Finding clothes that actually fit shouldn't feel like a desert expedition without a map. If you're a guy who stands over 6'2" or carries some serious muscle, you already know the drill. You walk into a "regular" store at Fashion Square, find a shirt you actually like, and then realize the sleeves end at your mid-forearm. Or the "XL" fits like a crop top.
Big and tall Scottsdale shoppers often think they’re stuck with online ordering and the "buy three, return two" cycle.
It’s frustrating.
Honestly, the landscape for larger sizes in Scottsdale is actually way better than people give it credit for, but you have to know where to look. It’s not just about finding a 3XT shirt; it’s about finding one that doesn't look like a literal tent.
The Reality of Big and Tall Scottsdale Retailers
Most guys just head to the big-box stores and hope for the best in the back corner. Don't do that. You’re better than a clearance rack at the back of a department store.
If you want a retail experience where you don’t have to apologize for your wingspan, DXL Big + Tall on North Scottsdale Road is the heavy hitter. It’s located at 16459 North Scottsdale Road, basically right in the middle of the North Scottsdale shopping hub. What’s cool about this spot is that they didn’t just cram big clothes into a small space. They have wide aisles and massive fitting rooms.
Think about it.
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Nothing kills a shopping trip faster than trying to squeeze into a 2x2 fitting room when you’re 6'5". At this location, they have "Fit Experts" who actually know how to measure a guy. It sounds basic, but having someone who understands how a blazer should sit on a 52-Portly frame makes a massive difference.
But maybe you want something more "boutique" and less "chain."
That’s where Exclusively Big & Tall comes in. You’ll find them at 7353 N Vía Paseo Del Sur, tucked into The Shops at Hilton Village. This isn't the place for $10 t-shirts. It’s the spot for the guy who needs a high-end suit for a gala at the Phoenician or a high-quality polo for a round at TPC Scottsdale. They have an on-site tailor, which is basically the "secret sauce" of big and tall shopping.
Why Fit Matters More Than Size
We need to talk about the "Athletic Fit" trap.
Scottsdale is a fitness-heavy city. We’ve got guys who are "big" because they spend five days a week at the gym, not because they’re just tall. If you have a 50-inch chest and a 34-inch waist, standard big and tall clothes will make you look like you’re wearing a garbage bag.
State and Liberty at Scottsdale Quarter is a game-changer for this specific demographic. They focus on "athletic fit" performance menswear. Their shirts are designed with more room in the upper body and a taper at the waist. It’s not a traditional big and tall store, but for the "tall and fit" crowd, it’s a godsend.
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"The biggest mistake guys make is buying a size up to get the length, but then they lose all the structure in the shoulders and torso." — Common sentiment among local stylists.
Where to Find Custom Solutions
Sometimes off-the-rack just isn't going to cut it. If you have a truly unique build, you have to go custom.
- Nick’s Menswear: Located in Scottsdale Fashion Square. They carry sizes up to 62 Long. They are family-owned and have been around since 2009. They handle a lot of weddings, so if you’re a 6'8" groomsman, this is your best bet.
- Art Lewin Bespoke: For the guy who wants the absolute best. They are in Old Town and handle true bespoke tailoring. It’s an investment, but it’s the last suit you’ll ever need to buy.
- The Clotherie: This is a Scottsdale staple since 1969. While not exclusively big and tall, they have a "made-to-measure" department that can accommodate almost any size with high-end fabrics from mills in Italy and England.
Dressing for the Scottsdale Heat
Let’s be real: being a big guy in 115-degree weather is a struggle.
When you're shopping for big and tall Scottsdale gear, fabric choice is everything. You want to look for "Performance" fabrics. We’re talking moisture-wicking blends and lightweight linens.
Avoid heavy pima cottons in the summer. They hold sweat like a sponge. Instead, look for brands like Peter Millar or Tommy Bahama—both of which have a significant presence in Scottsdale and offer extended sizing. Their fabrics are designed for tropical and desert climates.
It’s basically the difference between feeling like you’re in a sauna and actually enjoying your patio lunch at True Food Kitchen.
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Quick Shopping Cheat Sheet
- Casual/Daily: DXL or Nordstrom (at Fashion Square, they have a decent "Big & Tall" section online with in-store returns).
- Business/Formal: Exclusively Big & Tall or Nick’s Menswear.
- Gym/Performance: State and Liberty (for the V-taper guys).
- Shoes: Don't forget the feet. DXL carries up to size 16, but for luxury dress shoes in large sizes, you'll likely need to check the specialized inventory at Nordstrom.
The "Tailor Rule" for Big Guys
If you buy nothing else from this, remember the Tailor Rule.
Buy the clothes that fit your widest part—usually the shoulders or the chest—and then pay the $20 to $40 to have a tailor bring in the rest. It is the only way to get that "celebrity" look. In Scottsdale, we have access to some of the best tailors in the Southwest. Most of the stores mentioned, like Exclusively Big & Tall, offer this in-house.
It’s worth the extra trip.
Seriously. A $100 shirt that is tailored looks better than a $300 shirt that hangs off you like a tent.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Shopping Trip
Instead of dreading your next clothing hunt, try this approach:
- Get Professionally Measured First: Go to a place like Nick’s or DXL and ask for your current measurements. Don’t rely on what you wore three years ago.
- Audit Your Fabric: Check labels for "mercerized cotton," "linen blends," or "moisture-wicking." If it’s 100% heavy denim or thick wool, leave it for the winter.
- Call Ahead: Scottsdale boutiques are small. If you're a size 54L or need a size 15 EEE shoe, call Exclusively Big & Tall or DXL before you drive over. They can often pull items from the back or order them to the store for you to try on.
- Focus on One "Power Outfit": Start with one great-fitting blazer and one pair of dark denim. In Scottsdale, that combo will get you into 95% of the restaurants and clubs in the city.
Shopping for big and tall Scottsdale options doesn't have to be a chore. Between the specialty shops in North Scottsdale and the custom tailors in Old Town, there’s no reason to settle for clothes that don't make you feel like the biggest, best version of yourself.