Men are shaped like puddings, candles or parsnips

Apple or pear-shaped has been used to classify women, now men also have their models, but all with a festive flavour.

A study commissioned by retailer High and Mighty has revealed that men fall into four categories: Christmas pudding, Yule log, parsnip or candle.

Yule log with shoulders and waist roughly the same width is the most common body shape.

Half of all men fit into this category, including TV presenter Jon­athan Ross, 'X Factor' host Dermot O'Leary and TV chef Jamie Oliver.

Nearly a quarter shares their shape with the traditional Christmas pudding, carrying too much weight around their mid-section. Comedian James Corden and radio DJ Chris Moyles fall into this category.

Around a fifth are tall and thin, resembling a Christmas candle, like footballer Peter Crouch. And about eight per cent resemble a parsnip, with broad shoulders and thin legs.

Footballer David Beckham and 'X Factor' judge Gary Barlow are included in Parsnip types.

The study also said men struggle the most to find clothes that fit them in all the right places

"When it comes to body shapes, it is men who struggle the most to find clothes that fit them in all the right places," the Daily Express quoted Gill Politis of High and Mighty as saying.

"Men need to take their time when shopping and make sure they try on things. Our research found that 67 per cent admitted not trying things on and having to return them," she revealed.

Good news is that Politis has offered some specific tips for the different body types.

"Yule logs need to accentuate their waist by tucking their shirt into their jeans and wearing a quality belt to add shape to their silhouette. Puddings need to buy clothes that elongate the body and shoes with a heel to add height," she said.

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