Male Body Shapes
Men’s come in different shapes and sizes, and understanding your body shape can help you identify potential health risks, develop a workout routine that suits your needs and dress better.
Here are the 5 main male body shapes: Rectangle, Oval, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, and Trapezoid.
Each one is based on the general shape of your torso and focuses on the proportions of your shoulders, waist, and hips.
Rectangle Male Body Shape
If your proportions are the same from your shoulder to your hips, you fit into a perfect description of the rectangle body shape.
Did you know this is the most common body shape category?
How to dress with a rectangle body shape? Use horizontal stripes or patterns to make your shoulders look wider.s. Try different colors to draw attention and create a balanced look. Dark shades will make you look slimmer, while lighter tones add volume where needed. Use accessories like belts to emphasise your waist.
David Beckham’s physique is a great example of a rectangular body shape, with a similar measurement around his chest, waist, and hips.
Workout Tips
To achieve a more V-shaped physique, the goal is to build the upper body while maintaining or slightly reducing the waistline. Add muscle mass to create a more defined silhouette. Perform shoulder presses with dumbbells or a barbell to add width and definition to your shoulders. Strengthen and define your triceps with dips, contributing to overall arm and upper body mass.
Oval Male Body Shape
If your waist is the widest part of your body, with narrower shoulders and slim hips, you have an oval body shape. This shape is common, especially as you age.
Johan Hill’s body shape is a classic example of an oval shape, with a larger waist measurement compared to his chest and hips.
How to dress with a oval body shape? The goal is to create a balanced look by drawing attention away from the waist. There are many clothing options available to help slim your stomach. Opt for clothes that fit well without being too tight or too loose. Darker shades like navy, black, or charcoal can create a slimming effect. Wear belts in a similar color to your pants to avoid drawing attention to your waist.
Workout Tips
The goal is to build upper body strength, slim the waistline, and improve overall fitness. Focus on losing body fat and building lean muscle. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio most days of the week. Use dumbbells to perform shoulder presses, which help build and broaden the shoulders. Perform planks to strengthen your core muscles.
Triangle Male Body Shape
If your lower half is larger than your upper half, you fall into the triangle body shape category. For men with a triangle body shape, the hips and thighs are typically wider compared to the shoulders and chest. This can create a more pronounced lower body and a narrower upper body. Ed Sheeran’s physique is a great example of a triangular body shape, with a narrower upper body and a wider lower body.
How to dress with a triangle body shape? Dark-colored pants and jeans can minimize the lower body, creating a more balanced look or making the upper body stand out. Use layers on the upper body, like sweaters, vests, and jackets, to add bulk and width to your shoulders and chest. Choose shirts that fit well around the shoulders and chest. Unless it’s for a formal occasion, avoid tucking in your shirts, as it can emphasize your waist and hips.
Workout Tips
The goal is to create a more balanced physique by building up the upper body while maintaining or toning the lower body. Engage in bench presses to build your chest muscles. Incorporate seated rows to enhance the thickness and width of your upper back. Perform planks to strengthen your core muscles, squats to maintain leg strength and muscle balance. Engage in HIIT workouts to burn fat efficiently and boost metabolism. HIIT sessions typically include short bursts of intense activity followed by brief rest periods.
Inverted Triangle Male Body Shape
You have an inverted triangle body shape if you possess wide shoulders and a slim waist and hips. If you frequently work out your upper body and notice significant gains in your shoulders and arms, you are likely to have an inverted triangle body shape. Chris Hemsworth’s physique is a great example of an inverted triangular body shape, with a broad upper body and a narrow lower body.
How to dress with an inverted triangle body shape? Incorporate slim fit shirts for a tailored look that complements your physique without adding unnecessary bulk. Regular V-neck T-shirts offer a classic and flattering neckline choice that enhances the chest without exaggerating the width of the shoulders. Wear dark or neutral colors on top to minimize the width of your shoulders and chest. Avoid horizontal stripes and bulky sweaters.
Workout Tips
Maintain a balanced workout routine to preserve upper body strength while building up the lower body and core. Incorporate various squat exercises (e.g., back squats, front squats) to build muscle mass in your legs and glutes. Perform push-ups to maintain chest and shoulder strength. Use HIIT workouts to burn fat efficiently and try to incorporate yoga sessions to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Trapezoid Male Body Shape
You have a trapezoid body shape if you have wide shoulders with a slightly narrower waist and hips. If you are fit and healthy, you are likely to fall into the trapezoid category. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s physique is a great example of a trapezoidal body shape, with a broad upper body and a tapered lower body.
How to dress with a trapezoid body shape? This body shape is considered ideal for most clothing styles - with balanced proportions, you probably don’t have trouble finding clothes that fit well. Both V-neck and crew neck shirts work well. Avoid overly loose or tight bottoms to ensure a clean and well-proportioned appearance. Consider wearing monochromatic outfits to create a seamless look. Use belts to add a finishing touch and break up your torso.
Workout Tips
This athletic build is well-suited for a variety of exercises, allowing for a diverse and effective workout regimen. Focus on maintaining a balanced physique and building lean muscle. Engage in full-body workouts to ensure all major muscle groups are equally developed. Perform squats, lunges, deadlifts, and leg presses to build and maintain strong legs and glutes. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to boost cardiovascular fitness, burn fat, and improve endurance.