cm) , Tall (180-188cm),  or Very tall (190cm above).

Count yourself lucky  if you have a V Shape body, Balance legs, normal shoulder slope and height of 170-178cm, as you have the least to worry about when picking up something to wear. Most outfit will fit you fine and it is really easy to buy something off the shelves for you. However, if you have one or more of the areas that falls out of the average category, fret not as you can use the following guidelines to help you make some wise decisions in your wardrobe selection and you will turn up looking just as sharp.

Dressing Tips for:

Super V Body Shape

If you have been pumping iron at the gym and have a Super V Shape body (and I know some of you are so proud of it), you often end up looking top heavy and have problem buying fitting clothes off the shelves. You should choose styles that help to create the illusion of a narrower shoulder.

  • Dark color on top
  • Jackets: Wide lapels in proportion to shoulder width with regular/drop notch
  • Tee: Try raglan sleeves tee to create a narrower shoulder
  • Create volume below the waist
    • pocket flaps
    • patch pockets
    • pleated pants

Straight or Pear Shape Body

If you on the other hand have hips equal or wider than your shoulder, go for styles that create the illusion of the V shape.

  • Bright or lighter color top
  • Jacket: padded shoulders, peaked notch, narrow to medium width lapels
  • Fitted set in sleeves
  • Create narrower hips
    • slant trouser pockets
    • dark slacks
    • trousers without pleats
    • tucked in pocket flaps

Short Legs

To create the illusion of a longer leg, you should go for

  • un-cuffed trousers
  • trousers with higher rise (and avoid low rise jeans or pants)
  • shorter suit jacket
  • monochromatic color combination
  • higher button closure on jacket
  • tapered trousers

Long Legs

To visually shorten your legs, you should try

  • Trousers with cuffs
  • Trousers with a low rise
  • Longer suit jacket
  • Separate; blazer or sports jacket
  • Lower button closure on jackets

Tapered Shoulder

For a tapered shoulder try, choose jackets that are

  • Shoulders Padded
  • Peaked notch lapels
  • Set-in sleeves

Square Shoulders

For a square shoulder. go for

  • Jacket with natural shoulders, drop notch lapels
  • Tee shirt with raglan sleeves
  • V-neck

Tall Build

If you want avoid looking too tall;

  • Create horizontal lines with
    • double-breasted jacket
    • light-colored trousers
    • trousers with cuffs
  • Break lines with
    • pattern- larger scale
    • different color separates

Short Build

To visually create a taller look;

  • Create vertical lines with
    • buttons
    • pinstripes
    • thin corduroy
  • Optimize height with unbroken lines
    • monochromatic combinations
    • trousers without cuffs or turn ups
    • blend shoes and trouser color
    • socks match trouser color.