Do your garments fit around your shoulders but feel tighter elsewhere? Or do they fit your torso but fall a few inches above your shoulders? The issue with ‘large and tall’ apparel is that the ‘and’ is rarely given any attention. The bulk of possibilities will be for large (i.e. broad) or tall guys, but not both. For a tall and broad-shouldered man, the alternatives are pretty much restricted to large, cloak-like shirts and coats that fall loosely over anyone’s frame, regardless of size. And if you don’t mind appearing like a sack of potatoes, it’s great; nevertheless, most big guys like a little more definition to their physique.
The fashion world, in some respects, tends to stick to a pretty narrow range of sizes, so men big and tall often have a tough time picking out stylish outfits that don’t feel like a hassle to wear. Here’s a pretty thorough style guide that’ll walk you through how to choose clothes that actually fit, what kind of materials tend to work best, and how to put together a wardrobe that’s comfy and cool.
Getting the Right Look
Picking out clothes when you’re big and tall is about keeping things balanced between comfort and style. Let’s break it down!
What Materials and Styles Are Suitable for Large Men
Honestly, fabric choice can make or break your comfort level, and styles that drape nicely tend to look way better on bigger frames.
Cotton: It’s breathable, super comfy, and works great for everyday wear. A cotton blend with a little bit of stretch might be just what you need.
Wool: If you’re dressing up, wool is that go-to fabric that feels good and looks sharp.
Linen: Ok, so linen can be a lifesaver during hot weather since it’s super airy.
Stretchy denim: For jeans, you want something that moves with you, so a little stretch goes a long way.
Trousers that Flatter
Have you ever noticed how Hollywood has a specific pair of pants for each character that they want to look like the “fat man”? They are typically light-colored, double-pleated, and buttoned too tightly to prevent them from slipping off the huge man’s hips and tumbling down. These are all deliberate terrible decisions!
There are lots of attractive men’s dress pants available for heavyset men who know what they want. The most flattering thing a larger man can do with his trousers is wear them high – around the natural waist and much over the hips. This allows the fabric to drape over the tummy and fall in a smooth front down the body.
Trousers worn lower must be tightly belted underneath the belly, causing it to drape over the belt and form an ugly bulge in the shirtfront.
Belts, in general, have the propensity to make a larger man appear uncomfortably constricted; if possible, larger men should prefer the more comfortable and attractive alternative of suspenders.
Pleats (the small vertical folds in the front of a pair of pants) are a highly pleasant characteristic that should be a part of every heavyset man’s wardrobe.
The trousers should be loose enough so that the pleats are completely closed while you stand at rest; if the folds stretch open before you move or sit, the pants are excessively tight in the thighs.
Big and Tall Shirts
Whether you’re talking about business dress shirts, polos, or even more casual men’s shirts, the rule applies to tall & thin or tall & broad men: buy shirts that are long enough to tuck in all the way around and fitted enough that there isn’t a big billow of cloth around your waist when you do. A little looseness is OK, but too much merely adds to the appearance of bulk and width.
Patterns tend to seem weird if they bend too much with the curve of the body beneath them, so keep them to items like neckties that don’t have to cover a vast, curving area.
Make sure the collar of any collared shirts is slack enough to fasten without pinching, both for your comfort and to avoid the garment appearing overstuffed. Men looking for dress shirts may want to consider French cuffs as an extra accent – the pop of color at the wrists helps define the visual boundaries of your frame. Men looking for dress shirts may want to consider French cuffs as an extra accent – the pop of color at the wrists helps define the visual boundaries of your frame.
Suits, Jackets, and Sports Coats
Wearing a jacket is always a flattering option for a larger man. The modern suit jacket is intended to provide a leveling effect, transforming every man’s profile into a squared-off hourglass, broad in the shoulders and somewhat tapered in the waist before flaring out in the back.
There are obviously many variations on that concept, but the idea is that the shape looks good on you and should be worn.
A tall, broad-shouldered man looks best in a single-breasted suit that buttons low down to provide a deep “V” shape in the front. The jacket should be loose enough so that the button does not strain, and long enough in the back to droop over the buttocks.
Double-vented jackets (jackets with two slits in the bottom rear) provide the best drape in the back while also adding extra flexibility to the sides and front of the jacket, making them an excellent choice for larger guys.
For a more proportional appearance, look for jackets with greater elements – pockets, lapels, etc. – than standard off-the-shelf ones. A tall, wide man requires wide pockets to prevent his jacket from seeming like it was designed for a smaller man and stretched to suit.
Shoulders should be close-fitting and largely unpadded. Solid dark hues are also the ideal choice here; if you want to liven it up, add a patterned necktie; figure patterns such as paisleys, dots, checks, or repeated crests are all good methods to pull the eye without accentuating height or breadth.
Casual Stuff
Casual outfits should, like, feel easygoing but still look put together. Straight-leg or relaxed-fit jeans in darker washes are usually a safe bet. Go for tees that fit well and maybe have a bit of stretch for comfort. Polos: They’re an easy way to step up your casual game without much effort. Light jackets or cardigans can add some texture to your look.
How to Properly Combine Clothes to Create a Stylish Look
Putting together an outfit that works is all about mixing the right pieces without overdoing it. Try sticking with a core set of neutral shades like black, navy, and gray. You can throw in a pop of color now and then, but neutrals keep things clean.
Layers aren’t just for warmth – they add some depth to your style too. For instance: Pair a fitted sweater over a crisp shirt. Toss a denim jacket over a tee.
You don’t need a ton of extras, but a few well-chosen ones can pull your look together: A good belt that matches your shoes is always a safe bet. A simple, classic watch can add a touch of style. If you’re into hats, go for something subtle that works with your outfit.
A Review of Popular Brands and Stores
Finding spots that actually stock decent clothes for big and tall guys can be a game-changer. BrawnyJims offers a pretty wide selection of plus size men clothes for different occasions. What’s cool about BrawnyJims is that they don’t just stop at basic sizes—they seem to really understand what big and tall guys are looking for. The store offers a mix of casual wear, formal attire, and even activewear. Plus, their stuff tends to be reasonably priced, so you won’t feel like you’re burning a hole in your wallet. From breathable tees and stylish polos to well-fitted jeans and sharp blazers, they’ve pretty much got you covered for all kinds of occasions.
What Big and Tall Men Cannot Wear
Just bear in mind that extensive horizontal patterning (checks, windowpane, plaids, etc.) and anything fitted so tightly, it pinches, or so loosely, it billows, are strictly prohibited for well-dressed “big and tall” men. Everyone benefits from a good fit, but large men look awful in a lousy one. At the end of the day, there are several styles that look well on huge men. Finding them on the rack can be difficult, but there’s plenty of potential for personal expression.
Apart from that if you want to know about Men’s Western Wear Jacket then please visit our Fashion Category.