Fashion for Lean Men |

Model - Michael Dean, Photography - Melissa Hobbs

It is true both in personal and professional lives – I kid you not! We possibly don’t need to reveal what we eat to create the first impressions because people form their first opinions on the way we look; from there starts the entire journey. To look our best, we need to dress our best – and it is not the expensive clothing that guarantees the best look.

Dressing our best involves knowing our height, built and complexion – if you got these three things right you are bound to impress others by the way you dress yourself. Today I am focusing on thin/skinny/lean mean and some Do’s and Don’ts that are often overlooked and can be considered big fashion faux pas, so to speak.

Some simple tips for our leaner built men to consider before stepping out the door –

Fabric - Begin with choosing heavier, bulkier, thicker fabrics for your clothing formal and casual. Thicker fabric adds the volume to your lean built and makes you look a touch wider.

Horizontal Stripes – They work a magic but then finding a decent dress shirt with horizontal stripes can be quite a challenge or the one you might like to be precise. Answer to that is looking for big, wide checks – well not massive checks but something wide enough to be easily recognizable as a check shirt from 10 feet or so away. Interesting isn’t it?

Length - If it is winter time, jackets and sweaters/jumpers/cardigans are great idea but remember the thicker fabric rule and nothing that hangs longer than just under your butt. A big NO for the ones stopping at your waist line – I don’t think it even needs a mention!

Bolder Shoulder – Ok now, do not go looking for padded shoulder jackets or shirts. No Sir, that isn’t the answer or what I am talking about here. Look for tops / jackets / t-shirts that are just the right fit, not to low, not too tight on your shoulders. Shoulder is meant to end at the shoulder not after or before. Can’t say it any better!

Fitting – Somehow leaner men have an impression ‘tight’ is right; read my lips – NO IT IS NOT. Lean men should not wear any skin hugging clothes; neither should they wear a size one too large. You need to give just a tiny little space between you and your clothing so it hides your lean figure and fills it but you must not wear anything that makes you look like a walking hanger. My rule is – if it is uncomfortable to move in or if makes it is hanging too loose/wide – you are doing it wrong.

Complexion – Believe it or not, your complexion matters. If you are a man of lighter skin, go with slightly darker shades of blue, grey, green, red. Avoid wearing overly pale shirts or pants, unless you can mix and match a contrast that goes well with it. If you are a man of darker complexion – brighter and lighter shades will do the trick but remember not to be overall in one shade. Some contrast is important no matter what complexion you are. Also Shades of Grey & Blue go with almost any complexion; as long as you remember darker men, lighter shades, and lighter men darker shades. Simple as that.

See-Through – NO, NO, NO, No & NO! Lean physique and see-through tops/t-shirts/shirts are a big NO NO, unless it is part of your uniform. (I’ll have to ask what job has that uniform!!!)

So summarizing it – heavier fabric, horizontal stripes or wider checks, jackets/jumpers right below the butt no longer and remember the complexions, shades and contrasts. Remember – nothing too tight or too loose, and you are about to head out to create that first impression that makes every take a double-take!

If you want more specific advice, contact me with a couple of your photos and I will gladly give you tailored tips.

“Be Well, Do Well and Spread Smiles”

Szebastian-One™