There are many things that a tall and thin man can do to bring the emphasis on him- and not on his height and weight. Here are a number of simple tips to make dressing/shopping easy.
Steps
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The suit is a very important part of a man's wardrobe. A suit which has checks, window pane fabrics are best for tall men as the horizontal lines in them seem to decrease the height, while adding broadness to the frame.
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The best colors for a suit are lighter shades. The best colors for a business suit are light grey, tan, beige, and medium navy blue.
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The unmatched suit is a great way to cut the vertical lines of the tall man's silhouette. Choosing colors which contrast each-other and are from different color families [navy blue pants with tan blazer] work to cut the vertical lines and visually segment the body. Textured fabrics are very helpful in adding more weight to the frame.
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Having a jacket with a ticket pocket [a small pocket above the right pocket of the jacket] helps in distracting from the height. Choosing a heavier material like twill or tweed looks fantastic on tall, thin men. Double Breasted jackets also add weight to the frame.
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A jacket which ends just below the bottom is the perfect length for a tall man. This helps in cutting the line of the leg and making the leg appear shorter.
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Lapels with very large widths make the man appear thinner while thin lapels emphasize the vertical lines in a tall man's body. It is best to choose medium sized lapels which suit the frame of the body.
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Creating a point of emphasis around the button-hole area, using pocket squares, or lapel pins create an emphasis point- bringing the attention to one location.
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Trousers with a larger trouser cuffs can be used to your advantage. 1 and 7/8 inches is the best length. Ensure the trousers reach at least the top of the shoe.
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Reverse pleated trousers give the pants a more robust appearance; well suited for leaner frames.
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Straight leg/ Boot Cut jeans are the best for this body type. Ensure that the jeans fit well around the rear- creating the illusion of added weight and wider legs.
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Choosing shirts with horizontal designs help cut the vertical lines and add broadness to the frame. Lighter colors work well.
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Layering is a great way to add visual weight to the body. A full sleeved t-shirt under a regular T-shirt adds weight.
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The bow tie is an interesting alternative to the regular tie, adding horizontal lines to the frame.
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When choosing a necktie look for a striped one which is of a bright color. Ensure that the tie knot is in proportion to the size of your neck- a smaller knot will harmonize better with the proportions. Extra long neck-ties are generally best suited for men above the height of 3in
Video
Tips
- The neck should not allow for more than 2 fingers to comfortably fit.
- The clothes should not be too fitting nor too loose - both drawing attention to the lanky frame.
- Pay attention to the fitting.
- The cuffs should not allow the hand to slip out without unbuttoning.
- Semi-fitted clothing in firm fabrics work best
Warnings
- Too short a jacket will make legs look longer
- Pinstripes and other vertical lines in shirts, trousers etc will only add height
- Dark colors will make you feel thinner- best to go for medium to light colors
- Fitting is very important- ensure there are no extra creases on the jacket and trousers.
- Turtle necks only elongate the body