styling for your body type

If you’ve ever tried seeking advice of any kind from others before you’ve probably learned the important lesson: what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. The same also applies to clothing, which is why it’s important to find styling tips that account for your type of body.

When talking about styling with body types in mind, people will usually focus on creating a silhouette, shape or outline. This means using the qualities of the clothes, such as length, color, or material, to create an overall shape on top of the body that will either draw attention to or conceal different parts of it.

There’s never been an exact way to categorize all the different bodies people have, but here we’ve tried to use three general categories that are both easy to understand and can apply to any gender. What body type do you fall under?

ectomorphs

Ectomorphs have features that are narrow and angular, particularly around the shoulders, arms, and legs. Having a naturally straight and slender outline, they can benefit from wearing layers and bright colors.

  • Vertical stripes will emphasize a slim outline, while horizontal stripes can create the illusion of curviness
  • Thick and textured fabrics like flannel and denim will add shape and bulk that balances out a slim frame
  • Pay special attention to how different kinds of shirt sleeves and pants drape over the arms and legs

mesomorphs

Being the “average” body type - mesomorphs have a balanced physique that’s neither super slim nor super wide. They have the most versatility in how they can play around with their appearance, and can also easily develop defined muscles through training.

  • Focus on well-fitting clothes that aren’t overly baggy or skin-tight
  • Different lengths of clothing will create varying proportions between the torso and legs
  • Aim for a look that balances the upper and lower torso

endomorphs

Endomorph bodies have a broader frame and more rounded features, especially around the lower half of the body. What they choose to emphasize can help them lean into either an image of softness or of strength.

  • High-waisted pants or empire-waist skirts can conceal the lower torso while making the legs look longer
  • Long, untucked shirt and jackets will drape over the body and create a straighter, boxy appearance
  • Adding a belt or accessory around the waist helps define a curvy shape and create a nice contrast between the top and bottom halves of the body

Of course, the most important goal is to dress in a way that makes you feel good about your body the way it is right now. While it's good to have an ideal image what you want your body to look like, learning to have a positive self-image and appreciating your body as it is now, even if it isn't quite how you think it should be, is enough to bring a boost to your confidence and will make the process of working to improve your body even more enjoyable in the long run.

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