Do you want the good news or the bad news? We’ll start with the latter… Shopping for plus sizes isn’t as easy as it should be, especially when it comes to menswear.
As we’re all sadly aware, fashion isn’t known for its inclusivity and many brands are yet to make their collections available for men of all shapes and sizes.
On a more positive note, though, there’s more choice now than ever before. Gone are the days when those with a fuller figure or extra height only have one option on the high street. Now, there are a selection of labels which cater for a wide-ranging audience, from preppy Gant to minimalist slow-fashion expert Asket as well as Jacamo’s vast selection of brands, so there’s a choice that goes beyond a singular dusty rail in a department store.
We caught up with the body-positivity influencer Kyle Pretzlaff to find out his top tips for shopping plus size - and rounded up our favourite brands in the list below.
Which brands offer the best plus-size clothing for men?
“You can find pieces that are stylish and comfy from brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Carhartt and One Bone, but they aren’t necessarily making waves in fashion - they’re more functional”, he explains. “Most brands still aren’t doing well in the plus-sized space so it’s hard to say ‘best’ - especially since a lot of those making plus-sized clothing are fast fashion and don't go higher than a 2XL. I think there's a lot of progress still to be made”.
What are your top tips when shopping for plus-size?
Pretzlaff breaks it down:
- Know your measurements. Sizing isn't consistent from brand to brand, especially in larger sizes, so when shopping online you'll be able to figure out if something will fit by the measurement charts rather than the size alone.
- Go in with a plan to shop for specific pieces at multiple stores, instead of shopping one store for a lot of items. I will get tees from one store, pants from another, and jackets from another. I’m yet to find a brand with a full range of clothes that fits my body shape, so learning which stores have great pieces is key.
- Try things on and be ok with things not fitting. Not everything will look good, no matter what your size, so don’t be disappointed if there’s something you don’t like.
Do you have any go-to outfits?
“I always start with comfort as a goal. I decide the silhouette I want to achieve - whether that’s baggy, bigger on top, or fitted all over - and start with trousers because they’re the clothing item I struggle with most” Pretzlaff says. “Once I’ve found a pair I’m happy with, I choose what to go with them”.
Keep scrolling for the best
Best men’s shirt brands for 2024: Smart and casual shirts to refresh your wardrobe
29 best menswear brands to buy online
Best winter boots for men to get you through the colder months
Best wide fit trainers for men 2024, tried and tested
Best men’s slippers: From UGG to Birkenstock, moccasin to sheepskin
Jacamo
A one-stop shop for extended sizing, Jacamo exclusively offers pieces that go beyond the traditional size system. The retailer stocks everything from outerwear to casualwear, occasionwear to sportswear, from a variety of brands like Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Boss and Dickies.
Buy now, Jacamo
ASOS Man
In a similar vein to Jacamo, ASOS stocks various brands that offer larger sizes - including its own line. Home to everything from wardrobe basics to formalwear, there’s a comprehensive range on the site that’s available up to 5XL as well as longer lengths of trousers.
Buy now, ASOS Man
Gant
What we love about Gant is that all of its well-made collections are available in an extensive range of sizes, instead of simply offering a small selection of plus-size-specific designs. Expect quality denim, stylish knitwear, classic shirting and premium outerwear up to 4XL.
Buy now, Gant
Levi’s
If you’re on the lookout for denim, look no further than Levi’s. From black to light blue, wide leg to slim, all of the bases are covered up to 50” waist and 38” length. The good news doesn’t stop there - you can cop the brand’s classic sweatshirts and T-shirts in sizes up to 5XL too.
Buy now, Levi’s
Asket
Asket’s MO is timeless design. Expect well-crafted wardrobe staples, including expertly cut t-shirts, perfect straight-leg jeans and enduring outerwear, alongside knitwear, overshirts and accessories. The tops, which mostly go up to XXL, can be ordered in a long size, whilst the trousers go up to 38” waist and 36” length.
Buy now, Asket
Uniqlo
There’s no better place for capsule wardrobe pieces than Uniqlo. You’re sure to have seen the viral Airism t-shirts gracing your TikTok feed - so you’ll be pleased to know they’re available up to 3XL. Then, there are super soft lambswool knits, waterproof coats and contemporary trousers, all in extended sizing.
Buy now, Uniqlo
Marks & Spencer
A high-street menswear stalwart, Marks & Spencer is a go-to for affordable collections which don’t compromise on quality - including its plus size range. With waist sizes up to 44” and tops up to 4XL, you won’t be short of choice.
Buy now, Marks & Spencer
Ralph Lauren
The pinnacle of prep, Ralph Lauren is a go-to for collegiate style. And, thanks to the American label’s range of extended sizing, no one’s excluded from the Ivy League aesthetic - polo shirts, blazers and jeans included.
Buy now, Ralph Lauren
