Oval body shape for men: measurements and style guide
An oval shape carries the most width around the middle, with a waist as wide as or wider than the chest.
Also called: round, apple.
How to spot the oval body shape
- Your waist is as wide as or wider than your chest and hips
- Shoulders and legs often look slimmer in comparison
- Shirts tend to pull at the buttons and ride up at the front
Calculator rule: A waist at least 98% of the wider of chest and hips. The chest, waist and hip measurements are taken as described on the calculator page.
How to style it
For an oval shape, the goal is a clean vertical line. Clothes that skim rather than cling, dark solid colours through the middle and structure at the shoulders lengthen the torso. Most of the improvement comes from fit: a shirt that is the right length and does not pull is worth more than any single trend.
Lean into
- Tailored but not tight fits, cut long enough to cover the belt line
- Single-breasted jackets with a longer, straight line
- Vertical lines, dark solid colours and V-necks that lengthen the torso
- Mid-rise trousers with a straight leg and a waistband that sits comfortably
Balance out
- Tight, clingy fabrics and thin knits that outline the stomach
- Horizontal stripes and busy patterns across the middle
- Low-rise trousers that dig in and push the waist over the belt
- Very short or cropped tops and jackets that end at the widest point
Outfit guides for the oval body shape
- Best Shirts for ovalThe right shirt is the right length, does not pull at the buttons, and follows a clean vertical line.
- Best T-Shirts for ovalLook for T-shirts that skim rather than cling and end at the right point to cover the widest part of the middle.
- Best Jeans for ovalThe best jeans sit comfortably on the waist and have a straight, clean leg so the lower half balances the middle.
- Best Suits for ovalA well-cut suit is one of the most flattering things an oval shape can wear, as long as the jacket is fitted properly.
- Best Jackets for ovalLook for jackets with structure at the shoulders that hang straight and end below the widest point.
Common questions
Should I size up so shirts are loose?
Not if that means the shoulders and sleeves are too big. Choose the size that fits your shoulders, then look at cuts with a little extra room in the body, or have the sides adjusted.
Do dark colours really help?
They tend to read as a smooth, continuous line, especially in matte fabrics. A dark shirt or jacket over a lighter one creates a vertical strip that lengthens the torso, and it is a technique tailors use.