7 Suit Tips to Make You Look Taller

7 Suit Tips to Make You Look Taller

Do you have a short frame? If so, you probably know the importance of wearing the right clothes. While there's no way to increase your actual height -- not without growing, at least -- there are ways to create the perception of a taller height. Even if you're planning to wear a two- or three-piece suit, you can make yourself look taller by following a few simple tips.

#1) Skip the Stripes

Whether horizontal or vertical, avoid wearing stripes in your outfit. If your suit jacket, trousers or necktie have stripes, it will make you look shorter, which is exactly what you don't want to happen. Stripes, especially horizontal stripes, create the illusion that you are shorter and wider. Instead of wearing stripes, stick with either solid colors or plaid. Wearing solid colors offers the greatest benefit, but plaid can work as well. Just remember to avoid garments or accessories that feature a striped design. By eliminating stripes in your suit outfit, you'll look taller.

#2) Tuck In Your Shirt

Don't make the mistake of leaving your dress shirt untucked. The golden rule of creating a formal outfit is tuck in your shirt -- and wearing a suit is no exception. But tucking in your shirt does more than just create a formal appearance; it makes you look taller. When your dress shirt is tucked into your suit trousers, there's less excess fabric floating in front of your body. As a result, you'll look both taller and slimmer. Regardless of what type of dress you are wearing, tuck the bottom of it into the top of your suit trousers. If you're struggling to keep your dress shirt tucked in, you can use shirt stays, which are essentially straps that connect the bottom of your shirt to the top of your socks. Along with the other tips described here, tucking your shirt into your trousers will make you look taller.

#3) Wear a Skinny Necktie

Another way to make yourself look taller when wearing a suit is to accessorize your outfit with a skinny necktie. What are skinny neckties exactly, and how do they differ from traditional neckties? Skinny neckties are characterized by a narrow design. They are essentially "skinnier" than other types of neckties. And because of their narrow design, they'll create the perception of a taller height when worn. With that said, you shouldn't wear just any skinny necktie with your suit. As previously mentioned, stripes can have a negative impact on your appearance by making you look shorter and wider. Therefore, it's recommended that you wear a necktie in either a single, solid color or a plaid design. Here are some tips on how to choose a skinny necktie to wear with a suit:
  • Make sure it's made of a high-quality material. Cotton, wool and silk are all excellent materials in which neckties are made.
  • Avoid clip-on neckties. Although they are easier to take on and off, clip-on neckties lack the attractive qualities of standard neckties.
  • Consider the color and whether or not it matches your belt. A good rule of thumb is to choose a necktie in the same color as the belt with which you intend to wear it.
  • Look to see if it contains a tie bar tack. Typically found on the back of neckties, the tie bar tack consists of heavy-duty stitching that's used to support a tie bar.
Of course, you can wear a bow tie instead of a necktie. Bow ties are actually considered even more formal than neckties. The downside to wearing a bow tie, though, is that it doesn't have the slimming effect as a skinny necktie. If you're trying to create a taller appearance, you should probably wear a skinny necktie instead. beard-2610263_960_720

#4) Choose a Fitted Suit

Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to make yourself look taller is to choose a fitted suit. Fitted suits, by definition, are designed to fit your body. While many men have a similar frame or build, no two men have the exact same body measurements. As a result, you won't always find a suit in your size when shopping at local retail stores and apparel outlets. Here at StudioSuits, however, can order the perfect fitted suit with just a few clicks of your mouse.

#5) Wear a Narrow Belt

If you're going to wear a belt with your suit, make sure it's narrow and not too wide or thick. Narrow belts, like skinny neckties, create an optical illusion that makes you look taller. You can find belts available in a variety of materials, with leather being the most common. When choosing a belt, consider both the material from which it's made as well as its size. Leather is preferred because of its exceptional strength and durability. Regardless of the material, though, your belt should feature a narrow design. When worn around your waistline, a narrow belt will make you look taller.

#6) Stick With a Single-Breasted Suit Jacket

Suit jackets are available in two main styles: single breasted and double breasted. Single-breasted suit jackets have a single row of buttons on the front, whereas double-breasted suit jackets have two rows of buttons on the front. It's a subtle difference, but it can still affect your appearance. If you wear a double-breasted suit jacket, the additional row of buttons on the front will make you look shorter and wider. If you wear a single-breasted suit jacket, on the other hand, you'll look taller and skinnier. Therefore, you should stick with a single-breasted suit jacket if you are trying to create a taller appearance.

#7) Wear Shoes With a Heel

You can wear shoes with a heel to create the perception of a taller height. As a man, you might turn your head at the thought of wearing "heels." But there are actually dozens of highly stylish, as well as masculine, men's dress shoes that feature a heel. By wearing shoes with a heel, you'll look taller. Just be sure to choose comfortable shoes. Otherwise, they could cause pain or discomfort when worn for multiple consecutive hours.