Hip Fashion for Big Guys

Building a smart wardrobe of hip fashion for big guys isn't difficult if you know where to start. All body types should ideally adhere to certain cuts in order to best flatter their figures. Husky men can easily pull off a variety of fashionable clothes, so long as they are appropriately designed for the larger figure.

Vertical stripes can be very flattering.

The Dos and Don'ts

As with any other body type, large figures look their best in certain cuts, fabrics and even prints and colors. Once you've narrowed things down and determined what to steer clear of and what is safe to fill your closet with, you can easily begin to build a hip wardrobe right in line with today's trends. To that end, ensure that you shop wisely by following these simple tips:

• Fit is crucial. It may sound like common sense, but many people simply don't wear clothes that fit them properly. Anything that is too tight will call attention to areas that could otherwise be well concealed with the right garment. Tight clothes will not only accentuate heaviness, they will likely also cause discomfort. Note that fit applies to clothes that are too tight or too loose – the latter can easily create the illusion of an even larger figure.

• Patterns can certainly be hip on occasion, but in general they aren't the best choice for the full-figured man. Loud patterns draw attention to the body and lend a generally increased sense of girth to heavy frames.

• Trousers, believe it or not, should not be ultra-baggy. Instead, opt for pairs that are cut slightly trim and straight. There is a general consensus that front pleats should be avoided at all costs in order to avoid adding bulk to a large belly, but a small paunch may actually be well disguised by pleats.

• Color is extremely important. Steer clear of extra bright shades just as you would bold patterns. Opt instead for simple patterns (such as narrow pinstripes, which lend the illusion of a slimmer silhouette) and dark hues.

Being Fashionable

You may be wondering how exactly a man can dress in hip fashion if he's bound by so many rules. Fortunately, it's not as elusive a goal as it may seem. In fact, the beauty of men's fashion is that there are so many styling opportunities present – mixing a trend with a classic, for example, instantly creates a fresh, current look. The best part about this is that flattering classics are always viable. The trendy, of-the-moment pieces you pair them with, on the other hand, may not be worth a second glance in a year or two, but you'll always have those classics to rely on. And who says classics can't be hip?

Seeking Hip Fashion for Big Guys

If you're on a mission to hunt down hip fashion for big guys, you won't have to look far. Today, many stores cater to men of all sizes, and most retailers have a section devoted specifically to large men. A few staples that no hip man should be without include:

• Sport Shirts: Ralph Lauren, Axis, Geoffrey Beene, Dockers and many other reputed labels design a wide range of smart sport shirts. Choose from long and short sleeve versions in various colors and prints. Steer clear of very light or check prints, which can add bulk. Sport shirts are classic, and they pair well with everything from denim to tailored trousers.

• Jeans: Opt for denim that sits just below the natural waist. A dark wash, such as black, is always acceptable, but a more practical shade for everyday, like blue-grey or a medium blue, is also a great choice. Some labels, such as Harbor Bay, carry jeans that are fully elasticized around the waist for supreme comfort.

• Sweaters: V-neck sweaters are ultra-stylish, especially during the winter. Not only is the cut smart and polished, this style also draws attention away from a round face or double chin, drawing attention instead toward the chest. Rotate colors by season to keep it consistently hip – plum and red are great during the winter, while light gray and blue shades reign supreme during the spring. If you like prints, stick with vertical stripes or a vertical line down one side of the sweater.

Tracking Trends

If you're a total slave to fashion, you certainly don't have to avoid runway looks just because of your size. Instead, accessorize your well-fitting ensembles with certain elements of current trends. For example, ocean-inspired themes reigned supreme during the men's spring 2009 runway shows. You may not be able to pull off azure pants, but you can easily wear a cardigan in this shade over a neutral sport shirt. And if '70s-inspired styles make an appearance again, you can easily pair a three-piece suit with a sharply pointed collar – this is always flattering on a large figure because it pulls attention toward the chest area.

Clearly, there are opportunities aplenty to take advantage of current trends without swallowing them whole. The good news is that this will allow you to create a workable, practical wardrobe for everyday use, with a few hipper-than-usual items thrown in for good measure. You can't go wrong with that!

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