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Not all men are blessed with the ‘perfect’ figure. No matter whether you’re tall, short, skinny or carrying a few extra pounds, it can be tricky to find clothes that look good. Read on for modelling agency Models Direct’s guide to dressing for your body shape.

Bulky

If you’re a little heavier than you’d like there are ways of dressing to make yourself seem smaller. First of all, horizontal stripes, turtlenecks and large prints are all a big no-no as they will make you appear wider and draw attention to your upper half. Vertical stripes will give the impression of a more slimline physique.

Any woman will tell you that black is the colour to go for if you want to appear slimmer, so choose dark colours and single- or similar-coloured outfits. If you feel too macabre or formal in black, navy, dark greys and browns are good alternatives. Break up your outfit with a belt, which will give the impression of a slimmer waist.

The cardinal rule for men who are carrying a few extra pounds is to wear clothes that fit. You definitely don’t want trousers and tops that are obviously too small, but neither do you want to attempt to hide your body in overly large sizes. This will just make you seem larger!

Tall and skinny

Tall, skinny men are likely to encounter their own problems when it comes to fashion. As a tall man, you will no doubt have problems finding shirts and trousers that are long enough for you, so try ‘big and tall’ clothing shops that will cater for your body shape.

While larger men should avoid horizontal stripes, tall skinny men should avoid vertical stripes, including pinstripe suits. When it comes to trousers, straight or boot-cut trousers with a long inseam will flatter you most.

You may also have the problem that when buying shirts you have to buy larger sizes to fit your arm length which are ultimately too baggy around the torso, making you seem lankier. Try to find fitted shirts instead.

Just as larger men should wear dark, monochromatic outfits, tall and skinny men should break up their looks by wearing lighter colours on their top halves, which make them seem bulkier.

Short

Height for short men can obviously be added by the shoes that you wear – although the mention of high heels will probably scare most men! Models Direct aren’t suggesting you borrow your girlfriend’s stilettos, but a heeled dress shoe will help boost your height. This can also be disguised by a longer trouser leg.

Accessories such as ties, hats and scarves can be worn to draw attention to your upper body and face, meaning people are less likely to notice how tall you are. Ties should be kept slim.

When it comes to clothing, wear trousers with a small rise (the distance between the crotch and waistband of your trousers) to help elongate your body. Just like larger men you should avoid large prints.

About Models Direct

Models Direct is a talent and model agency for female models, male models, teen models, child models and baby models for advertising, fashion, film, TV, promotional and photographic modelling work. We are a Government-regulated Model Employment Agency… not an online showcase, we’re the real thing!

If you think you, or perhaps your partner, child, baby or pet, might be a suitable model for us to put forward for selection to appear in films, TV, fashion, promotions, advertisements and photographic modelling, please visit the website or call us on +44 (0)871 224 6000. Modelling can be great fun & often rewarding as a part time hobby.