At 5’5” tall, my ideal weight should fall in the 112-143 range which isn’t the case. So while I started hitting the track to reach that elusive 131 figure, I am left with quite a lot of pounds to shed. Right now, my body can be categorized as the short and stout type (kind of like a teapot). But hey, don’t take pity on me as I have found the perfect way to remedy the situation.
Always the challenge for short and stout guys is to how to look taller and thinner. Here are some tips:
Go Monochromatic
Keeping your clothes in the same color or shade or tint variations of the same hue especially dark ones will project an illusion of height.
When you wear clothes of the same shade or color, try to weight the colors toward the bottom half of your body as in wearing a dark trousers and a lighter shirt. This combination draws the attention from the bottom upwards which creates a lengthening effect.
Go Vertical
We often hear that wearing shirts with vertical light patterns is slimming as opposed to horizontal stripes. This has something to do with where people’s eyes go when they look at you. I personally would check a person out from head to toe or vice versa without the person noticing of course. Hahaha! Horizontal patterns lead the eye to the sides of your body which makes you seem wider and this is something we short people should avoid.
Go for clothes that are well-fitted.
Wearing clothes that are too tight will reveal the beer belly and love handles you wouldn’t want to draw attention to unless you are a big fan of Pooh. On the other hand, wearing clothes that are too big will make you appear larger than you are. Allow your clothes room to drape and fall free.
Go for thin fabrics
Thick, bulky fabrics only add on extra pounds. Try light weight and dark toned ones to slim down the tummy.
Avoid Bold patterns
Yes you will get noticed. But at the same time you are drawing attention to the upper half portion of your body.
Go for V-neck shirts
If you must wear short-sleeved tops or T-shirts which basically draws attention to your middle, opt for a V-neck type which elongates your neck for that slimming and lengthening effect.
Flat front trousers and Low-Rise Jeans
Choose low-rise jeans that sit on your hips. They have shorter distance from the waistband to your crotch than regular trousers. Make sure that the waistband is wide enough to accommodate your mid-section and your belly doesn’t stick over your pants. Avoid pants with pleats because they make the pelvic area look bigger.
Empty your pocket
Don’t carry loose change, mobile phones and oversized-wallets in your pocket. Doing so will make your hips appear bigger while drawing focus on your midsection.
Good posture is the key.
Stand tall. walk tall.
Push shoulders back and suck your stomach in see how it takes off a few pounds and adds height to your short and stout physique.
We were all born with certain body types. Whatever it is, always emphasize your best features just as you always put your best foot forward in any given life situation.
