Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Fashion for larger man? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/fashion-for-larger-man-1011965/)

nathanielks Apr 19th, 2014 06:25 PM

Fashion for larger man?
 
Hey all!

I'll be spending some time in Europe this summer and was curious thoughts on European fashion for a larger man. I'm 6' 2" and generally wear XL. Most of the European fashion I see is for skinny men and I'm afraid I'll stick out like a sore thumb. I'll be doing some shopping before I go as I own a pair of jeans and a bunch of t-shirts ( which apparently are both no-no's ).

Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions? I appreciate your feedback!

janisj Apr 19th, 2014 06:42 PM

There are plenty of 'plus size' men in the UK. You won't stick out like a sore thumb unless you try really REALLY hard to shock. Nothing wrong w/ jeans - unless they sag down around your knees.

(XL isn't all that 'huge' for someone 6' 2" )

adrienne Apr 19th, 2014 07:48 PM

What type of tee shirts? Are they nice or do they have ratty sayings on them? How about some polo shirts. The collar gives a more finished look for men and they are as cool and wash as easily as tee shirts. Add a couple of no-iron button down shirts (depending on your age).

I see you only have one pair of jeans. Do you have other trousers? If not, then buy some in black or navy and khaki. They'll work well with the polos.

Bring a water-proof jacket and a sweater or two. Pack socks to keep your feet warm and add lace-up shoes. You'll be all set for a UK summer! If the temps go above 75 you could also bring sandals.

flanneruk Apr 19th, 2014 10:32 PM

No-one in Europe gives a flying fart what you wear.

Possibly you live in some homogeneous ghetto where everyone wears the same clothes and looks the same.

If so, you'll be shocked by the diversity of European streets. If not, why do you think Europe's going to be any different?

crellston Apr 19th, 2014 11:19 PM

"No-one in Europe gives a flying fart what you wear." Couldn't agree more. Don't worry about it.

MissPrism Apr 19th, 2014 11:32 PM

Adrienne has some good suggestions. You'll see jeans but usually dark ones. I never understand the attitude " look like an unmade bed if you are comfortable nobody will care" What's wrong with looking neat, tasteful and well groomed?

cathies Apr 19th, 2014 11:46 PM

The only reason I wouldn't take jeans to Europe in the summer is because I find them too hot to wear. Something in a lighter weight might be more comfortable.

Nikki Apr 20th, 2014 12:50 AM

I have been reading on this forum for years that jeans are not comfortable for travel. Yet every flight I take is filled with people in jeans who must not realize they are uncomfortable, and people all over appear to be wearing them in the street.

cathies Apr 20th, 2014 01:56 AM

Well good for them. I find them hot and I prefer not to wear them.

Bokhara2 Apr 20th, 2014 02:07 AM

My nephew is 6'6" & wears XL to get the length he needs in trousers & sleeves. At only 4" shorter, I don't see you would have too many problems finding stylish casual gear.

Look for chinos, dark jeans, polo necked tee shirts & a good light weight jacket ( navy or black is good) that you can sling over a t'shirt or white shirt for a nice restaurant.

There was a good looking man in a white shirt, camel chinos & a black jacket at the table next to us at lunch today. He looked great & wasn't a puny specimen. Could have been you!

Dukey1 Apr 20th, 2014 03:02 AM

Jeans (and denim of all sorts) a "no no" in Europe? Wait until you get there and see ALL of those jeans and sneakers (trainers)...you'll wish you had brought more of them.

colduphere Apr 20th, 2014 03:43 AM

Get ready for a lot of attention from European women. I am 6'3" and an XL. You're right about the skinny men over there. When they see a substantial man European women just sort of lose it.

You'll think they're picking your pocket but they're not.

colduphere Apr 20th, 2014 03:44 AM

PS you might want to drop "Nathan" and tell them your name is Chuck. For the full experience.

chartley Apr 20th, 2014 03:49 AM

You are wrong there, Cold. What European women really go for are men who are 5' 3" and XXL. Ripped jeans and an off-white stained t-shirt also help, preferably with a medallion, some piercings and a few tattoos.

Nikki Apr 20th, 2014 03:53 AM

Is that from personal experience?

cathies Apr 20th, 2014 03:54 AM

Cold, you are an absolute devil!

Charley, with some ripe body odour, that's my worst nightmare.

colduphere Apr 20th, 2014 03:55 AM

Chartley - Sounds perfect for my 60s and 70s. Something to look forward to.

Bokhara2 Apr 20th, 2014 04:07 AM

Sounds like something FROM the 60's/70's! Only missing the platform
Shoes & paisley shirt.

adrienne Apr 20th, 2014 04:45 AM

cold - you're always a delightful experience!!

colduphere Apr 20th, 2014 04:52 AM

Adrienne there's just something about hearing "Oh mon dieu Chuck". It's the merging of cultures I think.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:50 PM.