Why does it look different on him – or on her? This is how to dress according to your body type

(haipo) We all know that moment: we see a garment on a hanger, on a model online, get excited, try it on, and suddenly it just doesn't look the same. Then the familiar questions come: "Why does it fit him perfectly and not so well on me?", "Maybe I need a different size?" או "I have no idea what really flatters me.". Often the issue is not our body, but rather the fit between the cut, fabric, length, and personal proportions. In the world of styling, it is customary to talk about body structures such as triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, hourglass, and oval. These are not rules, but a tool that helps us understand what works best for us.

Women and men – different proportions, personalized fit

The female and male bodies have different proportions. In women, the pelvis tends to be wider in relation to the shoulders and the waistline may be more pronounced. In men, the shoulders tend to be wider in relation to the pelvis, and the waist is often less pronounced. Of course, there is great variation from person to person, so we do not choose clothes based solely on definition, but on the body in front of us.

For women, the cut of the dress, the position of the waist, the length of the skirt, tights and shoes can greatly change the look. For men, the width of the shoulders, the circumference of the abdomen and the length of the torso and legs, especially affect the choice of shirt, jacket and trousers.

The size is just a number.

Quite a few people walk into the store and immediately say: "I'm always a size 42" או "There's no way I'm going to take a bigger size."But two people can look completely different in the same outfit. For me, first look at how the garment fits and only then at the number on the label.

And what does the store appearance tell us?

Before deciding that the outfit is perfect, it's also worth looking at the mirror. A flat mirror hung straight up usually gives a more neutral image. When the mirror is tilted at an angle, it doesn't really change the body, but it does change the angle and perspective, so the legs, torso, or proportions can look a little different.

The placement and hanging of mirrors is also part of the store design and how products are presented to the customer. A mirror at a certain angle can make a garment look more flattering and make the shopping experience more pleasant and persuasive, and it is of course an effective marketing tool. But what looks great in the fitting room will not always look the same at home or in daylight.

Lighting also makes a big difference. Strong light from above creates shadows and highlights folds, while soft light from the front gives a more even look. Warm or cool lighting can also slightly change the way we perceive the color of a garment.

And if something doesn't seem clear to you, don't be shy. Get out of the fitting room, find another mirror in the store, look at yourself from another angle and, if possible, in different lighting. In the end, You are the consumers.You are the one paying for the garment, and you are allowed to take an extra minute to make sure it really works for you, and doesn't just look good in the fitting room.

Is your pelvis wider? You don't have to hide it.

In a triangular body type, also known as a "pear," the hips are wider than the shoulders. An interesting blouse, a jacket that adds a little presence to the shoulders, straight pants or an A-line skirt can create balance. A dress that draws the eye to the top can also work great.

Are your shoulders wider? Give your lower back some space too

In an inverted triangle body type, the shoulders are wider than the hips. Wide pants, a skirt with a little volume, or a dress that flares out from the waist can create balance. For men, straight-cut or slightly wide-leg pants can do the same job.

Everything looks the same.

In a rectangular build, with the shoulders, hips, and pelvis being relatively similar in width, sometimes the feeling is that *"everything looks the same on me"* and it's almost inevitable to find ourselves humming "Tyselm" and "Tyselm" "Everything looks the same.".

This is where you can play around: a belt over a dress, a short jacket, a shirt that is partially tucked into pants, a skirt with volume, or playing with layers can break the straight line and add interest and character.

Is your belly more prominent? You don't need to hide it in clothes.

With an elliptical body shape, where the belly is the most prominent area, many people choose clothes that are too big. Excess fabric can actually add bulk. A well-fitting shirt, a flowing dress, an open jacket, or straight pants can create a cleaner, more comfortable look.

Shoes also come into play.

Sometimes it's not the garment that's missing, it's what you wear with it. Heels can change your posture and the way a dress or pants fall, and tights can create a more continuous line between the dress and the shoe. A flat shoe can also work great, it all depends on the proportions and the look you want to create.

In the end, you don't have to fit the definition.

Most of us are a combination of several body types. Good styling is not about changing the body, but understanding it.

The goal is to stop asking "What's wrong with me?" and start asking "What outfit works for me?"

Ronen Beno
Fashion and styling writer | Lives here
Image consulting and personal support