thin body type
Oh, to be in the shape you're in!
Suit Style:
Either single breasted two-button or double breasted suits
work fine.
Jackets:
Try softly padded shoulders, wider lapels (such as peak
lapels), and double vents. Your suit should fit easily, almost loosely. Patch
and flap pockets will help unless you are both short and thin.
Fabrics:
Any bulky or hefty weave (tweeds, for example, or flannels)
will add to your size.
Pattern and Color:
Patterns will give you some width. Avoid vertical
stripes. Contrasting sports jacket and slacks create a horizontal line, which
works if you're tall and thin, but if you're short and thin less
color contrast above and below the belt will work.
Lighter, warm colors have the illusion of bringing you closer to your
observers and tends to bulk you up. We're not advocating orange suits for you,
but in sportswear you might want to add some color in your sweater and shirt
wardrobe.
Shirts and Ties:
A spread collar tends to broaden the face and a wide
knot will help to accentuate the horizontal line. Avoid long point collars. If
you have a long neck try a tab or pin collar. Wide ties and bold patterns and
color are fine. Horizontal stripe shirts and ties. Avoid vertical stripes.
Sport shirts should fit (like all your
clothes). Garments that are too big emphasize your
thinness.
Trousers:
Cuff width depends upon if you are Thin and Tall or Thin and
Short. If you're tall, cuffs with 1 3/4" work well, just a little more than the
usual 1 1/2" cuff. If you're Thin and Short try 1 1/4" cuffs.
Shoes:
Don't choose a delicate shoe; something wide with a heavy sole
completes the thin man's look.
Accessories:
Vests and V-neck sweaters add bulk. Belts help cut the
vertical line.
Eyewear Shape:
Horizontal lines and also full rims around the lenses
will shorten your face. Try glasses with mid or low temples.
Hair: You can wear your hair a little longer on the sides. Make
certain your barber leaves hair on the nape of your neck. You don't want that
giraffe look! Within reason you can lower your sideburns a little too.
Topcoats:
Raglan sleeves and double breasted styles are good if you
are thin and tall.
There are plenty of other things to know about how to project your best
image. Read these sections and learn how you can get it all together!
