Clothing & Accessories - Live Life Big

Written by Leo Reed in Clothing & Accessories last updated May 2023 LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase. Sweaters can be a great option for fat guys and big dudes. However most of the time, sweaters are completely overlooked in favor of looser hoodies, open cardigans, or similarly fitting winter wear. But it doesn't have to be this way. Fat guys can not only make sweaters work for them, but they can also look darn good while they do it. Sweaters are a solid step up from your traditional hoodie but still plenty casual for daily wear. As is often the case when it comes to looking good and being big, there are a few considerations that have to be made. Bigger guys need a sweater that isn't going to bunch up and get tight in the wrong spots. Instead, we need a sweater that complements our natural shape rather than work against it. We're going to take a closer at everything fat guys need to know about finding the perfect sweater but if you just want to skip ahead and see what made the list you can see my fat guy favorites here: Best OverallAmazon Essentials Big & Tall Crewneck SweaterCheck Price On Amazon9.9Sizing up to 7XL with some tall sizes available too13 different classic color and pattern combinationsGreat reviews across the internet from big guys over 400+ pounds100% cotton offers a great balance of breathability and warmthBest Sizing OptionsKingSize Big and Tall Knit SweaterCheck Price On AmazonCheck Price On Walmart9.7Sizing up to 9XL with tall sizing up to 6XL6 simple, classic colors that look great on big bodiesRibbed knit look offers a more formal look without going over the topRelaxed fit for extra comfort without looking bulkyBest Fleece SweaterIZOD Big and Tall Fleece Crewneck SweatshirtCheck Price On AmazonCheck Price On Walmart9.5Sizing up to 5XL with tall sizing available15 vibrant colors with something for everyoneSuper comfortable fleece makes a great base layerGreat length for big bellies Now let's get into it! What Do We Mean By Sweater? Okay, don't roll your eyes at that headline! I know that asking what a sweater is might sound dumb but it's worth some quick clarification because there can be a lot of confusion about what qualifies as a sweater and what doesn't. So let's get a quick working definition out of the way so we're on the same page: A sweater is a long sleeve, knitted garment that is completely closed in the front. That means you won't find a cardigan, a hoodie, sweater vest, or any other "sweater-like" garments on this list...just sweaters! What Should Fat Guys Look For In A Sweater? As always, big guys have different requirements when it comes to finding clothing that fits and looks good. Trust me, you can have both. Let's look at what fat guys should consider before picking out a sweater and keep in mind that this is the same criteria that I used when creating this list. Neckline There are an absolute ton of necklines to choose from when it comes to sweaters and we'll include quite a few of them on this list. The classic go-to option is the crew neck which is simply a rounded neckline that works for any guy- fat or not. But where things start to get a little more interesting is when it comes to V-necks. Many bigger guys shy away from V-necks and this style doesn't always have a great reputation amongst fat guys. Probably because it's been taken to the extreme by skinny hipsters with comically deep V-necks. That look isn't just a bad idea for fat guys but it's a bad idea for anyone. A V-neck that's too deep ends up looking effeminate and while it's difficult to say at exactly what point this effect happens, you'll know it when you see it. Sweaters aren't the only garment with this problem and it's something to watch out for when it comes to tank tops as well. In reality, V-necks can be a great option for fat guys as they can add some depth and contrast to a rounder (AKA fatter) face. It's the same effect that a nice pointed collar on a dress shirt can give. Most of the sweaters on this list will focus on crew neck but I'll also throw in some V-neck choices too. Turtlenecks are another option and these can be a bit more difficult for fat guys to pull off. Thinner turtle necks are the way to go here and anything too bulky can skew your proportions in a bad way. Instead, I'm a big fan of the mock neck which is similar to a turtleneck in that it's a longer collar but it's split to give some openness. Simply put, the mock neck is like taking a turtleneck and splitting it in two. The result gives you the formality of a turtleneck with the comfort of a traditional collar and it's what I suggest over most traditional turtlenecks. However, we'll have a few turtle necks on the list too but if you go that route make sure you check out this quick video as they can be a little more difficult to appropriately style compared to a traditional sweater: Sweater Fabrics There are even more options when it comes to fabric type and you can really get lost here. We're keeping things simple and most of the sweaters on this list feature straightforward cotton cuts or synthetic blends with some extra variety mixed in. For fat guys, cotton is usually a good choice since it will allow you to breathe. Obviously, you're wearing a sweater to stay warm but at the same time, you don't want to turn yourself into a walking sauna. As a big guy, I'm almost always the warmest one in the room so breathability is something I need to consider even during the winter. We'll take a closer look at the materials when we review each individual sweater but if you aren't sure just stick with cotton or blends and you really can't go wrong. Sweater Pattern and Color I'm not a fan of restricting fat guys to only certain patterns. Not only because that doesn't make for fun clothing but it's also not usually worth it. For example, you may have heard that fat guys can't wear stripes which is completely wrong for a long list of reasons. But that's one of several broad stroke style rules that don't work when it comes down to the individual guy. So as a rule, I try not to pin big dudes down into a specific style. That being said, bigger guys will usually prefer the way they look in darker colors and patterns but some of that will depend on what else you're wearing. A dark sweater with a nice pair of jeans is an absolutely classic look for guys of any size while a lighter-colored sweater can work well with a nice pair of khakis. When it comes to patterns, I actually prefer horizontal stripes and usually avoid patterns that may be distorted by my big belly. Of course, I'll make an exception for a solid Christmas sweater! Fit Obviously, a sweater for fat guys needs to fit and you won't find any sweater on this list that's smaller than 4XL and most are available in at least 5XL or 6XL along with a 9XL option. Unlike many other garments, you won't find many sweaters offering different fits like athletic or husky. You will have big and tall options though which can be great for big dudes. But the main thing to remember is that in most cases you will be wearing something under your sweater. That means you have some room to size up and may need to. Not only do you want to avoid a tight fit that hugs your belly but you also want to make sure you have room for your base layers. Best Sweaters For Fat Guys With the background information out of the way let's dive into our favorite sweaters for big guys starting with our best overall! Here's a look at three of the sweaters reviewed in this article. Best Overall: Amazon Essentials Men's Big & Tall Crewneck Sweater Best OverallAmazon Essentials Men's Big & Tall Crewneck SweaterSizing up to 7XL with some tall sizes available too13 different classic color and pattern combinationsGreat reviews across the internet from big guys over 400+ pounds100% cotton offers a great balance of breathability and warmthCheck Price On Walmart If you're looking for warmth but don't want to break the bank, the EcoSmart sweater from Hanes really gets the job done. It offers sizes up to 5XL, great for big guys like me! This Hanes sweater is made from a cotton polyester blend with fleece inside that keeps you warm and feels good against the skin. Here's a closer look at the soft fleece. I love that this sweater comes in a lot of different colors, especially at the price. You can find your neutrals like charcoal heather and light steel, as well as more colorful options like kelly green, deep red, and safety orange. Plus, you can't beat all the colors with the classic design pictured here. This sweater has a generous fit in the chest and arms without being too bulky. It's great for people with round bellies like me too because the super generous fit means my belly isn't playing peekaboo from under this sweatshirt. Plus, even though this is our budget option, it doesn't mean you're sacrificing quality. In addition to the durable knit and fleece that stays soft wash after wash, this sweatshirt also has features like double-stitching that really helps it stand up. Check out the double stitching in this video. https://livelifebig.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20230515_151723.mp4 I know I have at least 3-4 of these in my wardrobe that I break out for the cooler months- you really can't beat it for the price! You can read the hundreds of thousands of 5-star reviews, check out all 18 color options, and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Ugly Christmas Sweater: SSLR Men's Ugly Christmas Sweater Best Ugly Christmas SweaterSSLR Men’s Ugly Christmas SweaterSizing available up to 4XL19 weird, ugly (in a good way) and unexpected patterns to pick fromComfortable and soft which can be wear with some novelty sweatersEasy-on-the-budget which is important for an item you won't wear every dayCheck Price On AmazonCheck Price On Walmart What would any list of sweaters be without at least one ugly Christmas sweater on it? What started as a serious garment has now become its own artform and the ugly or novelty sweater has a culture all its own. But just like Rudolph, fat guys are usually left out because small-run novelty shirts and sweaters just don't have the sizing options we need. While it won't work for every fat guy, the folks at SSLR have introduced 4XL sizing in their Christmas sweaters which is a huge step up from the usual 2XL sizing options you see with novelty sweaters. If 4XL does work for you, you also have 19 different style options to pick from across their two Amazon listings (you can click here for the second one). These styles range from only slightly ugly but still classic (like the one pictured above) to downright weird like Santa golfing on the moon. So you can turn the ugly/weird dial all the up. Or you can go for a more subtle but still funny approach. Even better, these are actually good sweaters. Usually, novelty wear is all about the joke and little else but these acrylic sweaters are comfortable, warm, and truly functional. We've already included one acrylic sweater on this list and while the material isn't for everyone, the stretch and flex of acrylic is a great fit for most fat guys. On top of that, these sweaters are easy-on-the-budget which is perfect for something you're going to wear only a few times a year. Of course, you could rock your outer space Santa year-round if you want but it's safe to say that it isn't the norm. You can check out all the style options to pick from (including Santa Hanging with a UFO) along with the latest price by clicking here. Best Cashmere Blend: Kallspin Cashmere Wool Blend Relaxed Fit Sweater Best Cashmere BlendKallspin Cashmere Wool Blend Relaxed Fit SweaterSizing available up to 4XL with tall sizing available as well12 colors and styles to pick from including both V-neck and crew neck optionsCashmere-style but easier on the budgetRelaxed fit is perfect for fat guysCheck Price On AmazonCheck Price On Walmart Cashmere is one of the highest quality materials you can find and a true sweater classic. As is often the case, many fat guys are often a little left out and you're going to have a hard time finding a cashmere sweater that's available in 6XL sizing. But, this sweater from Kallspin gets the job done- here's a look at this classic sweater. But the second best option is a cashmere blend. In this case, a blend of both cashmere and wool makes this sweater breathable, moisture resistent, lightweight, and most importantly comfortable. It also looks darn good too and you'll save a ton by going for a blend instead of 100% pure cashmere. But, you can't really tell it's a blend. Here's a close up of the classic knit design. If you read reviews across the internet, you'll see few folks complaining that this sweater runs big- and it does. While this is a downside for skinny or average-sized guys, it's a positive for fat dudes and big guys since the relaxed fit leaves some extra breathing room for a big belly. There's also some extra room around the underarm. That means less contact with the shirt and your pits which is always a good thing. Plus, this is fairly light for a sweater. You can tell how much lighter it is than the burgundy sweater from King Size in this photo. Another reason I've added this particular sweater to the list is that from this one listing you can choose between both V-neck and crew cut styles making this your one-stop shop for whatever style you prefer. That also leaves you with a lot of options depending on which style/collar combination you go with and this sweater can work very well for more formal occasions with the right dress shirt underneath. You can check out all the collar, color, and style combinations along with the best price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Turtleneck: Liberty Blues Shoreman's Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater Best TurtleneckLiberty Blues Shoreman’s Cable Knit Turtleneck SweaterAvailable in sizes up to 8XL including several tall sizesComfortable, sturdy and warm turtleneck that isn't over-the-top4 classic color optionsMade from 100% cotton for extra comfortCheck Price On AmazonCheck Price On Walmart Even though it wouldn't be my starting point, turtlenecks can absolutely work for fat guys and big dudes. But what you don't want to do is completely remove your neckline. Not only is that a bad look for big guys, but it's also honestly not a great look for anyone. With this sweater from Liberty Blues, that isn't a problem and this turtleneck comfortably folds over to give you the warmth and style you want without making your look...well strange. Because it folds on itself, instead of standing straight up, it's also a lot less likely to get floppy because there's not much worse than a floppy turtleneck. The sweater has some of the largest sizing you can find with available sizes going up to 8XL. While some fat guys in the 3XL range will be able to find more turtle neck options, if you're on the bigger side of big then this is the way to go. Turtlenecks are typically considered a bit more formal which makes this a great option for big guys that have a more formal event they need to attend. Overall, a solid sweater option and a clear winner in the somewhat limited turtleneck category. You can check out all the color options along with the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Closing Thoughts The pullover sweater is one of the most versatile and classic garments around but most fat guys seem to avoid this classic look. Sure, sweaters can cause some extra tightness on the tummy but if you pick up the proper size and the proper cut it's not something you have to worry about. The goal of this list was to save you the hours of research that it takes to actually find the right size and with just a few clicks you can look good. So what do you think? Which sweater did you go with?