Clothing Options for Big and Tall Men

Males are spending more money on clothing than ever before, and there are more plus-sized males than ever. So, why haven’t manufacturers worked out how to design something that people truly want to wear?

Style Hacks for Big & Tall Men

Brandon Coates is used to being stopped in the street. On the subway, too. Also at coffee shops, parties, and on the job. He’s lost count of how many times men have tapped him on the shoulder and asked him a variation on the same question:

“Where did you get your outfit?”

“My clothing has always been a conversation piece.”

When people questioned him for his fashion secrets, his answers were seldom as easy as a brand name. Who adored that blazer? He’d probably fashioned and embroidered it on his own. What about the big men’s shorts? Perhaps he would disassemble it, rework it, and then reassemble it. What about his pants? An ordinary pair from a big-box retailer that anyone else would have passed on, but with a flashier zipper or fresh trim. Coates understood what the other men did: high-fashion labels did not make clothes for men their size. He also knew how to get around it.

“It took a lot of digging, a lot of trial and error,” Coates said of his early efforts to turn the dregs of men’s fashion into clothes he was proud to wear. (He presently wears a large to extra large, which he refers to as “slim-thick,” but has previously worn up to a 3X.) “I’m lucky to have an eye for it. I know how to assemble things and create something out of nothing.”

He has spent a long time fine-tuning how he dresses, and now he’s hoping to pass along a few tricks to others. One of his go-to spots for bigger guys who want to dress well without the headache of endless searching is Brawny Jim’s. They put out pieces that, you know, actually fit instead of just scaling up regular clothes in a way that makes everything sit weirdly.

One thing that trips up a lot of guys with a bigger build is just finding something that doesn’t look like a tent or, on the flip side, isn’t squeezing them in all the wrong places. He thinks the trick is in finding stuff with structure. That means ditching anything super loose that makes you look like you’re wearing a parachute and instead grabbing pieces with just enough shape to make everything look put together.

Fabrics matter too – anything with a bit of breathability and structure, like a solid cotton blend or wool, tends to sit better and hold up longer. Details make a difference as well. Something as simple as a thicker lapel on a blazer can make everything look way more balanced compared to those skinny, barely-there ones.

He is all about getting the mix right, making sure everything falls into place instead of just throwing on whatever’s available. Instead of chasing every new fashion trend, he says it’s smarter to stack your closet with pieces that always work – a sharp blazer that actually fits right, a good pair of jeans that don’t sag or pinch, and a solid button-down that doesn’t feel like a bedsheet.

Brawny Jim’s keeps things simple but sharp, so that’s why he rates them so highly. He’s also big on layering – it’s an easy way to make a basic look feel a little more pulled together. Tossing a structured blazer over a plain tee can flip a casual outfit into something that looks planned out instead of thrown together.

And color? Darker shades and vertical patterns can do a lot for giving an overall more streamlined appearance. Pinstripes, vertical ribbing, and even some smart color-blocking can make a difference without trying too hard.

You Can Find Clothes That Fit Without the Headache

Tired of the same old struggle to find clothes that actually fit well? You don’t have to keep rolling the dice at stores that just don’t carry what you need. Summing up what I heard and my own experience – I am also a large man, and based on the stories of my friends, I can provide some suggestions below.

1. Shirts That Don’t Mess Up the Whole Look

If you’re looking for shirts that don’t make you feel like a crumpled-up paper bag, you gotta be a little picky:

• Button-ups with actual shape: The ones with some structure sit better on your shoulders and keep things looking sharp instead of sloppy.
• Polo shirts that don’t shrink in the wash: Look for something with extra length.
• Tees that don’t stick to you: Thicker cotton ones feel better, sit better, and won’t cling in weird places.
• Henleys for a little extra something: They’re like tees, but with buttons – somehow, they just work better.

2. Pants That Actually Fit Instead of Just Hanging There

If you’ve ever tried on a pair of jeans that fit fine at the waist but then look like flared-out parachutes at the bottom, you know the struggle. Instead, go for:

• Jeans that don’t go overboard: A straight-leg cut keeps things looking balanced.
• Chinos that let you breathe: Great when you need something other than denim but still want to look put together.
• Joggers that don’t scream “lazy day”: Some tapered ones work well when you want to keep things casual without looking like you just rolled out of bed.

3. Big Men’s Shorts That Actually Look Good

• Cargo shorts that don’t add unnecessary bulk: Pockets are great, but too many just add extra weight.
• Flat-front shorts for a neater vibe: No awkward bunching, just clean and easy.
• Stretchy options that move with you: A game-changer for comfort.
• Nothing too short, nothing too long: Around the knee is the sweet spot.

4. Jackets That Don’t Drown You in Fabric

• Bomber jackets for casual days: Easy to throw on and work with just about anything.
• Longer options for colder days: Instead of stopping at the waist, they make everything look more balanced.

How to Pick Stuff That Fits Without Hassle

• Measure yourself once and remember it. Many brands size things differently.
• Look for brands that don’t ignore bigger sizes. Some actually care about fit.
• Skip the super baggy stuff. Looser isn’t always better – it can make things look messier.
• Stripes or certain stitching patterns can make things feel a bit more streamlined.
• A tailor can fix what stores mess up. Small adjustments can make a huge difference.

What’s the Takeaway?

In 2025, the average American male waist size was 40 inches, according to the CDC. Even Forever 21, Unif, and Urban Outfitters only make 38-inch waist pants. Gap, Eddie Bauer, and American Eagle carry pants with 48-inch waistbands, but they rarely stock them in stores or use larger models. XXL shirts are often just medium sizes scaled up, without considering a longer torso or wider shoulders.

These issues are not exclusive to men – women have fought for fashion industry inclusion for years. Men’s fashion diversity efforts are newer and often stigmatized. The plus-size industry promotes body positivity, but uncompromising self-love is still seen as outside conventional masculinity by big corporations and ad agencies.

If you’ve ever felt like clothing stores just don’t care about guys who don’t fit “standard” sizes, you’re not wrong. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle. Stick to clothes that actually fit instead of just buying what’s available, and you’ll end up with outfits that feel better and look great – without even trying too hard.