Plus Size Shopping for Men in New York City
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Like a lot of men, I absolutely hate shopping, especially for clothes. Between trying to find something you like and the different size variations that may or may not fit, it’s an unpleasant experience all around. I even hate t-shirts gift shops. Who, reading this can say that they never found a t-shirt they liked, only to realize that the sizes stopped at XL. It’s embarrassing having to ask a store clerk for a bigger size, only to learn they don’t stock it, whether in a souvenir shop or in a brick and mortar clothing store, the feeling never changes. That’s why my preference is shopping online. I wholeheartedly endorse LandsEnd.com, they have clothes in my size, a generous return policy, quality unusually high for the plus-size market, a good value, and free shipping on orders over certain dollar amounts. To me, they check all the boxes.
But sometimes you do need to try something on, or you need something right away, maybe for a job interview. And since I have lived most of my life in the New York area I thought I’d share some tips on where to find plus size men’s clothing in New York City for you. For everyday clothes, I have always found Burlington Coat Factory and TJ Maxx to be great places to find bigger sizes for a good value.
A store that is uniquely familiar to the NY area and now Philadelphia is Century 21. No, not the real estate agent, it’s a discount department store that I have been going to since I was a kid. I still have a fan my dad bought at their original location, a block away from the World Trade Center, prior to 9/11. Century 21 has a few different locations, the one in Paramus, NJ, a town just a 10-minute car ride from Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge. But what I like about Century 21 as a portly man is their selection of higher-end dress shirts that come in a variety of sizes. Brands like Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger are priced around $20-30. Century 21 organizes their clothes based on color and size, which helps with lowering the frustration of sifting through bargain bins and discount racks. Making it extremely easy to get in and get out quickly, without spending a lot of money, which is my goal on any shopping trip.
200 Bergen Town Center, Paramus, NJ 07652
If you do want to go to the mall, there are a few more options. First is the Palisades Mall in Nyack, NY, about 20 minutes north from Manhattan, a very scenic drive, but can also be reached via public transportation. The stores in Palisades that offer men’s plus size clothing are:
- Burlington
- Target
- Macy’s
- Bronte
If you are like me, shoe shopping can be extremely difficult with wide feet. In New York, there are a ton of shoe stores, mostly women’s, but some unisex. There are two shoe stores that I have had some luck in purchasing from. First is, Harrys Shoes on the Upper West Side. They carry a wide range of shoes in wide sizes for both men and women. The other is Globe Shoes in Paramus, NJ. The salespeople are extremely knowledgeable, and they stock numerous different styles and sizes.
2299 Broadway @, W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
NYC has some national brands that either specialize in fat guy clothes or have departments devoted to them. Men’s Warehouse is one store where your results may vary from store to store. They sell great stuff at prices that can be reasonable, the staff is helpful and nonjudgmental most of the time. Destination XL has plus sizes from many major brands and if you need something that fits right away, they are a great option. Lastly, Jos A. Banks carry suits that fit my body type, classified as a “regal cut”. My only issue with this store is they only have their base model line in larger sizes so if you have your eye on some of their high-end lines you are out of luck. They also don’t do alterations on-site so you might be out of luck if you have a job interview tomorrow.
The city is one of the fashion capitals of the world so even the portliest of passengers is going to be able to find something here. It can be trying with all the designer brands which expect men to have the physique and wallet of a professional athlete, but there are options available. There are custom tailors, specialty stores, department stores with big and tall sections and many more.
Ladies if you are interested in locations throughout New York City check out our post for Plus Size Shopping for Women in New York City.
For online shopping and even in-store shopping, join Rakuten to receive cashback on many of your orders from companies across the internet, some that where even mentioned in this post.
The Portly Passengers provides plus size inclusive travel tips and advice for anyone who is looking to explore the world. From seat sizes on airplanes to exploring museums, restaurants, and nature, Melissa & Peter have the experience and stories to help guide you through it.
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