Ideal bodyfat percentage

[bvbellomo]

Lots of posts here to make clothes fit men's bodies, but what about the other way around? I am probably going to buy MTM online, but have been losing weight, and plan to continue. I am at about 20% bodyfat now (stomach looks flat under clothing). I'd hate to start a long process of trial and error of MTM if have to hit a moving target.

Is there an ideal bodyfat for how a man looks wearing clothing? Do clothing measurements change significantly, as long as you stay below the point stomach and love handles bulge out?

 

[maxalex]

Entire books have been written on matching clothing, and patterns, to various body styles and complexions. A lot of it is snake oil. A good general rule is to not invest in new clothing until your weight has stabilized. Note that most people eventually gain back at least some of the weight they have lost through dieting and exercise, unless they are incredibly rigorous.

 

[bvbellomo]

I am disciplined at maintaining weight. I was between 205lbs and 215lbs during my marriage as at 205lbs, my wife felt I was too thin, and at 215lbs, I am obese by BMI.

Having divorced, I am dropping exactly 5lbs every month and will settle on a new range, also about 10 lbs between my heaviest in February and lightest in October. I am not sure how low I want to go yet, but assume below a certain point, it won't effect clothing much. My waist is never going to be much less around than my hip bone.