Much has been written, discussed, and addressed through new designs and shapes in women’s pants sizes such as jeans. It used to be one size fits all, but that is certainly not the case. As Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I can attest to that fact — it’s easier to find pants that fit since there are petite, tall, curvy, plus, missy in cuts. In styles, there are so many choices such as wide leg, flares, straight, skinny, tapered, etc. The choices are wonderful but can be overwhelming. Personally, I think it’s a great direction we are seeing.
And of course, other rabbit holes we could go down are jean finishes and rinses, content such as the amount of stretch such as lycra or polyester, which definitely includes fit. But we’re not going to do that here today.
Men’s Jean Advice from Your Carmel Wardrobe Stylist
As a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I do keep up on men’s styles as well. For instance, in the last couple years shorter, straight pants showing the ankles have been popular, especially in Europe. There have always been choices in suits such as short, average, tall, and several builds within that framework. But today, I want to address pant types and fits for men’s shapes. I use three different builds for men: Ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. Which some image consultants use more than this, for simplicity’s sake I like to stick to these three. Here’s a description of each one:
The Endomorph
The endomorph has a somewhat round shape. He has a round head, a larger stomach, and rather short arms and legs with full upper arms and thighs. Most of the time, this person has substantial body fat, but it is not just that — it is his frame. If the endomorph loses weight, he still has the same build only slimmer. Actor Jonah Hill is a good example of an endomorph.
The Endomorph’s Best Pants: Wider Leg
- This build needs a jean with a slight flare or wider leg to create balance. Avoid skinny pants or extreme boot cuts which can make the leg look very heavy. (Basically, always try a fuller cut.)
The Ectomorph
The Ectomorph has a thin face with a high forehead and receding chin, narrow chest and abdomen; he has rather long, thin arms; little body weight or muscle. Actor Jude Law is an example of an Ectomorph.
The Ectomorph’s Best Pants: Straight, Slim Pants
- Straight and slim pants; this person can wear skinny jeans
The Mesomorph:
The Mesomorph has a square, massive head; broad, massive chest and shoulders; heavy, muscled arms and legs, and minimal body fat. He tends to develop muscle easily, especially through exercise and bodybuilding. Actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a good example of a Mesomorph.
The Mesomorph’s Best Paints: Straight Cut
- Straight cut, not skinny, is the best cut. You might have to size up to fit the booty and thigh and tailor the waist to fit.
Once you are aware of these different cuts and learn your body type, buying pants and jeans will be much easier! If you need some help in identifying your build and picking out clothing to flatter you, reach out to your favorite Carmel Wardrobe Stylist for a style consultation.
Fit is so important — it helps us feel confident and know that we look absolutely great!
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
Carmel Wardrobe Stylist
