beginner advice
Hi all, I’m looking for some budget beginner advice for a bigger guy. Thanks!
221 Replies
budget?
Not sure I have a set budget but I don’t want to spend more than a few hundred
Well, start with this: https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/building-a-basic-wardrobe-v70
Building A Basic Wardrobe v7.0
Version 7 of the classic MFA post
Based on what you said in the general channel I think the advice given of grabbing some tees and things from Uniqlo and then posting to #outfit-feedback is a good starting point.
I also hate like fancy clothing like pea coats and stuff
What do you hate about them?
I think the important things from the other thread:
- don't buy a ton at once, build up from your current wardrobe
- fit is important, try to find things that fit your body shape
- don't get caught up on sizing
A step-by-step guide to starting to dress well for the risk-averse ...
Getting started: the basic advice guides
Idk, they seem too fancy for me
I’m not a business man
Like I’m trying to look rich or something
Button down shirts and peacoats and such can be worn in a really casual way
@bread71 most people here are not really into what you would call "fancy" clothes. There's a lot of workwear, military-inspired stuff, etc.
Also worth thinking about - what sort of environment / occasion would you like to dress better for? Workplace? Weekend chilling out? Date night?
I'm wearing a button down shirt in this outfit for example
https://i.imgur.com/9csz6ZZ.jpg
you don't need to buy things you don't want to buy these wardrobes are just suggestions
(two of them if you count the flannel overshirt)
Take a look at https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1116800072093532191 for an idea of what people here are actually wearing.
I like button downs if they are wore open
Yea
i think you have a very casual perception of clothing and the only thing that can change that is time. I used to look at the people on MFA a few years back and think that loafers, fatigues, cuffed pants, and many other styles just looked weird and awful
How do you feel about camp collar shirts?
^
I mentioned these in the general chat but
https://www.tiktok.com/@macaulay_flower
https://www.tiktok.com/@deejaysheart
Idk what that is
@bread71 just start where you are, try to make some small improvements, and try to be open to trying clothing that might be outside your comfort zone.
definitely start with what you like but pay attention to how it looks on you
Notice there's no top button and the collar lays differently than your typical button-up
Not sure about that
I think it would make me look fat
try a few different brands of t-shirts and see how they fit to start, then try buying something a little out of your comfort zone
there's no way to tell other than to try it on
Ethan from Brycelands is a larger dude and wears stuff like this super well. Lemme ind his Instagram
try things on and post here, it sounds like you're going to think anything you try makes you look bad and outside perspective could help
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv5QkevS6xz/ random example from the top of his IG.
His style will probably feel like a lot to you given what you've said, but don't feel like you have to do the full send here. Just providing some examples!
I would actually recommend against looking too much into the guides for where you are - I don't think it will be helpful for you. Just start with like, a tee shirt from Uniqlo U, and then post in outfit-feedback
Just one tshirt?
why not start with one and see how you feel?
I mean, maybe order two, one in XL and one in 2XL
Just to check for sizing
I think a key part to this will be: do a lot of research and looking for inspiration before you spend then. Make every purchase count, by deciding what you want beforehand (from reading these guides posted, looking through the waywt's and the Instagram links, and finding pieces of other people's outfits that you do like)
Set aside a monthly budget.
And just pick up one or two bits a month to slowly build up a nice simple wardrobe.
You'll find your own style as you go along this way, which makes all future purchases that little bit easier!
Got to just see it as a journey, there's no quick and easy solution but it's really fun seeing the gradual progression!
Depends what shipping cost is
Shipping cost will be the same whether it's one or two tee shirts
Exactly
So might as well order more
Also, what is the situation with pants? Do you own a pair of jeans?
You can return what you don't like
Yeah but they are like a taper fit
And I don’t think that’s good
@bread71 there is no getting around the fact that if you want to dress better, you need to put some effort into it, and that means taking time to go shopping and try things on. Also asking for advice, which you are already doing.
Also fair warning - I believe strongly that the Uniqlo U tees are awesome for people with bigger bodies, but if you're not used to heavier fabrics they might give you the impression that they're rough or abrasive at first. If you do feel that way when they arrive I'd encourage you to still try wearing them for a few days
And, truly, we don't want to make you look like us. We want you to figure out what you like, and what you think looks good on you.
Yes that makes sense
No one seems to want to try my tennis balls in the drier trick to soften stiff fabrics
Like, the MFA hivemind hates loud paisley shirts, but I f*ckin love them. 🙂
There's not anything necessarily wrong with taper fit. That's one place where a fit pic would really help - it'll save you a lot of money if your pants situation is already workable
I will look at the tshirts
I also just want to say: it's perfectly reasonable to feel like this is all overwhelming right now, but once you start and take it one step at a time, it'll feel more manageable
What about shoes
I desperately need shoes lol
And I wear a wide shoe so it’s hard to find good ones sometimes
Is DSW good?
I've found that at least my local DSW has declined in quality/stock recently, but it's worth a trip I'd say
It's serviceable at the least, won't know unless you look
New Balances are prolly a decent pick
nice thing about DSW is that there are different styles of shoes, so you can at least narrow down to what sort of shoe you want
I mean what would you rec
For like a normal walking around style
Going to stores idk
And like one for work
does your work have a dress code?
But I work like half in a machine shop half in an office
Nope just like standard closed toe shoes and long pants
What kind of shoe do you wear now?
Sneakers
I also have wide feet - a good place to start might be a pair of Vans authentics? very inoffensive. New Balance 574s could also work
Or vans
Classic vans are solid like authentics
NBs might be more comfy
Oh you already have vans, great! Why do you feel like you desperately need shoes?
Oh they are falling apart
Which vans?
These idk lol
Plenty of people here are fans of Converse sneakers.
Converse narrow tho
Bread I'd honestly just get a new pair of Vans authentics. Get them in black if you want to look a little more "stylish" but the ones you currently have are fine too if you want a replacement
@bread71 How do you feel about these?
https://www.vans.com/en-us/shoes-c00081/authentic-shoe-pvn000ee3wht
Vans
Vans | Authentic White Classics Shoe
Shop the Authentic White Classics shoe for men, women, and kids. View the different colours, patterns, sizes, and styles to suit your needs. Shop the full Authentic collection at Vans.
I’d get those dirty af lol
Plenty of people here would consider that an improvement. 🙂
Lol
Or, just get them in black instead of white.
That's the best part about white sneakers! The navy/blue colorway is also a solid option tho
Lmao
I’ll see
So what should I get right now
What are these new balance shoes
Sometimes vans aren’t too comfy tbh
Aren’t new balance the “dad” shoe
Yeah but certain models are definitely better
Really any of the sneakers from J Crew are p solid
https://www.jcrew.com/all/mens/categories/shoes?sub-categories=mens~categories~shoes~sneakers
Men's Clothing - Shoes & Sneakers | J.Crew
Shop Men's clothing - shoes & sneakers at J.Crew. Find a range of shoes & sneakers and more styles of shoes & sneakers to wear this season at J.Crew.
A decent model and colorway
https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/shoes/new-balance/new-balancereg-574-unisex-sneakers/BE901?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=green&colorProductCode=BE901
J.Crew: New Balance® 574 Unisex Sneakers For Men
Shop NEW BALANCE for the New Balance® 574 unisex sneakers for men. Find the best selection of men womens-categories-shoes-new-balance available in-stores and on line.
Idk about the green
Hmm
But the shoe looks nice
The 997H is also decent. I think I personally prefer the 574 between the two
Are they narrow
I wear a 2e width
But lots of shoes don’t have that option
574 Core - New Balance
Find the Men's 574 Core at NewBalance.com.
I like those
What color do you recommend
I have the "nimbus cloud with white" and it's perfectly fine. I will probably go for one of the more interesting miUSA ones next
White shoes seem dangerous
Easy to clean?
example fit
I don't clean them, beating them up is part of the fun
Looks nice
I like that jacket
thanks, me too
Pants recs
?
look around at #waywt and #inspiration and figure out what pants you like
I’d say take a trip to a mall and just make outfits and see how they look. Don’t even have to buy. Take some pics and post here for refinements.
I get so overwhelmed shopping in stores
I can’t just go take a trip tbh
U less I have someone to go with that will pick shit for me lol
Easier to pick shit online with advice for me
Trying stuff on is sort of necessary at the beginning to figure out what works for you.
I really recommend going to stores just to try things on, don't buy anything. Take photos in the mirrors of changing rooms and think about what you like and what you don't. It's hard at first but worth it
Ugh
Mood lol I used to hate shopping
(now I do too much of it)
I understand that it can be overwhelming. But I also can’t overstate how much more difficult it will be to go this route. Going to a mall and just trying on a few dozen pieces that even remotely catch your eye can translate to months of asking here. Order online. Wait. Post pics. Get feedback. Repeat.
Especially since you’ve stressed the budget so much I don’t think you need to worry about buying too much too fast.
Yeah it’s overwhelming at first but the more you do it, the easier it will get.
There is no magic formula for dressing well.
Not according to MFA anyway
Ima just order some stuff I guess
Do you have any friends/family to go with just for support?
Not really no
Uffda, were you in Chicago, I’d take you myself
Im in NJ
tbh the best thing to do is just pull the trigger and force urself to wear what u buy
you’ll “feel” what you like and create and understanding
if u like something buy it, get feed back, repeat
I mean I bought this button down shirt the other day
I just think it looks bad
Yes it’s from costco 😂
dude, swag: it looks and fits fine
is there anything specific you don't like about it?
now just play with the fit, button, unbuttoned, etc
enjoy ur journey 8)
one more thing i wanna add for u
there’s fashion and style
these mfa guides are good to be fashionable - if you follow them ppl will think u look nice off of a set of standards
style is ur subjective take on what you wanna wear what you like. the end game is to find your style. but it takes time. so play experiment and don’t take it too serious
I’m not sure the shirt fits well?
Does it?
How about this lmao
I feel like a grandpa
Also the shorts idk if they go well
But yeah that blue shirt needs to be ironed 😂
A full-body fit pic would help assess fit more, but I think they both look nice. Short-sleeve shirt + shorts can definitely evoke a grandpa, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Simple accessories (a plain watch, a bead bracelet, etc) can give it a little more panache if you want. The choice of footwear can also help elevate it: white canvas sneakers, loafers, or nicer sandals will all do more work than flip flops or nondescript running shoes, for example.
You could definitely look into straight or relaxed fit jeans / chinos as well to move it just a little bit in the "up" direction on the spectrum of "very casual and dressed down" to "very formal and dressed up".
I see
I mean do these items fit?
They look a little baggy no?
No, absolutely not. Clothes should not be form-fitting. Yes, there is clearly space between your body and the shirt, but that is how clothes are supposed to fit. There is a line at which clothes can be too big, but you are nowhere close to that line with these shirts.
^ in response to your second question. In response to your first question, yes, I think the shirts fit well from what I can see
Interesting
it's sort of "advanced reading", but this article goes into some of the complexity of what exactly it means for casual clothes to fit well:
https://putthison.com/how-to-understand-silhouettes-pt-two/
Put This On
How to Understand Silhouettes (Pt. Two)
You’ve probably read the phrase “fit is king,” but the truth is, fit is just the starting point — what...
The main takeaway is that the actual shape of your body doesn't really have a one-to-one bearing on what your outfit should look like. Instead, your clothes should form a shape or silhouette around the constraints set by your particular body - a well-fitting or even beautiful outfit arises from understanding how the fabric, construction, and shaping of your clothes interacts with the natural curves, contours, and edges of your body.
Unfortunately his examples are pretty much all lean skinny dudes, but you can see the same principles at play in outfits from Matty Matheson, Anthony Sylvester, or some of the posters here in the Discord. You'll see a variety of different shapes and silhouettes at play, all of which are good and "well-fitted" in their own way
Matty matherson is a style icon? Never thought I’d see the day
But thank you lol
Reddit
From the bigmenfashionadvice community on Reddit: Matty Matheson Lo...
Explore this post and more from the bigmenfashionadvice community
Mattys style is a bit much for me 😂
no worries! I mainly wanted to post to illustrate that you don't need to have a rigid idea of what "clothes fitting well" means. You obviously don't have to dress like anybody in particular, but it's good practice to look at outfits and think about why they look good (or, even if you don't think they look good, why other people might think so).
I mean I hate button downs
I don’t think they look good in me lol
I want a more casual style but still good?
Idk how to explain it
But also I might get a new job where I need to dress for an office which would suck
If you're just getting started trying to dress better it's natural to not know how to explain it. To help us help you, it might be a good idea to take a look through #waywt and identify some outfits you like (even if the person wearing them doesn't look like you). Then, we can tell you what makes those outfits good and give you tips on how to start moving toward dressing that way yourself.
True
I think the biggest thing I need is clothes that fit
Like the jeans I have are tapered
They don’t look good for my frame
And shirts I have I tend to get ones that are jsut big enough to button.. which prob doesn’t look good
How’s this fit for example
The pants are tapered
Those are my go to shoes for fancy shit
Wingtips
This was for a casual wedding
I think a straight fit pant
And maybe a better fitting jacket lol
With a difference collar style for the shirt idk
What the heck, you look great. The jacket fit isn't ideal, but true tailoring is difficult and expensive so you shouldn't worry about it. I think the shirt and pants fit you well from what I can see - obviously how they feel on you also matters.
I mean, are you trying to get into tailoring and wearing outfits like this most days? If so I'm probably not the best person to give advice but I can try to point you in the right direciton.
From the side profile it’s a bit popsicle sticky
I got a big butt
Oh no absolutely not
But I have my sisters wedding in October
I’d like to have a nice outfit for that
I am interested in learning to tailor myself tho
I got a sewing machine and stuff
Fit isn’t bad on any of that stuff, colors are a little off but that takes time to get good at so no worries there
Ah
You typically don’t want to wear a black suit jacket by itself, but swapping the jacket for a more casual one in a marled brown or tweed would go a long way
Still a blazer/sportcoat but different fabric
It’s charcoal haha
But yeah I don’t have anything like that
Black/charcoal are pretty similar in terms of formality
I took it off anyway
Because it was 90 degrees and outdoors
I was jsut playing guitar for the ceremony so I wore it for that
This is a really strong starting point though, you should feel good about that, the fit looks pretty solid on everything
bishop you might have a different opinion, but I feel like you shouldn't worry about the jacket if the only time you'll be wearing something like that in the foreseeable future is the wedding
Thank you
Oh yeah if I have to wear a jacket
It’s wedding or funeral
Lol
I have the same one I’ve had for years
And tbh I gained a bit so that’s prob why it doesn’t fit as well
oh yeah I don't think you need to pick up a sportcoat as you're just getting started
I’d never wear it
but it's not a bad place to start just looking at old outfits and seeing how you could improve them little by little, might help ease you in to new styles and help guide your purchases
Like I want to dress nicely but
Not like a slob
if you want, you can post some of your everyday outfits and get feedback on what little things you could improve bit by bit
then you can prioritize your purchases a little easier
IE if you find that footwear is the weak point in most of the outfits, thats a big impact thing you can change
How’s this fit
looks good! what shoes though
I think I wore grey vans lol
I personally find that footwear is a huge element of looking put together
I strongly support sewing your own clothes. I would like to note that "tailoring" as a family of garment types is a pretty different beast than "tailoring" as in altering clothing pieces, at least where the lay person and their skill is involved
But like as an example
This is kind of the level of dress I want
Like not too casual? But not formal
Like I don’t want to go out in blazers and pea coats
yeah that's totally doable, lots of people in that range in here
Like a nice bomber jacket over that in winter maybe?
Idk
I want a leather bomber
Yeah I’d like to make my own clothes eventually
I would swap the grey vans out for black chuck taylor 70s or maybe a white high top like nike blazer retros
I had a friend who used to make her own dresses and they were dope
She had a mannequin that was her body dimensions and everything
leather jackets are hard because they look pretty wonky when theyre cheap and the good ones get expensive really quick, a good move to try and thrift one if you can
Yeah I have like no shoes rn
Lol
I gotta get some
You know what I really want
To find
A field jacket
I love that look
like an M65?
Yes
do it
Might just buy the alpha one
I’d love to find a surplus one tho
https://universal-surplus.com/ check here maybe
Universal Surplus
Universal Surplus : The best vintage military clothing in store !
Our shop offers vintage since 2012, army uniforms and workwear. We source high waist pants and old cotton cargo pocket fatigue pants, only authentic military issue from surplus deadstock. We sell og 107 shirt, spencer, m65 jacket, m51 field coat, Hbt us army clothes from us army, british army and french army in Paris.
definitely hold out for surplus
lots of field jackets at lots of prices on there
Nice
Is thst a good shop
I live in the northeast so I’d like to get a few jackets for winter
there are also a few thrift stores in NYC that have some but idk how far youre willing to go
That are fairly warmish
Grailed
Vintage Vintage 90s Alpha Industries Military Field Coat XL | Grailed
Searching for Vintage 90s Alpha Industries Military Field Coat XL? We’ve got Vintage Men's Outerwear starting at $72 and plenty of other Men's Outerwear. Shop our selection of Vintage today!
I don’t go to NYC because I jsut hate it lol
But it’s only a 45 min bus ride
What is grailed
Is it a thrift shop?
peer to peer used clothing
Like online?
Ahh
How can I be sure it’s clean and such
I’ve never bought used clothing
you kinda just have to trust the reputation of the store - you can always throw it in the wash after you receive it
I buy most of my clothes based on what’s sale at Costco lol
Which sometimes there’s decent stuff tbh
Yeah but like stains or smells
Or rips
good sellers will list that
if not you rate them poorly, engage in Grailed's protection policy
Oh
What kind of clothes do most people buy on these sites
I never understood buying used clothing
It's still just learning to trust. The people who run Universal Surplus are renowned experts on vintage and clothing history. You have to keep in mind that there are also people out there who buy vintage because there might be stains or rips
But I guess I’ve never bought “nice” clothing
Most I’ve spent on something is $120 for a rain jacket
True I guess
Yeah if what you're used to is clothes shopping at Costco, it'll take some adjustment to be comfortable with used or online or high-end shopping. For now you might as well trust the people in the discord - I buy used clothing all the time and I can assure you I don't stink lmao
So universal surplus is a store?
Not a peer to peer
Yes, they're a massive vintage operation based in Paris
Ah
Do they ship to us
Yes, but it might be hard to find something in your size
I'd look for some vintage options in NY tbh
Hm
Well I’m sure some ny shops ship
Tbh it costs like $30 to get into the city
Might be cheaper to ship
You might also just look through the men's sections of Uniqlo and J. Crew - they'll be a step above Costco in terms of design, stuff shouldn't be too expensive, and you're likely to find something that fits you
I don’t know many thrifts here that ship, tokio7 does but they’re consignment and designer focused so much pricier and not what you’re looking for
Front general store probably does too but they charge for their curation
Vintage Milsurp there is really nice but also pricy
ayyye nyc rep
second hand is garbage is in nyc
it depends, but yeah kinda
Rip
there are good spots but there are a lot more absolutely garbage overpriced spots
really depends on what you're looking for, I've gotten really great stuff at thrift/vintage stores here
Makes sense
Ima stick to online for now
Also if I lose weight I don’t want to have a ton of clothes that don’t fit me
Are you actively losing weight? If not, I wouldn’t worry about it too much
No but I should if I don’t wanna die
But tbh my chest and shoulders isn’t going to get much smaller
I just have a giant rib cage
I can feel the bones right there
Ok I gotta buy shoes
What are good options besides the vans and NB
What kind of shoes do you need?
Sneakers?
Idk just casual/workwear shoes
Also hair product recs
Lol
What’s unsatisfactory about the NB or Vans?
Not sure
Just want more options
Do you like them chunkier? Funkier? More minimal?
It’s harder to shop for non-sneaker shoes online, particularly if you have wide feet
Hm
We can try to give you recommendations but that’s one area where your proximity to New York will probably end up being helpful
I mean sneakers are fine
I like sneakers
I’m not really into dressier shoes
like some nice fashionable sneeks
Again, what kind of sneakers?
Idk anything about them
Honestly stick to the vans and nbs for now. Adidas sambas or superstars are also cool but might be incongruent with your wardrobe as is
Ok hm
What color!
Vans classics?
And the NB 574
We had this conversation dude! Haha, for the vans I’d suggest black or white authentics - for the nbs just follow your heart tbh, lots of the color ways look good. Maybe stay away from anything too loud (ie multiple contrasting bright colors)
Gotcha
Thanks lol
What brands of jeans are generally good?
Cuz I need some better fitting ones
Ones I get always wear out in the 
I’ve had v expensive denim wear out in the crotch lol. It is just kinda what happens
Yup crotch blowout happens to the best of them. For Jean brands I'd stick to an acccesible brand. Levis / Wrangler make a wide variety of cuts. Levis 501 is pretty classic straight fit or 505 for more room in the seat area. Not as familiar with wrangler's models but you would most likely want straight or relaxed fit given your previous comments on pant fittings. Great thread btw a future fashion bro is being formed.
Lol we’ll 
A quick google search and there’s an outlet mall in Elizabeth. There’s a new balance, vans, Uniqlo, Levi’s there. Some serious deals to be had I assume. Labor Day/back to school sales coming too
Ha I’d rather never go to Elizabeth the best area
And quite far
the best area
And quite farI assume no different than most of NYC but honestly your being a bit hard on yourself. The pics you posted aren’t bad tbh. Better than most dudes.
You’re consciously trying make a change and that’s awesome
Well I think I’m just going to order some stuff online
Trying not to spend a ton