Buying a suit is a daunting task for any man, but feels particularly difficult for bigger guys. It's hard to find something that both looks good AND feels good without spending a fortune. Oftentimes, the selection is limited in the size you need, forcing you to compromise on something you don't totally love or feel like yourself in. But it doesn't have to be that hard — really.

Tips on Buying a Suit as a Big Man

By choosing the right suit, larger men can look and feel their best in any formal setting. Our team at CCO Menswear features men of all shapes and sizes, and we consider ourselves experts at finding a suit that fits. Here are our top tips for buying a suit as a big man:

Check out the Big and Tall section of suits.

It seems obvious... but for some men, it can be hard to make the switch over to the Big and Tall section when shopping for suits. It's more convenient to shop regular sizes, and you might not picture yourself as the "big and tall" kind of guy. The reality is, Big and Tall sizes work in your favor to find a much better fit. They'll have more space in the areas you need it, and be easier (and likely cheaper) to get tailored to accentuate your body.

CCO Menswear has a great selection of Big and Tall suits in a variety of colors and styles for every occasion. Even if you've never shopped the Big and Tall section before, it's worth checking out! These suits for bigger men are more stylish than you might expect, offering a variety of patterns and fits.

Make sure to get your suit tailored.

Even the best suits for larger men won't flatter you without a nice tailoring job. You'll often find that the limited sizing is too tight in some areas and too loose in others, making it impossible to find something flattering. It's tough for any guy to find an off-the-rack suit that fits just right, and alterations are almost always necessary. A skilled tailor can take a suit from "fits okay" to "fits like a glove", and a proper fit will accentuate your best features while minimizing any areas in which you might feel self-conscious.

Not only is a tailored suit worth it for the enhanced confidence alone, but also offers greater comfort. A suit fitted to your body allows for ease of movement and an enjoyable fit that you're not immediately itching to get out of. Since suits are often worn in more serious settings like job interviews, weddings, and so on, it's important to feel as confident and comfortable as you can.

The key is to find a great deal on a quality suit so that you can set a few extra bucks aside for tailoring. CCO Menswear prices suits as affordably as possible so you can find a suit you love and make it fit just right.

Don't be afraid of patterns.

When it comes to patterns, there's the age-old rule that vertical stripes are slimming. And it's true! A great option for larger men is a subtle pinstripe. Thanks to a slimming and elongating effect, pinstripe suits are a great choice for men with a larger build. Another winning choice is the low-contrast plaid, which adds dimension without adding weight. This can also be accomplished with a windowpane or herringbone pattern.

When shopping for suits for large men, there's another rule for patterns: make sure the pattern of your suit is proportionate to your size. Dainty micro patterns will make you appear larger in contrast, so try sticking to larger patterns to balance you out. Some of the best suits for big guys are those with a little bit of flair, so don't let that stop you from going for something fun.

Consider a double-breasted look.

...but only if the occasion calls for it. Double-breasted suits have an extra dose of swagger to them that will make you stand out in the best way. With a streamlined silhouette, a nicely tailored double-breasted suit can be very complementary for bigger guys. The overlapping fabric of the front panels can help to smooth out any bulges or curves, while the wider lapels and higher buttons draw attention upwards. Hot tip: wide-lapel suits tend to accentuate bigger men, double-breasted or not.

Another option for elevated style: the classic suit with a double breasted vest, which balances out the proportions of your body with a structured, tailored vibe.

Choose a color that complements your skin tone and personality.

As with any clothing purchase, you should factor in what colors best suit you. Darker skin tones tend to look good in brighter, richer colors like lavender or royal blue, while paler skin tones can be complemented by earthy tones. These aren't hard-and-fast rules, though; you know your color palette better than anyone. Just make sure the color isn't so bold that it swallows you. As always, you want to wear the suit… don't let the suit wear you!

You've probably heard that darker colors are a good choice for larger men, and that's a good rule to follow if you're shopping for a staple suit that you'll be wearing frequently and in various settings. Black or navy are great go-to colors for a larger man — or any man, really!

The most important thing is to choose a color that makes you feel like yourself. You don't want to be self-conscious or feel like you're wearing something too far out of your comfort zone at an important event. Rock whatever feels good to you and reflects your personality — suited to the occasion, of course.

Opt for more structured fabrics.

Linen might be nice on a hot day, but it doesn't offer much in terms of structure. Thinner fabrics can make the suit appear clingy or tight compared to more substantial fabrics like wool or tweed. 100% wool suits are an awesome option for larger men, and CCO Menswear has plenty to choose from.

Add dimension with your shirt and tie.

Your shirt and tie are great places to highlight your personality a bit and add dimension to your outfit. You can play with colors and patterns to create a combination that best flatters your shape. Choosing a tie that is darker than your shirt color can create a slimming effect. Similar to our tip on patterns, it helps to choose a tie width proportionate to your size for the most flattering look... and we don't recommend bow ties for bigger men. There's tons of room to play within these rules, allowing you to pick your favorite colors and patterns, or those best fitting for the occasion!

Bonus tips: always include a nice shoe and belt pairing, and make sure your suit is wrinkle-free for the best appearance. Add a pocket square for extra flair!

A well-fitting suit is one of the most important assets a man can have in his wardrobe, and every man deserves to have a favorite suit he can wear confidently. We hope these tips will help you tackle suit-shopping with new optimism. We're always here to help you find your best fit. Check out our size estimator to get started, and visit our FAQ to learn more about sizing. Happy shopping!