It wasn’t always easy dressing as a bigger guy. For a long time the mainstream fashion industry neglected you. But recently, the industry has made some big strides.
Today, you can find big & tall sections and complete collections tailored specifically for your body-type. While that’s appreciated, it’s still not easy putting together cohesive fits. And so this guide was made to provide styling inspiration for all bigger stylish gents.
Let’s dive in!
Dressing the Bigger Guy
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Contrary to popular opinion, bigger men have lots of possibilities when it comes to clothes that present them in the best manner. However, the first concession to remember for the big guy is that most brands are usually not designing their lines with your size in mind.
But on the flip side of things, there have been plenty of classic and newer designers that have made their presence known with exceptional lines that ensure that the big men are not left out of the style conversation.
The following tips are guaranteed to give you bigger men more confidence in curating a fashionable wardrobe from head to toe.
Master the art of visual trickery
A sharper, more streamlined aesthetic consists of some visual trickery that every man should incorporate for an esteemed look, which bigger guys can also use to their advantage.
Men with big frames should strive to become masters of the tuck, starting with dress shirts tucked into pants along with a belt to create a partition between your midsection and crotch.
By creating a vertical line with a row of buttons or a V-neck, you are able to draw attention away from your belly and towards the center of the body.
Figure out your problem areas—particularly around the midsection, thighs and buttocks—and wear darker hues to de-emphasize them. For your better areas, use lighter tones that showcase your slimmer areas.
Choose classic prints and solid neutrals to minimize your size
Men with larger frames are already going to be seen, which means light and pastel colors only bring more attention. As a way to minimize size, opt for colored pants and solid neutral colors like chocolate brown, navy blue, olive green, grey, and black.
These are the ideal colors to complement your shape and can work with t-shirts, refined blazers, and knitwear. To broaden up your look, standard patterns like stripes and checked designs work to distract from your size and can be paired with darker hued shirts and blazers with muted tones.
Have a great tailor at your disposal
All men should have a tailor, but with larger men who have larger proportions, buying off the rack may be a rarity and makes one all the more important for investing in made-to-measure or bespoke clothing that will typically cost more. Tailor for a full break through the pants, with jackets cut sharply around the corner to obscure the midsection.
Light, durable fabrics work best for bigger frames
The majority of a large man’s wardrobe should consist of lighter, yet sturdy fabrics that provide the support necessary without adding bulk to your frame.
Wool, cashmere, and silk are the best fabrics for suits and coats, with cotton ideal for t-shirts and cotton-blend for chinos as it provides some shape and fewer wrinkles. Selvedge jeans work well with men who have a larger frame as they mold to bodies to achieve a customized fit.
Keep it simple
Big men don’t need to worry about the theatrics of dressing – leave that to men with other frames. The simple approach is the best one to pursue for larger men, with structural suits and trousers that accentuate silhouettes helping to present the best style possible. To avoid looking chunkier, minimize wallets and keys in pockets to elevate the streamlined effect.
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Big Guy Style Essentials
Suits
Bigger men should have their suits custom-made, primarily in low-rise trousers that come with a cuffed leg length. Single-breasted jackets with one button makes for an enhanced focal point as a visual.
Jackets/Coats
Bomber jackets add a cool factor for any man, and the look applies to men with larger frames as well. For colder months, a long overcoat leaves a great silhouette for the entire body and come highly recommended.
Knits
Wool-blend and cashmere sweaters are perfect for slimming a larger frame and flattening the midsection area and minimizing bulge. V-neck designs create a vertical line that is slimming, with fitted cardigans key to a bigger man’s winter wardrobe.
Shirts
Henleys and V-neck t-shirts slim the neckline and provide vertical focal points that are slimming on a larger frame. Even horizontal striped shirts can work for bigger men, so don’t be afraid to play around.
Trousers
Low-rise pants and chinos that don’t sit under the belly are the best approach as wearing them under the midsection can give a stumpy aesthetic. If you decide to wear shorts, ensure that they break around the knee and don’t include bulky pockets.
Jeans
There are plenty of jeans companies that provide an assortment of style options for big men that means there is a perfect brand out there for you. Selvedge jeans are one of the best options as they give the style and structure bigger men need for day to day use.
Accessories
Suspenders look great on bigger men and work admirably under a blazer as they keep pants above the midsection and enhance your silhouette. A elegant pocket square goes a long way, as do lapel pins and ties that can add more dimension to your look through patterns, texture, and a range of colors.
FAQ’s About Big Guy Style
How do big men conceal large mid-sections?
Wear trousers directly at your waist instead of around the hips. This creates an optical illusion that reduces the area and makes you look slimmer overall. Tucking your shirts into your trousers also enhances the silhouette.
Can large guys wear turtlenecks?
Men with large frames should avoid drawing attention to their thicker necks, which means turtlenecks are to be avoided. Instead, opt for a v-neck sweater that makes for a slimmer neckline. That said, rules are meant to be broken and it can be done.
What fabrics should big guys wear?
Men who have large frames should veer towards thicker fabrics that drape the body better, including twill shirts, flannel, and Oxford shirts that have structure and are sturdy.
Wrapping Things Up
And there you have it, GW’s quick guide to dressing as a bigger guy I hope that this provided you with the inspiration that you needed to get out there and rock some killer fits.
What is your biggest struggle in dressing as a bigger guy?
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