The Ultimate Guide To Understanding Your Body TypePaul Anthony2018-06-07T13:50:16-04:00
“Whoever wears that which accentuates the way his body is, at the expense of how it should appear, is ruined.” -N. Antongiovanni,The Suit
If you know your body type and would like to jump to it immediately, please click the appropriate link below:
Body Types:
- Average Height & Weight
- Average Height & Heavyset
- Average Height & Thin
- Average Weight & Tall
- Big & Tall
- Tall & Thin
- Average Weight & Short
- Short & Heavyset
- Short & Thin
Body Type Modifications:
If you need help figuring out what body type best describes you, read on!
An Introduction To Male Body Types
Menswear is chock full of “rules” thattheoretically apply to anyone wearing men’s clothes. Jacket sleeves end at a certain length, trouser waistbands hit at a certainpoint, and shirts fit in a certain way.
This is wonderful in the hypothetical world, but practically speaking, it’s a different ball game. Not all men are created physically equal, and we have to account for different body types when we talk about getting dressed.
To that end, we’ve put together a collection of articles that detail the ins and outs of various male body types. We have identified nine different body types and two body type modifications: Irregular and Athletic. Reading this article will provide you with the guidance you need to determine what your body type is, and from there you’ll be able to click on an article dedicated solely to your body type.
You’ll receive suggestions around what to wear, typical sizes for your body type, and more.
Our Methodology
Our methodology was to use frame and height as base lines. We didn’t consider weight on its own as a metric.We took three typical height categories (tall, average, and short) and spread them across three different builds: average, slender, and heavyset. This created the nine body types.
The athletic and irregular modifiers can be melded with any body type.
Irregularities arerandom biological occurrences or perhaps the results of accidents. They occur in over 95% of men, so it’s highly likely that you will want to read that article in addition to the one for your body type.
Athleticism occurs less often as it requires a lot of hard work to look athletic. Most body types can be subject to an athletic modifier, though it’s unlikely that someone would be Short & Heavyset with an Athletic modification, for example.
Mike, a Short & Average body type.
How To Determine Your Body Type
We made it as easy as possible:
- Determine your frame using the graphics below
- Confirm your height category as outlined below
- Account for athleticism and irregularitieswhere applicable
With three height categories and three frame (not weight) categories, you’ll be able to figure out where you stand pretty easily!
A simple way to think of “frame” is to think of it as the proportional relationship between your height and weight. A guy who’s five feet tall and weighs 100 pounds is small-framed, and a guy who’s 6’4″ and weight 275 is large-framed.
Somatotypes
Though the following terms are mostly used in the bodybuilding world nowadays, there’s value in being familiar with them. They’re called “somatotypes,” and this is our foundation.
- Endomorphs: Large-framed bodies, oftenwith a preponderance of fat. Has difficulty losing weight, gains weight easily.
- Mesomorphs: Naturally muscular bodies of medium frame. Gains and loses weight easily.
- Ectomorphs:Slight-framed bodies, typically skinny. Has difficulty putting on weight.
You probably have a good idea where you fit in (pun intended)with this information. When it comes to menswear, we dive a bit deeper and break things down into height and framecategories, since we’re concerned with wearing more than a bikini bottom as bodybuilders do.
The heights listed below are averages for North American men and that the words “tall,” average” and “short” are used objectively. We don’t think that tall guys are circus freaks, that short guys are puny wusses, or that average guys are boring and nondescript.
Height
- Tall (5’11” or taller)
- Average (around 5’6″-5’10”)
- Short (5’5″ or shorter)
Frame
- Slender (ectomorph)
- Average (mesomorph)
- Heavyset (endomorph)
Again,we did not use weight by itself as a body type metric. Though there is some overlap, weight is not necessarily a good indicator of body type as it relates to men’s clothing. Its value is good for determining how healthy you are, and the only standardized way to determine if you’remedicallyunderweight, overweight, or normal is to use the BMI (Body Mass Index) scale.
The problem is that BMI is a flawed system.
For example, if you take two men who are 6’4″ and 275 pounds, they will have the same BMI. But one could be muscular, and the other obese. You can see how this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense as far as bodytype is concerned.
The take-away:dress for your frame,not justyour height or weight.
Paul, a Big & Tall body type.
Taking all this information in, we’ve determined ninedifferent body types that are helpful when considering what items should be in your heavy wardrobe rotation:
- Average Height & Weight(classic mesomorph)
- Average Height & Heavyset(classic endomorph)
- Average Height & Thin(classic ectomorph)
- Average Weight & Tall(tall mesomorph)
- Big & Tall(tall endomorph)
- Tall & Thin (tall ectomorph, lanky)
- Average Weight & Short (short mesomorph)
- Short & Heavyset (short endomorph, portly/stout)
- Short & Thin (short ectomorph, a “shrimp”)
There are also two ways that we can modify most of these body types: by designating them as either Athletic and / or Irregular.
Athletic
- Typical weight lifting frame.
- Chest and shoulders are noticeably wider than the hips.
- V-shaped torso, muscular arms, shoulders, abs and pecs.
- “Tree trunk” thighs, bulbous calves
- Causes difficulty when shopping for suits in particular.
*Editors’s Note:* Though runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other such athletes are obviously athletic, we don’t refer to them as such here. This is because their body types don’t often present the same issues related to clothing as a more muscle-bound athlete, like an American football playeror wrestler.
Irregular
This person’s right shoulder slopes more than his left.
All human bodies have some sort of irregularity. We have lots of body parts that come in pairs, so there’s inevitably a difference between them. Shoulder slopes can be uneven, one hip can be higher than the other, legs can be bowed, and much more.
You likely have some kind of irregularity regardless of your body type. As such, we suggest you read our article on irregularities in addition to the one for your body type.
You can simply click the link to any of the above-mentioned body types to read an article full of information on what you should wear to always look your best. As a reminder, getting dressed is as much an art as it is a science. What you’ll see are, as Glenn O’Brien once said, not rules but “guidelines based on aesthetics.” Good judgement and a flair for style will enable a man to pull off a look that his body type says he shouldn’t, so don’t be afraid to experiment with things you like, even if they don’t fit into your mold.
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25 Comments
PeterJuly 18, 2018 at 4:52 am - Reply
hi, I have a sloped shoulder just like the guy in the sample picture above. I noticed it once I finished my bespoke suit process, it was my first time and the tailor didn’t pickup that condition maybe because it’s very small detail. I didn’t notice it before when I just got the suit finished, but once I wear it a couple times at home and take some pictures then I figured it out. there are a slight horizontal lines behind the neck, a little crumpling above my right-side vent (ps: it is my right shoulder slope lower)
See AlsoBest Jeans for Short Women: How to Wear Denim if You’re Petite5 Reasons Why Women and Men Care About HeightShort Girl Appreciation DayThe ideal height: 5’6” for a woman, 5’11” for a man | YouGovSo, my question is, how can I talk to the tailor to fix it. is this will incure a lot of alterations and ruined my original bespoke cutting, since a lot of hand-stitching and other parts measurement are done perfectly. I just want to know if it’s worth the fix. which part do you think to get altered? I’m thinking to let out the center back a little bit, so maybe the “pulling” will be gone. do you think that will solve the issue? anyway I will have a little bit room extra at the waist if I gain some weight in the future ;)
Charles-PhilippeJuly 18, 2018 at 8:58 am - Reply
Hi Peter,
This is a really interesting question and thank you for sharing it. Firstly, is this any chance that this is a new condition that has happened since the suit has been finished? I ask as it might not be an oversight on the tailor’s part. I once had a slight sloping in the shoulder due to my sitting position at high school but an osteopath sorted it out and it’s not bothered me since.
If you know of a good one in your area, it might be worth trying a session and maybe the problem could be corrected this way.
Alternatively, if this was something you had at the time of sizing as well as fitting with your tailor, it’s something he should have picked up. I wouldn’t hesitate or feel embarrassed about talking to him about it since the very reason we turn to tailor-made bespoke suits is that we get a true fit. If there are some issues like this, they ought to be addressed.
As for what to get altered, it’s hard to say without seeing the issues but then again, I’m not a tailor. I would recommend that you ask him when you discuss it. Bring the suit with you so he can see it for himself!
All the best,
CP
PeterJuly 18, 2018 at 12:00 pm - Reply
Hi CP,
I compared with other set of pictures I took when I just got the suit finished, it didn’t have all the issues I mentioned before but my sloping shoulder is already a condition since long time ago. Another issue I forgot to mention is bowing on my left chest jacket, while the right side is fine with a nice drape, also no pulling on the waist button. So I’m still guessing whether the issue is because of slope shoulder or maybe I gained a little bit of weight recently.
Anyway, I have scheduled for appointment with my tailor and let he advise. Thanks for all your suggestions, I just recently found out about this website and enjoy it a lot. Very thorough information with nice illustrations, keep up the good work.
Cheers!
PeterCharles-PhilippeJuly 19, 2018 at 10:00 am - Reply
Hi Peter,
Hmm, it might be the weight gain or it might be a few oversights on the tailor’s part.
I hope the appointement goes well. Let us know how you get on as we’re actually very interested!
Best,
CP
Peter TambuwunJuly 23, 2018 at 3:25 am - Reply
Hi CP,
I visited my tailor yesterday. We decided to let-out the side seam for an inch, it should diminish the side vents pulling and adjust my lapel to lay flat.. the crumpling behind my neck issue actually is because too long which result dropping, so he will shorten it about 1/4 inch. It will be finished in a couple weeks, I hope everything will turn out perfect this time!
Cheers,
PeterCharles-PhilippeJuly 23, 2018 at 5:18 am
Hi Peter,
Good to hear that the jacket’s being corrected. Out of curiosity, are you being charged for this extra work or is it being done free of charge?
All the best,
CP
PeterJuly 23, 2018 at 7:35 am - Reply
Hi CP,
It’s free of course, though it’s been almost two months since my suit finished made. Maybe next time he will ask for a fee.
Cheers,
PeterCharles-PhilippeJuly 23, 2018 at 8:32 am - Reply
Hi Peter,
That’s what I hoped but was curious so I hope you don’t mind my asking! Good to hear!
All the best,
CP
SarNovember 23, 2018 at 2:40 pm - Reply
Hi, I know it’s not the point of the article, but do you have any thoughts on how a woman’s body type would shop for a men’s suit? I’m queer and want to wear a suit to an upcoming wedding. Looking at the metrics above, I’d be average height (5’7″), and have a fairly fit build, but would obviously have to work with having chest and hips slightly wider than the waist.
Thanks!
SarahCharles-PhilippeNovember 23, 2018 at 6:04 pm - Reply
Hi Sarah,
Sure, it might not be the subject of the guide but it’s a very interesting question and I’d be happy to help you out as best as I can.
I think that a woman can’t just wear a man’s suit but can look great doing so!
Sure, there might be some anatomical challenges but nothing that can’t be overcome. In my answer, I’ve included some links to related guides, which might help you with some details.
My first question is when will the wedding take place while my second would be whether you’ve thought of your budget?
Basically, do you have time to either get an off-the-rack suit and do any necessary alterations?
If the answer is yes, this leads to my second question, which is whether you’d have the budget for a made-to-measure suit? The advantage of this would be that the suit is made purely for your measurements. You can see some of the budgets in our online made-to-measure brands guide.
Some will set you back as little as $270 while others can cost as much as $700 but we’ve tried to cater to all budgets.
If the answer is no, then you’d probably be able to wear off-the-rack. I recommend that you find an outlet that allows you to buy the jacket and trousers separately. The jacket is the hardest to alter so it’s best to find one with a chest size that matches yours. Although it’s a wild guess, you might be close to the 36″ Short range at 5’7″.
Meanwhile, trousers are comparatively easy to alter so get the best fitting ones and then see a tailor to get them adjusted for you.
I hope this helps! Don’t hesitate to come back to us if you have any more questions. We’d also love to hear how it goes and what solution you opt for in the end!
Best,
CP
Peter B SuttonJanuary 27, 2019 at 5:02 pm - Reply
Hi CP,
It’s very hard to sell suits online which, in a way suits my business. But this year I would like to give it a go here in Australia. With the help of your fantastic body size chart at the beginning of this blog, which really impresses me, This will allow a person to select their body shape and then marry it up the selection of suit available. I feel that it will have a 90% chance of fitting them with a few minor adjustments to the outside leg and the sleeve length.
Could I have your permission to use this chart as a guide to selecting their shape to help in presenting suits that will best suit their shape and narrow down any mistakes in size selection? I’m happy to pay off course. If you could respond to this request it would be much appreciated. As yet I do not sell suits online but show the stock that is available instore.
Cheers Pete SuttonCharles-PhilippeJanuary 29, 2019 at 7:27 pm - Reply
Hi Peter,
As long as you give us the credit, you’re welcome to use the original and unadulterated image!
All the best,
CP
Peter B SuttonFebruary 21, 2019 at 4:02 am - Reply
Thanks, CP, Much appreciated your response. Certainly, give you the credit along with a link to your website.
Cheers PeteCharles-PhilippeFebruary 21, 2019 at 4:19 am - Reply
No problem!
All the best,
CP
LukeMarch 28, 2020 at 7:48 am - Reply
This is one of the important parts about men’s fashion which most people don’t mention. Detailed and well written content which will definitely help me avoid the rookie mistakes.
Charles-PhilippeMarch 30, 2020 at 5:08 am - Reply
Thanks, Luke!
Soumyajyoti MukherjeeApril 26, 2020 at 12:05 am - Reply
Hi CP,
While I’m not shopping for suits or anything, I am working on a novel. Describing characters does require a certain familiarity with body types and such.
This has been a very good source of information for me.
Thank You.
Charles-PhilippeApril 27, 2020 at 4:06 am - Reply
Hi Soumyajyoti,
Great to hear that this was helpful for your research!
All the best,
CP
Charles-PhilippeJune 3, 2020 at 12:14 pm - Reply
Hi Mike,
Despite our best efforts, it’s common that people don’t fit into a single category. From what you’ve described, you may fit into the big and tall category with an athletic body type. Big and tall doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a bit portly. If you read the guide, you’ll see there are lots of different subgroups.
All the best,
CP
Conway SternJuly 16, 2020 at 1:59 am - Reply
I found this article very helpful. One thing that could make it even more useful, would be to provide a celebrity that conforms to each of the body types allowing people to visualize exactly what the body type is in reality. Example Short Ectomorph might be a jockey or the actor who plays Spiderman. Short Endomorph would be Danny Devito, Tall ectomorph would be Stephen Merchant etc.
Charles-PhilippeJuly 16, 2020 at 4:41 am - Reply
Thanks for the kind words. Now Stephen Merchant wasn’t a name that I was expecting but you’re absolutely right. We’ll look into the possibility of adding this.
All the best,
CP
nieJanuary 11, 2022 at 10:35 pm - Reply
Hi Mike,
How does the 5 different body morphology( The Rectangle, the Oval, The Triangle, The Rhomboid and The Inverted Triangle. does that apply and also body proportions 5/5,4/6, 6/4
niarjagApril 16, 2023 at 1:34 am - Reply
I stukbled across this by accident and it dawns on me that I’m never going to he able to wear a suit anymore.
I always had wide shoulders and a thick, short neck, but since becoming a weightlifter those things are much worse. I’m 5’9, 135kg with 24″ shoulder width, a 24″ neck, and my lats are essentially attached to my skull.
Shirts are impossible. I tried on a 4XL some time ago, and I’m tearing apart the back and arms while the rest hangs off of me like a robe. I’ve never been able to do a top button up, but now collars are just plain uncomfortable. Then I couldn’t get the thing off because it was stuck on my wrists, so I had to fight with the buttons.
I can’t remember the last time I wore pants without some kind of elastic in them, so god knows how proper trousers would fit.
Probably going to be a problem at some point.Rafael DominguezApril 19, 2023 at 7:07 pm - Reply
Hey there,
All hope isn’t lost! You’ll have to go custom with your shirts and suits. Fortunately, this isn’t as expensive as you might think. There are numerous options when it comes to suits (such as Indochino) that will measure you in-store and then create a custom suit for you. Many Indochino suits can be purchased for as low as $400. Indochino also creates custom shirts with your individual measurements. Additionally, once you know your measurements, you can also order from brands such as Apposta (https://bespokeunit.com/articles/suits/apposta/) that make custom Italian shirts to your specific sizing.
Rafael
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of men's fashion and body types, it's clear that understanding how clothing complements one's physique is a nuanced art. The article you've shared, "The Ultimate Guide To Understanding Your Body Type" by Paul Anthony, explores the intricacies of men's body types and offers valuable insights into dressing according to one's physique. My expertise in this field allows me to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts discussed in the article:
-
Body Types:
- Average Height & Weight: The classic mesomorph, representing a well-proportioned physique.
- Average Height & Heavyset: The classic endomorph, characterized by a larger frame with difficulty losing weight.
- Average Height & Thin: The classic ectomorph, featuring a slight-framed, skinny physique.
- Average Weight & Tall: The tall mesomorph, combining average weight with increased height.
- Big & Tall: The tall endomorph, denoting a larger frame with added height.
- Tall & Thin: The tall ectomorph, showcasing a lanky and slender build.
- Average Weight & Short: The short mesomorph, shorter in stature but with a well-proportioned physique.
- Short & Heavyset: The short endomorph, shorter with a heavier build.
- Short & Thin: The short ectomorph, shorter and skinny.
-
Body Type Modifications:
- Athletic: Describes a typical weight-lifting frame with a V-shaped torso, wider shoulders, and muscular features.
- Irregular: Acknowledges random biological occurrences or accidents, affecting over 95% of men, leading to body irregularities.
-
Determining Your Body Type:
- Methodology: The article uses frame and height as baseline metrics, categorizing them into three height categories (tall, average, short) and three frame categories (slender, average, heavyset).
-
Somatotypes:
- Endomorphs: Large-framed bodies with a tendency to gain weight easily.
- Mesomorphs: Naturally muscular bodies of medium frame, with easy weight gain and loss.
- Ectomorphs: Slight-framed bodies, typically skinny, with difficulty putting on weight.
-
Dressing for Your Frame:
- Importance of Frame: Emphasizes dressing for one's frame rather than just height or weight. Recommends avoiding reliance on BMI as a flawed system.
-
Reader Interaction:
- Tailoring Issues: Addresses reader concerns about sloped shoulders in bespoke suits, offering advice on alterations.
-
Discussion on Women Wearing Men's Suits:
- Queer Perspective: Responds to a reader's inquiry about women wearing men's suits for a wedding, providing guidance on off-the-rack and made-to-measure options.
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Permission Request:
- Online Suit Selling: An individual seeks permission to use the body type chart for an online suit-selling business in Australia.
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Reader Comments:
- Tailoring Challenges: Readers share their experiences and seek advice on tailoring challenges, such as sloped shoulders and weightlifting-induced physique changes.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for men to understand their body types and make informed decisions about clothing choices. It reflects a deep understanding of body morphology, fashion principles, and the nuances of tailoring.
