Many clothing tips focus on dressing plus-size women, but there are plenty of larger men who want trendy clothing and items that are flattering. The next time you are shopping, consider these ways to get a wardrobe that makes you look sharp.

Find Investment Pieces

When you are larger, you may find clothing in your size to be more costly than straight (or regular) sizes. The cost may rise exponentially when you are shopping for business or business-casual items. Focus on a few items as an investment. The items you choose will not go out of style because trends change, but classic pieces don't, for the most part. With these investment pieces, you should also spend the extra money to have them tailored. Every man should have at least one tailored sports coat and blazer. Other pieces that are worth the investment include dark-colored slacks and dress shirts. These items are easy to mix and match, especially if there are any surprise events for which you need to dress up.

If you are searching for investment pieces, you should pay more attention to size options. Try to find brands or lines of clothing that are specially designed with larger men in mind. There is a major difference between straight sizes that are simply made larger and those specifically made for larger men. With straight sizes, there is generally no consideration given to proportions as the clothes become larger. That is why these clothes may fit awkwardly or have unusually small armholes. There are more clothing options with an "XB" designation, which is for "big" men. The difference between a 2X and 2XB is that the latter may be an inch or two larger.

Avoid Oversized Pieces

Sometimes it is easier to head for oversized pieces when shopping, such as baggy jeans and t-shirts, but these items have a tendency to make you look larger. When choosing jeans, straight-leg styles are a better option. If you have a larger midsection, you can find retailers that offer denim with a fully elastic waist or elastic in specific areas of the waist to give you more room without making the legs baggy. A similar straight-leg style also works well for men who may have larger buttocks and thighs and would rather conceal these areas. Skinny jeans and similar styles can be unflattering and are best avoided unless you like the look.

Other areas where you should avoid the oversized look is t-shirts. Some men's soft, flowy t-shirts, such as those sold by SMKFLWR, are made of lightweight fabric and have a slight drape, which prevents your shirts from clinging to your abdomen, chest, and arms. This look is excellent for the warmer months when you likely want to avoid anything heavy or that clings to your body so you can stay cool. When you find t-shirts with a good fit, buy them in several colors because they can become a comfortable layering piece in the cooler months.

Try Shapewear

If there are areas of your body that make you uncomfortable, consider integrating men's shapewear. The benefit of using shapewear is it is a discreet way to make you look smoother in clothing. Compression t-shirts and tank tops are a good choice under many styles of shirts. In some instances, button-up shirts gap between the buttons if they don't fit perfectly. Wearing a compression garment under your button-up shirt may offer just enough compression to prevent gaps and allow your shirt to fit neatly. A similar approach can be beneficial for the lower body and allow your pants to fall at a natural area on the waist.

Although your underwear will not provide any compression, they can make your clothing look worse if they are not the right size and cut for your body. For example, some men may find that briefs create more lines and bulges because they cut into their stomach or legs. In this case, briefs or boxer-briefs could be more smooth and discreet.

Having a good wardrobe as a larger man involves knowing where to invest your money and which types of clothing will flatter your body. Regardless of the clothes you choose, your undergarments can have a major impact on how your clothes fit.

Share