Outfits for 5'5", 5'6" and 5'7" men: sizes and proportions that work
At 5'5"–5'7" (165–170 cm), outfits work when tops end at the hip, sleeves stop at the wrist bone and trousers have a 29-inch-ish inseam with little break; keep colours close from top to bottom and save contrast for an open jacket.
5'5" (165 cm)
Starting inseam estimate: about 73 cm (28.5–29 in). Choose tees and shirts that end at the hip bone, and cropped or boxy jackets that end at the top of the hip. Oversized tops work only if the body length is short; look for boxy, not long.
5'6" (168 cm)
Starting inseam estimate: about 74 cm (29 in). Most regular-fit trousers in a 30 need hemming; a 29 usually gives a clean break. Tucked shirts with a mid-rise trouser lengthen the leg line.
5'7" (170 cm)
Starting inseam estimate: about 75 cm (29.5 in). Many brands' regular length is close, but sleeves often still run long; check sleeve reach rather than the sleeve figure alone.
Outfit formulas for any of the three
Tonal: a navy knit, navy trousers and dark shoes. One long line.
Open layer: a light tee and trousers in one colour, with a contrasting overshirt or jacket worn open.
Smart casual: a tucked shirt, mid-rise trousers with no break, and shoes that match the trousers.
Questions
Is 5'7" short for a man in Canada?
- It is below the average for Canadian men, and standard menswear is usually graded for taller men, so 5'7" (170 cm) men often find sleeves and inseams run long.
What size shirt fits a 5'6" man?
- It depends on build: choose the chest for your build, then check that the body length ends at the hip and the sleeve reach ends at the wrist for 168 cm. The size label alone can't tell you both.