It can be extremely difficult to find cool clothing if you’re a larger or taller gent. All the ad campaigns are dominated by slim or built models with nothing much left for larger and taller guys to gather inspiration from. There are a handful of shops out there that do offer big and tall sizes, however, they’re often plain and simple – sometimes even daggy. So where do you look?
Before we give you the low-down on what’s good in the world of dressing big and tall, it’s a good idea to give you a crash course on large and tall men’s style.
A little-known secret in the menswear game for bigger and taller guys is visual trickery. The secret to adding style to your frame is by minimising the surface area of your clothes. This means tucking dress shirts into trousers and utilising a belt to break up the belly from the crotch. Another tip is to create vertical lines in your outfit – a task easily handled with a v-neck shirt or a button-up shirt. This draws attention away from the gut or your lanky-ness and towards the centre of the body. Colour can also play a big part in this. By simply wearing darker colours like black or navy, larger men can draw attention away from bigger areas of the body, so choose wisely.
Always go for lighter fabrics if you’re a larger or taller gent – but not too thin. Too thick, and the materials will add bulk to your frame; too thin and you’ll be exposing your lumps and bumps and/or height.
So, if you’re tired of looking for clothes that’ll fit your big and/or tall frame, we’ve rounded up the best brands that produce garments that not only will fit you like a dream but will also make you look stylish.
Hugo Boss
German luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss is renowned for their opulent range of clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrances. Founded in 1924, and with a very controversial history (they produced Nazi uniforms during World War II), after founder Hugo Boss' death in 1948, the company turned to men's suits. Today, the company is a global fashion empire and produces men's & women's fashion lines as well as fragrances (and we promise they are no longer affiliated or condone Hitler's actions in any way, shape, or form!).
Surprisingly, for a large luxury fashion brand, Hugo Boss actually does cater to bigger and taller gentlemen. Their Big & Tall collection is tailored to provide a perfect fit and effortless BOSS look for everyone who's not a 'standard' size. Hugo Boss' Big & Tall collection goes all the way up to a 6XL, and contains tees, shirts, polos, jeans, chinos, trousers, jackets, and even sweats!
Bonobos
Founded by two Stanford Business School students, Bonobos has been offering high quality reasonably priced menswear since 2007. Whilst the brand might seem young, they offer some great, timeless items in extended sizes that will keep you looking great in and out of the office.
Cutter and Buck
Founded in 1990, Cutter and Buck is dedicated to producing versatile garments that you can comfortably wear all day and look stylish no matter where you go; you can wear Cutter and Buck to work, whilst travelling, on dates, playing golf, boating, hiking, entertaining... This is because all garments are thoughtfully engineered with performance features like moisture wicking, stretch, and UPF for sun protection.
One of Cutter and Buck's most popular collections is their Big & Tall range, which has everything you could ever need - tees, polos, shirts, pants, sweaters, shorts, jackets, etc. Their Big & Tall clothing is available in two size ranges, one for bigger men and one for tall men; so if you're on the heavier side but you're an average height, or you're very tall but average sized in your shoulder & hip widths, or if you're both large AND tall, Cutter and Buck will have the perfect fitting garments for you.
Dockers
First introduced in 1986, Dockers is now renowned for their khaki pants. A division of Levi Strauss & Co ., Dockers also produces smart, comfortable, and versatile men's clothing suitable for every occasion. Since their inception in '86, Dockers have firmly believed that you shouldn't have to sacrifice style or comfort because of your size, meaning they have one of the best Big & Tall ranges on the market.
Dockers have an array of shirts and tees in sizes LT-6XLT, and pants and shorts available in waist sizes up to 60. No matter your size or height, you’ll find perfectly fitting clothes at Dockers.
Tommy Hilfiger
Founded in 1985, Tommy Hilfiger is one of the world’s leading designer brands renowned for their classic American cool style that they describe as ‘preppy with a twist’. Famous for its signature red, white, and blue stripes, Tommy Hilfiger produces high-quality garments for men, women, and children using only the finest materials.
Tommy Hilfiger has a rather large collection of big and tall clothing that includes t-shirts, shirts, polos, hoodies, pants, shorts, etc., and goes up to sizes 5XLT. If you’re after high-quality smart-casual clothing with a preppy look, you can’t go wrong with Tommy Hilfiger.
Carhartt
Still a family-owned company since it was founded in 1889, Carhartt is an American apparel brand famous for its workwear for manual labourers. They have clothes that are comfortable and extremely durable thanks to Carhartt's constant use of heavy-duty thread, reinforced rivets at stress points, and a variety of tough, high technology materials resistant to flame, abrasion, and water.
Carhartt has a huge range of Big & Tall clothing; so if you're a bigger and/or taller man after durable clothes you can wear while hunting or fishing or something a little more extreme than hanging out at home, Carhartt will have your perfect fit.
Champion
American brand, Champion, founded in 1919, specialises in sportswear but also produces really comfortable sweats and loungewear. If you’re a large or a tall gentleman looking for some high-performance activewear or soft, comfy clothes that you can wear all day at home, Champion’s the way to go.
The big and tall range Champion has to offer includes hoodies, tees, and sweatpants, and caters to sizes XLT-6XL.
GAP
Founded in 1969, GAP has quickly become one of the most iconic yet affordable brands in the world. Unfortunately, GAP doesn’t have a ‘big’ range but they do have a ‘tall’ range, so if you’re a tall man with a slim build, GAP is the perfect brand for you to stock up on affordable yet high quality everyday basics that’ll actually be a perfect length for your long limbs.
Dickies
Founded in 1922, Dickies is now the largest workwear manufacturer in the world. All of Dickies garments are upheld to high standards in their quality and toughness, and embody the spirit of the classic American worker. Strong, comfortable, and long-lasting pieces are what Dickies strives to deliver.
Dickies understands that finding clothes can be a challenge for men that are big, tall, or both, so they have a huge range of Big & Tall clothes, but just because the sizes are bigger and longer, doesn't mean they've sacrificed quality. Dickies Big & Tall range is perfect for outdoor activities as Dickies is a manual workwear brand, and they have pants, jeans, shorts, shirts, and outerwear that all go up to 72 in bottoms and 7XLT in tops.
Levi's
Levi’s, founded in 1852, is a leading pioneer in the denim fashion industry, and is renowned for their classic blue jeans. Over the years, Levi’s has expanded into producing high-quality garments and accessories with a classic yet cool style for men, women, and kids.
Levi’s range of big & tall clothing is rather impressive; they have shirts, jackets, jeans, and shorts that are extremely well-made and stylish. Levi’s tops are available in sizes up 5XL and their bottoms are available in widths up to 58, and lengths up to 40. Plus, all of Levi’s big and tall clothing has added stretch for ultimate comfort.
Wrangler
Wrangler, arguably best known for their jeans, was founded in 1904 and as a company believes in solid commitments and perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges. Therefore, all of Wrangler's clothing is made with respect – both for the planet, and for the people who call it home; and the result is stylish clothes inspired by classic American cowboy style, that's high-quality and durable.
Wrangler's Big & Tall collection features shirts, jackets, jeans, and shorts, in very traditional colours; think white, light blues, chambray, navy, and grey. Their sizes go up to 6XL in tops and bottoms are available in widths up to 46 and lengths up to XLT.
Jos. A. Bank
Founded in 1905, American men's retailer, Jos. A. Bank prides itself on its heritage of quality workmanship, and their extensive selection of beautifully made, classically tailored, and casual clothing, are surprisingly affordable.
Jos. A. Bank believes that looking good should come in every size. Therefore it's no surprise that their Big & Tall sizing is available across all their apparel; suits, sportcoats, slacks, shirts—everything! They have a huge range of men's clothes that are elegantly tailored and extremely well-made, in both large sizes and tall sizes to ensure a great fit for every type of build.
Tommy Bahama
American brand, Tommy Bahama was founded in 1993 based on the idea of 'a lifestyle of never leaving the beach'. Therefore, all of Tommy Bahama's apparel is designed to ease you into an island state of mind, and they achieve this with their constant use of playful summery colours and prints, and lightweight comfortable fabrics.
Tommy Bahama has a huge range of tees, shirts, polos, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, and swimwear that is specifically designed for the big & tall. They have awesome clothing for everyday wear, as well as clothing perfect for your next tropical holiday. With sizes 3X, 4X, 5X, as well as tall sizes XLT-4XLT, Tommy Bahama is the perfect place to find a stylish laid-back look.
Hanes
Hanes, founded in 1900, is a loungewear and casualwear brand known for their comfortable and soft garments. If you’re looking for clothing that you can wear around the house on your days off, you won’t find a comfier fit than Hanes. Their big & tall range is cut for a roomier fit and longer length is added for extra comfort and coverage. Hanes have shorts, t-shirts, and even underwear & pajamas that are available in sizes up to 6XL.
Rodd & Gunn
Rodd & Gunn, a New Zealand brand, has certainly earned its reputation for crafting timeless garments that are made to last. From the fabrics sourced, to the techniques used to construct their clothing, quality is the "undercurrent that buoys Rodd & Gunn as a brand".
They have a great Big & Tall range of men's shirts, polos, jackets, shorts, chinos, loungewear, and swimwear. If you're after high-quality stylish clothes that'll fit like a dream, no matter your size, you need to check out Rodd & Gunn.
Banana Republic
Founded in 1978, in California, Banana Republic is now a premier global brand for modern clothing with no boundaries. They pride themselves on sourcing the finest materials and fabric innovations to infuse style with substance; meaning when you buy a Banana Republic garment, you can be sure it'll last.
Banana Republic doesn’t specifically cater to larger men, but they do have a range of chinos, shorts, t-shirts, polos, and shirts that have been specifically designed for tall guys.
Vilebrequin
The joyful and free spirit of St Tropez in the 70s is forged into all Vilebrequin products, as that's when & where the brand was founded. Best known for their men's swim trunks, the French luxury brand produces not only swimwear but also 'elegant vacation-wear' for men, women, and children.
Vilebrequin only has one Big & Tall item to offer; a shirt. But it does come in 10 fun bold colours. Made with cotton voile, this lightweight long sleeve shirt could be worn with dress pants to the office, or unbuttoned over a tee and swim shorts to the beach, and it's available in sizes up to a 6XL.
Puma
Founded in 1948, Puma is perhaps best known for their footwear, but they also produce excellent sportswear and casual wear. Puma believes in inclusive sizing which is why they have a great big and tall range. They have sweatpants, tees, and hoodies in classic silhouettes, with bold branding and crafted from comfortable, everyday-ready materials available in sizes up to 5XLT. For a dynamic look at the gym or in the streets, Puma’s the way to go.
Boohoo Man
"Fashion's best kept secret", Boohoo Man combines cutting edge design with an affordable price tag. Pushing boundaries to bring you the latest styles but with less of a strain on your wallet, Boohoo Man's philosophy is to not take fashion (or life) too seriously; and the result is menswear that is playful and trendy yet surprisingly affordable.
Boohoo Man caters to both large and tall men, and has a huge selection of tees, shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, suits, and more that are all reasonably priced. Available in sizes up to 5XL, if you’re after trendy, vibrant, and bright clothes to add to your wardrobe, Boohoo Man’s the place to shop.
American Eagle
American Eagle, founded in 1977, offers high-quality, on-trend clothing and accessories, at affordable prices. They believe in inspiring people to love their real selves and express their individuality, therefore their range of clothes are on the playful trendy side of fashion.
Unfortunately, American Eagle doesn't have a designated Big & Tall range, but their clothes do come in 'Tall' options in sizes S-XL. So, if you're a tall guy with a slim/average build, you can get stylish garments that’ll fit impeccably well from American Eagle.
ASOS Design
ASOS, the British online retailer was founded in 2000, and since then they have primarily aimed their clothing at young adults, but they do have clothing appropriate for older adults too. They are extremely committed to creating clothing that allows people to have total freedom, to experiment, and to feel confident with their fashion choices.
Therefore, it's no surprise that ASOS has made finding cool and fresh plus-size clothing easier than ever. The majority of their clothes are available in extended sizes, and can be shopped straight from their main collections. Although, if you prefer, you can shop from ASOS' designated Plus Size section.
River Island
At River Island, great design is at the heart of everything they create. Founded in 1948, the UK brand is one of the best known on the High Street, and prides itself on producing stylish yet affordable fashion. Catering to men, women, and kids, River Island also sells exquisite footwear and accessories.
Their range of Big and Tall men’s clothing ensures you won’t miss out on stylish clothing just because of your frame. With sizes up to XXXXL, River Island makes struggling with ill-fitting clothes a thing of the past. They take the latest trends and key pieces from their core collection, and add them to their Big & Tall range in roomier sizes, meaning you're guaranteed to find your perfect fit with River Island.
Lands End
Founded in 1963, Lands End is an American brand dedicated to providing the world with comfort. They only use soft and durable fabrics, to make exceptional clothing that allows you to feel good and comfortable. But function truly meets fashion at Lands End, as while their garments are comfy, they are also extremely stylish.
Lands End's have stylish casual, smart-casual, and formal t-shirts, shirts, polos, pants, shorts, jackets, and more for big and tall men, that are available in sizes up to 4XLT in tops and 54 in bottoms.
