6 Summer Style Tips For Bigger Guys Embrace Boxy Fits

-Airflow is summer’s grail, but when you shop at the XL end of the rail, it can be tough to find. Because it’s cheaper, brands generally scale clothes up from a medium, rather than account for the different dimensions of bigger physiques, which is why shirts and tees can cling where they shouldn’t. Boxier fits are designed to hang away from your skin, whatever your shape, which works for your look and your body temperature.

Jacamo

Be Light With Your Layers

When it’s too hot to think, you can’t layer up. Which is a pity, because layers add structure and balance your upper and lower halves. But summer doesn’t mean you have to default to a T-shirt every day. Simple moves, like a short-sleeve shirt worn open over a vest, or a lightweight blazer with a tee, give your look shape and without blocking that all-important airflow.

River Island

Don’t Fear Colour

Sure, black is slimming, but in summer, it’s hot in all the wrong ways. Bright weather should be the catalyst for a lighter wardrobe, and not just because it reflects heat instead of absorbing it. “When the sunlight’s stronger, bold shades look better,” says McDonald. They’re flattering, too, especially if you match them to your skin tone and stick to block colours – busy patterns confuse the eye and can make you look bigger.

BoohooMAN

Get Some Texture

Cotton is summer’s default fabric because it’s breathable, absorbs sweat and you can just bung it straight in the wash. But all-cotton looks can fall flat because the fabric offers little depth. That’s where equally breezy materials like seersucker and linen come in – they’re full of texture, which means you can stick to simple pieces in block colours but still look put-together.

Jacamo

Freshen Up Your Prints

Block colours might be your mate, but you needn’t swerve pattern completely. Stripes are an obvious win for the bigger guy, but anything geometric can work, too, especially if you’re colour-shy. Things like polka dots, checks or even florals are a low-effort way to keep monochrome looks from slipping into uninspired. Not that you have to go black-and-white – muted colours like rust and forest green are still summery, but not dazzling. Just stick to pattern on either your top or bottom halves. Head-to-toe ends up a bit Magic Eye.

Jacamo

Add Statement Accessories

If ever there’s a time to go big on accessories, it’s summer. Sunglasses, hats, cross-body bags – they’re all warm-weather essentials that can make basic looks pop. Helpfully, they also come with no sizing issues. Shoes are equally powerful at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Just see how a killer pair of suede Chelsea boots can transform jeans and a tee from your laundry day outfit to a wear-all-summer signature.

BoohooMAN