Dressing rules for the plus-size man

The plus-size man is the boy-child of the fashion world. No designer is creating any clothes or holding runway shows for him. Just like the boy-child — who, frequently, is left on the backburner in development agendas — the poor guy is left at his wits’ end ... or is it, weight’s end?

(While we are at it, is there such a thing as a plus-size man. Or is this politically-correct term only used when referring to women?)

Plus-size women have it better. In Cycle 3, America’s Next Top Model broke the mould by featuring the curvy Toccara Jones. And in Cycle 9, a plus-size contestant, Whitney Thompson won the reality show.

Besides, many local designers cater for plus-size sisters. Some may argue that women suffer self-esteem issues because of their weight more than men do. And others could that it’s all about the bottom line; that women spend much more dough on clothing than men.

Due to social constructs, many of us have been brought up with the belief that, for men, affluence is measured — not just by the cars in one’s garage — but by the number of spare tyres around one’s waist.

Spare Tyres

For this forgotten segment of fashion, specific designer clothing choices are virtually non-existent. Are there any designers who cater for plus-size men? Let us know. Sharing is caring. First rule of dressing a plus-size physique is, “Confidence.” Be confident in your own skin. Smartness is 50 per cent attire, and 50 per cent attitude.

Ultimately, what you wear will not “sell”; even if it’s a top dollar bespoke suit. What sells is what oozes from your pores.

Folks will reflect what you exude.

Second rule is, “Optical illusion.” Or, if you like, public perception. A paunch cannot be hidden from public view, even if you suck it in with a vacuum cleaner. But it can be clothed and carried in a way that stops it from being the centre of attraction.

One way to do this is through stripes. Go for tee-shirts or shirts with vertical stripes. Horizontal stripes make you look more rotund. Vertical stripes give the impression that you are leaner. If you wear a plain suit and shirt, wear a tie with vertical stripes for that leaner optical illusion.

Alternatively, wear a multi-hued pocket square or a boutonniere. Such accessories are arresting visuals, which distract people from staring at the protuberance in your midriff. For suits, have some in plain colours and — for the same leaner reason — others in stripes.

If you have to wear a coat with a vest, make it broken. In comparison to your suit, the vest should be in a darker colour to “hide” your gut.

Your tie should not be too thin or broad. Strike an average balance. Too stringy, and your physique will be over-emphasised. Too broad, and you will not exactly hack the leaner look. Third rule is the F-word: “Fit.” Which should be fit to kill.

Ditch the baggy outfits. Or have them re-tailored. Baggy outfits do not hide, but instead immensely magnify your size.

Fourth rule is, “Attention to detail.” V-neck and round-neck sweaters, because of their one-piece tailoring, will, more than a button-down sweater, draw attention to the size of your gut.

Coats and jackets with vents look more flattering to your figure than coats without vents.

The devil is in the details.

Fifth rule is, “Taste over trend.” Do not follow fads. Be your own boss.

Picture this: A plus-size man in skinny jeans. Not a sight for sore eyes, I know. Taste outlives and outsmarts trends. Always.

Sixth rule is, “Know your body.” If you are a clueless shopper, you will be suckered into buying clothes that are not ideal for you.

Trousers of many plus-size men defy gravity and pull up to their crotch. Which has birthed the corny expression that, “one’s trouser has gone for lunch”.

You alone have the answers. What is your body shape? What works for you; boxers or briefs? Do you have thick or stick-thin thighs?

Knowing such details will lead you into making correct decisions when buying clothes. If your clothes are bespoke, work with your couturier to make your wardrobe address parts of your anatomy that are bummers.

Seventh rule is: “Finesse.” In World War Two, there were fighter planes called Cabs. Their doors and cockpits were constricted, which made aviators to coin the adage, “There’s no graceful way to step inside a cab.”

Ditto a trouser that has gone for lunch.

However, being a class act, know how to “exit” lunches — or awkward topics about your paunch — with supreme elegance.