My problem is that I have big hips and a small waist, to the point that my girlfriend gets jealous of my “hourglass” figure. My waist is 32 inches but due to genetics, swimming, running, etc., my hips are around 40 inches. I have trouble figuring out what kind of shirts and pants to wear that won’t emphasize my hips. Plus, my torso is longer than my legs so I feel awkward most days.

Hello Janos! I can understand why your girlfriend might be jealous of your hourglass figure. You really have to thank your genes for that! We girls have to go the extra mile to achieve such proportions!

You didn’t mention how tall you are and how your upper torso is built. Are you V-shaped on top like most guys or are you on the lean/athletic side with, err, the curviness around certain areas only? I can only hazard that despite your swimming, your upper build is still probably more narrow than your hips. Exercises do help in keeping fit but genetics is genetics and you can’t avoid what your DNA dictates! So like I always says, embrace who you are and learn to love what you have!

Get The Scoop
To keep the attention on your upper body and not your lower torso, go for scoop- or round-neck tees and tops with interesting graphic or statement prints. As for fit, try slim-fit shirts — not tight — with shoulder seams that go an inch or two past your shoulders. Make sure your T-shirt lengths go just past your waist as well and skim the top of your hips.

Create Width
Give the illusion of wider shoulders by choosing shirts with spread collars and jackets with small shoulder pads. Small, okay? Not the NFL standard. If you’re fond of wearing stripes, choose stripes that are anywhere from one-half to 3/4 of an inch to flatter your chest and balance the width below. Anything wider or thinner will make you look too wide and disproportional. As for length, the rule for T-shirts applies here, too. Whenever possible, tuck your shirts and tees into your jeans to create balance from top to bottom.

Go The Straight But Not Narrow Path
When it comes to trousers and jeans, this is where you have to pay extra attention. Choose bottoms that will make your legs look longer (yes, just like we women want to!) with a special emphasis on a mid-rise construction – that way, your pants sit at your waist and not your hips. Look for flat-front trousers and dark-rinse jeans with minimal to no whiskering (those white streaks) in straight-cut or boot-cut styles with lengths that touch the ground to make you look taller. Remember to never overload your pants pockets as doing so will create sagging where you absolutely don’t want it.

Learn to Heel
I’m pretty sure that you have a lot of sneakers in your closet, Janos but also consider adding boots to your collection. Certain styles such as the Chelsea boot and the dress boot look good with straight- and boot-cut jeans. Plus, they also work well with trousers in case you need to attend a business meeting or conference. Choose boots with heels at least half to a full inch. Coupled with good posture, these will give you extra leverage and make you stand out a little better.

Keep It All In One (Color) Family
You’re a graphic designer so I’m confident about your color skills. Keeping your outfit in different shades of one color makes it easier to trick the eye. Go light to dark from top to bottom to visually lengthen your silhouette. Your accessories add that extra splash of color or liveliness to your entire outfit. Necklaces, ties, plus hats and caps are some of the few I can think. The last two are the best way to make you look more vertical. Instead of the usual beanies/toques or trucker hats, go for newsboy and hunting caps or even berets which I think would go with your artistic personality.

I always appreciate it when guys aren’t afraid to ask for fashion advice. Best of luck to you, Janos and let me know how it turns out!

Nikki

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