In a recent article HERE, I wrote that people have extremely diverse silhouettes… and even the same person can fluctuate in shape very quickly. There is no perfect body, but there are ways to make it more flattering! Be aware of this and adapt your style to your own shape for a visually advantageous effect.
Are you thin and want to turn it into an asset? Here are 7 tricks to keep in mind!
1. Opt for Long Jackets
When looking for a jacket, choose one that fully covers your back. This style rule applies to all gentlemen, but you are the primary focus! Covering the seat flatters tall, thin men. Unfortunately, ready-to-wear jackets are made for average-height men, so you will likely need a tailor to find the perfect jacket. Also, avoid shoulder pads, epaulettes, or other reinforcements!
2. Choose Fitted Shirts
The fitted effect is achieved by sewing simple or double darts on the back of your shirt. For T-shirts, where darts don’t exist, the cut should be just slightly loose. Reminder: fitted does not mean tight!
3. Stay Away from Vertical Stripes
Avoid shirts, T-shirts, or sweaters with vertical stripes. These will elongate your silhouette even more, giving your body a lanky appearance. Horizontal stripes and checks, on the other hand, give the impression of volume, so keep that in mind!
4. Black Does Not Flatter You
Except for funerals, never dress in black from head to toe. Black is known to slim the figure, and you are looking for the opposite effect! Opt instead for bright, light colors such as white, beige, gray, light blue, or pale pink.
5. Hide Your Neck
The neck is a thin part of the body that lengthens a lot. For thin men, hiding it helps achieve a “thicker” look. You can do this easily by wearing turtlenecks, high-neck sweaters, or shirts with a tall collar. In winter, a scarf is all you need. In summer, simply button up your polo shirt completely and you’re ready to go!
6. Avoid Skinny Jeans
Never buy skinny jeans. Your legs will look like two sticks stuck in… Instead, choose straight-leg jeans. For dress pants, a thick waistband and darts near the pockets are ideal to add some volume.
7. Do Not Wear Round-Toe Shoes
The round shape of the toe creates too contrasting and disproportionate a look. Thin men are recommended to wear semi-pointed shoes in Italian style (so-called chiseled-toe shoes). Remember: if your silhouette is slim, the shoe last should follow the same trend. The same advice applies to boots or high shoes.
Fitted shirts, jacket length, hiding the neck, stripe orientation, light colors, choice of jeans, and shoe style are therefore the tricks you need to apply starting today to turn a natural flaw into an enviable asset. Good luck!
