Hey guys, today we’re going to be talking about style tips for skinny guys. Being a skinny guy there are a lot of ways of making yourself look either bulkier or less thin with the help of fashion. If those gym sessions aren’t helping you with your gains then these style tips can give you a quick fix. Follow these few style tips for skinny guys and it’s going to make you look more stylish and fashionable no matter how skinny you are. These tips are great for tall and skinny guys who want to up their style and look better.
How To Dress If You’re Skinny?
Don’t Wear Skinny Jeans
This is a huge mistake most of the skinny guys make. If you’re skinny, you want to avoid materials that stick to your legs. Skinny jeans make you look even thinner than you actually are. You want to wear Slim Fit Jeans that are body-hugging but don’t stick to your legs. Slim-fit bottoms, like Levi’s 511 Slim Jeans or Uniqlo Men’s Slim-Fit Chinos, provide room in the thigh and taper at the ankle for a balanced look.
Baggy jeans are also a big NO. Baggy jeans are suitable if you’re bulky enough to wear them. If you think bulky pants make you look bigger, you’re deeply mistaken. Chinos are the best option for skinny guys. They are the perfect material and look great on skinny guys. No matter what type of jeans you wear, whether it’s jeans or chinos, make sure they’re a slim fit.
For a streetwear vibe, try slim-fit joggers in neutral tones like navy or olive. Avoid baggy jeans—they overwhelm a slim frame and look sloppy. When shopping, check the fit: the jeans should skim your thighs and calves without excess fabric.
Wear Long Sleeve Shirts
If you’re a slim or skinny guy and don’t have the arms to show off, you want to wear long-sleeve shirts. If you’re a guy who is conscious about your arms, then you can wear a long-sleeved shirt to hide them. A long-sleeved shirt makes your arms look bulkier. A Henley shirt is a perfect shirt to wear if you’re a skinny guy. You might want to roll up your sleeves to make your look a bit cooler. Make sure the roll ends just below your elbow. If somehow you do feel like wearing a short-sleeved shirt, make sure the sleeves are tight around your arms. Any excess fabric is going to end up making your arms look skinnier, which you definitely don’t want.
Pro Tip: Avoid V-necks—they create a vertical line that elongates and slims your torso. Stick to crew necks or polos to widen your neckline visually.
Pay Attention To Upper Body Fit
One of the most important things to pay attention to while choosing a shirt or t-shirt for a skinny guy is to pay attention to the fit. You want to wear shirts that fit perfectly around the shoulder and the chest area. The shirt should not be too tight around the chest area. Skinny guys don’t have to worry too much about the fit below the chest area, just make sure it isn’t too tightly stuck to your body. The shoulder fit should also be closely paid attention to. The shoulder seam should sit at your shoulder’s edge. Just by paying attention to these few things, you can change your style in a big way.
Layer your outfits
Layering is a blessing for skinny guys when it comes to outfits. It just makes you look bulkier and do it the right way even more stylish. Layering is when you combine your clothing to create an outfit. For skinny guys, you want to layer your shirts or t-shirts with a jacket or an overshirt. The key thing to consider is the material of the jacket. You want to wear heavier layers of clothing to give you those extra few pounds. For jackets, I prefer bomber jackets or leather jackets as the perfect option. Field jackets are also a great option for layering. An all-year special is the denim jacket.
When you want to layer outfits, you want to focus on the fabric as well. Textured fabrics, for instance, give the illusion of having more mass than smooth ones. So look for fabrics like:
- Tweed: Adds sophistication for semi-formal looks.
- Flannel: Perfect for casual, cozy outfits.
- Corduroy: Great for jackets or pants in fall.
- Denim: A timeless layering option.
Chunky, thick knits have become quite popular in recent years, particularly in fall and winter, which are seasons they’re obviously more suited for. So, besides lightweight wools, you should also have some thick-knit sweaters or cardigans in your wardrobe for casual wear.
Wear Slim Fitted Tailoring
For formal events, slim-fit suits or blazers are your best friend. A tailored suit, like those from Indochino or Suit Direct, enhances your shoulders and chest, creating a boxed, broader silhouette. Choose single-breasted suits with padded shoulders to add width, and ensure the jacket skims your torso without squeezing.
For button-down shirts, go for slim-fit options (e.g., Banana Republic’s Slim Luxe Poplin Shirt) that hug your frame without being tight. Pair with slim-fit trousers to maintain proportion.
Choose Sleek Footwear to Complement Your Look
Footwear can make or break your outfit. Avoid bulky shoes, as they exaggerate the slimness of your legs. Instead, opt for sleek sneakers (e.g., Adidas Stan Smith), loafers, or ankle boots (e.g., Red Wing Iron Ranger). These styles maintain proportion and add subtle bulk to your lower body.
For casual looks, white sneakers or slim canvas shoes like Vans Authentic work well. For formal settings, choose slim dress shoes in black or brown leather.
Tip: Ensure your shoes match your outfit’s color palette—neutral tones like black, white, or navy are versatile and elongating.
Avoid V-necks
As a skinny guy, you want to avoid wearing V-neck t-shirts as they add a more vertical aspect to your outfits. A V-neck makes you look skinnier if you don’t have the chest muscles to show off. You might want to stick with crew neck shirts, sweaters, or even polo shirts that add more width to your neckline.
Use Patterns and Colors to Add Visual Depth
Patterns and colors can transform your look by adding visual bulk. Horizontal stripes widen your chest, while checkered patterns like gingham or tartan (e.g., Bonobos Gingham Shirt) create depth. Stick to smaller patterns, as large ones can overwhelm a slim frame.
Swap dark colors, which have a slimming effect, for lighter shades like white, beige, or pastels. Light colors highlight muscle definition and reflect light, making you appear broader. For example, a white crew-neck tee paired with khaki chinos is a clean, summery look.
Experiment with different T-shirts:
When it comes to the upper fits the choice of the t-shirt can be the defining factor in your outfits. If you are a skinny guy there are a lot of options you can choose from like a Full sleeves t-shirt, Round neck t-shirt, or even Zip necks/ standup collars t-shirt that can give you that broader shoulder look.
So there you go, guys, hope these style tips for skinny guys guide helps you style your closet. By wearing clothes that fit and suit you, you won’t just create a stronger image. You’ll actually feel stronger and more confident too.