Athletic men are lucky in that it’s probably the easiest body type to style since the mannequins you see at the department store all have your often desired stature and physique.
That being said—no matter our body type, whether you’re a skinny man or bigger fella—we all can use style inspiration in our lives, even the athletic guys among us…which is why I’ve compiled this quick guide featuring well-dressed pro athletes that I’ve curated from across the interwebs.
Let’s get to it.
Dressing the Athletic Guy
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Let’s take inspiration from athletes who’ve achieved greatness on the field/court with their play and off of it with their stellar fashion sense.
For men who fall into the athletic category, the rest of the male population has no sympathy for you as you are genetically blessed and have the proportions that most men can only dream about.
The reasons are obvious, as your well balanced upper and lower body make you easier to dress and you have carte blanche to choose from all the colors of the rainbow and dabble with more cuts than other males. You have a toned physique, but aren’t huge like muscular men, who often have a hard time finding properly fitting clothes.
Whether this body type came to you naturally or you worked hard to attain it, here are the ways to maximize your athletic body type.
Be daring with an athletic frame
Because you have the frame that most men would trade theirs in for, be bold when it comes to experimenting with your wardrobe. Take risks that most men could never even attempt to pull off, so long as they stay within the confines of your comfort levels.
Have a tailor on standby
Even athletic frames require great tailoring and the principle applies to fit physiques as well. Athletes require expert tailoring not only because of their bigger and more defined dimensions, but also to accentuate their inverted triangle shape that comes with broad torso and a narrow waist.
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The Athlete’s Style Essentials
Jackets
Athletic men look best in single-breasted, two-button jackets that come with wide lapels and possibly some slight waist suppression to maintain a more tailored effect. For the athletic men that prefer three buttons, only button two of them to optimize the look.
Athletes should also look to invest in a few quality suede jackets as well, perfect for the cooler spring and autumn months.
Trousers
Athletic physiques usually are no stranger to the gym, and this means trousers with a fuller cut are in order, but don’t get trousers that are too slim cut or they will constrict your range of motion. Instead of pleats, opt for plain front pants that give men with thicker thighs and legs a cleaner, more polished look.
Prints and colors should be your mainstay
With an athletic body, conservative dress should be the lane less traveled, with bold colors, prints and patterns that are tailored to fit your frame. Solids and stripes work well for your physique, and if you desire something a bit outside your normal attire, take the subtle approach and pull it off with ease.
Try out some trends
Because athletic men don’t have to worry about concealing their bodies to show off the better parts, you have the full range of opportunity to try out the latest trends, textures, and fabrics as long as you stay within the zone in terms of your complexion, hair color, and skin tone.
Footwear
Special attention should be paid to your footwear as athletes typically need better construction in this department. However, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on elegance, and you can find great styles from British canvas to Italian leather boots that accentuate your frame.
FAQ’s About Athletic Men’s Style
What is a good shirt fit for athletic types?
European fit shirts are ideal as they are tapered for the body and feature tighter sleeves. They are also shorter in length, which make them great under a suit jacket or worn solo.
What are the best features to look out for on a jacket for athletic men?
A roped shoulder – the bumped shape of a sleeve’s attachment to the shoulder – offers the best fit for athletic frames and can be found in most British tailoring.
What is the right suit trouser length for athletic guys?
The length of your pants is always a personal choice, but In general, your trousers should break just over the top of your shoes.
Wrapping Things Up
And there you have it, GW’s quick guide to dressing as an athletic man or athlete. I hope that this provided you with the inspiration that you needed to get out there and rock some killer fits.
Who are some well dressed athletes worth taking style cues from?
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