Ahhh, it’s the holidays. Time to relax. Now that travel restrictions are all but completely lifted, it’s time to find yourself on a beach somewhere soaking up the sunshine. However, as big men, we might feel a bit anxious about disrobing at the beach. Especially if we think we are going to be judged by others based on our appearance.
Help is at hand. You may be planning on toning up and shedding those extra few kilos as your new year’s resolution. Yet, as big men we know how important it is to look great now, even though we may be in the process of losing weight.
You may be the type of big man who simply slaps on a t-shirt to cover yourself up when swimming at the beach. However, once wet, a t-shirt will wind up showing just as much as not wearing one. Therefore, instead of trying to hide our big man physique at the beach, we need to own it. Confidence here is key.
Big Man Confidence
“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval” ~ Mark Twain
Why not adopt the sage words of Mark Manson (best-selling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck): “you have a limited amount of f*cks to give. Very few, in fact. And if you go around giving a f*ck about everything and everyone… well, then you’re going to get f*cked”?
Try to remember that people are not at the pool or the breach simply to judge you. They are there to have fun and enjoy the sun and the water. We big guys have every right to do the same. Caring less about whether strangers will judge you based on your appearance is the first step to developing confidence. And in the game of life, confidence is key for us big men. It still rates as one of the most highly desirable traits that women are looking for in men.
We big guys need some reminding from time to time of how large and in charge we are. So here goes. Repeat after me: “I look great. I am amazing. I am strong.” Studies show that repeating such powerful affirmations as a daily mantra goes a long way to not only improving our self-compassion, but also reducing stress.
The more we can take control over what is happening on the inside, the more we will begin to reflect that on the outside. Don’t forget: a man is first what he thinks he is, before he ever becomes it.
Big Men at the Beach: Style Tips
Clothes don’t make the man. But they can help the man look great
Using our rejuvenated confidence, it’s time to get dressed for some fun at the beach this summer. Essentially what we want to do is choose the right board shorts first. With this first step we can be a little daring when it comes to choosing both colours and patterns. Choosing your boardies first will help with colour matching and creating an outfit later on.
Another great tip is to wear a darker colour, tight-fitting singlet into the water. As opposed to a baggy t-shirt, singlets are a lightweight option that won’t suction to your skin causing you to look like a pressed ham as you exit the water. Less materials means they also dry quicker. Darker colours also help conceal problem areas.
Finish the look by rocking a great looking linen shirt. This will help you to create a look that can take you from chilling poolside to afternoon drinks.
This summer we big men truly deserve to relax and enjoy ourselves at the beach. After the year from hell we’ve all had, it’s time to really enjoy life once more. So, f*ck any critics, it’s our time to shine!
By Anthony Cheadle
