Attire for Bulky Guys

So just saw a thread around clothes for skinny people and it got me thinking about my own wardrobe as a bigger guy with a decently built frame. I wear stuff that is a bit baggier to be conservative and not show off any muscles. I don’t want my body or gym activities to ever be a discussion at work or be part of my professional identity at all. The worst case would be if some idiot starts rumors about me on steroids, which I don’t use. However, if I gain 10 more pounds over the next six months or so, I’ll have to buy even baggier clothes off the shelf than what I have now, which would look terrible.

I realize I’ll probably just have to order custom shirts. So any recommendations on this front?

I’ve seen a couple big dudes who clearly wear shirts that are custom and look good. The arm, chest, and shoulder width of their attire is just wide enough to where their muscles don’t pop out but their clothes don’t look like garbage bag liners. This is the goal.

8 Comments
 

Ah, the age-old struggle of finding the perfect fit! I can totally relate to your situation. You want to look professional without drawing unnecessary attention to your physique. Here's what I've gathered from the WSO threads:

  1. Custom Shirts: If you're having trouble finding the perfect fit off the rack, going custom might be your best bet. It might be a bit more expensive, but the fit and comfort could be worth it.

  2. Charles Tyrwhitt: This brand has been mentioned as a good option for off-the-rack shirts. They often have sales where you can get a shirt for around $30. The quality is great for the price.

  3. Brooks Brothers: While some users have found Brooks Brothers to be a bit of a waste due to poor fit, it's still worth checking out. They might have something that suits your build.

  4. Tailoring: If you find a shirt you like but it doesn't fit perfectly, consider getting it tailored. A good tailor can work wonders and make a shirt fit like it was made for you.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes. Don't be afraid to try different brands and styles until you find what works best for you. And remember, there's no shame in going custom if that's what it takes to get the perfect fit!

Sources: Help finding a good dress shirt, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, Initial shirt line-up for a new hire

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Kevin25

The worst case would be if some idiot starts rumors about me on steroids, which I don’t use.

I would take it as a compliment.

if you're bigger than me then you on roids

 

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