Written by Leo Reed in Fat Questions last updated August 2021
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Fat guys want to look good too and even though not every big dude wants to become a fashionista, there are some basic style guidelines that can make a huge difference for big dudes.
As a bigger guy, you’ve probably already heard quite a bit of advice around stripes.
Are they good, are they bad and should fat guys wear stripes?
Despite the fact that horizontal stripes have historically been thought to make guys look wider, the opposite is actually true. Explained by the Helmholtz Illusion, horizontal stripes make the wearer look leaner and taller which makes them a great choice for fat guys. Vertical stripes are a poor choice since they have the opposite effect.
Just to be clear, the goal isn’t to try and be something we’re not.I’m fat and proud, baby!
But just like anyone else, fat guys want to look good, and picking the right style to match your body is just part of it. It’s no different from picking the right haircut for your face or enjoying the look of a brand new pair of shoes.
So let’s take a closer look at why prevailing wisdom might not be wise when it comes to stripes.
The Helmholtz Illusion states that “A square composed of horizontal lines appears taller and narrower than an identical square made up of vertical lines.”
First documented by Herman von Helmholtz in 1925, he also noted that “ladies’ frocks with horizontal stripes make the figure look taller” which is surprisingly totally counter to what most folks, including fashion gurus, will say today.
You can see the Helmholtz Illusion in action with this simple image:
Most people agree that the vertical striped square on the left appears wider than the horizontal striped square on the right. But in reality, these squares are the same size.
Still, many folks suggested that the illusion doesn’t carry over from a simple 2D design to the complex 3D design of the human body.
The mannequins in the images above are the same size but the mannequin with the vertical stipes appears wider to most people compared to the apparently leaner horizontally striped mannequin.
For me, the effect isn’t super pronounced until I look just above the hips. That’s where I canreally notice a difference and the horizontal stripes truly make the mannequin on the left look more narrow.
However, as true academics, Thompson and Mikellidou weren’t satisfied with just saying that the effect seemed to be real. Instead, they took things a step further to quantify the difference and found that “the mannequin in horizontal stripes needed to be 10.7% broader to be perceived as identical to the one in vertical stripes.”
That’s a pretty big difference!
Why Is It So Popular To Say Fat Guys Should Avoid Horizontal Stripes?
It’s difficult to pin down a starting point for the prevailing wisdom that fat guys should skip horizontal stripes. However, we do know that the advice was perpetuated by the idea that the eye will somehow follow the stripes in whatever direction they’re going.
That meant a stripe running up and down will make the eye do the same and give the illusion of a taller, leaner person. It’s the sort of thing that sounds just clever enough to be correct…even if it’s not.
But even though it wasn’t correct, my guess is that the power of suggestion was strong enough to keep the idea alive. After enough fashion expert suggested that vertical stripes make you look fat, it just started tofeel true!
Is That All There Is To It?
Not exactly.
Other researchers have challenged whether the Helmholtz Illusion can so easily be applied to fashion.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that the effect is stronger for a thinner person compared to a fat one, that there was a surprising amount of variability between people with different features, and finally that the order in which people were shown different figures and images made a big difference.
In other words, you can’t just assume that horizontal strips will magically make you look 10% taller or leaner and the many variables of the world will enhance or even completely mitigate the illusion.
And really, that should be no surprise. The real world is pretty different from a controlled experiment.
Does The Size Of The Stripe Matter?
While there hasn’t been as much research that specifically focused on the size of the stripe, it’s absolutely a factor.
It seems that the Helmholtz Illusion is stronger with thinner stripes since the white space between lines can help enhance the effect.
When it comes to big or fat guys, many thin stripes can work well. But if you’re wearing something that has only a few stripes then going bigger is usually better.
We talked about this extensively when we looked at the best suspenders for fat guys and the best tanks tops for big guys. Both of these garments have an element of a vertical striped design- the suspenders are clearly two stripes and depending on the cut of the tank top the portion that goes over the shoulder may look like a stripe.
In these cases, bigger stripes look better since they match a big body.
Imagine a fat guy wearing suspenders that are only a half-inch thick- not a good look.
While that’s moving outside of the Helmholtz Illusion, it’s still relevant to the great stripe debate. The takeaway is that if you’re going for thin strips of any orientation make sure there are a lot of them. Otherwise, go for big stripes that match a big body.
What Should Fat Guys Do With This Information?
We know that the Helmholtz Illusion is real and that the effectcanoccur on complex figures like the human body.
We also know that the world isn’t so cut and dry so variables like who you’re with, what people have seen before and an endless number of other factors can change the strength of the Helmholtz Illusion.
But, there’s no evidence from any research to suggest that fat guys should avoid horizontal stripes. While they might not completely transform your look, they’re unlikely to make you fatter, shorter, or otherwise less fashionable.
According to the Helmholtz Illusion, vertical stripes may be less appealing for fat guys but considering that there are few fewer vertical stripes on men’s clothing this usually isn’t a problem.
It's a common belief that if you want to appear slimmer than you actually are, you should wear clothes with vertical stripes. The classical pinstriped business suit would be an example of this sort of clothing hiding a few extra pounds. It turns out that this folk belief is fundamentally wrong.
Stick with light to medium weight fabrics to avoid adding extra bulk. Cargo pants, hoodies, and bulky sweaters made out of thick fabrics can make you look bigger. Cotton, linen, and other light, natural fabrics are good choices. If you sweat a lot, natural fabrics can also help cool you down and prevent sweat stains.
You don't need to wear baggy or oversized clothes to hide your belly fat or love handles. It will only ruin your proportions and the silhouette of the outfit. This doesn't mean that you start dressing up in super tight clothes like bouncers.
According to scientists, horizontal stripes can make you look thinner. This is because they seem to fill space more than vertical stripes do. BUT on the contrary, vertical stripes can elongate your figure and make you look taller.
Of course, they can. The world has always had an unlikeness for the people who have been a little more plumpy or looked bigger than the standard “sizes” that are assumed by humans.
It turns out that some fashion “advice” is just plain wrong: horizontal stripes won't make you look fatter. In fact, they may even make you look thinner.
If you are on the heavier side, we suggest you always opt for vertical prints over the horizontal variant as they make you look less bulky and more toned. Dark colors at night and pastel colors during the day can work in your favor. If you are busty and have a slim waist, wear jeans that enhance your curves.
A dark shirt worn with khaki pants cuts you in half at the waist (making you look shorter and wider). The same shirt with dark gray slacks de-emphasizes your waistline a little and boosts your altitude a bit.
Skip the baggy pants – It may be tempting to hide your beer belly with baggy jeans, but trust me, a well-tailored pair of trousers and chinos can make you look good and slimmer. Avoid tight t-shirts – Choose a regular fit instead of a slim fit.
Do not wear baggy clothing to try to hide your weight—that will actually make you look larger. Also, avoid clothing that's too tight, especially around your midsection. Instead, wear clothing that loosely skims your figure and while defining your waist.
It's a common belief that if you want to appear slimmer than you actually are, you should wear clothes with vertical stripes. The classical pinstriped business suit would be an example of this sort of clothing hiding a few extra pounds. It turns out that this folk belief is fundamentally wrong.
Go vertical- Since stripes can alter shapes, going vertical will make your plus size figure longer and leaner! I know a lot of women love to look taller, especially with their legs!
Stripes: If stripes are your thing, chances are that you have a strong sense of self-worth. It is considered as a staple of business wear; a preference for vertical stripes means that you are likely a go-getter. The pattern isn't all business, however.
“Avoid splashy patterns and big prints, which bring undue attention to the shape of your body.” “Wear dark colors because they're slimming.” “And, when applicable, opt for v-necks and vertical stripes, which draw the eye down and have a slenderizing effect.”
Vertical stripes (up and down) make the eye move from top to bottom and therefore elongate the body, which is good, if the stripes are few and far between. Horizontal stripes cause the eye to move back and forth, so remember rule #1 when wearing horizontal stripes.
Horizontal stripes (particularly thicker stripes) will make your breasts appear wider too. Adding a short, statement necklace or pendant also emphasises this area, drawing attention to your breasts and making them more prominent.
In the middle ages, striped clothing began to be a sign of an outcast or someone who needed to be contained: “Servants and court jesters wore striped cloth; so did prostitutes, madmen, and criminals, not voluntarily but by official orders.
Hourglass – Curvaceous figures can pull off any pattern – stripes too. But to accentuate curves, wear horizontal stripes to add focus to your hips and bust. Petite – Small women who want to maximise their height should opt for thin, vertical stripes to elongate the figure.
Avoid large tops, wide tent dresses, and baggy pants that hide your shape and make your body appear larger than it is. Covering your body shape and trying to hide behind your clothes doesn't help your look at all. On the contrary, it makes everyone aware of the fact that you aren't comfortable with your body.
The key to having expensive-looking outfits is by pairing them with simple, good-quality shoes and accessories. Add a pair of pumps and statement jewelry to dress up a look. I personally like to go for simple, good-quality jewelry to add to my outfit. Structured purses and belts can also make a difference in your look.
Avoid anything with horizontal prints, be it big or small. Vertical print dresses with deep necks are your go-to if you want to look slimmer and taller. And, patterns like A-line cut or a can seal the deal for you.
When considering a shirt for fat guys, one should look at the type of stripes on top of the color. Usually darker colors are going to be great for bigger men as darker colors can often come off as slimming. This means colors like dark blue, dark purple, grey, black, etc.
Darker shades of colors like blue, purple and brown can also help to hide flaws and create a slimming illusion. On the other hand, lighter colors, like white and khaki, can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame. Don't wear a white blouse if you want to camouflage a large chest.
Opt for a dress or bottom that has both an elastic waistband and a wide or loose silhouette from the waist down. This will provide your waist with some definition, keep you comfortable, and avoid highlighting your bloated stomach.
A man who is 5 ft. 10 in. tall is considered overweight (BMI is 25 to 29) if he weighs between about 174 and 202 pounds, and is obese (BMI is 30 or more) if he is closer to 209 pounds or more.
15% body fat: This percentage of body fat usually fits into the “lean and fit” category. Outlines of muscle can be seen, but there is not really a clear separation between them.Muscles and veins can slightly be seen, but are covered by a thin layer of fat. However, the overall body shape is present and can be noticed.
The hard belly is caused by the build-up of visceral fat, a soft belly is caused by subcutaneous fat, which is located near to your skin. Subcutaneous fat makes your belly jiggly, unlike the visceral fat. One cause behind the build-up of visceral fat could be your genetics.
It may be predicted, therefore that, if attractiveness is a mechanism for identifying healthy, fertile mates, healthy levels of body fat (21–33% for women and 8–21% for men; [36]) will be perceived as healthiest and most attractive. Men have approximately 60% more muscle mass than women [27,28].
For men, a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (102 centimeters) indicates an unhealthy concentration of belly fat and a greater risk of health problems.
Many large men dress in clothes that are several sizes too big, thinking they are disguising their physique. But baggy clothes don't fool anyone and in fact draw more attention to your weight while downgrading your overall appearance and the impression you make.
This is what might politely be called the chubby category, with body mass indexes (a measure of weight for height) of 25 to 30. A woman, for instance, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs between 146 and 175 pounds.
The girls' equivalent of plus-size fashion was called “Chubby” from the 1950s to the 1970s. “Chubby Clubs” were organized throughout the country to give girls of size a sense of community. Decades later, “chubby” is still a term sometimes used to describe larger body types.
Horizontal stripes/lines make the room feel wider, while vertical lines can make the space seem longer/taller. Accent pieces such as striped rugs can also help make spaces feel bigger.
Use stripes to draw attention up to your bust and shoulders to balance your look. Look for shirts or dresses that feature the pattern, whether vertical, horizontal or diagonal, on the sleeves and chest. Or wear a solid color for your bottoms and use wider lines in your top to give your figure a bit of balance.
If you're looking to break away from solid colors, stripes are a great entry level pattern. They're geometric, look great on most guys, and are pretty straightforward to wear and combine.
Scientists have discovered that the fashion mantra that wearing vertical stripes makes you look thinner is not true. In fact, horizontal stripes are more flattering to those with a less than perfect physique.
Shirts and trousers in a vertical stripe draw the eye downward, elongating the body and visually slimming it. Pinstripe makes for the perfect suit, and also looks good in a dress shirt with dark jeans or black trousers. For casual wear, opt for slim stripes.
Tight horizontal lines and thin stripes across the hips and bust on a close fitting garment will accentuate what curves you have, making you look more shapely. If you are very thin though, you could opt for bolder stripes to add some volume to your body.
According to scientists, horizontal stripes can make you look thinner. This is because they seem to fill space more than vertical stripes do. BUT on the contrary, vertical stripes can elongate your figure and make you look taller.
It turns out that some fashion “advice” is just plain wrong: horizontal stripes won't make you look fatter. In fact, they may even make you look thinner.
Key Verse: Isaiah 53:5, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisem*nt for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.” (NKJV) The ultimate plan of God is not divine healing but divine health.
The result? The figure in horizontal stripes was perceived as thinner than the one in vertical stripes. So Dr Thompson drew the conclusion that horizontal ones make you look thinner, not fatter.
Colors and patterns: Big guys look best in solid colors. Darker colors have a slimming effect. Light colored suits are tricky, as are patterns like plaid and horizontal stripes. If you prefer a patterned suit, vertical pinstripes are flattering on larger bodies as long as the stripes are not too bold.
These styles will accentuate your curves, while still camouflaging your tummy, thighs, or butt. The flowy lower half of the dress is much more flattering than a fitted type that will show every bulge or imperfection.
Rule 1: Vertical over Horizontal: Stressing once can never be enough… Vertical is a perfect choice for most men unless you're already too tall then vertical might not be the best option for you.
Horizontal designs like broad stripes or wide chevron patterns make you look bigger than you are. Choose thin, vertical stripes instead for a toned look.
Wear a blazer, a sports coat, or an overcoat – any well-fitted jacket that accentuates the shoulders and creates the illusion of a slimmer frame. A double-breasted jacket, preferably in a dark color, helps disguise an obese torso and offers a relatively flattering profile.
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