Many men spend a lot of time dieting and working out to achieve a slimmer physique, all while harboring serious hate for their skinny counterparts who can eat whatever they please without gaining weight. Because society tends to equate being lean with being attractive (and even healthy), it's easy to forget that being too thin is a real problem that some men face. And by "some men," we're not referring to waif-like teenage boys or hipsters who live in skinny jeans, but men who want to shed their skinny physique.
When it comes to fashion, just as overweight individuals find it tough to buy clothes that are flattering for a larger body, skinny men experience difficulty finding clothes that fit well and complement their smaller frames.
One way to bulk up is to join a gym and start lifting weights, alongside eating more protein and other foods that will add muscle mass to a bony body. However, don't worry if you hate exercise or can't seem to fit it into your day, because we've put together a collection of tips to dress a skinny body type that will help you create the visual illusion of being larger than you are.
Buy blazers with small shoulder padding
To make your upper body look more muscular, purchase blazers with light shoulder padding. Be warned that bigger is not better here, as small shoulder pads will give your back and chest a visual boost, but massive padding will make you seem like a small boy lost in a man's jacket in addition to cheapening your look, even if your blazer is pricey.
Avoid slim-fitting shirts
Slim-fit, yes; skinny, no. Avoiding skinny dress shirts and T-shirts is an important fashion tip for skinny men. Instead, opt for tops that are fitted and allow some movement from your midsection, as these will hide a small ribcage. In addition, avoid clingy fabrics. Check the labels on your tops to make sure they don’t contain too much elastic. Don't buy your tops too large, though, as excess fabric will make you seem like you’re swimming in your shirt.
Tailor your blazers
Only wear single- or double-breasted blazers and make sure to tailor them so they fit properly throughout your entire body. Avoid any loose fabric under the arms or in the shoulder area. Also, a key fashion tip for skinny men is to keep consistency in your tops and bottoms, so don’t wear oversize blazers or sweaters with fitted pants (or vice versa) or your thin frame will be glaringly apparent.
Wear jackets at the right length
When it comes to jackets, make sure they all fall right under your buttocks. A shorter jacket will emphasize your height as well as your skinny waist, arms and legs. A longer jacket, on the other hand, can make you look like a blanket-covered stick. Thus, strike the right balance.
Wear flat-front pants
Your pants should have a classic cut and remain simple with a flat front. Go for straight-leg or slightly boot-cut shapes and steer clear of tapered trousers or skinny jeans. Pockets also add a bit more volume to your shape, as do cuffs, but wear pants with the latter feature only when it is in fashion. Don't be afraid to wear pants with lines or patterns because these add volume, although you’ll want to banish pinstripes from your closet as they will make you look like a beanpole.
