6 Places to Buy Clothes for Bigger Guys

Shopping for fashionable clothes as a big guy can be difficult, so here are 6 options to make it easier.

I’ve been a big guy pretty much my whole life, so buying clothes has never been particularly easy for me.

Once I decided to step up my fashion game, that issue turned into a real roadblock. I wanted to find a style that made me feel comfortable and confident, but I struggled just to find anything that would fit me well.

This problem isn’t unique to me — it affects the countless guys who fall outside of most brands’ limited size ranges.

While there’s been a huge focus on size inclusion in women’s clothing, most menswear companies are still making garments with only tall, lean, athletic guys in mind. 

And there are some serious gaps between what brands offer and what the reality is. For instance, the average American man has a waist size of 40, yet many brands only go up to 36 or 38.

The result is that most guys who are even remotely on the larger side can have a harrowing time finding flattering, fashionable clothes.

Moreover, the options big guys do have all kind of suck sometimes. Often, you’re looking at clothing with either ill-fitting dimensions or poor quality (think fast fashion companies like ASOS, Boohoo, and Uniqlo).

So what do you do if you’re like me, a big guy who wants to look good and buy more sustainable clothing that will last longer? It seems like an impossible task, but it can be done if you know where — and how — to look.

6 Best Plus Size Brands for Guys

I’ve used my years of experience and research skills to round up 6 great options that are ideal for bigger guys. Hopefully, this list will make shopping a little easier and help you find your own style.

Secondhand Shopping

Okay, this isn’t a brand, but shopping secondhand is by far the best clothing hack for big guys (and it’s also the most sustainable option).

I’ve had tons of success finding great items that fit me perfectly on sites like Poshmark, eBay, and even Etsy.

The trick is knowing your ideal garment measurements. Don’t just go off the size on the tag or your body measurements.

The sizing of men’s clothing (especially plus size clothing) varies wildly, so for best results, look at the measurements of each individual item on a case-by-case basis. Many sellers list these measurements, and most will provide them upon request.

Levi’s

Levi’s Big & Tall range is a standout option for so many reasons.

First, the sizing range is more accurate than what most brands use. You can find waist sizes up to 58, and most of the tops go up to 6XL.

Even better, these aren’t just bigger versions of smaller sizes — Levi’s actually designed (or redesigned) many of these garments specifically for larger builds.

This makes Levi’s one of the few brands that make its classic pieces (like the timeless 501 jeans or trucker jacket) accessible for big guys.

If you’re after durable, heritage-inspired clothes, you can’t go wrong with Levi’s.

Dockers

Dockers may be best known for its khaki pants, but it also boasts a wide range of Big & Tall clothing.

Since it’s owned by Levi’s, Dockers offers pretty much the exact same sizing options. You can find pants in waist sizes up to 60 and shirting up to 6XL.

The pants feature deeper front pockets, wider back pockets, and an adjusted knee for correct positioning on larger frames. The shirts are similarly accommodating with wider cuts and extra length in the body.

Overall, Dockers is a great option for larger men looking for business casual clothing that’s also suitable for days off.

Carhartt

This legendary blue-collar brand was created to provide manual laborers with tough work clothes, so it might not be a huge surprise that the company has a fairly extensive Big & Tall line.

You’ll find pants in waist sizes up to 54. For tops, though the charts say that sizes up to 6XL are available, most of the items seem to only go up to 4XL.

Even though most of the garments have a distinctively rugged vibe, many of them are surprisingly versatile. Items like this blanket-lined chore coat and these canvas work pants can be worn across seasons and styled in all sorts of ways.

Carrier Company

One of my biggest game-changing clothing discoveries was that many British workwear brands make generously sized menswear that has a completely different vibe from American workwear.

Carrier Company was the first of these brands to pop up on my radar, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

While the brand doesn’t advertise itself as having big clothing, most of its shirting and outerwear are naturally oversized, meaning its XXL is closer to a “true” 3XL or 4XL.

One small caveat is that most of the knitwear and pants are not that big guy–friendly. But for larger shirts, jackets, and other outerwear pieces with a distinctive British look, Carrier Company is hard to beat.

JCRT

JCRT founders Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra are so burly and bear-like that you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re actual lumberjacks.

In reality, they’re award-winning designers who’ve worked with the likes of Uniqlo and Bruce Springsteen.

As big guys themselves, Costello and Tagliapietra know the importance of inclusive sizing, which they’ve built into their JCRT menswear brand.

There’s no special big section; instead, the brand uses one extended size range. Tops come in sizes up to 4XL, and bottoms go up to 54”.

The streetwear-leaning clothing is inspired by everything from camouflage to post-punk album covers. You’ll find refined chore coats alongside eye-popping plaid shirts that you have to see to believe.

The cherry on top is that each JCRT garment is made on demand, preventing waste and ensuring that production is as sustainable as possible.

Style Tips for Bigger Guys

This article is about where to buy clothing for bigger guys, but if you’re a bigger guy looking for some general style advice, check out this article: How to Dress if You’re Short, Stout, and Hefty.

Closing Thoughts

There’s no denying that it’s tough right now to be a big guy who’s into fashion (especially sustainable and ethical fashion).

I’m hopeful for a future where big guys don’t have to work so hard to piece together a wardrobe. Until then, we have to get a little creative, and that’s where this list comes in.

Thankfully, these 6 options all have lots to offer big guys, making it surprisingly easy to put together a variety of outfits.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!