20 Menswear Silhouettes and the Body Shapes They Suit

1. Straight (or Rectangle) Silhouette

The straight silhouette, characterised by uniform width from shoulders to hem, creates an unbroken vertical line.

Prevalent in classic-fit suits and traditional outerwear, this silhouette is often suggested for rectangle body shapes if you are happy with a straight outline (see the rectangle section below if you want more shape), and it also works for inverted triangles who want less emphasis on the shoulder-to-waist taper.

For oval body shapes, a straight line from shoulder to hem is meant to skim the middle rather than cling to it; whether it makes you look taller or slimmer depends on the whole outfit, so compare it in the mirror.

2. Slim Silhouette

Slim silhouettes closely follow body contours without skin-tight adherence, emphasising a contemporary aesthetic.

This form finds frequent application in modern suits and fitted knitwear.

In jackets and knitwear, the slim silhouette is often suggested for inverted triangle and trapezoid body shapes, because it follows the taper from shoulders to waist; very slim trousers are a separate choice, covered in the inverted triangle section below.

For rectangular body shapes, slim silhouettes can create the appearance of more defined contours.

3. Tapered Silhouette

Tapered silhouettes are wider at the top and narrow towards the bottom: in a jacket, the body narrows from chest to waist and suggests a subtle V shape; in trousers, the leg narrows from thigh to ankle.

Tapered jackets and coats are common in modern tailoring and are often suggested for trapezoid and inverted triangle body shapes, whose outline already narrows from the shoulders.

For triangle and oval body shapes, a gentle taper can work if the garment has enough room at the hips or the middle, but a sharp taper tends to make the widest point look wider by comparison, so many men with these shapes prefer a straight or only gently tapered line.

4. Oversized Silhouette

Intentionally larger than the wearer’s measurements, oversized silhouettes make bold statements.

Frequently observed in avant-garde fashion and streetwear, oversized silhouettes add volume, which some men with a slim or narrow build like because it gives the frame more visual presence.

Body shape describes outline rather than size, so an oversized silhouette can suit any shape as a deliberate style choice.

On an inverted triangle, an oversized top adds still more width at the shoulders, so many prefer to put the extra volume in the trousers instead.

5. Fitted Silhouette

Fitted silhouettes conform closely to the body’s shape, emphasising the wearer’s physique.

Prevalent in athletic wear and body-conscious casualwear, this silhouette is often suggested for trapezoid and hourglass body shapes, because it follows a visible shoulder-to-waist taper or a defined waist.

A fitted silhouette still needs room to move, sit and breathe; close is not the same as tight, and a garment that pulls at the buttons or seams is a fit problem whatever the silhouette.

6. Structured Silhouette

Structured silhouettes employ tailoring and occasional padding to create defined, often angular shapes.

Common in traditional suiting and military-inspired wear, structured silhouettes are often suggested for triangle and oval body shapes.

Structured shoulders are meant to give the upper body a firmer, slightly broader line; how much broader the shoulders look depends on the jacket and the rest of the outfit, so compare a structured and a soft shoulder in the mirror.

7. Relaxed Silhouette

Relaxed silhouettes offer looser fits, prioritising comfort and ease of movement.

Most common in casual wear and certain suit styles, the relaxed silhouette is a common choice for triangle and oval body shapes.

The roomier cut gives the hips or the middle room without following every contour, and it suits any shape if you like an easy, comfortable look.

8. Layered Silhouette

Layered silhouettes combine several garments of varying lengths and volumes.

Prominent in autumn/winter fashion and avant-garde styles, these silhouettes work for every body shape.

For rectangle shapes, layering adds depth and breaks up a straight outline.

Inverted triangle shapes can use longer layers that end below the waist to shift some visual weight lower, while oval shapes can wear an open jacket or cardigan, whose front edges make vertical lines down the torso.

9. Cropped Silhouette

Cropped silhouettes feature intentionally shortened lengths, often ending above typical hemlines.

Prevalent in contemporary casualwear and summer fashion, cropped silhouettes show more of the leg, which is why they are often suggested if your torso is long in relation to your legs.

Cropped jackets and knits that end near the waist show a defined waist, which is why they are often suggested for trapezoid and hourglass shapes.

10. Extended Silhouette

Extended silhouettes incorporate lengths longer than standard, creating dramatic, flowing lines.

Common in high fashion and certain formal wear, extended silhouettes are easiest to wear if you are tall, because a long coat on a shorter frame covers more of the leg.

Height matters more than body shape here, and long lines can suit any shape as a style choice; compare the length in a full-length mirror with the shoes you will wear.

11. Drop-Shoulder Silhouette

Drop-shoulder silhouettes feature shoulder seams falling below the natural shoulder line.

Frequently observed in knitwear and casual outerwear, this style is often suggested for inverted triangle and trapezoid body shapes.

The lowered shoulder line can soften broad shoulders and create a more relaxed, balanced appearance for these physiques.

12. High-Rise Silhouette

High-rise silhouettes, typically in trousers, place the waistband higher on the body, at or near the natural waist.

Rise labels vary between makers, so the same label can sit differently on different trousers and wearers; check where the waistband actually sits when you stand and when you sit.

Common in traditional suit styles and fashion-forward casual wear, high-rise trousers are often suggested for triangle and oval body shapes.

A higher waistband can make the legs look longer, because more of the outline below the waist reads as leg, and on an oval outline it avoids a waistband that sits under the fullest point of the middle.

13. Low-Rise Silhouette

Low-rise silhouettes feature waistlines sitting below the natural waist, typically on the hips.

Prevalent in casual wear, particularly jeans, low-rise trousers put the waistband on the hips and show more of the torso above it.

Low rise is a casual style choice for any body shape; if you want more coverage or support at the middle, or a waistband that stays put when you sit, a mid or higher rise is usually more comfortable.

14. Double-Breasted Silhouette

Double-breasted silhouettes exhibit significant front overlaps with two parallel button columns.

Common in formal jackets and overcoats, the double-breasted silhouette adds an overlap of cloth across the chest.

It is often suggested for trapezoid shapes, and for triangle shapes or slim builds that want more weight above the waist; on an inverted triangle it adds further emphasis to the upper body, which you may or may not want.

15. Single-Breasted Silhouette

Single-breasted silhouettes have a narrower front overlap with a single column of buttons.

Versatile and widely used in various garments, the single-breasted silhouette style suits most body shapes.

For rectangle and oval physiques, a single-breasted jacket keeps the front simple and avoids the extra layer of cloth that a double-breasted overlap adds.

16. Boxy Silhouette

Boxy silhouettes feature square or rectangular shapes with minimal tapering.

The boxy silhouette is more common in casual outerwear and avant-garde fashion, and some men with a slim or narrow build like the structure and volume it adds.

A boxy cut can still fit well at the shoulders and length.

It suits a rectangle outline without changing it, and on an inverted triangle a boxy top adds more width at the shoulders, which you may or may not want.

17. Draped Silhouette

Draped silhouettes utilise excess fabric to create flowing, unstructured looks.

More common in casual wear and avant-garde designs, the draped silhouette suits multiple body shapes.

For rectangle shapes, draping adds soft folds that break up a straight outline, while men with oval body shapes may like draped cloth that falls from the chest and does not cling at the middle.

18. Asymmetrical Silhouette

Asymmetrical silhouettes intentionally break from traditional symmetry in clothing design.

Seen in contemporary fashion across various garments, these silhouettes can benefit multiple body shapes.

The visual interest created by asymmetry can draw the eye away from areas you would rather not highlight, which makes asymmetric designs versatile across body shapes.

19. Cinched Silhouette

Cinched silhouettes feature tightened or drawn-in waists, creating definition and shape.

Found in various garments, including jackets and coats, this style is often suggested for rectangle body shapes, because drawing in the waist suggests more shape.

For oval and diamond outlines, a cinch at the fullest point of the middle tends to draw attention there, so many men with these shapes prefer a straight line instead.

20. Flared Silhouette

Flared silhouettes widen from the knee or thigh downward, creating a distinctive A-line shape in the lower portion of garments.

This silhouette is predominant in certain trouser styles, including boot-cut jeans and bell bottoms, and has experienced varying degrees of popularity throughout fashion history.

Flared designs are often suggested for inverted triangle and trapezoid body shapes, because the wider hem is meant to balance broader shoulders and a broader chest.

If your thighs are muscular, a boot-cut or flared leg also gives room from thigh to hem without narrowing sharply at the ankle.

1. Triangle Body Shape

Characteristics

The triangle body shape, also known as the pear shape, describes a lower torso and hip outline that looks broader than the shoulders.

The width is carried in the hips, seat and thighs.

If your abdomen is also fuller, the Oval and Diamond descriptions below may fit as well.

Silhouettes to Try

If you want a more even outline with a triangle body shape, the usual aim is to add interest above the waist and keep the lower half simple and well fitting.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Structured Silhouette: Jackets and coats with structured shoulders add volume to the upper body, creating a more balanced appearance.

Opt for designs with slight padding or a strong shoulder line.

2. Straight or Gently Tapered Silhouette: Trousers cut with room at the hips and seat, with a leg that runs straight or narrows only slightly to the ankle.

A sharp taper tends to make the hips look wider by comparison, so a straighter leg is the more common suggestion.

3. Layered Silhouette: Layering on the upper body adds visual interest and volume.

For more weight above the waist, consider waistcoats, open shirts over T-shirts, or lightweight jackets.

4. Single-Breasted Silhouette: For jackets and coats, single-breasted styles with a slight taper at the waist suggest a V shape through the torso, provided the jacket has room at the hips.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If a more even outline is the aim, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Slim Silhouette: Particularly in trousers, because a slim leg tends to make the hips look wider by comparison.

Trousers still need to fit the hips and seat; a slim cut that pulls there is a fit problem.

2. Oversized Silhouette: Especially in trousers, because extra volume below the waist adds to the width already there.

2. Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Characteristics

The inverted triangle body shape describes a shoulder and upper torso outline that is noticeably broader than the hips.

It says nothing about fitness or how you got your shape, and it overlaps with the trapezoid description, which has a gentler taper.

Silhouettes to Try

If you want a more even outline with an inverted triangle body shape, the usual aim is to keep the upper body simple and give the lower body a little more visual weight.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Straight Silhouette: In both upper and lower body garments, this silhouette helps to create a more uniform appearance from shoulders to feet.

2. Relaxed Silhouette: Particularly in trousers and lower body garments, a relaxed cut adds volume to balance the broader upper body.

3. Layered Silhouette: Focus on layering on the lower body to add visual weight.

Consider longer cardigans or open jackets that extend past the waist.

4. Flared Silhouette: In trousers, a slight flare can help balance the proportions between upper and lower body.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If a more even outline is the aim, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Structured Silhouette: Particularly in jackets with heavy shoulder padding, as this adds more width to a broad upper body.

2. Slim Silhouette: In trousers, as a very slim leg increases the contrast between the shoulders and the lower body.

3. Rectangle Body Shape

Characteristics

The rectangle body shape describes an outline with relatively little visible taper through the shoulders, waist and hips.

It does not imply being tall, slim or muscular, and it does not mean your tape measurements are equal.

Silhouettes to Try

If you want more shape in the outline with a rectangle body shape, the usual aim is to add some definition at the shoulders or waist and break up the straight line.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Fitted Silhouette: Close-fitting garments can help define the body’s subtle contours, particularly in the torso area.

2. Layered Silhouette: Layering adds dimension and varies the outline.

Experiment with different lengths and textures.

3. Structured Silhouette: Jackets with slight shoulder padding can add definition to the upper body, creating a more tapered appearance.

4. Tapered Silhouette: In trousers, a slight taper can add visual interest and break the straight line of the leg.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If more shape is the aim, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Oversized Silhouette: This hides the outline altogether and keeps the overall line straight, which is fine if you like the look.

2. Straight Silhouette: While not necessarily unflattering, an abundance of straight silhouettes can emphasise the rectangular shape.

4. Oval Body Shape

Characteristics

In this guide, we use Oval for a rounded, fuller-middle outline with more general fullness through the torso.

It can overlap with Diamond, described next; if both seem to fit, read both.

Your natural waist and the fullest point of your abdomen can be in different places, so check each garment at the point where it actually needs room.

Silhouettes to Try

If you want a smoother outline with an oval body shape, the usual aim is to give the middle room, keep lines straight rather than tight, and add interest at the shoulders and face.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Structured Silhouette: Jackets with structured shoulders can help balance the upper body with the midsection.

2. Straight Silhouette: Particularly in shirts and jackets, a straight cut can help create a smoother line from shoulders to hips.

3. Layered Silhouette: An open jacket over a shirt makes two vertical edges down the front of the torso, which many men with an oval outline like.

4. High-Rise Silhouette: In trousers, a higher rise can sit at or above the fullest point of the middle rather than underneath it, which many find more comfortable and smoother.

Rise labels vary, so check where the waistband sits standing and seated.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If a smoother outline is the aim, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Fitted Silhouette: Particularly through the middle, where a close cut shows the fullness and may pull at the buttons.

2. Low-Rise Silhouette: In trousers, as a waistband that sits under the fullest point of the middle can roll or slip down.

5. Diamond Body Shape

Characteristics

We use Diamond for an outline in which the middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso.

It can overlap with Oval; if both descriptions seem to fit, use whichever advice helps with the actual fit.

Silhouettes to Try

If you want a more even outline with a diamond body shape, the usual aim is to give the middle room and add some width or interest at the shoulders and in the legs.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Structured Silhouette: Jackets with some shoulder structure give the upper body a firmer line against the middle.

2. Straight Silhouette: Shirts and jackets with room through the middle that hang straight from the chest rather than following the midsection.

3. Relaxed Silhouette: In trousers, a straight or relaxed leg balances the lower body with the middle; check the seat and thigh as well as the waist.

4. Layered Silhouette: An open jacket or cardigan makes vertical edges down the front of the torso.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If a more even outline is the aim, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Fitted or Cinched Silhouette: Particularly at the middle, where a close cut or a belt at the fullest point draws attention and may pull.

2. Slim Silhouette: In trousers, as a very slim leg increases the contrast with the middle.

6. Trapezoid Body Shape

Characteristics

The trapezoid body shape describes a gentler shoulder-to-hip taper: the shoulders read somewhat broader than the waist and hips, with a gradual narrowing between them.

It overlaps with the inverted triangle description, and it is not a universal ideal or a guarantee that standard sizes fit.

Silhouettes to Try

With a trapezoid body shape, many men like silhouettes that follow the taper of the torso.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Fitted Silhouette: This silhouette accentuates the natural lines of the trapezoid shape, particularly in jackets and shirts.

2. Tapered Silhouette: In both upper and lower body garments, a tapered silhouette complements the natural lines of this body shape.

3. Slim Silhouette: Particularly in trousers, a slim leg that still fits the seat and thighs follows the gentle taper of the torso; if you would rather the shoulders stood out less, a straight leg is the alternative.

4. Structured Silhouette: While not necessary for adding breadth to shoulders, a lightly structured jacket can enhance the V-shape of the torso.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

Most silhouettes work with a trapezoid outline, but if you want to show the taper, try these on carefully:

1. Oversized Silhouette: This can obscure the natural, balanced proportions of the trapezoid shape.

2. Boxy Silhouette: Square cuts can detract from the tapered waist that characterises this body shape.

7. Hourglass Body Shape

Characteristics

The hourglass body shape describes shoulders and hips that appear broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist between them.

It does not require a particular waist measurement or muscular build.

Silhouettes to Try

With an hourglass body shape, many men like silhouettes that follow the defined waist.

These silhouettes are often suggested:

1. Fitted Silhouette: This silhouette showcases the balanced proportions of the hourglass shape, particularly in jackets, shirts, and trousers.

2. Tapered Silhouette: In jackets and coats, a tapered waist follows the defined waist, provided there is room at the hips.

3. Structured Silhouette: Lightly structured shoulders in jackets give the shoulders a clean line to match the hips.

4. Straight Silhouette: In trousers, a straight leg keeps the hips and lower leg in an even line.

Silhouettes to Approach with Care

If you want to show the defined waist, try these silhouettes on carefully:

1. Oversized Silhouette: This can obscure the naturally balanced proportions of the hourglass shape.

2. Boxy Silhouette: Square cuts can detract from the defined waist that characterises this body shape.

Whatever your shape, get the fit right first, then use these suggestions as a starting point and keep the silhouettes you feel good wearing.

1920s: The Jazz Age

The 1920s marked a significant shift in men’s fashion silhouettes.

The post-World War I era ushered in a more relaxed approach to menswear, moving away from the stiff, formal styles of the previous decade.

Key features of the 1920s silhouette included:

• Wider trouser legs, often with a high waist and pleats, creating a looser, more comfortable fit.
• Jackets with a softer shoulder line and a slightly nipped waist, contributing to a more natural silhouette.
• The popularisation of the ‘Oxford bag’ trousers, extremely wide-legged trousers that created a distinctive, flowing silhouette.

This era also saw the rise of sports-influenced casual wear, with knitted sweaters and plus-fours (knee-length trousers) creating a more relaxed silhouette for leisure activities.

1950s: Post-War Conservative Styles

The 1950s witnessed a return to more conservative styles, epitomised by the popularity of the ‘American cut’ suit.

This period’s silhouette was characterised by:

• Natural, lightly padded shoulders and straighter-hanging jackets, a move away from the broad-shouldered look of the late 1940s, with trousers becoming narrower and more often flat-fronted as the decade went on.
• The ‘sack suit’, a style with a straight-hanging jacket lacking a defined waist, popular in America.
• Narrow lapels and shorter jacket lengths, contributing to a more streamlined appearance.

This era also saw the emergence of the ‘greaser’ subculture, favouring tight T-shirts and jeans, starkly contrasting the mainstream conservative silhouette.

1960s: Mod Fashion and Slim Fits

The 1960s brought a radical change to men’s silhouettes, driven by youth culture and the Mod movement.

Key features included:

• Extremely slim-fitting suits with narrow lapels and trousers, creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette.
• The popularisation of the ‘skinny tie’, further emphasising the narrow, vertical lines of the era’s fashion.
• Collarless jackets inspired by the Beatles, introducing a new neckline to the male silhouette.

This period also saw the emergence of more flamboyant styles towards the end of the decade, with flared trousers and vibrant patterns beginning to influence the male silhouette.

1980s: Power Dressing and Exaggerated Shapes

The 1980s were characterised by excess and exaggeration in men’s fashion silhouettes.

This era was defined by:

• Oversized suit jackets with heavily padded shoulders, creating a top-heavy, triangular silhouette symbolising power and success.
• The popularisation of the ‘power suit’, often double-breasted and paired with pleated, baggy trousers.
• Contrasting casual wear trends, including parachute pants and oversized T-shirts, contributing to a voluminous silhouette.

This decade also saw the rise of designer sportswear, with brands like Nike and Adidas influencing everyday silhouettes through looser, more comfortable fits.

2000s Onwards: Modern Trends

From the 2000s to the present, men’s fashion silhouettes have seen a variety of trends, often cycling between slim and oversized fits.

Notable developments include:

• The ‘skinny’ trend was dominant in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with ultra-slim suits, jeans, and shirts creating a narrow silhouette.
• A gradual return to more relaxed fits in recent years, including looser trousers and oversized outerwear, albeit styled differently from previous decades.
• The influence of streetwear on mainstream fashion, introducing boxy T-shirts, hoodies and trainers into everyday silhouettes.
• A blending of formal and casual elements, leading to hybrid silhouettes that mix tailored pieces with relaxed items.

The current era is marked by a diversity of acceptable silhouettes, with men having the freedom to choose from a wide range of fits and styles.

This period has also seen increased interest in sustainable and ethical fashion, which has influenced the development of new silhouettes that prioritise longevity and versatility.

This evolution of men’s silhouettes reflects broader societal changes, from post-war conservatism to youth rebellion, from economic boom to concerns about sustainability.

1. Ready-to-Wear (Prêt-à-Porter) Silhouettes

Characteristic Silhouettes

Ready-to-wear menswear typically employs conventional silhouettes that prioritise wearability and broad appeal, and the most common silhouettes include:

1. Straight silhouettes in suits and casual wear, offering a classic, versatile option.

2. Slightly tapered silhouettes in trousers and jackets, providing a modern yet accessible shape.

3. Relaxed silhouettes in casual wear, emphasising comfort without sacrificing style.

4. Slim silhouettes in more fashion-forward pieces, reflecting contemporary trends while maintaining wearability.

Design Considerations

Ready-to-wear silhouettes are designed with the following considerations.

1. Adaptability to various body types, often resulting in moderate cuts that flatter a range of physiques.

2. Practical functionality, ensuring silhouettes accommodate everyday movements and activities.

3. Seasonal trends, incorporating subtle modifications to established silhouettes rather than radical changes.

4. Longevity, favouring silhouettes with enduring appeal to ensure garments remain relevant across multiple seasons.

Influence on Mainstream Fashion

Ready-to-wear silhouettes have a strong impact on mainstream men’s fashion by:

1. Establishing baseline expectations for how menswear should fit and look in everyday contexts.

2. Gradually introducing evolving silhouettes to the mass market, facilitating the adoption of new styles over time.

3. Bridging the gap between high fashion concepts and practical, wearable interpretations for the general public.

2. High-fashion Silhouettes

Characteristic Silhouettes

High Fashion menswear often pushes the boundaries of conventional silhouettes, featuring:

1. Exaggerated proportions, such as oversized outerwear or ultra-slim trousers, creating dramatic visual impact.

2. Unconventional combinations, like pairing voluminous tops with tight bottoms or vice versa.

3. Deconstructed silhouettes that challenge traditional garment structures and expectations.

4. Avant-garde shapes that prioritise artistic expression over conventional notions of flattery or practicality.

Design Considerations

High-fashion silhouettes are conceived with the following in mind:

1. Artistic expression, using the human form as a canvas for creative silhouettes.

2. Commentary on social issues or cultural phenomena, reflected through innovative shape and form.

3. Technological advancements in textiles and construction techniques, enabling the creation of previously impossible silhouettes.

4. Runway impact, designing silhouettes that photograph well and create memorable fashion moments.

Influence on Mainstream Fashion

High-fashion silhouettes impact mainstream men’s fashion in several ways:

1. Introducing new silhouette concepts that gradually filter down to Ready-to-Wear in modified, more wearable forms.

2. Challenging conventional notions of masculinity and male dress, broadening the spectrum of acceptable men’s silhouettes.

3. Inspiring street style and subcultures, which often adopt and adapt high fashion silhouettes in unique ways.

3. Haute Couture Silhouettes in Menswear

Characteristic Silhouettes

While Haute Couture is less common in menswear, when present, it features:

1. Impeccably tailored silhouettes that perfectly mould to the client’s body.

2. Innovative shapes that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

3. Sculptural forms that treat the male body as a three-dimensional canvas.

4. Silhouettes that blend traditional men’s tailoring with couture techniques more commonly seen in womenswear.

Design Considerations

Haute Couture silhouettes in menswear are developed considering:

1. Individual client’s body shape and personal style, creating bespoke silhouettes for each garment.

2. Showcasing the pinnacle of tailoring and construction techniques, often involving complex internal structures to achieve desired silhouettes.

3. Incorporating rare or innovative materials that allow for unique draping and shaping properties.

4. Creating garments that serve as wearable art pieces, with silhouettes that may prioritise aesthetic impact over practical concerns.

Influence on Mainstream Fashion

Despite its exclusivity, Haute Couture in menswear influences mainstream fashion:

1. Setting aspirational standards for tailoring and fit in men’s clothing.

2. Introducing highly refined silhouettes that may inspire more subtle changes in Ready-to-Wear tailoring.

3. Showcasing the possibilities of men’s fashion, encouraging experimentation with silhouettes in other categories.

Visual Impact

The silhouette of a garment creates an immediate visual impact, often forming the first impression before any other design element is noticed.

This instant recognition is crucial in how an outfit is perceived and remembered.

Depending on its shape and proportions, a well-executed silhouette can command attention, convey authority, or express creativity.

For instance, the broad-shouldered, nipped-waist silhouette of a classic suit jacket immediately communicates a sense of power and professionalism.

In contrast, an oversized, boxy silhouette might evoke a more avant-garde or relaxed aesthetic.

Shift Where the Eye Goes

Silhouettes are useful for shifting where the eye goes in an outfit.

Thoughtfully chosen silhouettes can highlight what you like about your outline or make it look more even, if that is what you want.

For example, a man with a triangle body shape might choose a jacket with structured shoulders to give the upper body a firmer, slightly broader line.

Conversely, someone with a clear shoulder-to-waist taper might choose a slim silhouette to follow it.

This ability to shift emphasis, rather than to reshape the body, is what makes silhouettes useful in personal styling and tailoring.

Communicate Specific Styles

Different silhouettes convey distinct styles and attitudes, making them a form of non-verbal communication in fashion.

A slim, streamlined silhouette often suggests modernity and a fashion-forward mindset, while a more relaxed, draped silhouette might communicate a laid-back, bohemian attitude.

Historical and cultural associations also play a role; for instance, the structured silhouette of a military-inspired jacket can evoke connotations of discipline and order.

By choosing particular silhouettes, men can effectively communicate their style, cultural affiliations, or mood on a given day.

Style Like a True Gentleman

Before we say goodbye, fit does most of the work, whether or not you ever work with image consultants.

Professional styling starts with getting the fit right and choosing clothes that suit the occasion; knowing your body shape and seasonal colour palette can make the choosing quicker.

Our guides also cover styling by occasion, location, season and time of day, garments, footwear, accessories and heritage fashion brands.

Take our three quizzes, then book a consultation if you would like personal help:

1. Find Your Body Shape

Different garments suit different silhouettes and body shapes.

To compare your outline with the seven body shape descriptions, take our body shape quiz for men.

2. Find Your Seasonal Colours

The garments in your outfits come in many colours.

To see which seasonal colour palette may suit you, take our seasonal colour quiz for men.

3. Find Your Fashion Style

To explore your personal fashion style, take our fashion style quiz for men; it suggests styles, outfit ideas and brands to explore.

Book a Consultation with The VOU

For personal help, you can book paid consultations with our image consultants and fashion stylists.

Our styling services for men page lists the paid consultations.

Wearing luxury brands is not enough on its own; how your clothes fit and suit the occasion matters more, and our personal style guide covers the rest.

For more on labels, see our guide to logo-heavy luxury brands and how to wear them.

Contact us if you would like to book a consultation.

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