As a short guy, I know it is hard to find perfect clothing for short, fat men.
Being a shorter and stouter gentleman can make dressing well feel like an uphill battle at times. But fret not, fellow brethren – with some tried and true techniques, you too can find clothing that flatters your figure.
Read on for top styling strategies tailored specifically to our body type.
Understand How Your Style Affects Clothing For Short, Fat Men
For starters, the most important thing is that understanding exactly how your build differs from a more typical “fire hydrant” shape.
Our proportions tend to be inconsistent – shorter legs and a wider torso can make finding clothes that fit everywhere feel like an impossible task. However, once you grasp your problem areas, it will be easier to select some excellent styles.
Examples of Styles That Work For Short, Fat Men (and Don’t Work)
Baggy, un-tapered pants swallow us up and accentuate extra weight. Skinny jeans look ridiculous.
The sweet spot is straight-leg trousers tapering slightly from the knee down. This flatters the legs while maintaining room up top. Avoid low rises, too. Furthermore, mid or high waists balance the silhouette.
Boxy, oversized tops overwhelm your frame. V-necks, fitted polos, and button-downs tailored to your chest and waist measurements are your new best friend.
Horizontal stripes add the dreaded inch, while vertical lines elongate. Patterns also disguise problem zones.
Choosing Footwear that Flatters
As short and stout gentlemen, selecting shoes complementing our figure can take some finessing. The right pair has the power to elevate an outfit while making us appear taller and leaner. And elevator shoes are my shoe shelf choice.
Here are some top footwear options to consider:
Loafers
Slip-on or lace-up loafers come in versatile shapes like penny, tassel, or bit drivers that flatter feet of all sizes. Look for almond or oval toes that elongate the visual line. Bonus points if they have elastic goring for a flexible yet fitted feel. We can choose loafers with hidden heels to increase our heihgt.
Boat Shoes
With their slight wedge platform, boat shoes create the illusion of extra height. Opt for topsiders or deck shoes in nubuck or leather for breathability. Stay true to size to avoid squeezing feet.
Chelsea Boots
These ankle-hugging boots are a wardrobe workhorse. Choose a pull-on silhouette with minimal hardware that doesn’t interrupt leg lines. Go for a boot that stops right at the widest part of the calf to achieve balance. And the elevator Chelsea boots are exactly for us.
Oxfords
Wingtips and cap toes ensure Oxfords dress shoes polish any look when paired with tailored trousers. Seek elegant silhouettes without bulky brogueing or stacked heels to preserve proportionality. Goodyear welted soles construct for comfort.
Sneakers
Breathable knits or leathers deliver all-day ease. Consider height increasing sneakers with round or almond toe caps for a slenderizing effect. Bonus if lug soles provide traction and arch support for stability.
Pay attention to specs that reinforce proper fit, too. Go up half a size if wearing thicker socks. Choose shoes measured for your larger foot if they differ in size. Here are some awsome selections of small elevator shoes for us.
With practice, you’ll develop an eye for selecting pairs with subtly lengthening designs to flatter your shape from head to toe.
Alter & Take Your Time Finding the Right Fit
Size inconsistencies mean off-the-rack may not work, even with careful selection.
Learn basic alterations like shortening pant legs or taking shirts in at your midsection. A few dollars spent results in custom-made comfort.
Examples for Inspiration
Short icons like Danny DeVito, George Lucas, and Winston Churchill proved their confidence came from choosing complementary styles.
DeVito rocks trim suits with short jackets that highlight his broad shoulders. Lucas favors coordinating separates in solid colors. Churchill understood the power of a well-tailored three-piece.
Strategies for Everyday & Special Occasions
For errands, jeans or chinos with a polo instantly exude casual confidence. Dress shirts unbuttoned at the neck to maintain approachability.
Festive nights out require more polished options like trousers with suspenders or tabs. Never be afraid to swap out typical jacket silhouettes for something like a double-breasted vest topper instead.
Middle-Class Shopping on a Budget
Comb discounts and sales for deals on fabrics like wool, as it can maintain shape better than synthetics. Learn basic tailoring to alter store-bought items. Tapering pant legs yourself saves big bucks.
Sites specializing in extended sizes deliver flattering cuts at affordable costs. Invest in custom pieces you’ll wear often to maximize your dollar. With patience, you’ll build a versatile closet for any occasion.
By understanding your particular build and experimenting with tailored options, dressing well becomes incredibly freeing for short, fat men everywhere. Confidently show the world your unique personal style.
FAQ
What should I wear if I’m short and chubby?
- Fitted tops in dark, slimming colors without bulky graphics. Look for polos, button-downs, and v-necks tailored to your measurements.
- Straight-leg or slim-fit pants in mid-tones that taper slightly from knee to ankle. Khakis and chinos work well.
- Blazers and jackets that nip in at the waist rather than billowing out. Opt for solid colors and classic cuts.
What clothes look good on overweight guys?
- Clothes with a slimming vertical line that elongates your silhouette like fitted dark jeans or pants.
- Polo shirts, henleys, and v-necks in fitted fabrics that hug curves without constricting.
- Well-tailored jackets that accentuate broad shoulders and de-emphasize the midsection.
What clothes look best on short guys?
- Pants that hit at the natural waist and taper leg openings to showcase length.
- Vertical striped tops that elongate visually.
- Layering pieces like vests create proportional balance.
- Jackets hitting above the hip/thigh break rather than below.
Should short guys wear baggy pants?
Baggy pants overwhelm a shorter frame instead of elongating it. Opt for straight-fit or slim styles in trouser cuts. These follow natural lines instead of billowing outward.
What pants look best on short men?
- Khakis, chinos, and dress trousers with a mid-rise waist and gentle taper maintain shape while complementing short legs.
- Cords and twill fabrics with subtle texture rather than bold patterns.
- Hemmed properly above the widest shoe point without bunching or breaking.
