The tulips are starting to peek out of the dirt, the first Robins are digging for worms, and Easter is just around the corner. Spring is in bloom! When the weather gets warmer this time of year, big & tall men stow their heavy winter coats, corduroys and wools and opt for lighter fare like colorful cottons, luxe linens and, depending on the climate, even big & tall shorts can make their first appearances.
So what’s looking good for spring 2025 in men’s big and tall apparel? Some of the old, some of the new, some cool takes on retro wear and of course, the latest in big & tall golfwear. Let’s explore what the stylish big & tall man will be wearing as the weather turns warm this year, starting with some spring style basics.
Always in Style for Spring: The Basics
As opposed to autumn styles, where dark shades and heavy fabrics match the dwindling daylight and dropping temps, spring outfits perennially feature lighter colors and textures, offering a playfulness that isn’t seen in fall and winter wear.
While it’s tempting to chase the latest in runway fashion, it’s usually best to aim for being in style, rather than trying and failing to be ahead of the fashion curve. The stylish move is to borrow bits and pieces from various style periods to create something that is uniquely yours. That way, your wardrobe will have a range of great pieces that can be mixed, matched and layered in dozens of interesting ways.
Lighten things up for Spring
Just like the natural environment around us, light blues, greens, yellows and even oranges start to make their appearance in men’s apparel around the vernal equinox. If darker hues are your thing, you don’t have to suddenly start wearing pink. But take note: while you don’t have to eschew dark colors completely, dressing as if you’re going to a funeral is usually at odds with the burgeoning environment around you. It’s best to take the colors you like most and simply opt for a lighter hue rather than a super bright, new and uncomfortable color that is out of step with your aesthetic.
Don’t be afraid of throwing some patterns into the color mix as well; a cleverly-patterned polo shirt over a well-fit pair of khakis (or even shorts) can add some personality and liveliness that contrasts well with the winter wear from months prior.
Lower the weight, but keep layering
Just like fall & winter, spring offers an abundance of opportunity to experiment with layers. But rather than focus on heavy textures, mixing and layering bright colors is the tendency once spring arrives. In concert with experimentation on hues, the general weight of the fabric will match the warming temperatures, as well.
In warmer climates, big & tall button down dress shirts give way to stylish t-shirts. Sweaters remain a top choice in areas with cooler temperatures, but the colors and weight of the fabric slips into the lighter side of things. Pairing light colored chinos and a white v-neck t-shirt with a seersucker jacket is never a mistake. A solid colored v-neck sweater that hides a light-colored patterned sport shirt offers versatility that the season demands while providing the personality you want to show off.
Big & Tall Spring Fit
Always opt for a good fit over what you think is fashionable right now. While we’ve seen a resurgence of roomy-fits in jeans and tops, the grown big & tall man may look too big in oversized clothing. As always, find clothing that fits your body better than it fits trends. That being said, a looser fitting drape might be just the thing to start letting in the breeziness of spring.
Rather than a tight fitting pair of wool trousers, a linen or cotton pant that moves well with you is a good choice. Instead of that well-fit dense cable-knit, a loose cotton sweater under a relaxed twill sport coat can give you the lightness you want for spring while retaining the stylish look you’re after.
What’s in Style in Spring 2025
Chambray, Linens & Seersucker
Slouchy drawcord pants and shorts remain high on the style scale for Q2 2025. Linen styles help blend your outfit seamlessly into what’s to come for the summer, where the lightest fabrics dominate. Chambray is the perfect changeup to the heavier flannels we’re used to in the colder months, and a chambray shirt pairs great with a light sweater or on its own with chinos or shorts.
Dipping into these lighter fabrics is just the contrast you want coming out of winter.
Look for a bit looser and breezier fit when it comes to these lightweight materials; stylish comfort is half the point of these types of textiles, after all.
Here are some great, light material options for this spring:
- Short Sleeve Southport Linen shirt
- 5-Pocket Seersucker Performance Linen pants
- Southport Printed Linen Drawcord shorts
- Long Sleeve Boardwalk Linen overshirt
- Southport Linen Drawcord pants
- Savannah Seersucker Sport coat
- Polo Ralph Lauren Short Sleeve Chambray Sport shirt
Patterned Polos & Throwback Style
No matter the season, a classic polo shirt just seems to work for effortless casual style. This year, a bit of retro styling has entered the big & tall spring style mix, with Mad Men-era weekend wear options coming into vogue again. Knit polos with banded bottoms, no-tuck shirts that harken to bowling league in the 1960s, or cabana-style cable-knit camp shirts paired with garment dyed chinos offer updated takes on throwback styles that will allow big & tall men to truly make a statement this spring.
Here are a few selections that will give your wardrobe a throwback feel:
- Garment Dyed 5-Pocket Twill Pants
- Short Sleeve Button-Front Polo Knit Shirt
- Short Sleeve Button-Front Cabana Polo Knit Shirt
- Robert Graham Short Sleeve Eastwood V-neck T-shirt
- No-Tuck Short Sleeve Stretch Retro Bowling Shirt
- Polo Ralph Lauren Animated Big Pony Mesh Polo Knit Shirt
Elevated Casual & Active Lifestyle
Whether it’s time for weekend cocktails out with your buddies or exploring the newly-blossomed wilderness, the right attire for your springtime adventures can run the gamut from a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to tech pants with a pullover and everything in between. Lounging around requires just the right fit and textures. Prepping the boat for the first trip of the season might mean windbreakers, chinos and waterproof slipons. Even a trip to the grocery store seems to demand a different wardrobe than winter would once spring is sprung.
Wherever your springtime excursions take you there are plenty of easy going options that big & tall men should look for this year…some are evergreen, others have seen recent resurgences in certain stylish circles.
Here’s a look at a few options for getting out and about this spring:
- Black Rock Adventure Pants
- Polo Ralph Lauren Double Knit Full-Zip Hoodie
- Linen Blend Summer Blouson Jacket
- Polo Ralph Lauren Gellar Camo Cargo Shorts
- Polo Ralph Lauren Double Knit Shorts
- Dockers Five Pocket Stretch Thermoregulation Pants
- Long-Sleeve Workout T-Shirt
Jeans: Lighten it up
Dark washes should go the way of dark days once spring arrives. Rather than rich dark denim, opt for a slightly lighter wash to pair with brighter color sweaters and sneakers. Straight leg fits are a timeless option, while the looser 90’s throwback cut has been making a comeback as stylish men are starting to drift away from slimmer fits that we’ve seen in the past few years.
But really, spring 2025 is about as all-inclusive as we’ve seen for big and tall jean styles. Given the right attitude, the right sizing and the right combo of a quality t-shirt, sport shirt or sweater, it's hard to go wrong with many jean styles this year. And don’t be afraid to journey away from blues and indigo into the world of colored denim this year.
Some great denim options for this spring include:
- Straight Leg, Relaxed Fit: Polo Ralph Lauren Light Wash Stretch Jeans
- Classic Fit: Peter Millar Pilot Mill Denim Jean
- Classic Straight fit (colored): Italian 5-pocket Twill Jean
- Modern Fit: Italian Jean
- Stretch Denim: Stretch Denim jeans
- Straight Leg Stretch Denim: Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Denim
- Athletic Fit: Levi’s 541 Athletic Fit Stretch jeans
Ready for the Resort
When March rolls around, we’re reminded that spring break isn’t just for the kids. Taking a break from the long winter means hitting the vacation resort for some quality time at the pool or the beach, cocktail in hand, ready to soak up the sun. For stylish vacationers this time of year, classic looks are always a go-to, with linen shirts, pants and shorts continuing their reign as prime resortwear. Pairing linen bottoms with a short sleeve patterned sport shirt gives vacationers just the right balance of comfort and celebratory style.
When it’s time to get on the boat or in the water, board shorts are a big & tall man’s best friend, which can be paired with a pair of Olukai slip-ons or slides and maybe a rash-guard shirt to keep you comfortable.
When you’re ready to get out on the beach, here are some great options this spring:
- Seaside Long Sleeve Crewneck Rash Guard Shirt
- Saybrook Half Elastic Stripe Board Short
- Southport Linen Drawcord Pant
- OluKai Ohana Water-Resistant Sandals
- Swims Braided Lace Loafer
- Tommy Bahama Nova Wave Palmero Stripe Sport Shirt
- Peter Millar Crab Walk Printed Swim Trunk
Hitting the Links
Whether you’re getting out to your favorite local municipal track for the first time this year or have been working on your short game at the country club in the offseason, you want to be comfortable with full range of motion for an easy backswing. Many golfers also know, however, that it’s easier to play well when you look good. Since most don’t want to go for the classic knickers, cardigan and flat cap these days, a more modern look is the best route for style on the golf course.
Think tailored-fit pants or shorts cut just above the knee, constructed from lightweight performance materials. Stretch performance polos are a great option and come in a range of colors and patterns. If the clouds are starting to gather on the turn, a stylish and well-prepped linksman will have a light waterproof jacket packed away in their bag. With options for full or half-sleeved jackets, you’ll be sure to keep comfortable, unencumbered and ready for whatever the 19th hole brings.
Hit the links in style and high-performance comfort in these excellent options:
- Zero Restriction Half-sleeve Waterproof Jacket
- Country Club Hybrid Printed Shorts
- Robert Graham Short Sleeve “The Player” Polo shirts
- Performance “Golfer” Print Polo Shirts
- Peter Millar Charlotte Performance Trouser
- Techno Ultimate Gab Stretch Pants
- Country Club Hybrid Solid Stretch Shorts
Big & Tall Spring Outerwear Style
Shedding the heavy outerwear layers of winter for the lighter fare of spring is incredibly liberating. Options abound for big & tall men seeking to layer elements of their spring wardrobe beneath a stylish outerwear piece. Here’s a look at what’s trending for jackets, sportcoats and pullovers this spring.
Spring Jackets
Lighter material and lighter colors rule the spring season in general, and is the stylish choice for spring outerwear as well. While leather jackets are typically the domain of the colder months, velvety suede easily finds a home in spring outerwear. For those seeking more performance out of their jackets this spring, options abound in waterproof and performance materials, in both pullover or full-zip configurations.
Military heritage is in full bloom this spring as well, with bomber jacket and field jacket styles emerging as emphasized looks as the weather warms. Many of these options work great as the seasons change to fall, as well.
Some stylish jacket options this spring include:
- Goat Suede Leather Jacket
- Hart Schaffner Marx Lightweight Bomber Jacket
- Polo Ralph Lauren Interlock Track Jacket
- Peter Millar Merge Hybrid Jacket
- Zero Restriction Power Torque Waterproof Jacket
- Full-Zip Stretch Lined Vest
- Peter Millar Rambler Field Jacket
Sport Coats/Blazers
Sometimes the weather’s just right in the springtime where a sport coat is all you really need for outerwear. If you find yourself underdressed in a windbreaker and overwarm in a wool overcoat, a light-colored blazer or sport coat is often just the right thing. Pair with layers of v-neck sweaters and a button down for cooler days where a touch of class is required, or throw a sport coat over lightly patterned polo or even a classic t-shirt to get the most out of these versatile spring essentials.
Here are some great dressed up options for the spring:
- Two-Button Plaid Sport Coat
- Weekender Twill Sport Coat
- Savannah Seersucker Sport Coat
- Total Comfort Stretch Blazer
- Tommy Hilfiger Solid Linen Sport Coat
Pullovers
A classic of transitional seasons, the pullover continues to find fans among big & tall wearers of all stripes. From comfy hoodies to quarter zip tech pullovers, this type of outerwear works great in both spring and fall, and is integral to the layering that those seasons demand. Loose-fitting patterned pullover sweatshirts are coming into vogue for relaxing days and evenings, while the clean lines of a quarter-zip pullover (in a range of textiles and patterns) remain a staple of stylish big and tall men this spring, whether in the boardroom, on the boat, or at the ballgame.
Check out these pullover options to keep you in style and comfortable this spring:
- Tommy Bahama Lapis Skies Baja Pullover
- Peter Millar Lava Wash Hoodie
- Peter Millar Crown Comfort Quarter-zip Pullover
- Melange Quarter Zip Vest
- Long Sleeve Performance Hoodie Pullover
- Peter Millar Sugar Stripe Perth Quarter Zip Pullover
- Tommy Bahama Minori Sands Button Mock Pullover
Spring Footwear for Men in Large and Extra-Large Sizes
Time to jettison the bulky boots and break out the timeless sneaks and slip-ons! Whether on the boardwalk or in the boardroom, the stylish big & tall man is opting for a mix of casual and athletic footwear styles to stay comfortable and remain as versatile as a season like spring demands.
This spring, leather-based casual styles of the fall and winter are being replaced by more performance styling, incorporating more breathable materials paired with soles balanced on high performance. With great options for exploring the outdoors, hitting the gym or the beach, the big and tall man should have no issue finding fashionable footwear that still fits the bill, comfort-wise.
Here are some stylish kicks to check out for this spring:
- Swims Penny Loafers
- Peter Millar Drift V2 Sneaker
- Peter Millar Glide V3 Sneaker
- Peter Millar Camberfly Sneaker
- OluKai Kakaha Slip-On Shoe
- Peter Millar Journeyman Sneaker
- OluKai Olali Slide