The art of dressing well is a craft that demands careful attention to detail. And when it comes to achieving a polished look, nothing quite matches the elegance and sophistication of a well-fitted custom men’s suit. But with a dizzying array of suit styles that can be further customised with various lapel and cuff options, it can be challenging to find the best suit styles for different body types.
Whether you’re trying to tap into the latest trends, suiting up for the office, or you’re creating a coordinated look for your wedding party, the same suit can look vastly different from one man to another. To help you navigate the world of men’s fashion, we’ve put together a suit fabric and fit guide that explains how to choose the best suit for your body type to showcases your best assets and perfectly frame your physique.
The importance of finding the best suit styles for different body types
A suit doesn’t fit just because the buttons of your blazer and pants close — your jacket’s sleeve seam should hit the edge of your shoulder and allow your cuff to fall to your wrist to show a hint of your shirt without it overextending out. Never too small or tight, your suit should conform to your body to highlight your best features and create a streamlined silhouette that pulls in from the waist or makes your shoulders more prominent.
Paying careful attention to your suit’s fit will ensure you can enjoy effortless wear that looks good on as it feels, offers a complete range of movement and bestows a sense of confidence from the moment you enter the room. From the boardroom to weddings and other formal occasions in between, selecting the best suit for your body type will flatter your physique, disguise flaws and align with your aesthetic seamlessly.
Discover the best suit style for your body type
The best suit style for short body types
A suit that is tailored to complement your frame will give you a body-boosting fit — however, for gentlemen lacking height, choosing the wrong option can quickly overwhelm your body. For most shorter men, a single-breasted suit is widely considered one of the best suits for short men, as it creates a vertical line to help elongate your frame and give you an impression of greater height.
Opt for a more modern cut closely fitted to your body and pair it with a blazer that falls a little shorter past your waist than traditional blazers. Shawl or peak lapels and low-rise pants can then help you stand out without overcompensating. For the most flattering colour scheme, choose a solid colour block and avoid heavy patterns and double-breasted suits that will cut you off at your waist.
Suit styles for tall men
If you’re blessed with extra height, it’s important to balance your proportions without overcompensating by shortening your build or appearing over-imposing and lanky. When it comes to suit styles for tall men, the key is choosing designs that break up long lines and add structure to your frame. Unfortunately, off-the-rack and even made-to-measure suits can make it difficult to find a fit that doesn’t leave you looking boxed in.
For elevated wear, a bespoke suit makes all the difference in conforming to your body and showing off your physique where it matters most. Three-button jackets and double-breasted suits are often among the best suits for tall men, thanks to their layered design and additional visual detail.
With extra coverage, you can experiment with your aesthetic by opting for heavier patterns, wider lapels and a more generous break in the pant leg to balance your proportions.
The best suits for athletic and muscular men
From toned physiques to body types showcasing a classic inverted triangle or trapezoid frame, men with athletic builds are endowed with a silhouette that can easily be styled with many different suits. In fact, athletic men tend to suit a wide range of suit styles, from a sharp, slimline single-breasted suit to more relaxed tailoring that references the effortless elegance of the 1970s.
While many suit styles work well for athletic body types, some men benefit from suits with less shoulder padding and lighter construction. Unlined jackets or soft tailoring remove unnecessary bulk from the chest and shoulders while maintaining breathability for comfortable all-day wear.
The best type of suit for larger men
Whether you feature a fuller frame or broad shoulders or need extra coverage around your lower abdomen, a tailored custom suit delivers a high level of detail that best complements your physique without feeling like you need to hide. With an uninterrupted silhouette, bigger men can utilise pinstripes, peak lapels and colour to elongate and slim fit suits their frame for effortless, figure-flattering wear.
One of the best suits for larger men is simply a classic-fit men’s suit. With a wider cut at the waist and chest, it not only allows you to move freely but offers your tailor more fabric to mould your suit to your frame. Double vents shape your blazer to your frame, and a two-button jacket creates a central line to help you look slimmer.
Discover the best suit stules for different body types at Woolcott St
Whether you’re looking for a business suit, a smart-casual suit for everyday wear or a wedding suit, finding one that complements your body can be an intimate experience. At Woolcott St, our tailors visit you at home or the office to measure your body and outfit you in a bespoke men’s suit designed and cut to your body for the perfect effortless wear.
Our unique process caters to your schedule and allows you to design a men’s suit exclusively made for you. Choose from thousands of premium fabrics and details to give yourself a bold ensemble that stands out from the crowd. Interested in customising your own suit? Get in touch with our team today and discover how a bespoke suit can flatter any body type and elevate your formal wardrobe.
