The Broad-Shouldered Guide: Clothes for athletic and muscular builds

Buying clothes for a guy with a bit of build to him is an absolute minefield.

As someone who works in Ecom at Percival, I know our sizing like the back of my hand. As someone living with a 6ft Irish finance bro who loves a run, hits the gym, but equally loves a couple of pints at the pub while watching the football and enjoys good food - dressing him is a daily lesson in proportion... And patience.

If a top fits his shoulders and arms, it’s usually long enough to double as a nightshirt. If a cropped tee fits his body, his belly pops out every time he reaches for a pint. Trousers either cling to his thighs like cycle shorts or swallow his shoes whole.

If you are a guy trying to navigate athletic proportions, or you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for a partner who struggles to find clothes that flatter a broader frame without feeling restrictive, this guide is for you. Here is how to embrace roomy cuts, clever tailoring, and textured knits for effortless style.

Percival Clifton Pinstripe Double Breasted Blazer and Trousers in Espresso with a Navy Grenadine Silk Tie.

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How to find the right size and fit

The golden rule when shopping for broader or athletic frames isn't trying to look slimmer - it’s finding structure that moves with you.

The most common issue guys face when searching for the best clothes for bigger men or athletic builds is the choice between "slim fit" (which feels like a straightjacket) and "oversized" (which swallows your frame).

The secret lies in looking for boxy cuts with slightly dropped shoulders and a moderate length. You want a silhouette that gives your chest and back room to breathe without extending past your hipline. When it comes to t-shirts, opt for heavy-gsm cotton and an oversized fit with longer sleeves that sit closer to the elbow. Heavyweight fabrics hang cleanly off broad shoulders rather than clinging to your chest, giving you a sharp, clean profile with zero effort. Learn why fabric weight is everything in our complete guide to heavy tees.

Suits and blazers for muscular men

Finding suits for muscular men or broad-chested guys usually leads to one major frustration: single-breasted, highly tailored jackets pulling across the lapels the moment you button them up.

If standard tailoring feels too restrictive, switch to a double breasted blazer.

My partner swears by Percival’s Clifton double breasted blazer over a traditional single-breasted suit. Double-breasted cuts naturally distribute fabric across a broader chest, creating a clean, structured frame that wraps comfortably around your torso without feeling pinched. It gives you that classic, sharp finance-guy silhouette without forcing you into stiff corporate tailoring.

Pair a double breasted blazer with pleated or tailored suit trousers for a modern, effortless suit separates look. Explore our collection of mens suit jackets and mens suit trousers to build a set that actually fits your top and bottom independently. Unsure about shoulder seam placement or sleeve length? Read our guide on how a suit jacket should fit.

Shirts for broad shoulders and a bigger chest

If you’re shopping for big chest men or broad shoulders, standard stiff-woven dress shirts are the enemy. They gap between the buttons on the chest and pinch across the upper back the second you move your arms.

Instead, search for shirts for muscular men that feature natural stretch or a relax-and-drape structure. This is where knitted button-downs and boxy overshirts come into their own.

Our Lorenzo, Pearce, Rowley or Nolan shirts are a prime example of a perfect fit for broader builds. It offers a relaxed, boxy cut that gives broad shoulders full freedom of movement without looking baggy through the torso.

Alternatively, swap flat-woven poplin for a knitted shirt. A men's knitted polo or knitted button-down naturally stretches over a bigger chest while retaining its crisp collar shape. You get all the polish of a smart shirt with the comfort of a knit. Discover how to style them in our men's knitted shirt style guide, or shop our full range of knitted shirts and boxy shirts.

Trousers for bigger thighs

Whether it’s from running, squatting at the gym, or simply having a solid frame, finding trousers for men with big thighs can feel impossible. Skinny and slim-fit trousers drag on the knees and pull across the pockets, while ultra-wide trousers can end up looking sloppy.

The solution? Pleated, relaxed fit or wide leg trousers that taper slightly at the ankle.

Pleats are an athletic man’s best friend. The folds of fabric at the waistband expand when you sit or walk, giving your thighs and seat extra room without adding volume to the waist. Look for mens relaxed trousers that sit comfortably on the waist and break cleanly right at the top of your shoe - no ankles on display, but equally no heavy fabric bunching over your footwear.

For maximum comfort and clean lines, explore our range of wide leg trousers or check out our mens relaxed fit jeans. If you’re new to pleats, read our breakdown on what are pleated trousers to see why they’re the ultimate trouser upgrade.