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Step 1: Find fabrics that skim the body
Find fabrics that skim your body without bunching or clinging, to avoid rolls and lumps that embarrass. Lighter-weight wools and other fabrics smooth your appearance.
Step 2: Draw them to your face
Draw attention away from your middle by avoiding sloped shoulders that draw the sight down. Emphasize your strength with tailored, padded shoulders.
Step 3: Take pounds off
Create a slimmer look with lines that thin you out or solid colors that seem to remove pounds. Be careful with patterns or loud colors that only draw attention to your round shape.
Step 4: Wear low-rise pants
Wear pants that have a shorter distance between waist and crotch, and are not worn around the waist but on the hips. Don’t wear a waist size that, if too tight, will shorten your legs as it distends your belly.
Tip
Go light on ostentatious jewelry, French cuffs, big cuff links, and anything that overemphasizes your imposing heft.
Step 5: Stock v-necks
Stock up on v-neck sweaters that draw attention to your chest and not the double chin. Turtlenecks will make you look like a squat, rotund turtle. Wear shirts with pointed collars that will also change the impression of thickness.
Tip
Straighten your posture. Make it a habit to stand erect, and taller.
Step 6: Choose three-button blazers
Choose three-button blazers, which will hold you in better, rather than a two-button that will let the mid section dominate. Open the top button to look casual and not restricted by the jacket; avoid double vents in back, which make the bottom seem wider.
Step 7: Choose monochrome
Choose less contrasting colors for shirts and pants. Wear a conservative belt without trying to squeeze your tummy in, which never works. Enjoy the slimmed-down appearance you’ve created.
Did You Know?
With the advent of the motor car, mass advertising, and World War I, men’s wear became more casual for the first time, starting in the 1920s.
