Men have a variety of clothing types and styles to choose from, but selecting the proper size is essential for the right look. For clothing to look appropriate and complement the man's build, he must consider a number of measurements like the chest, waist, and inseam. Finding the right fit requires more than just bodily measurements. Men come in different shapes and sizes, and some styles accentuate positive features while detracting from physical flaws. This guide covers the basics for sizing men's clothing and choosing ideal styles based on the body's build.
Measuring the Body for Men's Clothing
Clothing sizes for men are based upon the body's dimensions. Certain types use basic sizing systems with small, medium, and large while others require more specific measurements in inches. Men can find out their own sizes at home using a simple fabric measuring tape. Taking measurements can be easier with help for certain areas that are difficult to reach alone.
Neck
Men measure their necks to obtain their collar size for dress shirts and accessories. The neck is measured with measuring tape that wraps around the thickest part. Two fingers should comfortably slide in between the measuring tape and the neck so that the collar will not be too constricting. The number measured is the collar size and can also be used to find necklaces and chains that hang in the desired location. The following table shows collar sizes and their respective measurements.
Shorts and pants with elastic waistbands, such as sweats and athletic wear, will usually use the small, medium, and large sizing system rather than the actual waist measurements. When buying belts, the size should be one inch higher than the waist.
Seat
This measurement is taken around the widest and fullest part of the hips. The measuring tape should be slack to avoid ripping the seams when sitting in the new pants. Typically, the seat is only used for sizing custom suit and tuxedo pants.
Inseam
The inseam is also used to size pants and is measured from the crotch to the ankles. It is common for jeans and dress pants to contain two numbers that correspond to the waist and the inseam. For example, a man with a 30-inch waist and a 32-inch inseam will buy pants labeled 30x32. The outer seam is sometimes measured for suit and tuxedo pants. This measurement extends from the waist to the bottom of where the pant leg should end. Pants can also have the sizes short, regular, and long based on a man's total height. The following chart illustrates the measurements for this sizing system.
When wearing pants with shoes, the legs should completely cover the socks while walking without dragging on the floor. Shorts use the same measurements as pants except that the legs may be of varying lengths between the thighs and the calves.
Arm Length
The length of the arm determines the appropriate size for dress shirts, blazers, and sport coats. Two measurements are taken for the arm: one from the armpit to the wrist and the other from the shoulder to the wrist. Shirt sleeves should cover the wrist without extending too far over the hand. Jacket sleeves should be slightly shorter than the shirt to show about one-half inch of the cuff.
Wrists
The wrists are measured for shirts with cuffs. Some garments come with two sets of buttons for adjusting to the right fit. The cuffs should have a comfortable but tight feeling while sliding far enough up the arm to check a watch.
Feet
Feet can be measured for the proper shoe size using a department store's tools or at home. The home method uses a piece of paper, pencil, and measuring tape. The dominant foot should be traced while wearing socks. The measuring tape should extend from the farthest point of the toes to the farthest point of the heel. With shoe sizes, measurements need to be as accurate as possible without rounding up or down. Another measurement is taken from the widest part of the foot for the width. Measuring the width of the foot will determine whether to buy narrow, standard, or wide sizes. The following chart shows men's shoe sizes and their respective inches.
Socks use the same measurements as shoe sizes and are often available in small, medium, and large. When buying dress and casual shoes, the sizes may differ by a half size.
Men's Clothing for Different Body Shapes
Average men do not have much trouble finding clothes that fit and look good on them, but not everyone is built the same. Choosing the right styles of clothing can help reduce flaws and achieve a proportional figure. Some garments can also be specially tailored to fit a particular body shape. Clothing that fits and eliminates disproportions helps others focus on the man's personality and talents rather than his figure.
Athletic Build
Men with athletic builds have broad shoulders that taper down to a thin waistline. These individuals may find it difficult to buy shirts and tops. The classic T-shirt design is often too tight in the shoulders and too loose around the abdomen. Fitted shirts that hug the body are ideal for the athletic build because they conform to the V-shaped torso. Button-down shirts that tuck into the pants are another style that does not distort this type of body shape. With jackets and blazers, minimal padding is the key to a proportional look. Longer jackets can help hide the significant difference between the chest and waist circumferences. Athletic men wear pleated trousers to balance the look and detract attention from the upper body.
Men who have more leg strength than upper body strength will focus more on pants and jackets for a proportional look. Relaxed-fit pants prevent the muscles from bulging out, and jackets without vents help create a uniform appearance.
Slender Form
Men with a slender form have bodies that are generally straight from shoulders to feet. Clothing that is too tight will accentuate the thin frame while loose clothing makes the body appear even slimmer in an exaggerated way. Horizontal stripes and textured fabrics add the illusion of bulk to the body. For dress shirts, only two fingers should be able to slip underneath the collar and cuffs. Details on the clothing, such as pockets, zippers, and designs, help detract from the slim form.
Stocky Build
Stocky men are short with wider frames and have difficulty in finding clothing that fits. Solid colors are ideal for this body type, and contrasting colors should be avoided within outfits. Lean, straight clothing is more desirable than loose-fitting or baggy garments. Jackets without vents make the silhouette appear slimmer. Tailored pants that are hemmed to the right length make the man appear taller because the legs do not bunch up or drag on the floor.
Tall
Tall men are typically over six feet in height. Busy patterns like plaid and checkerboard help detract from the height, but vertical stripes should be avoided. Pockets and other visual details help break up the look so that the man does not appear so tall. Longer jackets detract from the length of the legs for a more approachable look. Clothing that fits well is the key to this build because sleeves and pant legs that are too short can exaggerate the man's height.
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