Apple Body Shape Outfit Ideas for Men by Occasion

Black Tie Events

A midnight blue dinner suit from Henry Poole, cut with a longer jacket and subtle waist suppression, gives an elegant evening outline; check that the jacket fastens without pulling.

Turnbull & Asser’s Marcella-front evening shirt, with its piqué bib and moderate spread collar, is a traditional formal choice; check that it closes comfortably at the collar and over the middle.

A black barathea silk bow tie from Budd Shirtmakers completes this formal outfit.

Compare its size with the shirt collar and dinner-jacket lapels, and adjust the neckband for comfort.

Black patent leather Oxford evening shoes from George Cleverley, with their sleek shape, finish the outfit.

A white linen pocket square from Emma Willis and mother-of-pearl dress studs from Deakin & Francis add the traditional finishing touches.

Business Formal

A charcoal grey single-breasted suit from Gieves & Hawkes in Super 120s wool with subtle pinstripes is a strong business foundation.

The pinstripe adds a vertical line, and the structured shoulders give the shoulder line definition.

Compare a pinstripe and a plain cloth on yourself if you are unsure which you prefer.

A Turnbull & Asser light blue dress shirt with a moderate spread collar is an option for this outfit.

Check that the collar sits comfortably with your chosen tie knot, and assess room through the midsection separately while standing and seated.

A burgundy grenadine silk tie from Drake’s adds texture and puts colour near the face.

Black cap-toe Oxfords from John Lobb, on a refined last, keep the outfit clean from trouser to shoe.

A sterling silver Dunhill tie clip and a hand-rolled white linen pocket square from Emma Willis finish the outfit.

Business Casual

A bespoke navy blazer from Anderson & Sheppard in lightweight worsted wool is versatile and polished.

A light blue Oxford cloth button-down shirt is a relaxed option here.

Try the soft roll collar as you intend to wear it, checking its position and comfort with the jacket.

Incotex grey wool flannel trousers with a gentle taper keep a clean line.

Choose the rise by where the waistband stays comfortable on you, standing and seated.

Crockett & Jones Cavendish loafers in dark brown suede sit between formal and relaxed.

A brown leather belt and a vintage steel Rolex Datejust complete the outfit.

Smart Casual Events

A Boglioli K-Jacket in navy wool-linen hopsack, with natural shoulders and a light construction, is comfortable for social occasions.

A pale pink dress shirt from Emma Willis in Swiss cotton poplin looks fresh; leaving the top buttons open gives a more relaxed neckline.

Anderson & Sheppard light grey tropical wool trousers with a gentle taper are comfortable through an evening.

Loafers in dark brown antique calf from a maker such as Edward Green are a refined casual shoe.

A hand-rolled silk pocket square from Rubinacci in pink and navy paisley picks up the shirt and jacket.

A Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic in rose gold, with its art deco styling, finishes the outfit.

Weekend Casual

A John Smedley navy merino V-neck jumper is comfortable and breathable and skims rather than clings.

A light grey Sea Island cotton T-shirt from Sunspel is a soft base layer.

Anglo-Italian straight-leg chinos in British khaki, cut with a higher rise, are worth trying if you want the waistband higher; check where they sit on you and whether they stay comfortable when you sit.

A Private White V.C. Ventile cotton bomber jacket, inspired by military flying jackets, adds structure and weather protection without much bulk.

Crockett & Jones Chiltern desert boots in tobacco suede have a slim profile that suits straight trousers.

A Frank Clegg woven leather belt and a stainless steel Cartier Santos complete the outfit.

Summer Garden Parties

A Loro Piana linen jacket in light beige is breathable and drapes softly.

A white linen shirt from Charvet keeps you cool; check that it has room through the middle without looking oversized.

Rota cream cotton gabardine trousers, pleated and cut with a higher rise, add room at the hip and thigh and keep clean lines.

Belgian Shoes in tobacco suede are light and relaxed for a garden event; their thin soles suit paths and terraces better than soft or wet lawn.

A panama hat from Lock & Co. Hatters gives sun protection and suits a summer occasion.

Finish with tortoiseshell Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic sunglasses and a vintage yellow gold Patek Philippe Calatrava.

This is a light-coloured outfit; if you would rather keep the middle quiet, a darker jacket over the same trousers is the alternative.

Sporting Events

A navy cotton piqué polo from a maker such as Ralph Lauren Purple Label, with room through the body, is breathable and comfortable.

Corneliani lightweight wool, silk and linen trousers in stone grey keep a clean line and stay comfortable through a long day.

A Brunello Cucinelli cashmere cable-knit jumper draped over the shoulders gives warmth when you need it.

Tod’s Gommino driving shoes in cognac suede are comfortable on paved areas; for grass or gravel, a loafer or trainer with a fuller sole is more practical.

Tom Ford aviator sunglasses and an Everose gold Rolex Sky-Dweller complete the outfit.

Final Thoughts on Dressing with Confidence

Whatever you spend, fit comes first: an expensive suit that fits badly will usually look worse than a modest one altered to fit you.

A trusted tailor, whether at a house such as Anderson & Sheppard or Gieves & Hawkes or closer to home, can tell you what each garment can and cannot be altered to do.

Well-made cloths and knits, such as Loro Piana wools, Thomas Mason cottons and John Smedley knitwear, are worth considering; how long any garment keeps its shape depends on its construction and how you care for it.

Darker, solid colours for larger garments, with pattern and lighter shades in shirts and accessories, are a common way to keep the middle quiet, and lighter outfits like the garden-party one above are a perfectly good choice when you want them.

Above all, choose clothes you are comfortable in and like wearing.