Best Suits for Short, Tall, Fat, or Muscular Men

Thursday, August 28th 2008 by Shanel Yang         Email this article to a friend

All men want to look and feel their best when they put on the modern-day equivalent of a suit of armor every time they go out into the world to do battle, whether in conference rooms, courtrooms, or on the frenzied floor of the stock market. (Or, bullet-proof suits for interviews.)

That’s all well and good if you have the perfect off-the-rack physique and pretty much look great in anything you can buy at any department store. But, what about the majority of men who have something other than typical mannequin-sized measurements? What about the short, tall, fat, or muscular men?

Not that there’s anything wrong or even unattractive about short, tall, fat, or muscular men. A quick search on the internet turned up the following list of men considered very sexy indeed in many people’s books, whether now or in the past:

1. Short: Dudley Moore (5′2″); Prince (5′3″); Tom Cruise (5′4″ - 5′7″ depending on the source); Mel Gibson (5′6″ - 5′7″ again depending on the source); Elijah Wood (5′6″); Daniel Radcliffe (5′6″); Ja Rule (5′6″); Al Pacino (5′7″); Bruce Lee (5′7″)

2. Tall: Sean Connery (6′2″ - 6′4″); Clint Eastwood (6′2″ - 6′4″); Josh Hartnett (6′3″); John Mayer (6′4″); Tom Selleck (6′4″); Michael Jordan (6′6″)

3. Fat: Bobby Lee; Jack Black; Philip Seymour Hoffman; James Gandolfino; Emeril Lagasse; Brian Dennehy; Jack Nicholson; J. T. Walsh; Marlon Brando

4. Muscular: Vin Diesel; Dolph Lundgren; Dwayne Johnson (”The Rock”)

Bet you didn’t think these guys had any difficulties finding the perfect suit for their unusually extreme body shapes! On the contrary, they always look stylish, powerful, and confident in their suits. You never focus on their height or girth because they look terrific all decked out in a suit made just for them. And you can, too! You just need to find the right cut and style. There are specialty stores on the internet for “short and small” or “big and tall.” But, nothing beats a good custom made suit for hard-to-fit sizes. A good tailor magically tones down the negative, accentuates the positive, and gives you a whole new sense of confidence!

BEST SUITS FOR SHORT, TALL, FAT, OR MUSCULAR MEN

According to Chic Simple’s Men’s Wardrobe, here is the breakdown on the types of suit styles that these more challenging body types should wear to make the most commanding, yet flattering, statement in any work or more formal social event:

A. SHORT

“Pinstripes and chalk stripes (though not too widely spaced) and dark solid colors flatter the short man. Jackets should be single-breasted, square-shouldered, two-or-three buttoned, preferably with long lapels and unflapped pockets. Avoid long jackets; a shorter jacket gives the appearance of longer legs. Choose shirts with vertical strips and long-pointed collars. Tie knots should be smallish (no Windsors). Trousers should be slim in line (you’re the only guy who can safely go without cuffs). Stand straight.”

B. TALL

“Stress horizontal lines. Stay away from pinstripes; they only emphasize your narrowness. Jackets should accentuate width: shoulders sloped, waist loose, pockets flapped (a ticket pocket helps). Double-breasteds are ideal. Wear patterns—Glen Urquhart or windowpane plaid, checks—and tweed. Avoid fabrics that cling. Three-button jackets, though fashionable, tend to lengthen the body. Similarly, shirts with long-pointed collars and narrow ties make the face look leaner and longer. Try spread collars. Eschew dainty pointed shoes.”

C. FAT

“Suiting fabrics should be smooth, not bulky (avoid tweed and seersucker). Double-breasteds are a hazard, but the peaked lapels do carry the eye upward away from the waist. Plaid is your enemy, pinstripes your friend. Medium and dark colors are becoming. (Late in life, Orson Welles wore only black.) Watch out for spread and button-down collars—your face usually needs the long-pointed type. Wear bold ties—tied long, so that they reach the waistband of your trousers. Suspenders instead of a belt. Narrow-toed shoes and small-sized jewelry. Chin up.”

D. MUSCULAR

“Athletic men can be a tough fit, since the difference between chest size and waistline (in tailoring jargon, the “drop”) can be extreme. If your drop is more than eight inches, look for “athletic suits” that take this into account. If you’ve got a ten-inch or greater drop, you may need custom or made-to-measure tailoring (ditto for shirts). In general, modestly single-breasted suits in dark colors (to minimize bulk) are the ticket. Jackets with a low-button stance are desirable. When it comes to sports clothes, wear what you want. You got it, flaunt it!”

CONCLUSION

Even if you have just one custom-made suit in the nearly-all-purpose navy (a single-breasted, two-button jacket with matching trousers and white button down shirt and tie), you’ll feel like a million bucks and always look your best for that oh so special event! If you can afford two custom made suits, go for gray next. ; )

If you want a copy of Chic Simple’s Men’s Wardrobe: click here.

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