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HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE: A MEN’S GUIDE
We’ve all done it - picked clothes because they look good on a mannequin, only to get home and find the fit’s not right. The truth is, good style isn’t about trends or labels - it’s about how clothes work with your body shape.
Whether you have broad shoulders, a fuller midsection or a lean frame, the aim is always balance. But how can you find this balance if you don’t understand your body type?
In this guide, we’ll go through all you need to know so you can start choosing the right colours, cuts and fabrics to suit your shape. The result? A sharper silhouette and more confidence in everything you wear.
WHY BODY SHAPE MATTERS IN MEN’S FASHION
Clothes are built around lines, structure and proportion, and dressing for your body type means using these elements to create a balanced look. For example, if your hips are wider than your shoulders, choosing pieces that add structure to your upper body will create a stronger, more traditionally masculine outline.
Most high-street fashion is designed to suit a standard rectangle body shape, when actually very few men fit that model. But once you start dressing with your own build in mind, you stop fighting against poor fits and start finding clothes that feel comfortable and look intentional.
THE FIVE COMMON MEN’S BODY TYPES
Most men fall into one of five main body shapes. Find yours, and you’ll take the first step towards building a wardrobe that actually works for you.
Inverted Triangle
You have a broad chest and shoulders, with a narrower waist and hips.
To avoid looking top-heavy, find balance with slim-fit shirts that define the waist, and V-neck jumpers that soften the chest. To complete your outfit, add some weight to the lower body with a pair of straight-leg trousers. Remember to avoid padded shoulders and very skinny jeans, which can exaggerate your proportions.
Rectangle
Your shoulders, waist and hips are all similar in width.
This body shape will always benefit from a bit of extra structure, so consider wearing blazers, overshirts and layered outfits that help create shape through the torso. Styling prints and texture on the upper body will add interest to your outfit, but don’t overdo the vertical stripes - they can emphasise straight lines and give you an extra boxy look.
Oval
Your weight is carried around the stomach, and you have slimmer shoulders and legs.
For this body type, the aim is to lengthen the torso and create clean lines. Dark colours, vertical stripes and structured jackets are key, but avoid bold patterns around the midsection. Trousers should sit at the natural waist, and you should skip the high-contrast belts if you want to achieve a smoother profile.
Triangle
You have narrow shoulders with wider hips and thighs.
If you have this body shape, the goal is to draw attention upwards. To help balance your proportions, lean towards jackets with light shoulder structure, shirts with firmer collars, and darker trousers. Keep away from soft-collared polos and tight-fitting trousers that will highlight the lower body.
Trapezoid
You have broad shoulders with a slightly narrower waist.
This is one of the most versatile men’s body shapes, so avoid baggy and oversized clothes that’ll only hide your build. Instead, reach for tailored and slim-fit clothing that’ll work well to highlight your physique.
HOW TO USE COLOUR & PATTERN TO BALANCE YOUR BUILD
Believe it or not, something as simple as colour choice can play a huge role in how clothes affect your proportions. Dark shades like navy, black and charcoal can make you look smaller, while lighter colours draw attention to a certain area and add presence to your look.
So, if you want to slim your midsection, pick dark, simple tops. To make your shoulders look broader instead, choose a lighter colour or a style with subtle horizontal patterns. If you’re tall, you’ll find that contrasting colours on your top and trousers can help create balance.
Not sure which shades suit you? Find out in our Men's Colour Analysis Guide.
FABRIC CHOICE AND IT’S IMPACT ON FIT
When you’re shopping, it’s important to remember that fabric weight and texture will affect how clothes sit on your body.
Keep in mind that heavier materials like denim, tweed and chunky knits can add structure and visual mass to your frame. This makes them ideal for anyone with a rectangle or triangle body shape.
Lighter fabrics like linen, lightweight cotton and fine merino wool will drape more naturally. These are better suited to guys with oval and inverted triangle shapes, as they skim the body without clinging or adding bulk in the wrong places.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FITS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE
Not to sound like a broken record, but finding the right fits is all about balance.
For guys with an inverted triangle body shape, this means reaching for tops that are streamlined and bottoms that are slightly more relaxed. This is how you’ll effortlessly achieve a coherent look between your upper and lower body.
Those with a rectangle build will suit structured tops and tapered trousers - this will add a bit of shape where it’s needed most.
Oval body types should focus on clean lines through the torso, using darker colours and relaxed - but not baggy - fits on the legs.
Anyone with a triangle shape will look great in darker, simpler bottoms and styles with stronger upper-body details.
And if you have a trapezoid build, you can experiment more freely with your outfit choice, but you’ll still get the most out of well-fitted, tailored clothes that follow your proportions.
Accessories also play a role here. Subtle belts, scarves or ties can help direct attention to your strongest areas without overpowering your outfit. So think about which parts of your frame you want to highlight, and pick your extras from there.
WHY FIT MATTERS: THE JACAMO DIFFERENCE
It might sound obvious, but finding clothes that fit your body shape is much easier when they’re designed properly in the first place. That’s where Jacamo comes in. We specialise in menswear that works for real guys with real proportions - not unrealistic sizing standards.
With everything from wide-fit shoes to tall collections and extended size ranges, we remove the compromise from shopping. Every piece is designed to fit comfortably, so you can nail that sharp, modern look in styles built for you.
FINAL STYLE TIPS FOR EVERY BODY TYPE
Dress for the body you have right now, not the one you’re working towards. Buying clothes that are too small or tight is unlikely to give you any motivation, but is guaranteed to give you an uncomfortable wardrobe.
And let’s be real - comfort matters. Clothes that let you to move freely can instantly boost your confidence, which is just as important as the fit itself. So consider making use of some simple tailoring - adjusting trouser length or refining the waist of a shirt can transform an affordable item into something that looks far more premium.