Last Updated on 6th January 2024
If you are a tall and broad-shouldered man, finding a ready-to-wear new suit can be a challenging task. Unlike regular sizes, options are more limited unless you visit a dedicated big and tall suits for men who cater for larger sizes.
Trying to find an off the rack suit with standard sizing rarely works for someone with large muscles or a barrel chest. The sleeves may be too short, the jacket may be too tight, or the trouser waist may feel as though it is about to burst at any moment. You want to be able to flex or squat to sit down without feeling the seams struggle.
The good news is that there are plenty of options for large men who want to look their best for work or special occasions. And the confidence given by a well-fitted suit should never be under estimated.
What to Look for in Big and Tall Suits
Before heading out to the store, you should have a clear idea of what you want in style and fit and know your measurements in advance as the choices could be huge. This will help you narrow down your search and find the best possible fit for your body type.
You should take the following things into consideration when shopping for men’s big and tall suits:
Fabric and Weave
Lightweight fabrics will be more comfortable and any suits with a small percentage of stretchy material elastane might be worth trying on. This is becoming more common in muscle fit suits which give a much better shape.
Colour and Pattern
Dark colours will look better in larger sizes, and any pin stripe should be thin and not noticeable from a great distance. You also need to ensure you match with the right colour shirt, especially with a black suit. You can also accessorise with a pocket handkerchief for that added splash of style.
Fit
The most important thing to look for in a big and tall suit is that perfect fit which can make all the difference in the overall look and appearance, and likely in your confidence levels. While a tailored suit would undoubtedly fit better, not everyone has a local tailor to visit.
- Ideally for jacket width you want the shoulder seam to be close to the shoulder as if reinforced will make you look even more broad-shouldered.
- The jacket hem length should be not be longer than the tips of your fingers when your arms are by your side and the cuffs of the sleeve should sit on the wrist bone and the shirt should be slightly visible.
- The bottom hemline of the trouser legs should sit on top of the shoes and not go under the soles.
What is defined as big and tall?
It’s quite loose but normally this would be men over 5 foot 11 inches who also have a barrel chest, the largest part of their waist or hips similar width to that of his shoulders.
The key point is you can be tall and get extra length long trousers and jackets as standard. You can also get larger sizes to accommodate extra girth. Big and Tall is the rarer sizes that cover both, in formal and casual attire.
In summary
Finding the perfect suit for your body type can take time but ultimately can make a big difference and many benefits from a well-fitting suit. It’s an essential part of every man’s wardrobe for any big occasion, taking your confidence to a new level.
