50 Genius Style Tips for Skinny Guys to Look More Attractive

As a skinny guy, throughout the years I’ve found a lot of ways to look and dress better for my body type.

From my own experience, as well as the tips and hacks that I’ve learned from others over the years, I’m in a good position to share style advice that you can actually use.

How To Dress And Look Better For Skinny Guys

Choosing clothing that has the right fit and proportions for your body type is the best way to dress better as a skinny guy. Style tips such as dressing in layers, wearing patterns and lighter colored clothing, and wearing crewnecks rather than v-neck t-shirts will help you look less skinny and more attractive.

In this post, I share 50 genius style tips for skinny guys, that will make you look bigger and more attractive. 

Style Tips & Hacks for Skinny Guys

1. Dress In Layers

Layering your clothes is the best way to look bigger. Wearing a zip-up sweater on top of your t-shirt will make you look more broad. Jackets, coats and sweaters will have the same affect.

By layering your outfits, you can significantly increase the size of your upper body and you will appear bigger and strongers.

2. Avoid Overly Tight Clothing

Avoiding overly tight clothing is super important. Overly tight shirts and pants will make you look very thin. If your shirt is hugging your body, size up. If you can barely move in your pants because they are so skinny, you are not doing yourself any favors.

3. Pay Attention to Your Proportions 

It’s super important that you pay attention to your proportions. Wearing a baggy t-shirt with baggy pants will make you look sloppy. Instead, wear a baggy t-shirt with some tapered joggers which will give you a sharper look.

4. Wear Smaller Accessories

Wearing a necklace or watch will make you look well put together. However, make sure to stay away from oversized watches and really thick chains as they will make you look smaller and scrawny. A watch with a small face and leather strap will look great if you are slim guy.

5. Focus On Your Shoes

Shoes are really overlooked when it comes to men’s style and fashion, but they are really important to your overall style and look. As a skinny guy, you’ll want to choose sleek and slim fitting shoes and avoid bulkier oversized shoes and boots.

A slim sneaker, loafer or dress shoe will be the right proportion for your body type. Also consider trying tennis shoes, slip-on shoes or leather sneakers, as they have a narrow fit.

6. Wear Bulky Fabrics

Wearing bulky fabrics will make you look more broad. Thick sweaters, plaid flannel shirts and hoodies will make you look a lot bigger than you really are.

Here’s a list of thick fabrics for skinny guys:

• Canvas
• Denim
• Corduroy
• Suede
• Polyester Fleece

7. Embrace A Slim Fit 

As a skinny guy, the advice we always hear is to avoid the “skinny fit”. You may think that’s the same as a slim fit but it’s not. A slim fit is a tapered to your body look without it being too tight. A slim fit is perfect for a lean body type.

When you find the right clothes in a slim fit, you’ll look good and feel comfortable in your own in skin.

8. Wear Crewneck Sweaters

Crewneck sweaters have always been in my wardrobe. As a skinny guys, crewnecks make my arms, shoulders and chest look bigger. Crewnecks are the perfect sweaters for slimmer guys.

Tip: H&M has a great selection of crewneck sweaters. They are affordable, they come in a variety of different colors and they look good on skinny men.

9. Wear Joggers

Joggers are the best pants for skinny guys. If you just can’t seem to find jeans that don’t make your legs look like sticks, try out joggers. Joggers will make your legs look thicker and are stylish and on trend.

The ABC Joggers from Lululemon are amazing for skinny guys. They come in a slim-fit, or a normal fit and they come in many different colors.

These pants are loved by skinny men because they have a great fit and they’re super comfortable.

10. Wear Well Fitted Clothes

The fit of your clothes is so most important. Clothes that may look good on a mannequin can look totally different when you wear it. Make sure you try on the clothes before purchasing them, especially when you’re shopping for pants.

Most guys will buy clothing without even trying it on. However, as a skinny guy, you want to make sure that the clothing you are buying is going to fit your thin body type the right way.

11. Avoid Horizontal Stripes In Your Clothing

Wearing clothing with horizontal striped will elongate you, especially if you are tall and skinny. Horizontal stripes will accentuate your thin figure. As an example, instead of a pinstripe suit jacket, go for a plaid or other pattern.

If you’re a tall and skinny guy and you want to draw attention to your height and thin frame, then you should wear horizontal stripes. However, it will make you look very tall and thin.

12. Don’t Wear Pants That Are Too Short or Too Long

If you’re very tall, it might be hard to find pants that are long enough for your legs at all stores. Take the time to get the proper pants, avoid getting pants that are too short. If you get pants that are too short it will make you look lanky.

For guys that are short and skinny of even average height, make sure your pants are the right length and don’t overly bunch at your ankles. A good fit, and a seamstress, are two essentials to dress better as a skinny guy. 

13. Avoid Extremely Tight Pants

Extremely tight pants will make you look like a stick figure. As skinny guys, we want to avoid wearing pants that are super tight as they will make us look even skinner.

A good indication on if your pants are too tight is how mobile you are in them. If you find them tight when you are walking around, then go with a different fit.

As a skinny guy, skinny jeans should be avoided at all costs. Skinny jeans haven’t been in style for a few years, but I still see skinny guys wear them occasionally.

Instead, try wearing a pair of joggers or jeans with a slim-fit. This will be a much more flattering look and style.

14. Don’t Wear High Socks with Shorts

In general, it’s hard to hide your skinny legs if you’re wearing shorts. If you wear high socks with shorts, it will make you look even skinnier. It’s better to wear short socks as it won’t bring attention to your ankles.

Tip: If you want to draw attention to your shoes, try wearing a pair of loafer socks or no-show socks.

15. Wear an Undershirt Under Your Dress Shirts

Wearing undershirts under a dress shirt is something I have been doing since high school to make me look bigger. An undershirt will make your chest and shoulders look more broad when you’re wearing a dress shirt.

16. Wear Lighter Colours

Hear me out, iI’m not saying to never wear anything dark or black. However, it’s a fact that wearing dark colours will make anyone look thinner. If you can wear a pair of beige pants or a light shirt, this will give the illusion that you are bigger than you are.

Lighter colors look better during the summer months. So if you’re a skinny guy trying to level up your style, wear lighter colors during the warmer months of the year.

17. Pay Attention to Your Shoulder (Blazers and Suits)

When buying a blazer or sports jacket pay close attention to the shoulders. A jacket made with strong shoulders will make you look more broad and balance out your chest and waist for a more masculine look.

Tip: Avoid obvious or overdone shoulder pads as it can look feminine.

18. Look for European Cut Clothing in Suits and Dress Clothes

When looking for a suit, dress pants or a dress shirt, shop in a store that sells clothing with a European fit. These clothes are going to be made with a slimmer fit and will be the right proportions for your thin body type. 

19. Avoid Thick Ties 

Wearing thick ties is something you have to avoid if you are skinny. A slim tie will look more balanced as it’s the right proportion for your body type.

20. Consider Patterns

Wearing dress shirts with minimal patters on it will make you look bigger. Having a little pattern will add character to your shirt which can make you look bulkier.

21. Wear a Jacket

If it’s the evening, fall or spring wear a bomber jacket or leather jacket. This layered look will elevate your outfit and add bulk to your chest, neck and shoulders.

22. Avoid the Skinny Fit

You want to avoid an extremely skinny fit from head to toe. A bulkier sweater with a tapered pant is better. An extremely skinny look isn’t flattering for anyone, but especially if you’re thin.

23. Avoid the Baggy Fit

While looser clothing can look good on a guy, extreme bagginess will make you look lost in your clothes. It’s better to avoid overly baggy clothing and go for something that fits closer to your size.

Essentials is a brand that popularized the oversized fit. If you like the look of oversized clothing, look for clothing with a boxy style. This means that the bottom of the sweater or short will have a shorter fit.

This gives the shirt a “boxy fit”, which will make your upper body look bigger.

24. Invest in Good Quality Clothing

Having good quality suits and sweater that don’t pill will make you look better no matter your size. However, when you’re skinny you never want to draw negative attention to what you are wearing.

25. Tuck in Your Shirt

If you tuck in your shirt with the right outfit it will make look more muscular. Tucking in your shirt accentuates your shoulders making you look bigger and more muscular. 

26. Roll up Your Sleeves

If you’re wearing a casual dress shirt roll up your sleeves. When you roll up your sleeves the extra fabric will sit on your bicep area making your arms look bigger and more muscular.

27. Wear Thermal Underwear or Pyjama Pants Under Your Jeans

This hack has been around forever, but it works! Wearing thermal underwear or pyjama pants under your jeans will make your legs look much thicker. For us skinny guys, having our legs look bigger will make us better in pants and jeans.

28. Wear Shorts Under Your Jeans

This is a great tip for skinny guys. If you wear shorts under your jeans it will make your butt look bigger. It’s a small detail that will improve your appearance overall.

29. Pay Attention to the Trends

One of the most important things to pay attention to when you are putting outfits together for skinny guys, is the trends. Trends are always changing, so if you want to look stylish, it’s important to keep up with what’s in style.

There is clothes for skinny guys that may have looked good a few years back and now, it’s out of style.

If you want to see what is and is not in style, check out this article: Controversial Fashion Hot Takes – Is Fashion Dead?

30. Avoid Bulky Shoes

A popular style of shoe is the “dad shoe”. Typically, the dad shoe is bulky and has an oversized look. As a skinny guy, you must avoid these shoes at all costs.

These shoes will make your legs look skinnier and do not look good on thin guys.

31. Wear Thick Knits

Wearing thick knits is a great way to increase your size. Thick-knit sweaters are very popular during the colder months of the year, so you should wear them when you can!

As a guy with a skinny frame, wearing thick knits is a total game-changer. The thicker fabrics make your arms, chest, and shoulders look broader.

32. Enhance Your Shoulders

You can enhance your shoulders by purchasing t-shirts with raglan sleeves or thicker shoulder seams. This will create the illusion of broader shoulders, which many people find attractive.

33. Pay Attention to Proportions

Paying attention to proportions is an essential part of looking bigger. Avoid fashion items that overwhelm your frame, such as oversized clothing.

34. Wear Shirts With Collars

Wearing shirts with collars is a great way to make your neck look bigger. Wearing polo shirts and button-up shirts can make a huge difference if you want a bigger frame.

You can also layer your outfits with coats that have a collar. Leather jackets, trench coats, and sherpa jackets are great choices.

35. Experiment With Footwear

When it comes to footwear, always choose a pair of shoes with a narrow fit. As skinny guys, narrow shoes fit our body types the best way.

Whether you’re wearing leather sneakers, dress shoes, or running shoes, make sure they have a narrow fit and are not bulky.

Related: Best Shoes for Skinny Guys (plus styling tips)

36. Check Out Retro Styles

Consider trying retro styles and vintage looks, as they tend to compliment a thinner frame. Furthermore, the retro aesthetic is popular right now, so it’s a great way to look trendy.

37. Wear Suit Jackets More Often

Wearing suit jackets is a great way for slim guys to look broader. Furthermore, wearing a suit jacket always looks flattering on a guy.

When it’s an acceptable occasion, throw on your suit jacket. You will be well dressed, the suit jacket will fit your frame nicely, and you will make a serious fashion statement.

38. Avoid Low-Rise Pants

Low-rise pants will elongate your torso, making you look more lanky. Wearing medium-rise pants will give your body a more proportionate and even look.

39. Experiment With Cuffed Pants

If you have a skinny frame, consider trying pants with a slight cuff. The small detail will add a visual break at the ankle, which creates the illusion of a broader lower body.

40. Develop Your Own Personal Style

As a skinny guy, you can certainly look bigger by the way you dress. However, developing your own personal style is one of the best ways to look more attractive as a skinny guy.

When you’re shopping for clothes, look for items that look good on a skinny body type and styles that you like. This way, you will look great, and you will feel confident.

Finding The Right T-Shirt For Skinny Guys

1. Don’t Wear V-Necks

V-necks will accentuate a long skinny neck and chest. We want to avoid drawing attention to those area’s so a v-neck isn’t the right shirt for you. 

2. Wear Crewneck T-Shirts

Wearing crewneck tee’s will elongate the line of your shoulder and neck. It makes your shoulder and neck area appear more broad. Crewneck shirts are a must for skinny guys!

3. Thicken Your Neck

Anything that you can wear that can thicken your neck line, shoulder and chest area is going to make you look more buff. Turtle necks, half-zip sweatshirts and collared shirts will do the job.

Tip: If you’re looking for a sweater to make your shoulders, arms, neck and chest look bigger, try a half-zip sweater.

4. Don’t Wear Tank Tops

If there’s one shirt you should never wear as a skinny guy, it’s a tank top or a muscle shirt. It will make your chest and your arms look really scrawny and it is the opposite look that you want to have.

As a guy who’s been on the skinny side my whole life, I have never owned a tank top. Tank tops are the worst clothing item a skinny man can own.

5. Work on Your Confidence

If you are confident in the clothes you’re wearing, your look and appearance, other people will be able to feel it. It’s important to be confident, as women find this trait attractive. If you are confident in your look, it won’t matter how skinny you are.

6. Improve Posture

Improving your posture will always improve your look no matter what your body looks like. Standing up straight, with your shoulders up and your chest out will make you look bigger.

Try to be intentional about your posture, even at home, so in time it becomes the way you carry yourself.

7. Do Inverted Pushups

Even if you’re not into working out at the gym, this is something you can do at home that will really make a difference in your look. Doing inverted pushups daily will make your arms, chest and shoulders look better within a month.

Working out will boost your confidence and doing pushups is a good way to get quick results and go from skinny to looking pretty good.

8. Grow A Beard

Luckily for us skinny guys, growing a beard is in style now. Growing a beard will make you look older, add bulk to your face and neck area, and give you a manly look.

Tip: If you’re growing a beard, go to your barber and ask him for a lineup. This way your beard will have a clean look and you will be well groomed.

9. Wear Long Sleeves

If you’re insecure about your skinny arms, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts. Long-sleeved shirts will cover up your arms and make them look bigger.

If you don’t like the look of a long-sleeved shirt, consider wearing a crewneck sweater!

10. Wear Light Colors

As a thin man, consider wearing brighter-colored tops and dark pants. Darker colors are known for slimming, so wearing light colors will have the opposite effect.

Related & Popular Posts:

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• Best Shirts For Skinny Guys – Everything You Need to Know
• Best Shoes for Teenage Guys

Final Thoughts on Style Tips for Skinny Guys

When we’re thin we have to come up with to look bigger and dress for our body type. In this post, I shared some tips and tricks that really help skinny guys look better and more muscular.

What style tips have you used to make you look more broad, thick and less skinny? Please let me know in the comments below.