Each body has his own ideal jacket: here's how to choose and match it to highlight the best features of your shape

Choosing the right outerwear for your body shape can make a difference in the overall aspect of your outfit. Each body, whether male or female, has its own shape and best features. To make the most of them, it is just a matter of recognizing what they are in order to help choose the right model to wear.

Apart from the aesthetic factor, wearing clothes that complement your figure is important if you want to feel comfortable and gain self-esteem and confidence.

So, how to choose the perfect seasonal trendy outerwear for your build? Here are some guidelines.

The 'triangular' or 'pear' shaped body

In both men and women, this type of physique is characterized by an upper body less voluminous than the lower one, with your hips being wider than your waist and shoulders.

To make the most of it, try not to emphasise the contrast between your narrow shoulders and waistline and shift your attention to the upper body, with a square-shouldered jacket and shoulder pads that enhance it by giving it volume.

For a woman, choosing a coat with a straight cut or a down jacket not exceeding knee-length can balance her silhouette and visually reduce the width of the hips, whilst it is better to avoid short jackets with a fitted waist to avoid emphasizing contrast with the hips.

For a man with this type of physique, however, the search for the ideal look could start with jackets in dark colours with single-breasted fastening, that, combined with button-down shirts tend to streamline the bust and slender the figure.

The 'inverted-triangle' or 'apple' shaped body

Unlike 'pear' shape, bodies with an inverted 'triangle' figure have a bulkier upper body, with broader shoulders, more pronounced breasts in the case of women, a low waistline, thin legs and narrow hips.

For those who recognize themselves in this body shape, opting for a long coat with an asymmetrical line, perhaps with a cut characterized by drooping shoulders, will help to reduce the width of the shoulders, as will a slim-fit blazer with a shawl collar, that is, long and straight.

A collarless jacket can also be a suitable type of outerwear, which will accentuate the waistline while slimming the figure.

In this case, however, enhanced shoulder pads and other details on the upper part such as pockets or puffed sleeves that could add extra volume to the upper part should be avoided.

The 'rectangular' body shape

The rectangular shape is often characterized by a toned and sporty body, defined by standardised proportions with the bust, waist and hips of the same width.

Since this type of body shape does not need to add volume on either side of the body, the choice of clothing and colours is vast.

As for women, a long coat with a belt at the waist can help to create a more feminine silhouette, while jackets and blazers, shawls or single-breasted models, with details such as pockets or buttons can help create a strong focal point and break up the monotony of the figure, even in men.

The so-called 'hourglass' or 'figure-of-eight' body shape in women, and 'trapezoid' in men

For the typical female 'hourglass' shape, similar to a 'figure eight', with well-proportioned bust and hips and a slim waist, a long, fitted coat enhances the high waist, creating a visual balance between the bust and lower body. A perfect detail to accentuate this strong point is a waist belt which will help create exactly the desired hourglass effect.

Unlike all other body shapes, this is the only one not found in males but can be compared with the 'trapezoid' shape.

Male bodies with this shape are characterized by wide chests muscular arms, a medium-sized waist and pelvis. To enhance a figure like this, the ideal length for a jacket should not exceed mid-thigh, with a zip fastener or a 3-button single-row. Double-breasted models, on the other hand, should be avoided so as not to add extra volume to the upper part, as well as models that tend to be too tight on the shoulders.

In general, it is important to choose outerwear that fits your figure gracefully and makes you feel comfortable when wearing them. With a greater awareness of your body shape and fashion trends, you can create well-balanced and elegant outfits.