What each veg looks like

Green bean

Stringy and lean, boys who are bean types, such as Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker should stick to loose-cut clothing, according to the vegetable guidelines.

They look good in light-coloured trousers with patterned or horizontal striped tops. Chalk stripes or check shirts also add bulk to the figure. However, tight T-shirts and drainpipe trousers should be avoided as they make arms and legs look extra long.

Potato

Rounded potato men, typified by Cold Feet actor John Thomson look best in simple tones and cuts.

Wearing fine vertical stripes in dark colours gives a leaner look while V-neck jumpers in fine wool can lengthen the neck.

Potatoes should steer clear of chunky jumpers or wide trousers such as combat pants.

Aubergine

Being a dumpy aubergine doesn't have to mean sartorial disaster. Comedian Harry Enfield has managed to minimise the difference between shoulder and hip line by choosing dark outfits of blending colours. Singlebreasted suits with lighter toned shirts and a plain or horizontal striped tie are a plus for aubergines. However they should reject contrasting colours and bomber jackets.

Parsnips

With wide shoulders and narrow hips, parsnips can indulge in a variety of looks. Angular lines look wonderful on this body type, showed off by singer Robbie Williams.

Columns of colour can create extra height or add leg length. Either single or double-breasted jackets look good, as long as they hug the hips.

According to the guidelines, the only thing to avoid is deep lapels as they can over-emphasise the parsnip shape.