It wouldn't be crazy to think that "how to dress" would be a completely subjective matter, with perception of what is trendy and what isn't being the only judge. Dressing right is a form of art......Or is it? Could it be, that dressing right isn't based solely on artistic value but instead, based on science?  We know, it sounds crazy, but think about it. Every brand releases collections every season. Every item within that collection can be broken down into sizes (okay, maybe not accessories, but you get the point). These sizes are generally based on perfect proportions, meaning no matter what your body size is, there will be a variant which fits you.

This leads to the million dollar question; "Is it the best fit for you, because it fits you?" Well, according to science, that may not be the case. Body shapes are unique, and even though there may be hundreds of different variations based on your height, weight and how your muscle is distributed, we can still summarize different body shapes in to 5 categories, or shapes. Unless you're built like Shrek (none of us are that blessed), you're going to fit into one category more than any other.

Rhomboid. Inverted Triangle. Rectangle. Triangle. Oval. 

Though you may already know which category you fit into just by hearing those shapes, lets dig deeper in to which is the best option for you. 

Rhomboid: Long story short, you're extremely fortunate. You're likely to have a Rhomboid shaped body if you're well proportioned, with a toned chest and arms. This can be achieved with time through workouts. Pretty much anything will look appropriate with you, scientifically speaking. It is important to note that this is only based on science. Science also has nothing against you wearing boot-cut jeans with checkered Vans, so take these results with a pinch of salt. 

Recommendations on what to wear: Slim-Fit button downs, Tapered jeans

Inverted Triangle: The biggest giveaway here is if your upper body is larger than the proportions of your lower body. This is common if you're a powerlifter, a swimmer, or if you skip leg day (please don't skip leg days). Though your health may appear to be in great shape, its always good to compliment the body you worked hard for with a great outfit. Here's our tips (based on science)

Recommendations on what to wear: Striped clothing, belts to lessen body proportions, V-necks

Recommendations on what not to wear: Super-skinny jeans (opt for Tapered, like your Rhomboid buddies), Clothes with lapels on the shoulders that drive attention to them

Rectangle: Have you ever downloaded a fitness app where it asks you how often you're active? Well, if you selected "moderately active" then you're most likely a "Rectangle". This is the shape you're likely to have if you don't workout regularly but your diet is mostly clean and you walk enough during the day. Your body proportions are pretty much equal throughout. 

Recommendations on what to wear: Slim-fit jeans, Layered items

Recommendations on what not to wear: Baggy clothing (its 2018 at the time of writing this, you should be fine), Fleeces (unless you're cold, then its absolutely fine).

Triangle: Scientifically speaking, you're slim-thick. This is most of us, or at least those who aren't as active as they want to be. Another way you can have a Triangle body is if your shoulders aren't as broad, even if your waist is perfectly proportionate to your legs and torso. 

Recommendations on what to wear: Looser clothes on the torso, to add balance. This can be hoodies, sweaters, or simply layered items.

Recommendations on what not to wear: Super-skinny jeans, these emphasize the imbalance

Oval: This is for larger men, or as we like to call it, men in their final form. You may be an Oval if you play certain sports, or quite simply, if you really like food. It isn't uncommon for people in the Oval category to think they can't dress as well as others due to their body shape, however this is simply a myth. Just like any other body shapes, there are things Ovals can wear much better than any other shape.

Recommendations on what to wear: Darker colors, Single-layer outfits, Straight-fit jeans, Joggers

Recommendations on what not to wear: Like Triangles, Super-skinny jeans, these emphasize the imbalance. Also, try to avoid bright colored belts, as they highlight you at your widest. Wide shoes should also be avoided, as they make your legs look wider than they actually are

The Verdict

The truth is, these are simply guidelines based on, you guessed it, science. How you dress should always be the way you like to dress. Wearing a great fit starts with you and what enables you to express yourself