Height cannot be changed, but the impression of height can. The way you choose your clothes can either lengthen the lines of the body or cut them into short segments. The question "what to wear to look taller" sounds like a small trick, but it is really a matter of proportion, and tailors have plenty of ways to deal with it.
Quick answer
To look taller, wear a suit that fits exactly at the shoulders, a jacket that is not too long, straight-leg trousers with a well-set waistband, and jacket, trousers and shoes in the same tone of color, preferring plain cloth or fine vertical stripes and lapels with a long V line. Avoid loose clothes, trouser legs that bunch up in folds and large checks.
7 principles for choosing clothes
1. A fit at the shoulders comes first
A jacket with loose shoulders makes you look smaller, as if you were wearing borrowed clothes. Shoulders that sit exactly at the shoulder point give a clean, straight line. This is why shorter men suit made-to-measure clothing particularly well.
2. A jacket that is long enough, not too long
A jacket covering most of the seat is enough. A longer jacket makes the legs look shorter. A moderate length lets more of the legs show, and the proportions of the body improve.
3. Straight-leg trousers, a well-set waistband
Straight-leg trousers, not too wide, lengthen the line of the leg. The waistband sits at the waist and does not slip low. The hems rest lightly on the instep of the shoes; avoid bunching too many folds at the hem.
4. The same tone from jacket to shoes
When jacket, trousers and shoes are in the same color family, for example navy or charcoal, the eye sees one continuous line from the shoulders down to the feet. A shirt in the same tone or one step lighter also keeps the line from being broken.
5. Vertical patterns, plain cloth
Fine vertical stripes lengthen the look. Plain cloth or small patterns are safe. Avoid large checks and bold horizontal stripes, because they make the body look broader.
6. Lapels and buttons
A two-button or one-button jacket with moderate lapels and a fairly deep V opening makes the upper body look slimmer. Lapels that are too wide tend to make you look smaller. A double-breasted jacket needs to be cut very precisely to suit a shorter build.
7. Neat shoes in the same tone
Slim leather shoes in a color matching the trousers lengthen the line of the leg. Avoid broad-toed shoes, soles that are too thick or colors that contrast strongly with the trousers.
Common mistakes
- Wearing loose clothes to "hide". Loose clothes make the figure look smaller; only clothes that fit make you look taller.
- Rolling up the trouser hems to make them shorter. Have the trousers altered to the right length instead of rolling them.
- Mixing many colors in one outfit. It breaks the line and makes you look shorter.
Tips from Mon Amie's master tailors
When you are measured, say clearly the proportions you want to achieve, and the master tailor will adjust the jacket length, the rise of the trousers and the position of the buttons. These small changes can only be made with made-to-measure clothing. Look at the lookbook to choose a style, and the fabric library to choose plain cloth or fine vertical stripes. The bespoke tailoring service takes more than 30 measurements, worked out for your own body and not by applying a standard size.
Frequently asked questions
Should a shorter man wear a fitted or loose suit?
A close fit. Too tight makes you look cramped, and too loose makes you look smaller.
Should I wear a double-breasted suit?
You can, if it is cut to your build. For a shorter man, choose a moderately short jacket and button it neatly.
Which colors help you look taller?
Uniform dark tones such as navy, charcoal and black give a continuous line, but the most important thing is still the fit.
An invitation from Mon Amie
A made-to-measure suit cut to the right proportions will do more than any small trick. Book an appointment for a stylist to help you choose the cut of the jacket, or see the price list before coming to the showroom.