Dress to Look Thinner

If you’re on the larger size, it can be impossible to buy off-the-rack clothing, as they usually don’t fit well or flatters your body shape. There are plenty of style guides online but it’s rare to come across any advice for men on how to dress to look slimmer. That’s why have gathered our

 

10 best tips on how to dress to look thinner

1. Avoid clothing that exaggerate your body size, such as: turtlenecks, vertical lines, and over sized clothing.

2. It’s said that vertical stripes makes the body appear longer (thereby slimmer); test it out for yourself. If you feel comfortable, wear it!

3. Don’t be afraid to use suspenders. As belts tend to cut the body in half, suspenders will both hold your pants in place and remove the need for belt. It looks stylish too!

4. Details! Match the colors of your suspenders and your bow tie/tie for a fun, stylish look!

5. Clothes that are too big makes you look bigger. Made to fit your measurements create, not matter your size or shape, a better silhouette.

6. STAND TALL. There are many reasons why you should stand tall, but in regards to looking thinner, standing tall can actually “remove” 2-5 kg of perceived weight.

7. Generally speaking, if you’ve got a larger backside, avoid double vents on your jacket. Go for a single vent (or no vent at all) for a more slimming look.

8. Accessorize! Do you want to draw attention to your hands and arms? Add a nice watch and/or cufflinks to your outfit. Want people to notice your shoulders? Add a nice lapel pin on your tailored suit. Add a pocket square to draw attention to your chest. Draw (even more) attention to your face by adding a nice/fun bow tie.  Wear nice, polished shoes for a clean finish. A good pair of shoes makes every outfit look more dapper.

    

   TIP: If you’re unsure how to fold a pocket square check out our blog post discussing this here).

9. Speaking of shoes… remember to match your shoe color with the color of a belt (if you decide to wear a belt).

10. Last but not least, which suit style is the most slimming? All men need to experiment with different suit styles to find out your own preference. Three-piece suits tend to have a slimming effect as the vest narrows the waist. Single and double-breasted jackets have the advantage of lengthening the torso. Find out what you like by customizing your suit here and find your favorite(s)!

How to Look Thinner in a Suit

When aiming to look thinner in a suit, focus on choosing styles that elongate and slim your profile. Opt for suits with wide lapels, which help balance your proportions and draw the eye vertically, contributing to a slimmer appearance. If you prefer single-breasted suits, a two-button style is ideal as it offers a longer lapel line, further enhancing the slimming effect. For double-breasted suits, select either a four or six-button configuration for a streamlined look. Additionally, consider suits with subtle vertical stripes; these naturally draw the eye up and down, creating a lengthening effect on your stature. Most importantly, always opt for custom-made suits. The real secret to a flattering fit is made-to-measure craftsmanship, ensuring every detail is tailored to your body's unique contours, from the shoulder down to the hem.

How to Look Thinner in a Dress Shirt

To appear thinner in a dress shirt, it's crucial to focus on fit. Traditionally, non-custom fashion brands use darts to create the illusion of a slimmer waist, but these can often lead to a less than perfect fit elsewhere. The real solution is to wear made-to-measure dress shirts. Unlike off-the-rack options, which often don't fit well and can create a bulky or billowy appearance, custom-fitted shirts are tailored to adhere smoothly to your form, enhancing your physique without adding bulk. This ensures that your shirt accentuates your best features without unnecessary fabric adding volume to your silhouette. For a more professional look, choose men's business dress shirts that are custom-fitted, utilizing high-quality materials that maintain both comfort and style.

How to Look Thinner in Winter

Looking thinner during the winter requires careful attention to how you layer your clothing. The key is to avoid bulky layers that add excessive volume. Instead, opt for high-quality materials that provide warmth without the need for multiple heavy layers. Merino wool is an excellent choice for fabrics as it offers superior insulation with much less bulk than traditional wool. When it comes to outerwear, choose an overcoat that is as long as possible. Wearing your overcoat casually open can also create a vertical line that helps elongate your body, giving you a slimmer appearance. This styling trick uses the natural drape of the coat to create a lean silhouette, drawing the eye vertically rather than horizontally.

(Copyright pictures: Pinterest & Hockerty)