It’s important to know your size (most men buy a size too large), what cuts suit your shape (if you’re short and stocky, spray-on jeans are probably not for you) and what brand’s fit you best.

In short, throw away those baggy, low-waisted trousers and find yourself a good tailor who understands what you’re trying to achieve.

Vertical Stripes

Remember the rule that horizontal stripes make people appear wider was proved, disproved and then proved again? The same logic applies to vertical stripes and lengthening.

Evenly spaced vertical lines – whether in patterns like striped shirts, or in fabrics like corduroy – make the wearer seem taller because other people’s eyes want to follow them up.

Image: Hackett SS15

Small Proportions

Much like ensuring your clothes aren’t too big, the finer details shouldn’t be either. Therefore, elements like lapels, tie width and knot, collars and even the amount of shirt cuff you show should be smaller or thinner than average.

This helps keep everything in proportion to your size and avoids highlighting small features.

Image: Burton AW15

Keep Details Upstairs

By now it should have become clear that the aim is to draw people’s eyes to your upper body.

Style magpies will be drawn to accessories so use pocket squares, hats, tie pins and glasses to achieve this (but never all at once).

Image: Mango Man SS14

Use The Power Of V

Any man who has ever worn a suit will have noticed himself feeling and looking taller. This is in part because a well-fitting suit helps with posture, but also because of its shape.

The ‘V’ created by the blazer (you guessed it) draws the eyes upwards and makes shoulders more pronounced. This technique also works with V-neck jumpers, which elongate the neck as well as provide a great excuse for layering.

Image: Next 2015

Things To Avoid

Alongside the dos, there are a few don’ts when trying to give the appearance of height: