We all deserve to look and feel good in our skin, no matter our size, stature or whether we put on a few extra pounds of quarantine weight. The same goes for men’s fashion. Whether you’re a size 2 or size 20, you should enjoy getting dressed in the morning or throwing on something special for a night out.
It’s no secret that fashion trends often favor the thin. Not all companies carry quality men’s 3xl t-shirts, for example, and not all items are available in every size. Though this may be true, inclusivity in the modeling world is changing for the better, offering more varieties in clothing and a wider range of models showing how items move and fit. Just because you carry more weight than a “traditional” male model doesn’t mean you don’t deserve great style options when it comes to your garments.
With that, here are our fashion hacks for how to look and feel better in your unique style.
Dress for Your Body
Your style should be as unique as your personality and your body. What someone else wears won’t look the same on you and vice versa, so it’s important not to compare yourself and your fashion choices to anyone else’s. The best way to own your style is to try things out, see what works and observe how you feel. Once you know a bit more about what works for you, it’ll be easy to create a look all your own.
- Don’t Go Too Large – Sometimes the inclination when fitting a larger frame is to choose baggy clothing. In truth, selecting items that are only just slightly larger than the body can create a tighter, trimmer, more muscular effect. Anything too big will make the figure look shapeless and much larger than it actually is. The best way to make the most of your style, then, is to dress for the body you have and highlight your form just subtly so you don’t get lost in a sea of fabric.
- Be Sensitive to Your Insecurities – Look, we’ve all got them. Maybe it’s your mid-section, perhaps it’s your arms. Whatever it is, acknowledge the area you may not love the most and be sensitive to the way you feel about this particular area.
There’s a lot of pressure today to love yourself and your body no matter what, which is all well and good and with earnest intention. However, not all of us are at a place emotionally or mentally to go full on “eff-it” mode and wear something that highlights a part of our body we’re insecure about. And that’s okay. More power to the people who can, of course. But if you do happen to be sensitive about the way your arms look in short sleeves, for example, don’t wear short sleeves.
Life’s too short to spend an entire evening wearing something you don’t feel confident in. So pay attention to how you feel in particular items and wear what works for you.
Dress Strategically
Knowing your body and how you might feel in a given situation will help as you get dressed for the day or pull together an outfit for a specific occasion. For example, if you know you’re a t-shirt guy through and through, don’t fight it. Grab yourself the navy blue crew neck you love most and never look back. There’s nothing better than opening a drawer and knowing each and every t-shirt in there fits and feels just right. That being said, sometimes a t-shirt just isn’t enough for everyone, and that’s where a little strategy goes a long way.
- Layers, Layers, Layers – Once you’ve got your favorite undershirt locked in, a great way to highlight a full-figure frame is by pairing your tee with a button-up, cardigan, vest or zip-up sweatshirt that adds a bit of dimension or a pop of color. Layers can draw the eye to certain details, elongate the torso, smooth or cover curves if that’s your thing, all while adding to the overall aesthetic you’re going for, not to mention serving warmth on colder days.
Move Your Body to Feel Better
A great way to feel better is to start moving your body. We know that exercise increases endorphins in the body, the “feel good” receptors meant to combat feelings of pain and increase sensations of joy and happiness. It goes without saying that a key tip for feeling better in your clothes is to move your body when you can and try to make a habit of it. Most likely the more you exercise, the better you’ll feel. An added bonus? Your clothes will hit and fit a little differently once you start exercising routinely, which can also increase joy and enhance your mood.
- Spend the Day in Workout Clothes – One way to encourage light exercise throughout the day, especially now that so many of us are working from home, is to put workout clothing on first thing in the morning.
Sporting workout gear means you’re always ready for movement no matter what your day looks like. Suddenly have 15 minutes between meetings? Do a few sun salutations or try some strength training at home. Finished the day a little early? Throw on your tennis shoes and go for an easy jog or walk around the block. Your workout gear doesn’t have to be “athletic,” by the way. Something comfortable yet professional, like a men’s long sleeve henley tee, can be worn for both virtual work meetings and for light exercise throughout the day.
Style Is a Mindset
Being a unique shape or size should be celebrated and definitely does not mean you can’t enjoy putting together outfits, getting dressed and feeling great. Fashion should be a way to express ourselves. No matter our hair color, our height, our body size … we all deserve to dress in a way that speaks to who we are.
Don’t be shy the next time you’re getting dressed for the day or heading out for the evening; just wear what feels good on your skin and highlights your very best features — you’ll have no regrets.
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
