Even if you are proud to be well upholstered, it’s important to be well dressed: flattering clothes might not turn you into an Abercrombie & Fitch model, but they can enhance your shape. John Murphy, the managing director of the menswear shop High and Mighty, says: “Fit is everything. Many large men are in denial about their size and buy clothes that are either too tight or too large.” Look smart and structured; shapeless leisurewear can make a large man look like a blob. Refined accessories such as classic handmade shoes add finesse.

Suits and shirts

It’s worth having a made-to-measure suit. Avoid double-breasted jackets; choose two-buttoned styles. Ensure that trouser ankles aren’t too wide. The waistband should sit on, rather than over or under, the belly. Shirts with thin vertical stripes slim the torso. Avoid a full cutaway collar as it makes the neck look bigger.

Casual clothes

Jeans with medium-sized back pockets in dark denim are the most flattering. Avoid ripped jeans. Accessorise with a medium-width belt with a chunky buckle to balance the belly. Avoid combat trousers: the pockets add bulk.

Summer clothes

These should fall on the knee. Polo shirts are more flattering than T-shirts (the neck detail draws the eye away from the stomach) and are more stylish than short-sleeved shirts.

Things to avoid

Putting bulky wallets, keys or change in back pockets: it makes your bottom look big. Polonecks. Short ties.

Shopping

High and Mighty (0845 6010212). Off-the-peg and made-to-measure suits, an alteration service and casual clothes by the likes of Ralph Lauren.

www.bigtallorder.co.uk: offers a good selection of casual wear.

Marks & Spencer’s Big & Tall line. The greatest range of sizes is available online.