Mens Big and Tall Clothing

As a big and/or tall person, there are challenges in finding clothing. The closer you are to 3XL or 3XLT, the luckier you might get in finding something at a local retailer. However, if you are bigger than that, specialty stores are where you are going to find what you are looking for.

The Internet and Clothes Shopping

The internet has helped immensely in the big and tall haberdashery business and provides great choices. However, the drawback is size continuity. A size 6X for one company may be a 4X for another. And this becomes particularly frustrating when you find clearance items require custom tailoring (such as hemming), making the item not returnable.

Recently, smaller retailers and local chains are marketing their inventory of Big and Tall clothes online. Most will ship anywhere in the country, so if a big and tall store in the New York has what you are looking for, no need to travel there to get what you need. For a list of big and tall mens stores in major metropolitan markets, click here.

Tips for Buying Big and Tall Clothes Online

• Check the size chart. Lots of sites have a definition of what the sizes actually mean (chest size, waist, etc). This is your first defense in understanding what you are about to order.
• Understand the return policy. Some stores will not accept returns on clearance items, or customizations, so if you want to avoid problems, it may be safer to steer clear of these situations. However, some clearance items can be heavily discounted, so it may be worth the risk in these cases.
• Avoid customization. These services that are offered by online retailers are great, but they make you order permanent. And as much as you would like it to be, there may be issues with sizes that cannot be foreseen on the internet. Get the product first, then if you need it hemmed or embroidered, etc. then take it to a tailor. Hemming and embroidery can be done as cheaply or cheaper if you wait the extra day or two after the item arrives. In addition, tailors can get your exact measurements, which will give you greater satisfaction with your purchase.


• Stick with what works. Because of the great disparity in sizes from one brand to another, the wisest course of action is to keep buying the same sizes in that brand. Remember, comfort is key and a number is just a number. Buy the correct size for the brand you are purchasing. This may take some trial and error to get the right information, but it will pay off in the long run.
• Order bigger. Bigger clothes can be taken in. Items like sweatpants, shorts and t-shirts can all be a size or two bigger and not cause any issues in most cases.
• Ask questions. Most sites provide toll free numbers, email addresses, and even chats to make ordering easier for you. Take advantage of these methods. The way they handle the call can be indicative of the level of service you receive if you have a problem as well, so it can give you an idea if you want to do business with the company.

Just remember that patients will be your biggest ally in finding clothing that works for you. Your sizes are out there, it just may take a bit of work and diligence to find them.