Shopping for fashionable shirts can be overwhelming for men with a big belly or barrel chest. Nonetheless, there are several suitable clothing options available. You have to know what to look for and where to look.
How do you choose flattering clothes for a big-tummy man? A general rule is to choose loose clothes over tight ones. Go for button-downs that fit your shape. Also, wearing dark colors has proven to have a more slimming effect than wearing light-colored clothing.
However, being fashionable as a big-bellied person is much more than wearing the right fit. It encompasses presenting one’s body in the best way possible. To make it less overwhelming for you to find fitting wear, we have selected 7 of the best shirts that are not overwhelmingly baggy but have sufficient allowance to fit big bellies comfortably.
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Van Heusen Stretch Long Sleeve Dress Shirt
Hands down, this Van Heusen Long Sleeve Shirt is one of the best dress shirts for big belly guys you can get if you have a large frame on you. What informed our inclusion of the shirt on our list is the comfortable stretch fabric that conforms easily to large frames with less emphasis on the tummy area.
It is 66 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, and 4 percent spandex. In addition to the stretch fabric, we love that it is sufficiently wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t necessarily require ironing. This makes it a more suitable shirt for men who are always on the move.
There is nothing so excessive about the design of this shirt. Hands down, the Van Heusen Traveler is the best button-down shirt for big guys you can find. It looks like most button-down long-sleeve shirts, but it’s how they say: less is more. The simplicity makes styling even easier, as it complements several styling options and clothing accessories. Check Price on Amazon
Wrangler Quilted Lined Flannel Shirt Jacket With Hood
Yes, you can be a guy with a big belly, dress up casually, and still be very fashionable. The relaxed fit of this Wrangler shirt for big-belly men is why we have included it on our list. With the right size selection, you get a comfortable long-sleeve quilted flannel shirt that can be worn buttoned up or not.
It is 100 percent cotton but features quilted polyester for added warmth. That way, you get some protection on chilly days. With its dual front chest pocket and side seam pockets, you won’t run out of storage space easily.
While it certainly won’t make it your favorite shirt in summer, you will appreciate its versatility and warmth better in fall and winter. Lest we forget, the shirt is hooded to protect your head on the cold winter nights. Check Price on Amazon
Columbia Men’s Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt
Columbia has been a well-known clothing brand for decades, thanks to their consistency in releasing several no-nonsense apparel and clothing accessories over time. While the Columbia Men’s Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt was designed with anglers in mind, it is otherwise suitable for most casual outdoor activities.
The suitability of the Tamiami II long-sleeve shirt for large frames is one thing. However, several other interesting facts have made us include it on our list. The shirt features the signature UPF 40 fabric, which offers much-needed protection against UVA and UVB rays’ harmful effects.
It is 100 percent polyester, so one may wonder how the fabric would feel against the body on hot days. Columbia stays one step ahead by incorporating a moisture-pulling wicking fabric that combines the mesh-lined vented back for improved breathability. Check Prices On Amazon
IZOD Performance Short Sleeve Solid Polo Shirt
How about a shirt that keeps you cool in hot weather? The hot summer weather doesn’t call for long-sleeve button-down shirts. One of the best polo shirts for fat guys is the IZOD Big and Tall Advantage Performance Short Sleeve Shirt, which runs a bit big and provides some allowance for barrel chests and big bellies.
The Sport Flex Technology uses a unique stretch fabric that conforms to body shape and provides maximum flexibility as you move around. With 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester constituents, the fabric has moisture-wicking properties, soaks away moisture, and keeps you cool.
In addition to the moisture-wicking property, the fabric releases the moisture pulled to its surface quickly for quick drying. UV 15 protection is another highlight of the IZOD shirt. Quite interestingly, it is safe for machine washing with colors like these. Check Price on Amazon
Polo Ralph Lauren Crew Neck T-Shirt
The best t-shirt for big-belly guys is the Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Pony Logo Crew Neck T-Shirt. It’s one more casual wear to consider if you have a big belly or a large frame. You’ll have to be spot on with the size, as the shirt is not so loose-fitting. We recommend the XL, but you can always go higher if you find that too fitted.
It is nothing grand; it is just another wardrobe essential—a high-quality one, nonetheless. Like most Polo apparel, it has the signature embroidered pony on the left chest. Made from smooth cotton jersey material, it is available in many exciting color variants.
As you would expect, it is machine washable and dries out quickly. Furthermore, this big guy shirt is versatile and can be worn as a casual or undershirt. It is essential to remember that it has a regular fit that may require you to pick one size up to get some allowance for your belly.
If you have a wide shoulder, we recommend this review article on the best shirt for guys with broad shoulders.
Hurley Textured Short Sleeve Shirt
Check out this short-sleeve button-down shirt from Hurley. Its suitability as both an office shirt and casual shirt is what has caught our eye. It’s no secret that cotton fabric is one of the most durable shirt materials, and this Hurley shirt has 100 percent of it.
The textured design of the fabric adds some life to what would be an otherwise boring fabric, and we are here for it. We love that it is truer to size than most. However, you’ll have to pay attention to select the right fit for your body type.
In addition to the button closure, the collar on the Hurley Men’s One & Only Textured Short Sleeve Shirt has a button-down design. The shirt has a left chest pocket with a small heat-transferred logo.
Cubavera Houndstooth-Print Shirt for Big And Tall Men
Cubavera is a brand that represents classic, effortless, and confident style, as evident by its collection of shirts, pants, shorts, and suits. A little less than formal, this Cubavera shirt gives tropical vibes at first glance, and it more than caters to the needs of a tall man with a big belly.
The shirt is lightweight and made from a combination of rayon and polyester. It has contrast stitching at the front for aesthetic and wrinkle-resistance purposes. The classic Cubavera fit is not lost on this one; you are guaranteed to feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool, check out this article on the best shirts for hot weather.
Furthermore, you have multiple color options to choose from. Wear it with the right shorts, hat, and shades; not even a big belly can stop you from achieving that winning casual look.
How to Dress a Man with a Large Big Belly?
A large frame doesn’t mean you have to let yourself go in terms of clothing style. You could be barrel-chested or big-bellied and still have an excellent fashion sense. Check out some of these clothing tips.
As a general rule, avoid excessiveness in your fashion choices. Less could indeed mean more when you have a big belly. By keeping the colors neutral and solid, you attract less attention to your person. Of course, it all comes down to preference, but you should know that flashy, colorful, and overwhelmingly stylish clothing will pronounce what you are trying to hide.
Get a Skilled Tailor
When you belong to a “large” group, having a skilled personal tailor becomes essential. Your wardrobe shouldn’t consist of just ready-made clothing. With a personal tailor, you have much more control over your apparel’s fabric type, style, and fit.
Clothing Accessories for Big and Tall Men
Accent your clothing with accessories that will improve your appearance. For example, a hat seemingly adds to your height, reducing the highlight on your big belly. A Blazer with the right fit will significantly hide your large frame. Other accessories like ties and watches show someone’s confidence in his style.
Select the Right Fabric
You need to understand clothing fabrics to do this. Lightweight fabrics conform better to body shape and size compared to heavy materials. Nevertheless, avoid very thin fabrics, which don’t drape well and tend to cling to the body. Luxury fabrics like light cotton, twill, and oxford are great fabric options.
What About Compression Shirts for Fat Guys?
Compression shirts are quite effective in pulling large bellies in. However, they are not the most comfortable and are not very versatile. We recommend them for gym and sports activities, but you wouldn’t be comfortable sitting at your office desk with a compression undershirt pushing your belly in.
The idea is to wear clothes that complement your body type and not compulsorily alter your shape. Furthermore, it defeats the essence of trying to appear confident in your natural figure, and you’ll probably have to take additional steps to keep the compression wear entirely hidden under your clothes.