
Shopping for Body Types
- Jun 30, 2015
- 0
Now that we’ve gotten the fundamentals of Body Types down pact, let us see exactly how we can shop for our various body types. We have specific details on exactly what to wear whether you are an Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Triangle, or Oval. Check out all of the details by reading more.
Inverted Triangle
Your entire sartorial game is organized around narrowing your chest, drawing the eye to your waist, and making sure you don’t look like you intentionally skip “leg day.” Keep an eye out for v-necks, crew necks that utilize graphics or horizontal stripes (like Breton Stripes), and shirting that can accommodate your brawny upper body and features a tailored wast.
Your bottoms should be slim but not skinny, and your suits should support your body without looking disproportionate. Think a dark colored, unstructured suit, or a double breasted suit that is properly sculpted.
The Rectangle
Dressing for a rectangle body is all about adding definition where there is none. A great way to do this is via layering, which can add to your upper half while emphasizing your waistline making you look more muscular than you are.
When it comes to bottoms, always go for a skinnier pant that can aid in creating an inverted triangular line from your chest to your bottom.
Be careful when you are shopping off the rack, most clothing will fit in one section and swallow your arms or waist. To avoid that, take your suits to a tailor, always look for slim fit items, and become friends with structured blazers that help fill out your chest and shoulders.
The Triangle
Since your shoulders are narrowed compared to your waist, focus on adding structure on top to create visual balance. Do your best to avoid polos, turtlenecks, and billowy shirts, and pay attention to color and prints (darker colors are slimming as are vertical stripes).
Your best bet for bottoms are straight leg trousers that are not tapered or skinny. A slimmer leg increases the visual width of your waist leading to an imbalance that the rest of your outfit will have to fight.
When it comes to suiting, a classic single breasted, two button suit is it. Not only is it a great buy since it has universal appeal and will never go out of style, it also happens to be the most streamlined look for your money.
The Oval
The key to flattering this body type is to make your shoulders and mid-section appear smaller and your torso longer. Much like the triangle, you want to opt for darker colors, lighter fabrics, and prints that elongate and slim (no thick horizontal stripes).
Look for wide leg denim and trousers that balance out your top half, just take extra care to make sure the fabric isn’t too heavy and the cut isn’t too tight. While most experts will steer you towards a pleated front trouser, I would say do it at your own risk. A flat front trouser can actually help disguise and define your waist.
Take the same suiting advice as the triangle shape and go for a classic, single breasted two button style that has vents in the back, allowing for extra room without drawing attention to your back.
Truthfully, these are just opinions based on tried and true facts. If you find something better works for you than what we have presented her, go for it. At the end of the day, it’s your body not mine and you have to live with what you put on not me.
Cheers,
-Anastasia Nicole