You’ve probably heard us repeat this time and time: You want to look your best? It’s all about the fit of your clothes. Sure, you can build your wardrobe by trial and error. But what if we can save you time and effort by knowing what to look for as you shop? That’s when our men’s body type calculator comes in handy.
By entering your measurements below, you can identify your body type. Based on your results, we’ll tell you what styles look best on your frame.
Are you eager to learn your body type? Let’s dive in.
Body types, also known as somatotypes, are the classifications of someone’s body. Several factors determine a body type, including:
Your body type is not static since you can change your muscle mass and fat distribution. Body types often change over time depending on exercise, diet, and age. However, your current body type helps determine your best exercise routine, diet, and, of course, fit for clothes.
If you’re wondering what the body types are, they are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Many people fall into one of these three body type categories.

However, it’s also possible to fall between two body types – if you’re someone who identifies as two body types, lucky you! This means you have more options regarding clothing fit, diet, and exercise.
Aside from getting your best clothing fit, there are various reasons why you should determine your body type. Most importantly, people don’t fit into a one-size-fits-all mold. Therefore, your clothing shopping, diet and exercise don’t either.
If you’re asking yourself, what is my body type? Let’s get down to business and learn how to use The Modest Man’s body type calculator. All you need is a soft tailor’s tape measure or a string and retractable tape measure.
Here’s how to use the string and retractable tape measure method. All you have to do is wrap the string around the part of your body you are measuring. Then, lay the string alongside your retractable tape measure to get the numerical measurement.
Let’s find out your body type together.
To get your shoulder measurement, wrap your tape measure around the top of your shoulders. Ideally, you should take your measurement at the widest part of your shoulder.
This is typically between the top of your armpits and the top of your shoulder. The point where your tape measure meets is your shoulder measurement. If you’re having difficulty, have someone help you with this measurement.
With your arms raised, wrap your measuring device around your chest. The tape measure should lay across or above your nipple line. Pull the tape measure so it’s taut and flat.
The point where your tape measure meets is your chest measurement.
Wrap the tape measure around your natural waist. It’s between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hip bones. Using your belly button is a great guide. The tape measure should wrap around your body at or just above your belly button.
The point where your tape measure meets is your waist measurement.
Stand in a neutral position with your feet facing forward. Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
The point where your tape measure meets is your hip measurement.
As we mentioned before, there are three main male body types that you typically fall into. Your categorization as an ectomorph, mesomorph or endomorph determines the ideal way to approach your lifestyle. Here’s a brief breakdown of each of these somatotypes.
Are you naturally lean or thin? Do you have a lightning-fast metabolism, and is it difficult to maintain weight? If so, you likely have an ectomorph body type.

Since ectomorphs are naturally thin, they tend to have a lower percentage of body fat. In terms of clothes, styles likely overwhelm your frame. Finding shirts that fit across your chest and shoulders is especially difficult. Often, ectomorphs are fairly narrow in the upper chest area.
If you’re familiar with body shapes, most ectomorphs are a rectangular or inverted triangle shape.
Learn more about the male ectomorph body type here.
The mesomorph body type tends to be the most coveted somatotype. Think of it as the Superman of body types. Mesomorphs are naturally muscular with an athletic build. It’s also easy for them to gain muscle and lose fat.

It may sound like the mesomorph has all the luck, but they, too, have fit issues when it comes to clothes. Particularly in shirts and jackets, mesomorphs have to size up to accommodate their broad shoulders and chests. This means shirts are ill-fitting through the waist.
Most mesomorphs are trapezoid or inverted triangle body shapes.
Learn more about the male mesomorph body type here.
Do you have a rounder, softer body and a tendency to gain weight easily? If so, odds are you have an Endomorph body type. Just because you carry a bit more weight doesn’t mean you aren’t fit. Many endomorphs are very muscular; it’s just not visible.

It’s a common misconception to dress in baggy clothes for comfort. The Endomorph should do the absolute opposite. Structured clothing with a tailored fit is your best bet to keep additional bulk off your frame.
Are you trying to figure out your body shape? Often, Endomorphs fall into the oval or triangle body shapes.
Learn more about the male endomorph body type here.
There’s so much information surrounding male body types. We hope we can provide better clarity by answering these commonly asked questions. If there’s something we haven’t covered, you’ll find it here in this FAQ section.
The three common body types or somatotypes are ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph.
Use the Modest Man body calculator to determine what body type you have. You can also conduct a quick self-analysis if you know the common features of an ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. For more information, you can also read our in-depth article on male body types.
Body type and body shape are related concepts. Each somatotype or body type has related body shapes. The main difference between body type and shape is that body shape is an observational term. Based on visual observation, you can look at someone and classify them into a body shape.
Body typing, or the somatotype system, is based on science and body composition. For example, your body type takes into consideration your body mass and metabolic capabilities.
A somatotype is a concept that classifies body types. It was developed by William Sheldon in the 1940s. Each of the three classifications relies on physical characteristics, including bone structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Typically, people use the term somatotype interchangeably with body type.
There’s so much you can learn just from using our men’s body type calculator. Do you want to change your lifestyle? Lose or gain weight? Maybe revamp your style? Regardless of your goal, determining your body type is a step in the right direction. It’s an additional tool to help you feel your best and become more confident.
Did you use the body shape calculator to determine your body type? If so, share your best lifestyle tips and tricks based on your somatotype below!