STYLE: Stylish dressing tips for a plus-size man

You love your man, but there’s just so much of him to love. And lately, his wardrobe is holding him a little too lustily that he is jumping out of his skin. Or, maybe you are the plus-size gentleman who is frustrated that everyone seems to have a waist 34.
Men now are at least four inches taller, which means their girth has also increased. Shopping for the plus size man, you would think, would be easier with men growing bigger than the average male was in the 1950s to 1970s. Not when plus-size men are the majority.
Yet the body positivity movement does not seem to have extended the same affection to the-big and tall. Based on statistics, plus-size men are not shopping as much as other men or plus-size women. This could be why.

BEST FRIEND
Make your tailor your best friend: When you find a stylish plus-size male blogger - virtually because they don’t seem to exist in East Africa, what makes their style most impressive, aside from everything we are about to discuss, is fit.

Fit is king is a mantra every human being has to live by, and the plus-size gentleman is no exception. You want lines that look good on your body.

Many a juicy man walks around with clothing marred by bulges and wrinkles in all the wrong places, with the clothes wearing him.

You may have also noticed this from the outfits you get the most compliments in - that the better they fit, the more comfortable.

Have waists, hems and sleeves taken in. Note that just like any other kind of blazer, it must fit properly across your broad shoulders.

FEMALE MODELS
Size is something, but it is not everything: Just the same way plus-size female models have been criticised for encouraging obesity, so have plus-sized men been judged.

When I was training with body-builders, there was a miracle drug called Hydroxycut. A number of men were more than intrigued. No, don’t go looking for it. Accept yourself. That is not just advice from one saucy girl to another fabulous woman.

Plus-size men, that is if they are not rugby players, are seen as lacking in athletic abilities, self-management and body control.

It does not help that the clothes they tend to find have a weird fit. In a world where image is everything, what is considered an unwieldy body with odd clothes is open for criticism. Plus-size men are not celebrated nearly as much as curvy women. Do not despair oh delicious one. Your size is valid. Look out for plus-size bloggers:
For they will give you courage to go forth with style. @keenzao, @Chubstr, @Notoriously Dapper, @ClausFrankfurt@scottbayliss and @thebigfashionguy are not just names I am making up.

Go to Instagram and hunt for pages that promise fashion for the big and tall, plus-size, extended size; it turns out the industry has not pinned down a name for the curvy man.

Whatever you think is your body dilemma, there is a blogger on Instagram curing it. Pinterest is a treasure for growing male influencers. This is where the fashion-savvy visit it.

GET INSPIRED
Play around with hashtags over the weekend and get inspired.
There are designers who will be your BFF:  Mambo Pambo, headed by Kawira Mirero makes well-fitted custom-made men’s shirts. If you want to talk serious business, her superb team, which has dressed me for years  - are in a position to style the pants off for you.
Occasions & Days, headed by Monica Kanari, do bespoke men’s suits. If you are looking at formal wear, this is the place to go.

Honestly speaking, if you have ever wondered what kind of business to get into, find someone with an eye for fashion and partner with them by starting a plus-size menswear clothing line. Plus-size men are here to stay, and no, it is not a fad. Not until we live in a clothing-optional universe.

If it doesn’t fit then you must acquit: Never, ever leave an outlet with an outfit you haven’t tried on. Never. It is extremely rare to put on an outfit that fits perfectly in your case. If it did, this would be a very different conversation. Trying it helps you figure out if you really like it. At the same time do not treat well-fitting as an oddity. Sometimes magic happens.

Your fashion sense is an all hands on deck job. Nairobi Textiles at the CBD has a slew of very professional tailors so you don’t have to worry about Onyi, Oti or Odhis disappearing with your outfit the day before you need it.

You are also not limited to Ankara shirts. What helps is figuring out what makes you pop. Tailors have nuggets of wisdom.

Keep your eyes and ears open, learn, and I can’t emphasise this enough, draw inspiration online. Because you are worth it.