5 Ways to Instantly Look Taller
Add inches to your frame with these style tricks
In Hollywood, short guys loom larger after visiting Jimmy Au’s For Men 5’8” and Under—a real store in Beverly Hills that claims to be “the first designer clothing store for short men in the United States.”
We talked to Jimmy Au’s vice president, Alan Au, to get his best advice for making a small frame look taller—instantly.
Find a Good Tailor to Look Taller
Too much extra fabric—especially when your pants are too long—only calls attention to your smaller stature.
Good tailoring, on the other hand, neatens you up and can add the illusion of height, says Au. Ask the best-dressed guy in your office who he goes to, then take all your pants and jackets to him to ensure a perfect fit. Take a look at actors Kevin Hart, who is 5’2”, and Aziz Ansari, 5’6”, to see how great tailoring makes a difference.
Related: 4 Secrets Only Stylish Men Know
Opt For Finer, More Subtle Patterns to Look Taller
Sure, vertical stripes stretch you, but if you go with stripes, keep them slim. Large patterns or plaids can swallow up a shorter guy.
Choose something more understated, like this shirt with a dotted print that adds interest without being distracting ($98, scotch-soda.com).
(Check out some more of our favorite pieces for fall).
Wear Shoes That Make You Look Taller
Avoid square-toed shoes, which can give you a stumpy look. A classic rounded toe creates a slimmer, more elongated appearance.
For dress shoes, go with a classic, no-frills wingtip like these from Cole Haan ($400, colehaan.com).
For boots, these Chelsea boots are our top pick this season.
Wear All One Color to Look Taller
If your pants and shirt are similar colors, they’ll create an elongated silhouette from shoulder to toe.
An all-navy outfit is one of our favorite monochromatic looks. It’s not too bold—like, say, head-to-toe red—but it’s not as severe as black. Here’s how to pull off the monochromatic look.
Wear Slim Lapels to Look Taller
If your jacket is size 40 or smaller, keep your lapel width under 2½ inches. Not only will it make you look taller, but your shoulders will appear broader, too. Here’s a great example—and the subtle herringbone tweed will look excellent with a patterned shirt ($298, jcrew.com).
Here’s how to make sure you always look damn good in a suit.
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