Shirts that make me look "not-fat"

[kenny]

Seriously.
I realize solid white is a nono. (Anyone see that Australian ABBA spoof?)

One direction of stripes, horizontal or vertical, I'm not sure, are a nono.
Which is okay?

I'm guessing dark fabric with random patterns are best.

Please, help.
Serious question; I'm not being a troll, causing trouble.
I've gained a lot of weight and I don't like how I look.

 

[packrat]

Horizontal stripes are the no-no stripes. The go side to side and visually widen. Vertical should do the opposite and visually lengthen. I would think darker colors, like black, charcoal gray, navy blue etc would be flattering? I shouldn't even be answering, Kenny, I suck at clothes. And actually, I wouldn't discount white altogether. When I was trying on clothes yesterday, some of the colors looked pppbbbttt on me, but then the white in the same style looked nice-go figure. Maybe b/c I'm so pale? Are you pale or darker complected?

 

[madelise]

What are your "problem areas"? Avoid drawing attention to those specific spots. So if you have a tummy you want to hide, wear a darker shirt that isn't fitted, with nicer fit pants/shorts that are a different color. I think the black-on-black look is cute, a la Audrey Hepburn, but not good for usual attire. Draw the attention to another spot on your body I know there are a millionzillionbajillion articles on how to hide problem areas in women, but none for guys! I'd stick to the same ideas, though.

One top that comes to mind for men are those shirts with designs or stripes at the top, chest area. Something like this: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rvca-di...shirt/3267508?origin=category&resultback=2383. One would focus your eyes on the stripes rather than near the pooch area.

Make sure to buy shirts that are made of sturdier fabrics, so that it doesn't cling to your belly button or nips. Invest in a bunch of undershirts/wife beaters to sort of "hold you in" in those thinner fabric shirts.

I think the worst thing you can do is hide yourself in clothes that are too big for you. Fitted makes everyone look better, regardless of size. On that same note, things that are too tight are unflattering as well.

Can you make a trip to a Nordstrom? You can make an appointment with them to show you clothes or suits.. and they're awfully helpful with things like this. I had one SA be my dummy to try clothes on when I was shopping for SO's Christmas gift. I don't know what other stores offer that type of customer service.

and don't put too much stress on it even Tom Cruise wears Spanx.



ETA- wearing a cardigan that's a different color than your shirt can "streamline you" visually, too. Leave the cardigan unbuttoned and loose, so that it creates a visual vertical stripe. see: http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bdg-school-colors-cardigan_111808.jpg

 

[missy]

Hi Kenny, I wouldn't avoid any one color. It depends on which colors flatter you. If you wear colors that flatter your skin tone/hair color you will look better dressed and more attractive in general regardless of weight.I am a winter palette and look best in white/black etc and when I wear white it brightens up my whole face and makes me pop in a good way.
Check this link out regarding color schemes and which you might be:
http://www.beauty-and-the-bath.com/Season-Color-Analysis.html

Having said that I agree- stay away from horizontal stripes and patterns that are too loud. What is your shape? For example if you are apple shaped you would do best not to emphasize your midriff and have tops that skim it not fitting tightly. However be careful to find clothes that fit well. If you wear clothes that are too loose that will be as unflattering as clothes that are too tight. I would stay away from t-shirts as they usually show bulges unless they are too big and then they are unflattering. I would recommend wearing shirts out that are not billowy but fitted but not tight.

Sport coats can also hide a lot of sins and make you look sharply dressed.

Buy good materials as they fit better and look better. You usually do get what you pay for and a tailor can be your best friend.

Check these links out as well. The title on the first is unfortunate though so I apologize about that but you might find some helpful tips here:

http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-fashion-tips-fat-men.html

http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Male_Fashions_for_Heavy_Set_Men

http://www.ehow.com/how_6498701_dress-body-type-men.html

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

My hubby is pretty round in the midsection and the shirts that look best on him are vneck casual button downs and polos. He usually sticks to dark colors but with the polos he gets ones that the shirt is dark but the inside of the collar might have a nice color pop to them. The Tommy Hilfiger polos are really nice and last for a long time.

 

[kenny]

Thanks all.
I really appreciate the input.

 

[jaysonsmom]

I disagree with horizontal stripes. I find that skinny horizontal stripes are extremely slimming, especially the sheer number of mini-stripes draws the eyes length-wise and elongates the torso, and makes it look slimmer. Wide horizontal stripes are the big no no makes a person look wide period.

 

[jaysonsmom]

Oh, another very slimming look is the bowling shirt, with color blocking. This is the style that is in trend for dresses this year, the darker sides make your sides disappear! Most guys that wear this look look great.

 

[Enerchi]

I must say that when I look at the bowling shirt, all I see is Charlie Sheen in 2 & a half men... and that's not a good association! (Not a Charlie Sheen fan!)

But I do like the illusion of dark at the sides to minimize width. Anything tapered is also helpful - the detail and shaping works with your shape and elongates the look.

 

[jaysonsmom]

Yeah, bowling shirts are a little Charlie-sheenish...but are ultra slimming...just have to find the right one. Another look is the western shirt. A little extra detail to the shoulders or to the front pockets, or extra seams and stitching, break-up a big solid panel. More examples.

 

[Tanzigrrl]

Anything well-tailored will be flattering to you. Wearing loose, oversized clothing is a strategy women use who want to "hide" their problem areas, but it doesn't work so well on men. You can be a man and look striking (even if a bit on the heavy side) wearing well-tailored clothes - for dress and casual.

 

[iLander]

I agree with the bowling shirt idea. I wouldn't let the Charlie Sheen thing bother me, nobody pays that much attention. Sheen actually had quite the pot belly there for a while (before he got all junkie-thin) and the shirts really hide that. I thought this one was very interesting. Worth trying on.

What women do is that they wear a dark jacket with a bright, low cut shirt under it. I'm not saying flash the chest hair, but the eye is naturally drawn to the bright color, and the rest of you looks thinner. I actually prefer a navy blue, I think black is done to death.

Also, EVERYONE looks classier in a collared shirt. I only wear T-shirts at home, collars when out and about. It looks better with my Vuittons.

 

[radiantquest]

Dont know if you ever watch How I Met Your Mother, but what Ted always wears would be slimming for you. A tshirt under an open button up shirt for a casual look.