If you want to look good, it’s important to find clothing that fits correctly. However, as a larger man, this can be easier said than done. The bigger you get and the taller you are, the more difficult it is to find stylish clothes that fit well and look great.
Whether you’re shopping for a specific event or you just want to update your closet, you’ll need to approach style and fashion a bit differently. From pants to hats, everything will look and fit differently on you than it will on a short, scrawny man shopping at the same store. To help you find the perfect style, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Best Styles for Big and Tall Men
Style Tips: Pants
1. Know Your Size
When it comes to pants, it’s important that you buy something that you know is way too large or bordering on too small. There is a correct way for how pants should fit and if you follow it, you’ll find that your pants look good no matter what color or style they are. That being said, you will have to take the time to try on different sizes until you find one that fits you well.
If you want to know your perfect size, then you may want to visit a tailor or a menswear shop. They’ll take your exact measurements and you can use the information to buy pants in the future.
2. Get Them Tailored
Sometimes, pants just aren’t made for certain body types. While knowing your body type can help you choose outfits that are more likely to look good, sometimes they just won’t. Fortunately, getting your pants tailored can help with this problem.
Every man should own at least one tailored suit, but having all your pants tailored will help you feel more confident in the clothing you choose to wear. With a selection of tailored pants to choose from, it doesn’t matter what occasion you’re dressing for or what you’ll wear on top. Your pants will always look good.
Style Tips: Shirts
3. Choose V-Necks
When you’re looking for a casual shirt, reach for a v-neck. This will help draw attention downward and create a slimming effect. Whether you have boxy shoulders or narrow shoulders, v-necks will help you look slimmer and work well with your height.
Even if you plan on wearing a jacket over your shirt, choosing a v-neck will help avoid a bunch of fabric collecting around your neck and reduce the widening effect it may have.
4. Tuck Shirts In
Tucking in your shirts can do wonders to help you look slimmer and more stylish. Even men with a large stomach will find that tucking in their shirts will help tie everything together neatly and help provide structure to their outfits. With a belt and a properly fitting pair of pants, any outfit can look neat.
5. Layer Outerwear
When it comes to shirts, jackets, and vests, don’t be afraid to wear layers. Layering your clothing can help draw attention away from areas where you may be self-conscious. As a bigger man, you’ll want to choose thinner jackets to help flatten out your figure, but there are also a couple of other methods you can use to help hide unwanted bulk or shaping.
To draw attention away from your midsection, choose a jacket with padded shoulders. This will help balance out the top of your outfit and draw attention away from your stomach.
To draw attention away from your shoulders, choose materials that stretch and aren’t padded. You can use this Q&A to address this issue as well as the best solution for each body type.
Style Tips: Accessories
6. Wear a Belt
Adding a belt to your outfit will help create structure and trim down your midsection. Belts can also help ill-fitting pants stay up and look professional. Again, you should have properly fitted, tailored pants but if you can’t afford them, belts will help tie everything together nicely.
7. Try a Hat
There are so many different styles of hats and the reason for this is to fit different face shapes. Once you know what your face shape is, you can start looking for a great hat to add to any outfit.
As a general rule, tall men should search for a hat that doesn’t add a lot of height. While shorter men will use tall hats to help them appear taller, tall men want their hats to do the exact opposite. However, if you hold much of your body fat on your face or neck, then a big hat with a narrow brim will generally look best on you.
8. Pick Out a Tie
Ties are a good way to help elongate your figure and help you appear slimmer. When it comes to picking out a tie, though, make sure that the color of it doesn’t clash with the rest of your outfit.
Style Tip: Colors and Patterns
9. Avoid Horizontal Patterns
As a big man, the last thing you want to do is wear a horizontal pattern. This will subconsciously draw attention outwards and make you appear wider despite your best efforts. If you want to wear a patterned piece of clothing, choose something vertical or a micro print.
10. Know Where to Wear Light or Dark Colors
When it comes to wearing dark or light colors, there is a way to draw attention to areas that you want to draw attention to and hide areas that you want hidden.
Light colors naturally draw the eye while dark colors can help you hide. If you want to pull attention away from your stomach, wear a dark shirt and light pants. If you want to put attention on your shoulders and avoid pointing out your legs or hips, choose dark pants and a light shirt or jacket.
Know Your Style
In terms of what types of clothing to buy, be sure that you buy things that match your style. If you aren’t comfortable sporting a particular shirt or pants, then you won’t ever wear them. Rather than finding things that are trendy but unflattering, stick with the things that you feel confident in and that will last for several years to come.