Kris Santos
There are several ways to wear suit for shorter men to look taller. The formula to look taller isn’t difficult to learn, but it’s just a matter of sticking to a few rules when buying clothes. Of course, a smile, kind confidence, and good intentions will dominate any formula for dressing well.
Most of us are aware that vertical stripes elongate the silhouette while standing straight, which can add an inch to your height; bolder blues and lighter blacks are better than very dark colors, and wearing heels on shoes can lift the body. However, these are too obvious, so we’ll skip this part. Here are some brilliant ways for shorter men to look taller.
6 Ways To Wear Suit For Shorter Men To Look Taller
1. Wear Fitted Clothes
For shorter men, always opt for fitted clothes and suits that fit just right to your body. Wearing baggy clothes will stretch the silhouette horizontally, which causes a person to look a bit wider instead of taller. Think about lengthening rather than widening yourself, from head to toe, whenever you dress.
It’s sobering to notice the transformation that shorter men can experience when they forget that baggy clothing reveals a streamlined silhouette. Tailoring is your best friend—if store-bought clothes don’t fit perfectly, consider small alterations, such as slimming the sleeves or tapering the legs of your pants. Well-fitted clothing enhances your natural frame and prevents the illusion of a shorter stature.
Additionally, when layering, opt for lightweight fabrics that don’t add unnecessary bulk. A structured blazer or a slim cardigan can provide warmth and style without making your frame appear wider than it is. Avoid overly thick materials like heavy wool or puffer jackets with excessive padding, as they can overwhelm your frame and make you look stockier rather than taller. Instead, go for sleek fabrics like fine wool, cashmere blends, or fitted leather jackets to maintain a sharp silhouette.
Another essential tip is to choose the right shoulder fit. Jackets, shirts, and blazers should align with your natural shoulders—shoulder seams that droop down the arms make you look smaller, while overly tight shoulders create an awkward, constricted appearance. A properly fitted shoulder instantly improves proportions and adds a refined touch to your outfit.
Lastly, when it comes to casual wear, stick to structured t-shirts and slim-fit polo shirts rather than oversized, boxy styles. Tucking in your shirt (when appropriate) can also enhance proportions by defining your waistline and elongating your legs. If you prefer untucked shirts, make sure they end just below your beltline—anything longer can shorten your appearance.
2. Add Some Accessories Positioned High-Up On The Body
The idea of accessorizing is to draw other people’s attention to your upper body, thus creating the illusion of extra height. Accessories, such as hats, lapel pins, glasses, tie pins, and even pocket squares, are fun to wear. Many accessories for men, however, can create an eccentric look. Somewhere around three classic accessories should do the job to make you look visually taller.
To maximize the effect, opt for accessories that naturally elevate your presence without overwhelming your outfit. For example, a well-structured fedora, beanie, or flat cap can subtly add height while keeping your look stylish. Avoid wide-brimmed hats or overly large beanies that sit too low on your forehead, as they can make your face appear smaller and throw off proportions.
If you wear glasses, choose frames with a slight upward lift at the temples, such as aviators, browline frames, or rectangular styles. These draw attention upward and elongate the face, enhancing the illusion of height. Avoid oversized, round frames that can make the head appear shorter or disproportionate to the body.
When selecting jewelry, necklaces should sit higher on the collarbone rather than hanging too low, as a long, dangling chain can pull the focus downward. Similarly, a tie bar placed higher on the tie rather than near the stomach helps to emphasize the upper body rather than the midsection.
For an extra modern touch, structured crossbody bags worn high on the chest can contribute to a taller look while adding practicality to your outfit. The key is to ensure that accessories serve as subtle enhancers rather than distractions, keeping the focus on creating a streamlined, vertical aesthetic.
3. Avoid Belts, Waistcoats (Or Vests), And Long Hair
A belt is worn horizontally. The horizontal line, which is created by wearing the belt, visually cuts your body in half. Instead of a traditional belt, consider pants with a built-in waistband adjuster or suspenders worn under a jacket for a more seamless appearance. If a belt is necessary, opt for a slim, monochromatic belt that blends with your pants rather than contrasting.
Another thing that you should avoid is waistcoats (or vests). While vests can add sophistication, they often create a shortening effect by emphasizing the midsection, breaking up the vertical line of the torso. If you prefer to wear one, choose a slim, well-fitted vest in a color that blends with your shirt or suit rather than a contrasting one to minimize this effect. Also, opt for vests with a slightly deeper V-neck to elongate the torso rather than boxy, high-cut styles.
Except for a top knot, long hair hides the neck, which elongates the body. Shorter hairstyles—such as a textured quiff, side-swept style, or pompadour—add height to your overall appearance, helping to maintain an elongated silhouette. If you prefer longer hair, consider keeping the sides shorter while adding volume on top, or styling it in a way that reveals more of the neck. Avoid hairstyles that fall flat against the head or create too much width at the sides, as they can make your face and body appear more compact.
4. Keep The Waist Button High On Your Coat Positioned Above The Navel
For shorter men, always choose jackets with a high waist button, or the so-called button stance, which draws attention to the higher part of the body. Wearing a high-waisted button can also lengthen the appearance of the legs.
When selecting a blazer or suit jacket, opt for a two-button or single-button design rather than a three-button jacket, as the latter can create a boxy shape that visually shortens the body. The ideal button stance should be positioned just above the navel, ensuring a balanced and elongated look. Avoid jackets with a very low button stance, as they tend to make the torso look disproportionately long and the legs shorter.
Additionally, structured shoulders and a slightly tapered waist can further enhance this effect by defining the upper body and avoiding a bulky or shapeless fit. A slim lapel rather than a wide lapel also contributes to a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.
If wearing an overcoat or trench coat, choose one that cinches at the waist or has a higher belt placement, reinforcing the illusion of longer legs. By carefully selecting jackets and coats with a higher waist button, you can create a naturally taller and more proportionate silhouette.
5. Wear Shorter Suit Jackets Over Long, And Have No Break On The Pant Legs
Usually, a suit jacket should cover the buttocks. However, a slightly shorter suit jacket reveals more of the legs, while somewhat shorter pants also help expose more of the shoe. When wearing both, it creates a continuous, unbroken body line with more of the body showing, which, in turn, makes you visually taller.
When selecting a jacket, look for a modern, tailored fit with a slight taper at the waist. This creates a streamlined silhouette rather than a boxy or bulky shape. If you’re wearing casual blazers, make sure they follow the same rule—ending at or just below the hip to enhance the vertical line of your outfit.
For trousers, aim for a no-break or slight-break hem—meaning the fabric should just graze the tops of your shoes instead of bunching up. Excess fabric pooling around the ankles creates an untidy look and disrupts the clean vertical line you want to maintain. Opt for slim or tapered trousers rather than wide-leg or overly skinny cuts, as these keep the proportions balanced and elongate the legs.
Additionally, choosing shoes with a slightly elevated sole—such as Chelsea boots, dress shoes with a stacked heel, or minimalist sneakers with a slight platform—can subtly enhance height while maintaining a polished and stylish appearance.
6. Opt For Monochromatic Colors In Clothing
To conclude our list of ways shorter men can look taller, we recommend wearing colors within a similar hue spectrum to avoid breaking the body line. This helps create a seamless vertical flow from head to toe, elongating the silhouette and making you appear taller.
A monochromatic outfit doesn’t mean dressing entirely in one solid color; instead, it involves choosing different shades and tones of the same color. For example, pairing a charcoal gray blazer with light gray trousers maintains consistency without looking too uniform. Likewise, navy blue pants with a deep blue shirt can have the same lengthening effect.
For a more modern and stylish approach, experiment with textures and patterns within the same color family. A dark blue wool sweater with navy tailored trousers adds dimension while keeping the vertical illusion intact. If you prefer some contrast, keep darker shades on the bottom (pants, shoes) and lighter shades on top (shirts, jackets) to subtly draw attention upward.
Another important detail is to match your shoes with your pants whenever possible. Wearing dark-colored shoes with dark trousers—such as black dress shoes with black pants or brown shoes with dark khaki pants—creates a continuous line, making your legs appear longer. Avoid high-contrast footwear, such as white sneakers with black pants, as this can visually cut off your legs at the ankles.
For formal wear, opt for a single-color suit with a similar-toned shirt and tie. A dark navy suit with a light blue dress shirt or a black suit with a deep gray tie will maintain a smooth, elongated look without creating harsh color breaks.
Confidence Is the Best Height Booster
While these style strategies can help you look taller, the way you carry yourself is just as important. Good posture, self-assurance, and well-chosen clothing will always leave a lasting impression. Instead of focusing solely on appearing taller, embrace a wardrobe that makes you feel comfortable and stylish. When you feel good in what you wear, confidence follows—and that’s what truly makes you stand tall.
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