Advice for a fat fashion noob?
I (22) am pretty clueless when it comes to fashion and would like to add a few good outfits to my wardrobe. As context, I gained a lot of weight while at college.
At the moment I'm basically wearing sweats and football/soccer jerseys exclusively, which I guess isn't even half bad at the moment (thanks to the European Championships lol) but at some I do want to upgrade my style because it's admittedly pretty basic.
I guess my general question is: Does anyone have any tips, suggestions or experience with certain styles that look good on bigger guys, and especially shops that sell suitable clothes (online or offline)?
I've unfortunately had the negative experience that as a fat person you can look pretty silly in more stylish clothes if you choose the wrong cut.
I have a friend who is very interested in fashion and who has been trying to get my drip up to speed for a while now, but so far without success.
For example, when we put something together at some of the mkre trendy street wear stores that should actually fit loosely, it looks very silly or doesn't fit because some of the pieces are cut extremely strangely. (Don't get me wrong, I know I'm the problem lol)
I'd be happy for any kind of advice or pointers in the right direction to start my fashion journey!
26 Replies
A good place to start would be looking through this which is a similar question that was asked recently
https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1240301071163985960
You could ask any followup question you have here to keep it relevant to you personally
Thanks!
following that, check out #waywt as there's a fairly wide range of sizes and styles represented
at a mimunum you may get an idea of what things you like and then can figure out what things to get from there
Dress for the body you have rn and learn to love it. Dressing well is a skill that can be learned by anyone regardless of body type.
Try to find an aesthetic that you personally like and learn the clothes and the philosophy that make it up. Imo I think that bigger guys look amazing in workwear.
Here are some links that are worth reading:
https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1739497566738473246
https://www.tumblr.com/ethandesu/159630981769/gravitas-it-is-no-secret-that-i-have-proportions
derek guy (@dieworkwear) on X
My friend @DavidLaneDesign is a bigger guy and looks tremendous. Here we see:
1. A finishing layer (jacket or coat)
2. Smart use of accessories
3. Better use of color
4. An understanding of the cultural meaning of clothes
Twitter
Rugged Old Salt
Tumblr
Rugged Old Salt
Gravitas
It is no secret that I have proportions on the heavier side of the norm, and certainly a lot heavier than the ready-to-wear world would deem worthy of accomodating. I stand a not particular…
Thank you dude, work wear definitely looks super interesting! I'm quite happy with my body actually and definitely want to dress to match that.
I guess the only real thing I still have to figure out is sizing and finding good stuff that actually fits me, but that's probably something I'll just have to figure out through trial and error.
It will take time, try going to thrift stores and trying clothes on! It will help you get settled on what clothes you like and may help with the sizing problem.
2 of my biggest suggestions:
- learn your measurements and purchase by those instead of relying on tag size if buying online; if in person, try shit on and don't be afraid to go outside of what you think your size is
- generally I avoid anything skinny or slim cut. Ymmv, but for me wide/traditional/relaxed/regular cuts help to avoid any uncomfy tightness/awkward fit.
Thank you! I wish there was decent thrift stores in my city. Perhaps I should start researching neighboring cities, there's bound to be a good spot somewhere.
Thanks, those are huge! I'll definitely try to get a friend to take my measurements.
Yeah, I prefer shopping in person anyway, but I have seen some great prices online. I guess it's all got advantages and downsides
I wouldn't dream of trying slim fit lol
Better to measure clothes that you like the fit of instead!
It's generally more accurate, since size charts are based on garments and not bodies.
Bro that's actually life changing advice
I had no clue that you were supposed to measure the clothes
But that makes so much sense!
I feel dumb lol
Genius
Lmfao you're not dumb, you're new!
Probably both tbh
Oh and dont be afraid to try clothes that you may think is "old fashioned", case in point: Higher waisted pants. Changed my entire life lol
Could you elaborate on that?
Having pants that sit high in the waist is a lifesaver for my body type which carries extra weight on the midsection. Tho I was initially hesitant to try it since most of the pants I wore growing up was low waisted.
So in plaintext: you wear these pants higher than your actual waist, essentially wearing them above/on top of your belly.
Your actual waist is actually slightly below your belly button
Most people (not into fashion) wear pants around the hips, under the belly
Wearing pants a bit higher is both more comfortable and looks better if you have a belly
I see what you're saying. Thats a factor I wasn't even aware of so far, I've always worn pants around my hips.
But I'm pretty sure my belly is too big for me to wear it any higher lmfao
Thanks for the advice though!
Well you can buy pants with the right size for your waist
I thought the same as you and I was wrong. Now fully high waist pilled
Hmm
You got any example pics of that type of style for me to get an idea of what you're describing?
Can't really picture it and I'm not sure if it would work for my build.
Well if you like workwear, dickies carpenter pants could work
Dont have a pic ready right now but this should give you an idea of why it looks better
Also this thread by derek guy helps give you an idea
derek guy (@dieworkwear) on X
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HIGH-RISE TROUSERS
I think I've been writing mainly for menswear-obsessed guys for so long that it had not occurred to me that high-rise trousers could still be controversial in 2023. So let's run through some points. 🧵
Twitter
David here also wears high rise often
Thank you so much everyone!