The Big Man’s Guide To Sharp Dressing

Fashion, as with any other industry, is not without its fair share of quirkiness. No one gets more “miracle products”, or “life-changing purchase” than a man who has some meat on his bones. Most of this stuff can be forgotten.

It isn’t effective and creates a problem when there is none. The goal of dressing well is to present your body in the most flattering manner possible. Any other thing is simply costuming.

We have compiled our top advice for big men. You can look stylish and sophisticated no matter what your body type is.

I don’t think you need me to tell what the common (and unfounded!) assumptions about overweight men are: fat, lazy, greedy etc. These judgments are unfair, but they are the reality of our society. If your weight is not there for a particular purpose (like if you are an NFL linebacker), then you owe yourself the responsibility to lose those pounds. Not only to impress others, but also because of the health benefits that you will enjoy as you become fitter. Even if you are already on a weight loss journey you should still dress the best you can. You don’t have to wait to achieve your ultimate goal before you start working towards your goals.

Style is so important and why we are writing about it. It’s because a bad or careless style makes someone of average or slender stature forgettable. It’s a proof of the negative assumptions above that a large man looks fat. He would have spent more time dressing himself well if he was.

It’s frustrating, but it’s an argument to look your best. It’s not difficult to look your best for someone with a heavier frame than for someone else.

Priorities: What a Man Needs From His Clothing

While we’ll be getting into particular styles and outfits, there are some things you should keep in mind when shopping for clothing for larger bodies.

1. Fit

This is true for all men, but doubly so for large ones: The fit of your clothes is the most important quality.

Your outline will look sloppy if you have bulges, wrinkles or sagging fabric. The effect is worse for large men. Large men often wear clothes several sizes too large, believing they are concealing their body. Baggy clothes are not foolproof and can draw more attention to your weight, as well as downgrading the overall appearance and impression you make.

This is also a matter of comfort: The better your clothes fit, the more comfortable they feel. This is great for your mood as well as your appearance.

The fit should be your first concern when shopping for a garment. The cloth should be loosely fitted to your body. It shouldn’t hug your skin too tightly or hang off your skin with obvious folds of excess cloth.

It is unlikely that you will find a garment that fits perfectly straight off the rack. Get to know a tailor. A few simple adjustments, such as hemming pants or taking a shirt in at your waist, can transform generic-sized clothes from department stores into well-fitting garments.

2. Simplicity

It’s simple, for large men, a solid, long-length, well-fitted and dark-colored overcoat is the best choice.bA big frame can also indicate an impossible presence. Keep it simple so it doesn’t overwhelm.

Large men should wear clothes that are simple and do not have too many patterns. You look better with large, solid spaces.

3. Lightweight

Heavy, thick cloth emphasizes your size and makes it look larger. Large men should be aware that heavier clothing can trap heat and cause excessive sweating. Even if your sweat problems are not severe, it is important to keep your clothes light.

Although it may not seem like much to notice the difference between fine wool trousers versus thick denim jeans, once you put the pants on you will see how important the upgrade is. Smooth, lightweight fabric with clean lines will make large men feel better than anything chunky.

What the right clothes can (and cannot) do for you
Reality check: You won’t find clothes that drastically alter your body shape.

It’s possible to find something so loose, such as a burqa that hides your shape completely. But that’s not what most men want. This can often look more like a parachute than a nice outfit.

Your body shape doesn’t get altered by good clothing. It helps everything look balanced and proportional.

Any product that claims to make you thin (compression girdles, etc.) will likely have a temporary effect and possibly at the cost of your comfort. This is a lose-lose proposition over the long term, as an uncomfortable man tends also to fidget, shift, and look nervous and unappealing.

Good clothing can change the first impression people have about you from “a fat guy” to “a big one.”

Although it may seem like an insignificant distinction on paper, people see it as the difference between “lazy and soft and weak” and “powerful, imposing and confident”.

That’s a huge difference, if you can forgive the pun.

Clothing for large men: The Good, Bad and the Ugly

We can now talk about some specific styles once you have an idea of what you are looking for.

These guidelines are not perfect. There will always be exceptions. For the most part, however, we can classify certain types of clothing as “good” or “bad”, depending on how large they are.

There are a few styles that can be just plain dangerous. If you don’t have an extremely compelling reason to wear them, avoid the “uglies”.

Great Clothes for Large Men

Clear, well-defined clothes give the best shape to your body. This puts sports coats, blazers and suits at the top of this list. They will “frame” your body and make it appear neatly contained.

Smooth slacks are a better choice than jeans for a clean, crisp front. In colder climates, a long overcoat can be a great way of making a strong impression with your entire body.

Bad clothes

When clothes are softer and the lines less defined, things get more complicated. Large men need to be cautious when buying sweaters and sweatshirts. These can work. A flat front can cover the stomach, and something that covers the waistline can be beneficial. However, you should have a tight fit with no bulges or wrinkles.

Athletic wear has a mixed bag. It’s great for working out, but it can look a bit too unformed in other settings. You can also fall for the “lazy slob” stereotypes because it is very casual. If you’re going to the gym or running, avoid wearing sweatpants and athletic T-shirts.

Ugly Clothes

Anything that has a lot of bare flesh, low formality and a saggy look is the worst possible combination of all worlds. The latter is less about flesh looking unattractive and more about the contrast it creates: if your arms and legs are bare it draws all attention to your center, which highlights your belly/crotch/butt area.

Avoid loose T-shirts, tank tops, and baggy briefs. These look terrible on any body, especially on a man with a large frame. Avoid shorts. If you must wear them, avoid wearing baggy, slack-fitting ones. Your lower legs will look like a pair of skinny pegs, making you appear disproportionately tall.

Larger men will look better if they wear long sleeves and pants, and choose dressier styles that add some class.