To tuck or not to tuck, that is the question. As a larger guy, I know that fashion is important when it comes to feeling confident and looking your best. This would be easy if every style could be worn the same way by everyone, but bodies aren’t really built that way.
So, should fat guys and big dudes tuck in their shirts?
With shirt tucking, what it really comes down to is what makes you look and feel your best. This also changes based on the type of shirt. For example, dress shirts should be tucked in, especially if you’re going for a formal or professional look but T-shirts and casual wear generally shouldn’t be tucked in.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at style for the big guy and answer the question of whether fat guys should tuck in their shirts. I’ll also give you some pro tips for styling the upper half of your body.
Should Fat Guys Tuck in Their Shirts: A Style Guide
The decision of whether or not you tuck generally changes on the fit and style of the shirt. With any style shirt, however, there are exceptions to the rule. Below, we’ll take a quick look at different shirt styles and whether they should be tucked.
Should Bigger Guys Tuck in Polos?
Polo shirts are a great option for fat guys, especially since they are generally made of fabric with good air flow and have a flattering fit. Since they are tighter in the arms and chest, polos can make you look more muscular. They also hold their shape well, which is better for a guy with a bigger belly.
Polos can be left tucked or untucked, depending on your personal preference and how you feel the most confident. If you are going to tuck it in, you should go with a longer style of shirt (even if you aren’t necessarily a tall guy since it will be tucked into your pants).
Like polos can be left tucked or untucked, golf shirts are something else you should wear however you feel more confident. (Golf shirts are different from polos because of the way the collar lays and the length/fit of the sleeves, which allow better mobility). Golf shirts are traditionally tucked, but unless the course enforces a dress code, then it’s really up to you.
Should Fat Guys Tuck in Dress Shirts?
Unless your stomach is poking out the bottom, bigger guys, smaller guys, and everyone in between should be tucking in their dress shirt. Tucking in your dress shirt looks a lot nicer, which is better for formal or professional settings. Additionally, when you pair a tucked-in dress shirt with a belt, it breaks up the space between your stomach and nether regions. Check out this video for a little more info on why tucking works great for bigger guys.
By breaking this space up, it gives you a slimmer appearance. It even works if your belly is overhanging your belt. Additionally, if you’re wearing something like a V-neck or button-up, it draws other people’s eyes toward the vertical aspects of the outfit and benefits your overall appearance as well.
Hawaiian shirts are considered really casual and should pretty much never be tucked in. Shopping for longer styles will keep your belly from hanging out of the bottom if it’s larger. You’ll also want something that fits a little looser in the belly area, since stretching the fabric can distort the pattern.
Should Fat Guys Tuck in Button Up Shirts?
With button up shirts, the biggest factors to consider are the style of the shirt, the length of the shirt, and how formal or casual it is. Since we already addressed longer sleeves with dress shirts, this style of button up would be a short-sleeve button up or even a Hawaiian dress.
With a more formal style of button up, you can either tuck it or leave it untucked depending on the situation and how the shirt fits your body. An untucked dress shirt sometimes looks better, especially if it’s made from fabric that holds it’s form well. Shirts that fit a little tighter on top make your chest and arms look more muscular (yes, even if it’s just fat).
Should Big Guys Tuck in T-Shirts?
As a general rule, T-shirts are a clothing article that guys shouldn’t wear tucked except for certain occasions. It can have a slightly nerdy look. Plus, T-shirts are generally made of lightweight fabric that shows everything and tucking it in really draws attention to your belly.
How to Decide If You Should Tuck in Your Shirt As a Bigger Guy
Formal vs. Casual
A big factor in whether you should tuck or not is how casual or formal you’d like to dress. Tucking is generally reserved for times when you want a more professional, put-together look while wearing a shirt untucked is best for times when the dress code is more relaxed.
Of course, if the dress code is so extreme that you’re rocking a bowtie then you’ve got no choice. On the other hand, if you’re wearing a tank top it’s probably safe to say you shouldn’t be tucking in your shirt.
The Fit and Style of Your Shirt
The style of shirt also really affects whether you tuck it in or not. Certain styles (like dress shirts) are tucked in as a general rule, while it’d look a little odd if you tucked in a sweater. In cases where tucking changes the fit of the shirt, you should wear it how it fits your body the best.
Your Overall Confidence
As a fat guy, you should never feel that you have to hide yourself or make yourself smaller. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in and show off whichever assets you feel are your best. If something makes you feel confident, tucked or not, you should definitely wear it.
Bonus Tips for Wearing Shirts as Fat Guy
As a bigger guy, there’s a few tips that I’ve learned through my life that really change how my shirts fit and feel. Here are a few things that you can try, too!
#1: Stretch the Bottom of Your Shirt
When your a bigger guy, everything is generally bigger, including your chest. I find that the most flattering cut for my body is a shirt that fits tight in the chest area. When shirts are tight in the chest, it adds muscular definition to your look. Unfortunately, most shirts that fit tight in the chest area are also tight around the gut.
Something that has helped me is stretching the bottoms of my shirt once they come out of the wash. You don’t want to pull straight down, but instead pull side-to-side. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a hem that looks stretched, worn, and sloppy. Additionally, be sure to pull only the stomach area and leave the chest alone so it keeps that tight knit that will show off your muscular definition.
You only need to tug for a minute or two and then dry your shirt as you would normally. When it comes out of the dryer, your shirt should fit better.
#2: Choose Flattering Colors and Patterns
As you shop, the colors that you choose visually impact your appearance. Darker colors are best for areas that you don’t want to emphasize, while lighter colors make a bold statement. This happens because of the way that the human eye perceives light and different colors.
Regarding patterns, it’s best to choose colors that are a solid print or those with a flattering pattern. Pay attention to what looks best on you and what is most flattering. Bigger guys typically have luck with more classic patterns. Some designs might look distorted if you are larger around the middle and despite popular belief, big guys can look great in stripes so there’s really no single pattern that’s off-limits.
#3: Select Light, but Durable Fabrics
As you choose shirts, you’ll want to stay away from fabrics that are too thick or heavy. Thick fabrics often come across as clunky looking, so they can make you appear bulkier than you actually are. Additionally, thicker fabrics are heavier and don’t have good air flow. Air flow is important when you’re a heavier guy, especially since heavier people are better insulated, so they get hot faster and sweat more.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid comfy options like sweaters in the cooler months, but you should opt for something in a lighter material. Cotton blends are great for shirts, but you should avoid something with full cotton because it shrinks when dried. Plus, a cotton/polyester blend is less likely to wrinkle and will hold it’s shape better over time. Cashmere or a cotton/polyester blend works well for heavier fabrics too. You should avoid full polyester shirts and synthetic materials, as they don’t offer a lot of air flow.
#4: Buy Longer, Better Fitting Shirts
Something else you can do to improve how well your clothing fits is to buy them a little longer. Going with a larger size doesn’t always work, since the upper part of the shirt will be loose. Since most bigger guys look better when the chest and arms are longer, consider buying shirts from the big and tall section anyway.
Additionally, fabrics that hang and hold their shape usually look better than those that are designed to cling to the body.
Even though longer can be better, however, you’ll also want to pay attention to how the shirt fits your body. Guys that aren’t tall might not be able to wear these untucked without making their body proportions look awkward.
#5: Avoid Over-Sized Clothes That Hide Your Body
Wearing shirts that are too big for your body can look sloppy and have an unflattering appearance. Most of the time, all that extra fabric also makes you look bigger. Instead, try to buy clothes that fit your body. If you aren’t sure of the size you need, consider having someone take your measurements at your local big and tall store. Having clothes that are the right size really benefits your shape. Plus, learning to embrace your body instead of hiding it really does wonders for your confidence.
Final Word
Should fat guys tuck in their shirts? It really depends on factors like your style and what type of shirt you are wearing. Tucking is best in formal situations, like when wearing a dress shirt and polo shirts can also be tucked in. T-shirts, athletic shirts, and casual wear generally should be left untucked. Of course, either of these situations can change based on your personal style preference. You should always dress in the way that makes you feel most confident!
Hopefully, you’ve learned a little more about how you can style your wardrobe to look and feel your best. Any of the bigger guys out there, drop a comment if you have any more style tips for the fat guy that I might have missed.