Ok, so we girlies think we have it rough! We have a monthly cycle that we hate to even mention, we get ratty, spotty and very bloated. When you and your partner decide to start a family, you have to carry a baby for 9 months whilst sometimes feeling sick and often, very tired. Then there’s the getting into shape after giving birth and trying to squeeze back into those size 8 skinny jeans!

Every woman has a unique body shape. Some have that hour glass shape; some are flat chested and so on. But it’s not just women who have it rough - men do too (oh there is a god!). Men can often be seen with little “beer bellies”, or if they don’t drink alcohol, I like to call them “burger bellies”.

If you’re a guy that has been blessed with a flat tummy and six pack, then you don’t really have too much to worry about when picking the right outfit to be seen out in…. or do you?

I’ve put together some quick tips and guidelines for different body shapes that men have. After all, it’s not just women that want to look good when they go out, right boys? Or this could just be used by a girlfriend/wife needing help in giving their partners a new wardrobe.

Following these guidelines will ensure you look hot to trot, be it at work, on a date or just heading to do your weekly shop. You’re sure to turn some heads!

Quite Tall and Big

Finding clothes if you are this body shape, regardless if you’re over weight, can be a challenge in itself. The last thing you want is to purchase a pair of “ankle swingers” or perhaps a top that could be known as “wrist swingers?” (ok, I just made that up). What I’m trying to say is that many tall and large men often walk around in tops and trousers that are just ill-fitting, too big or too small. Avoid purchasing large patterned or “Hawaiian” style shirts. They really don’t do you any favours and tend to make you look bigger than you are.

If you like the patterned look then this “WAWA 'Carletti' Short Sleeve Fashion Shirt” is perfect for just £34.95. This teamed with “Kam Relaxed Fit Jean – Marble Wash” is a great casual to evening look. The jeans are just £17.95 and both the shirt and jeans are available at www.bigtallorder.co.uk . If you stick to buying from “big and tall” clothing stores, it will ensure an almost perfect fit.

Shorter Frame

This is also challenging. You want your clothes to give off the illusion and make you appear taller than you actually are. To ensure this, I recommend wearing full length trousers and to steer clear of cropped trousers. These will only make your legs appear shorter. Also wearing the same or similar colour from head to toe will also help elongate your body.

Muscular Shape

If you’ve worked extra hard at the gym to get that muscular shape, it does not mean you can wear just about anything. There is still room for error, believe me! So many men think that because they’ve worked extra hard at the gym and have that body to prove it, they must show it off with ridiculous t-shirts and trousers that are clearly one or two sizes too small for them. Do not make that mistake! You don’t want to look like a sausage squeezing in the tight skin surrounding it, not a good look! Avoid tight trousers if your thighs are muscular. Do take the time to find shops and brands that give you that extra room.

Next Directory has a fantastic denim range called “Loose Fit” which can be found at www.next.co.uk . Also ensure that you buy a top, shirt or jacket that gives you enough room to reach up and maybe even swing those arms around just to make sure.

Restricting your movement will only make you sweat and feel very uncomfortable. The last thing you want whilst out on that all important date or interview is sweat patches – again, not a good look.

Round Body Type

Ok, so maybe you have that Round Body Type and you’ve got a little “excess baggage” going on around that stomach area. That doesn’t mean you have to go for a tent like t-shirt which will only make you look bigger. Try wearing trousers that fit well around your waist, NOT under your waiste. Most men (not all) refuse to believe that they have gained some unwanted pounds and still continue to buy their slimmer size clothes. This will make your stomach hang over the waistband and again, make you look larger.

Go for some nice fitted trousers and perhaps when chosing a top or shirt, go for something that has vertical details. This will most definitely elongate you, thus making you appear slimmer. But make sure the stipes aren’t too thick, choose thin stripes for best results and you may even get better support by wearing a belt. Just don’t do it up too tightly.