The number of plus-sized men continues to increase each year. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, the average men’s waist size is 40.5, but in 1967, it was only 34 inches. This means that the average man’s waist has increased by about 6.5 inches in the past 50 years.
While some men have always been on the heavier side, the current trend seems to be toward even more weight gain. Several factors are contributing to this trend, like the following:
- The standard American diet is very high in calories and low in nutritional value. This diet can lead to weight gain, especially if people are not getting enough exercise.
- Many men work sedentary jobs that do not require them to move around much during the day. This lack of activity can also contribute to weight gain.
- Evidence shows that stress can cause people to eat more and gain weight.
Because of these factors working together, it is not surprising that the number of overweight men is rising. With this increase in size, plus-sized men often face many shopping frustrations. Here are three common issues that plus-sized men face when shopping:
1. Difficulty Finding Clothes That Fit
One issue that plus-sized men face when shopping is difficulty finding clothes that fit. While clothing sizes have become more standardized in recent years, there is still a lack of options for men who are larger than average. This can be frustrating and even humiliating for those people trying to find clothes that fit properly.
In some cases, men may have to resort to buying clothes that are too small or too large to find something that fits. This can lead to problems with both comfort and style. When you dislike the clothes you are wearing or are uncomfortable with them, it does not give you the best confidence.
2. Limited Stylish Options
Before, there were more clothing options available for larger men than there are now. However, the selection is still fairly limited. This can make it difficult to find stylish and comfortable clothes.
While more companies are starting to cater to the plus-size market, there are still too few that offer stylish clothing options. This leaves many men feeling frustrated and self-conscious about their appearance. Plus-size men often have to settle for boxy and shapeless clothing, which does nothing to flatter their bodies.
When you find it hard to find clothes that flatter your body, it can be difficult to feel good about yourself. This only adds to the frustration of plus-size men trying to find stylish clothes.
3. High Prices
Plus-size clothing is often more expensive than regular-sized clothing. This is because plus-size clothes are less common, so companies can charge more. Regular-sized clothes cost less because they are produced in larger quantities. On the other hand, plus-sized clothes are often produced in smaller quantities, making them more expensive. This is one reason plus-sized consumers can feel what some people call the fat tax.
Fat tax describes the price difference between items — clothing, bikes, and furniture—for those carrying more weight than others. This usually means plus-sized consumers need to pay three dollars or more just for the same shirt and design. This pricing difference can be frustrating for plus-size men, who already have a hard time finding clothes that fit and are stylish.
What the Fashion Industry Is Doing About It
The fashion industry is becoming more inclusive, with some companies catering specifically to the plus-size market. Nowadays, more fashion brands are selling clothes for regular and plus-sized consumers. Some are even dedicated to producing and marketing stylish clothing for plus-size men.
Those who are on the bigger side now have more choices when it comes to fashionable items. Brands like Bonobos, ASOS, and Target are some many companies that sell stylish clothing for plus-size men. With more brands catering to this market, it is becoming easier for plus-size men to find clothes that fit and flatter their bodies.
More online stores now offer clothes and shoes that even men who need extended sizes can fit. Some stores opened their doors to plus-sized consumers looking for shirts for men who are big and tall. It helps to find ones that offer trendy and stylish items for a fair price and has a wide variety of extended sizes for men.
If you are after longer-lasting plus-sized clothes that fit well and look great, it also helps to consider the fabric. Fast fashion is usually made with cheaper materials that wear out quickly. This means you will have to replace them more often, which can be costly in the long run. Instead, opt for clothes made with higher-quality materials that will last longer and won’t break the bank.
Shopping for plus-size men can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do to make the process easier and more enjoyable. The fashion industry is also becoming more inclusive, with more companies catering to the plus-size market. This means there are more stylish clothing options available for plus-size men. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find clothes that fit well, flatter your body, and won’t break the bank.
