Suits are amazing at making you look good. But at the same time, clothes are complicated. Not every kind of fabric goes with every suit, not all suit colors are appropriate at every event, nor does every suit type look good on all body types.
Now, when it comes to body types, people with average height and body width don’t generally face too much trouble finding something that suits them. But when you’re either above or below the general populace in those regards, it’s hard to find clothes that genuinely look good on you. This is especially true when you search for suits for plus-sized people, or people who are slim, tall, short, or others who may face multiple of those challenges.
It’s not simply about finding the best designs and colors. The suit has to flatter your build. Its job is to make you look good. Hence, today at Christopher Allen Clothiers, we’re going to go through some of the best suit styles for people with unique bodies. Let’s begin.
Suits For Athletic Bodies
Broad shoulders, narrow waist, and robust muscles are all classic signs of an athletic body. When you have an attractive build like that, you’ll want to highlight these features without going overboard. The fit shouldn’t be a nice fit, but not so tight that the suit changes its shape. Fabric is another key factor when it comes to suits for athletic bodies. Lightweight wools or blends are perfect for muscular silhouettes because they drape cleanly, without adding extra bulk. Plus, you can give stretch fabrics a try as well. They too provide comfort and flexibility. Here are some suggestions to help you look better in a suit:
Two-Button Suits
Get these to accentuate the shoulders while leveraging a harmonious overall feel.
Slim Fit
An athletic body is amplified under a suit with a nipped waist that doesn’t look too snug around the middle.
Structured Shoulders
You can also opt for suits with structured shoulders to bring out the definition.
Other Pointers
- The jacket should fit well around your chest and shoulders.
- Try not to make the trousers too tight.
Suits For Slim Bodies
A man with a slim body type generally has a small skeletal structure, with tiny shoulders and a minimal waist. So, you don’t want something that makes you look thinner. What you need to do instead is to invest in something that adds bulk and definition. You can do that by avoiding clothes that are too tight. A slightly looser suit can help you add more volume. That’ll help you feel more confident and look more attractive. Suits for slimmer bodies can also be paired with vests or waistcoats for the appearance of a more defined torso. Here are more suggestions for the best suit styles when you’re slim:
Double-Breasted Suits
Get these to enhance the appearance of a broader chest and wider shoulders.
Moderately Wider Lapels
Choose slightly wider lapels to add increased width to your frame.
Textured Fabrics
Go with fabrics like tweed or checks to add more visual bulk.
Other Pointers
- The suit should be tailored to avoid making it too loose.
- Go for padded shoulders; they provide more structure.
Suits For Plus-Sized People
People with big body types generally have a bigger build with an enlarged waist size and a big chest. As such, it’s often more difficult to find ready-made suits on the go. You’re then forced to invest in made-to-measure or bespoke options. But you can make the most of it with a creative mindset. For instance, you consider vertical stripes because they visually lengthen the body and serve as a slimming factor. Plus, you should go with matte finishes that absorb light and add to your elegance. In contrast, shiny fabrics will easily reflect light and accentuate bulkier parts of the body. You don’t want that. Here are more ways to add more attractiveness to suits for plus-sized people:
Single-Breasted Suits
Get these to appear non-bulky and slimming.
Wide Lapels
Wide lapels help restore balance to your width, adding to the volume of the upper body.
Darker Colors
Try dark colors for an increased slimming effect.
Other pointers
- Avoid using an overly tight suit, particularly around the waist area.
- For more leeway and comfort, try using pleated trousers.
Suits For Tall People
Let’s face it. Tall people don’t have it easy either. These people have long torsos and limbs but narrow shoulders and a small waist. Hence, they too, need to custom order their suits. Now, in suits for tall people, the goal is to balance out the length while giving width to the shoulders. One way to do that is by ensuring your suit’s jacket and trousers are long enough for you. Otherwise, you could look too slim. You could also break up extra length in the legs with cuffs on the trousers. Additionally, you can give the following a shot:
Double-breasted suits
Get these to balance the length of the torso and bulk up the shoulders.
Longer Jackets
These will also help you enhance the proportions of your frame.
Patterns on Fabrics
Go for horizontal patterns to shorten the appearance of the long torso.
Other Pointers
- Always ensure that your sleeves and trousers are not too short.
- Avoid vertical stripes; they make you look taller.
The Best Suit Style Tips for All Body Types
Getting a style that brings the best out of you is what it’s all about. It doesn’t matter whether your build is athletic, slim, large, or tall. There are many ways to come up with unique looks that are flattering and stylish. Of course, you don’t always need to look at the individual aspect of it. There are also many general methods of enhancing a suit’s appearance, which can be adapted by people of any shape or size. Let’s discuss some of those below:
Fit is Key
The best suit styles rely heavily on a remarkable fit. You want your suits made exactly per your measurements, for the best fit. Always check the fit at the shoulders, chest, waist, and jacket length. A qualified tailor really helps you get the right adjustments for style and comfort.
Type of Fabric
Fabrics matter a lot. Wool or wool blends are best for business events, with suits made of cotton or linen better for casual or summer affairs. In contrast, cashmere or silk blends are better for formal occasions. You can go through our guide about custom suit fabrics for a more detailed outlook on which fabrics work best and when.
Details Matter
Pay attention to lapels, buttons, and pockets. These can bring more features to your look. For instance, wide lapels help restore width balance in suits for plus-sized people, whereas a notch lapel gives an overall classic appeal. It’s always better to consider the potential of looking even better.
Get Customized Suits For All Body Types
At Christopher Allen Clothiers, we have the skills and expertise to provide the best suit styles for all. Regardless of your body shape, you can rely on our team for casual, professional, and formal suits that help you stand apart at every event you attend. Call us today or visit us for premium tailoring that re-imagines your wardrobe for greatness.