Body Shape #4 For Men – OVAL
In a full-bodied man (also called stocky, rotund, fleshy, etc.), the center of the torso is wider than the shoulders and hips. The rest of the build tends to reflect this as well, with shorter, broader limbs that widen at their midpoints.
Oval-shaped men want clothes that do a bit of slimming and framing.
Clothing For Men With Oval Body Shape:
Keep it simple and dark with a round body. Dark, solid colors are always good.
- Trousers: The trouser waist should always be comfortably loose, never belted so tight that it pinches and wrinkles.
- Suspenders: Suspenders (“braces” in the UK) are a bulky man’s best friend. Wear them whenever you get the opportunity. They hold the trouser front out slightly, letting it fall in a smooth front all the way past the crotch. Whether belted or worn with suspenders, the trousers should always be worn at the natural waist, where they can drape smoothly over the bottom of your stomach instead of squeezing it all upward. You don’t want the belly sagging down in front of the belt or trouser waist.
- Pleats: will help the pants widen slightly when you sit, adding a bit of comfort for men with large thighs and bottoms.
- Shirts: A good fit is crucial in avoiding either pinching and wrinkles (too small a shirt) or billows that add even more bulk (too loose a shirt). Find a brand that works for you or else have your shirts tailored. A wider collar spread works well for broad men, especially when the neck and face are broad as well.
- Jackets: Dark, single-breasted, and only slightly tapered are the keys to a good jacket for big men. A sharp taper at the waist is going to be hard to button and will stretch over the stomach. Just a hint of an inward bend right around the buttons is all that’s needed. The jacket gives the torso a frame, essentially putting it between two narrow lines, making it a worthwhile addition to almost any outfit.
- Neckties: Bow ties can be a good way to avoid a tie that drapes over the bulge of the stomach. If you’re not a fan of bow ties, then something decently wide and, more importantly, long enough to reach the belt will work.
Clothing To Avoid For Men With Oval Body Shape:
- Tight fits in the torso are a bad choice: and trying to squeeze into clothing that’s too tight is the worst choice of all — it does nothing but emphasize the body’s bulk, and it makes you look desperate besides.
- Patterns and visual clutter are a bad idea: as is anything that draws attention to the midsection. Work on outfits that guide the eye smoothly up the whole length of the body and focus attention on your face.
