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Male Body Type Guide: Dress for Your Best Look

man wearing a blue suit and white shirt
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11 Jan 2022
5 min read

As bespoke tailors, we at Narry Tailor understand that great style is not just about trends - it’s about fit. The key to looking your best is dressing in a way that complements your unique body type. Whether you’re tall and lean, broad and muscular, or somewhere in between, the right tailoring can enhance your natural proportions and refine your overall appearance. Here’s how to identify your body type and dress in a way that exudes confidence and sophistication.

Understanding Your Body Type

Each man has a different build, and knowing yours is essential when choosing clothing that fits well and flatters your physique. Below are the most common male body types:

  • Ectomorph – Tall and lean, with narrow shoulders and long limbs.
  • Mesomorph – Athletic and muscular, with a naturally well-defined chest and a tapered waist.
  • Endomorph – Broad and sturdy, with a fuller frame and wider waist.
  • Rectangle – Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, creating a straight frame.
  • Inverted Triangle – Broad shoulders and chest with a slim waist and hips.

Understanding these categories will help you select the most flattering styles and create a balanced, polished look.

Best Clothing Choices for Each Body Type

1. The Ectomorph (Tall & Lean)

Best Clothing Choices:

  • Opt for structured suits with padded shoulders to add width to your frame.
  • Choose double-breasted jackets to create a broader silhouette.
  • Layering is your friend—wear waistcoats and textured fabrics to add depth.
  • Slim or straight-leg trousers work best to maintain proportion.

2. The Mesomorph (Athletic & Muscular)

Best Clothing Choices:

  • A single-breasted, well-tailored jacket accentuates the natural V-shape of your torso.
  • Avoid overly tight shirts; instead, opt for fitted but not restrictive designs.
  • Trousers should be slim but not skinny to balance the upper and lower body.
  • Stick to classic patterns and solid colours to maintain a refined look.

3. The Endomorph (Broad & Sturdy)

Best Clothing Choices:

  • Opt for darker shades and vertical patterns to create a slimming effect.
  • Single-breasted jackets with minimal padding help streamline your profile.
  • Tailored shirts that follow your natural shape (not too tight or loose) are ideal.
  • Avoid overly baggy trousers; instead, choose a straight or slightly tapered leg.

4. The Rectangle (Straight Build)

Best Clothing Choices:

  • A structured blazer with slight waist suppression creates a defined silhouette.
  • Layering with waistcoats or contrast shirts helps break up the straightness.
  • Choose trousers that sit comfortably and create a natural drape without excess fabric.
  • Patterns like checks and plaids add dimension to your look.

5. The Inverted Triangle (Broad Shoulders, Slim Waist)

Best Clothing Choices:

  • Keep jackets slightly tapered at the waist to highlight your proportions without exaggeration.
  • Stick to lightweight fabrics to prevent an overly bulky look.
  • Straight or slightly relaxed trousers help balance the top-heavy shape.
  • Choose V-neck shirts or open-collar styles to complement your upper body.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

The fabric of your clothing can significantly impact how it drapes and fits your body type:

  • Ectomorphs benefit from heavier fabrics like tweed, flannel, or corduroy to add bulk.
  • Mesomorphs should stick to balanced fabrics such as wool, cotton, or linen for structure without excess weight.
  • Endomorphs should opt for lightweight, breathable materials like fine wool or blends to avoid unnecessary bulk.
  • Rectangle body types should consider textured fabrics to create the illusion of a fuller frame.
  • Inverted triangles should choose soft, flowing fabrics to avoid adding excessive volume to their upper body.

Color and Pattern Choices

  • Ectomorphs can experiment with lighter shades and bold patterns to add visual interest.
  • Mesomorphs should stick to classic, solid colours or subtle patterns that highlight their natural shape.
  • Endomorphs should lean towards darker hues and vertical stripes for a slimming effect.
  • Rectangle body types should embrace layered colour contrasts to create depth.
  • Inverted triangles should avoid heavy patterns on the upper body but can add interest with their trousers.

Dos and Don’ts for Each Body Type

Why Bespoke Tailoring Makes the Difference

While off-the-rack suits and shirts follow standard sizing, bespoke tailoring ensures a flawless fit that enhances your best features. At Narry Tailor, we craft each piece to your exact measurements, ensuring that every suit, shirt, and pair of trousers is designed to complement your body type.

With decades of experience, our expert tailors meticulously shape each garment to enhance your frame, ensuring comfort, elegance, and a personalized touch that ready-made clothing simply cannot match.

Book Your Consultation at Narry Tailor

Your style should be as unique as you are. Whether you need a custom suit for a special occasion or a wardrobe refresh that aligns with your body type, Narry Tailor is here to help.

Visit us at one of our showrooms in Sukhumvit, Silom, or Phuket, where our expert tailors will guide you through fabric selections, cuts, and styling options to craft the perfect wardrobe for you.

Schedule your appointment today and experience the art of true bespoke tailoring.

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