Men’s wide hips can pose a unique challenge when it comes to dressing well.
If you’re one of the many men struggling with this body type, you might feel self-conscious about looking larger or unbalanced in your clothes.
The good news is, with the right strategies, you can create a leaner, more proportional look that boosts your confidence.
Today, I’m breaking out my top tips to help men with wide hips dress well and look their best.
Understanding Men’s Wide Hips: The Key Challenges
Before we explore solutions, it’s important to understand the common challenges associated with men’s wide hips:
- Imbalance in Proportions: Wide hips often make your upper body look smaller in comparison, creating an unbalanced silhouette.
- Clingy Clothing Issues: Clothing that fits snugly around your hips can emphasize their width, making them appear even larger.
- Finding the Right Fit: Many off-the-rack clothes are designed for a more “average” male figure, making it tough for men with wide hips to find flattering options.
The goal is to balance your proportions and shift attention away from your hips. Here’s how to do it.
Top Tips to Balance Proportions
If you have wide hips, the secret to looking great is creating visual balance. You want to emphasize your upper body and elongate your overall frame.
1. Enhance Your Shoulders
A broader-looking upper body will naturally draw attention away from your hips. This can be achieved with:
- Structured Jackets: Opt for blazers and sports coats with structured shoulders. Padding creates the illusion of broader shoulders, which balances your lower body.
- Raglan Sleeves and Epaulets: Shirts with raglan sleeves or military-style epaulets add visual weight to your upper body.
- Lighter Colors: Stick to lighter colors on top to highlight your shoulders and chest while keeping your lower half in darker shades.
2. Choose Pants That Skim, Not Cling
Pants are a key part of the equation for men with wide hips. Avoid overly tight or skinny styles that cling to your hips and thighs. Instead:
- Go for Straight-Leg or Slim-Fit Pants: These cuts provide a clean silhouette without emphasizing your hips.
- Avoid Low-Rise Jeans: Low-rise styles sit on the widest part of your hips, drawing attention there. Opt for mid-rise or high-rise pants that sit closer to your natural waist.
- Dark Colors Work Best: Darker shades like navy, charcoal, and black minimize the appearance of width.
Make sure your pants fit well at the waist and hips. A good tailor can adjust the fit for a more flattering look.
Patterns and Colors to Minimize Wide Hips
Patterns and colors play a significant role in how your body shape is perceived. To look thinner and balance your wide hips, follow these guidelines:
- Keep It Simple Below the Waist: When it comes to pants, stick to solid colors or subtle patterns. Avoid horizontal stripes, bold prints, or anything that draws attention downward.
- Vertical Lines Are Your Best Friend: Vertical stripes elongate your body, making you look taller and leaner. Consider incorporating pinstriped trousers or vertically striped shirts into your wardrobe.
- Contrast Smartly: As mentioned earlier, lighter colors on top and darker colors below help shift attention upward. For example, pair a white or light blue dress shirt with dark gray trousers for a sleek, balanced look.
- Best Fabrics for Men’s Wide Hips: The fabrics you choose can also impact how your clothes fit and flatter your body. For men with wide hips, the goal is to select fabrics that provide structure without adding bulk.
- Avoid Stiff or Bulky Materials: Heavy fabrics like thick denim or corduroy can add unnecessary width to your hips. Instead, choose lightweight or medium-weight materials that drape naturally.
- Opt for Stretch Fabrics: Stretch fabrics allow for a comfortable fit without clinging to your hips. Look for pants with a slight stretch blend (e.g., 98% cotton, 2% elastane).
- Structured Fabrics Up Top: On the flip side, structured materials for jackets and shirts can help create a more commanding upper body presence. Wool, twill, and herringbone are excellent choices.
Footwear Choices to Complement Men’s Wide Hips
Believe it or not, your shoes can also influence how your body proportions appear. For men with wide hips, the right footwear can help elongate your frame:
- Pointed or Almond-Toe Shoes: These styles create a longer line for your legs, making you appear taller and slimmer.
- Avoid Bulky Shoes: Heavy, chunky shoes can add visual weight to your lower half. Stick to sleek, streamlined options like loafers or oxfords.
- Match Your Shoes to Your Pants: A consistent color palette creates a seamless look, further elongating your legs.
Accessories to Shift Attention Away From Wide Hips
Accessories are a powerful way to guide where people’s eyes go when they look at you. For men with wide hips:
- Add a Statement Piece Up Top: A bold tie, pocket square, or even a necklace can draw attention to your chest and shoulders.
- Simple Belts Are Best: Choose simple, understated belts that match your pants. Avoid overly wide or flashy belts, which can highlight your midsection.
Key Style Mistakes to Avoid for Men’s Wide Hips
Even with the best intentions, certain style missteps can sabotage your efforts to look thinner and more proportionate. Here’s what to avoid:
- Skinny Jeans and Tight Pants: These cling to your hips and thighs, emphasizing their size.
- Short Jackets: A short jacket that ends at your hips will highlight their width. Opt for longer styles that cover this area.
- Bright Colors or Bold Patterns on the Lower Body: These draw unwanted attention to your hips.
- Ignoring Tailoring: Ill-fitting clothes make any body type look worse. Invest in tailoring for a polished, custom look.
Build Confidence Through Great Style
Ultimately, dressing well as a man with wide hips is about working with your body rather than against it. By focusing on balance, choosing the right cuts, and paying attention to details like colors and accessories, you can create a wardrobe that helps you look thinner, more proportionate, and effortlessly stylish.
Remember, style is a tool for confidence. Men’s wide hips might be a challenge, but they don’t define you. Use these tips to take control of your appearance, and you’ll not only look great but also feel great in your own skin.
