How to Weight Train and Maintain a Tailored Wardrobe

Hi, the name’s Hubert. During a life-altering event (*cough* d i v o r c e *cough cough*), I found myself with a loss of appetite. This led to dramatic weight loss of 25 pounds or so. Recognizing the good fortune I found myself, I had a renewed interest in my physical fitness and general appearance. I hit the gym harder than ever and I bought better threads.

I spent several months getting items in my wardrobe, old and new, tailored. For some reason, I thought I had reached peak physical shape. Why I thought that I’ll never know, but it was a thing. Anyway, after about a year, I decided to focus on building strength. I switched my training program to one designed to increase my one-rep max on the major compound lifts. I will save you the broscience, but know that I have been progressing nicely.

Prior this time, I acquired quite a few mid-range clothing essentials: Bonobos suits, heavy denim jeans from Gustin, and a batch of button-downs. All these items were taken to my tailor (shout out to Ali at The Birmingham Tailor).

Long story short, I recently have taken notice that many of the new items I bought are quite snug on me now. I admit I had gained a little size. I quickly adjusted my diet to drop some pounds, but “the damage” has been done. Even cutting weight, my shoulders, chest, and back are bigger than they’ve ever been. It’s a nice problem to have, but, damn is it coming at a price. Anyway, I am here today to help you not go through the same drama. Basic facts that relate to the tips I’m providing:

1. I focus on my improving my physical fitness, not my physique; I weight train, but not like a bodybuilder

2. I am committed to dressing well on a daily basis

3. I do not like to waste

4. I dislike shopping for clothes

5. I believe in supporting or helping those less fortunate than myself

With this in mind, one can see how my wardrobe might become problematic for me. Fortunately, thanks to designers understanding that men care about fit too, there are advanced options. Not to mention, everything doesn’t always have to fit like a glove. It just has to be appear as such. 😉

While it is quite nice to throw on a tailored button-down, it isn’t essential to life. If you learn how to tuck in a shirt, you can appear to look like you have on a tailored shirt without the bill.

If you are wearing layers, use top layers that are good about keeping their shape. For example, a thick, untucked OCBD under an thin cashmere-blend sweater can look bad if the shirt isn’t cut close to the body. It is best to use thinner pieces as your base. This will help keep from looking bulky.

Brands like DL1961 and Bonobos make clothes that are made to look fitted without you feeling uncomfortable. For instance, both of these brands make jeans that have stretch in them. Now some men may wonder, “Aren’t stretchy jeans for chicks?” Well, my friend, not anymore. In 2016, baggy clothes are still not fashionable. Fashion designers understand, especially in the US, dudes aren’t used to breaking in clothes like a ranch hand or a rodeo competitor. In the same thought, most guys are not as disciplined in keeping their physiques contained. These fashion-forward brands will be hard-pressed to find any takers, if everyone was afraid of having items they can no longer where in a short amount of time.

If you are like me and you stay physically active, consider getting some items that can handle some dramatic movements.

Quick hat tip: those of you who are not afraid of leg day and find it difficult to find a denim cut that flatters your work, look into Keirin Cut Jeans. While they only have one wash and cut at the moment, their cut is truly for folks with athletic sticks. Normally, I require a 34” waist and that’s when I am in decent shape. I have been known to cop 36” and usually 35”. I have a pair of Keirins at 33×34. When I know I may be doing something active like hanging with kids or going feather bowling, I wear them.

The stretchy work is not just happening for pants. Brands like Zara and H&M sell tops with stretch. Again, they know you dudes aren’t loyal to your fitness. Even those that are, they know you probably don’t have the bankroll to buy new items every time a piece of theirs no longer fits well.

Obviously, you can go the eBay route. There is a bit of work you will need to do if you have never sold on the platform. I have heard guys have decent success with Craigslist which is much easier. If you ball on a higher level, ACS recommends looking into Grailed to post your high-end items.

If all else fails, there is the Salvation Army. There are also programs that provide clothing for people in need of clothes to wear in corporate environments. H&M will take your old clothes and recycle them. Basically, you got options. Just don’t throw your ill-fitting clothes away, if they’re in decent shape.

If you are like me and experience dramatic weight loss, make sure you take it easy on upgrading your wardrobe. Give it another year or two before you double-down and get some truly tailored fits. Let me tell you how happy I am to not have sprung for the custom suit yet!

You can still look tailored without the price tag. Just take your time.

Can you relate to the story presented here? If so, we want to hear from you. Hit us up at hello@acuratedstyle.com.