Finding the perfect fitting shirt can be a daunting task, especially for big men like myself. It's not just about looking stylish ... it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your attire. This sense of confidence can be the difference between a night spent making friends, building business contacts, and romancing your partner ... one or spent continually trying to pull your shirt down to cover your belly and a focus on hiding - instead of leaning forward.
Don't worry though, with our 10 expert style advice tips tailored specifically for plus-sized gentlemen, you'll not only discover how to flatter your body shape effortlessly but also elevate your wardrobe game like never before.
Key Takeaways
- Accurately checking your measurements and reading online reviews before purchasing a shirt is crucial to ensuring the best fit for big men.
- Choosing the right fabric, collar type, pattern, and color can enhance comfort and complement body shape.
- Understanding XLT vs. XL sizing and investing in quality tailoring make a significant difference in finding the perfect fitting shirt.
- Prioritizing comfort, paying more for better quality shirts, and experimenting with styles are essential factors to elevate your wardrobe game.
Expert Style Advice To Help Big Men Find The Perfect Fit
Shirts are tough for big men to find the right fit and that's because there's a lot of extra meat in places that designers sitting in a studio somewhere never considered when they scaled the shirt up from a standard model. While we big men typically have to shop at specialty retailers, increasingly we're seeing online shops that specialize in tee-shirts fit for "dad bods" and even a handful of men's fashion brands like Sunday Swagger add sizes up to 4XL.
Men's fashion is still a long ways off from the way women's fashion has embraced "plus sized" and "curvy" women. While I'm not asking for "fat acceptance" I do think it is unfortunate that so many men's fashion designers ignore the fact that there are some big dudes out there who want to look good and feel confident in their clothes.
Check Measurements
One of the most crucial steps in finding the perfect fitting shirt for big men is to accurately check your measurements. Knowing your true size will not only save you time and effort when shopping, but also ensure you look sharp and feel comfortable in your clothing.
Start by taking essential measurements such as neck circumference, shoulder width, chest size, waist size, and sleeve length.
Remember that different brands may have varying sizing standards; therefore, once you're armed with your correct numbers, use them to decipher each brand's unique sizing chart.
For example: if your neck measurement is 18 inches and one brand's XL shirts have a neck size range from 17-18 inches while another offers an XLT (Extra Large Tall) shirt with a 19-inch neck – opt for the latter option as it provides more room for comfort without sacrificing fit.
Read Reviews Online
One valuable resource for big men seeking the perfect fitting shirt is reading online reviews. These testimonials provide insights into how a particular brand or style works for individuals with similar body types, enabling you to make more informed decisions before purchasing.
For instance, explore fashion forums dedicated to plus-sized men's clothing or check out popular retail websites where users share their opinions on various garments. You may learn that some brands run smaller than usual in sizes or discover which fabrics offer the ideal balance of stretchiness and support - all highly useful information when aiming to avoid ill-fitting clothing.
Select The Right Fabric That Is Light Weight And Stretches
Selecting the right fabric is crucial for big men in finding a shirt that fits comfortably and flatters their body type. Lightweight materials with some stretch, such as woven knits and heavier cottons, are ideal choices as they not only provide a better fit but also enhance your silhouette by offering more support around the stomach area.
Fabrics like linen can be an excellent option during warmer months due to its breathability, but it's essential to look for versions with added stretch or elastane for greater comfort.
Remember to experiment with various materials like performance-enhancing polyester or even blended fabrics that combine the best qualities of multiple fibers.
Choosing The Right Collar Type To Match Your Neck Shape And Size
Choosing the right collar type for your shirt is crucial to achieving a polished and put-together look. When it comes to big men, selecting a collar that matches their neck shape and size can make all the difference in finding the perfect fitting shirt.
The height, spread, and point length of the collar should complement your proportions and face shape. For instance, if you have a round face or wider neck, opt for a spread or cutaway collar as it helps elongate your frame.
Additionally, keep in mind that the type of collar chosen affects the tie knot you wear. If you prefer wearing ties with your shirts, ensure that there is enough space between the top button and tip of the collars to accommodate various tie knots without looking too snug.
Experiment With Complimentary Patterns And Vertical Stripes
Another tip to finding the perfect fitting shirt for big men is to experiment with complimentary patterns and vertical stripes. Vertical stripes create a streamlined effect that elongates and slims down the upper body, making it an ideal choice for big men.
Choosing the right pattern can make a huge difference in how clothes look on your body type. So don't be afraid to try different combinations until you find one that works well for you.
For instance, wearing a shirt with vertical stripes coupled with dark-colored trousers or jeans can have a slimming effect and make you look taller and leaner.
Try Colors That Are Slimming
When it comes to finding the perfect fitting shirt for bigger men, choosing the right colors can make a huge difference. Certain colors can be more flattering and help create a slimmer appearance. This is going to be something somewhat individual for each man and you shouldn't select a black shirt just because it might be more slimming if you feel better wearing a brighter color that matches your personality.
Darker shades such as navy, black, and charcoal are excellent choices for pants as they tend to hide extra weight better than lighter hues. Solid color jackets are also recommended over patterns as they provide a more complementary shape for larger men.
Additionally, experimenting with slimming colors like deep greens or blues instead of bright neons or pastels can enhance your overall look.
Understanding XLT Vs XL Sizing
For big men, understanding XLT vs XL sizing can make a big difference in finding the perfect fitting shirt. XLT refers to extra length added to the shirt for those who are taller, while XL sizing is for those who need more fabric around the chest and waist.
It's important to note that not all brands follow the same sizing chart, so it's always best to check individual measurements before buying.
Investing in quality tailoring for shirts with custom sizing options like XLT can also guarantee an even better fit.
Prioritizing Comfort
When it comes to finding the perfect fitting shirt as a big man, comfort should be your top priority. The last thing you want is to feel constricted and uncomfortable all day long.
Look for shirts that are made of light-weight fabrics that breathe easily, reducing sweating and retaining heat during colder months.
Another way to prioritize comfort is by selecting shirts with collar types that match your neck shape and size perfectly. Additionally, try experimenting with complementary patterns and vertical stripes to create an illusion of a slimmer silhouette while keeping things comfortable at the same time.
Investing In Quality Tailoring For The Perfect Fit Can Make A Big Difference
Big men may have trouble finding shirts that fit them properly, but investing in quality tailoring can make a world of difference. A shirt that has been tailored to fit your body perfectly will not only look better but also feel more comfortable.
Tailored clothes are designed to balance the body shape and highlight its best features while minimizing any imperfections. With custom tailoring, big men don't have to settle for ill-fitting shirts with saggy sleeves or oversized collars anymore.
Investing in high-quality shirts that have been expertly tailored is essential if you want clothing pieces that will last longer while continuing to look great over time.
Plus sizes need not be boring or uncomfortable when there are skilled tailor services available who know exactly how to design flattering clothing options for every size.
Don't Be Afraid To Pay More For Better Quality Shirts
One of the most important style advice tips for big men to find the perfect fitting shirt is that they should not be afraid to pay more for better quality shirts. Investing in a high-quality shirt can make a significant difference in how it looks and feels, providing greater comfort and enhancing your overall appearance.
Quality shirts are made from durable materials that keep their shape even after multiple washes, eliminating the need to replace them frequently.
For example, choosing a cotton or linen blend fabric offers breathability and comfort while maintaining its shape throughout the day. Additionally, purchasing dress shirts with accurate measurements guarantees superior fit each time you wear them - whether tucked or untucked- contributing positively to overall confidence when dressed up.
Conclusion
With these 10 expert style advice tips, big men can find the perfect fitting shirt that not only complements their body shape but also provides comfort and style. From checking measurements to choosing the right collar type and experimenting with patterns and colors, there are plenty of ways to elevate your wardrobe game.
Prioritizing quality tailoring, investing in slim-fit shirts or suspenders for a more structured look and understanding XLT vs XL sizing are all key factors in dressing better.
Remember to dress for yourself, prioritize your comfort, and have fun with fashion.
