In the journey towards a more muscular body, one thing often overlooked is the impact it has on the way our clothes fit.
Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders might be pleasantly surprised by their muscle gains, but also slightly frustrated when their favourite shirt starts to feel snugger than usual.
So, let's address this wardrobe conundrum. Does gaining muscle make your clothes tighter? Building muscle can make your clothes tighter. This happens, especially where bigger muscles grow, like the arms, chest, and thighs. It leads to a snugger fit in these areas.
But theres finally a solution with fitted clothing at Tapered Menswear.
Does Gaining Muscle Make Your Clothes Tighter?
When you engage in regular strength training, your muscles grow. This process, known as hypertrophy, involves the increase in size of muscle fibers which may lead to a more muscular physique.
As you pack on more muscle, your dimensions change. And while you might be losing fat in the process, the increase in muscle mass, especially in areas like your chest, arms, and shoulders, can indeed make your clothes feel tighter.
Why Are My Clothes Getting Tighter When I Started Working Out?
It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? You start working out, maybe even lose a few pounds of fat, yet your clothes seem to be shrinking. The truth is, while fat takes up more volume than muscle, muscle is denser.
So, as you lose fat and gain muscle, your body becomes tighter and more compact, but also wider in certain areas.
This combination can lead to your regular clothes fitting more snugly than before. The problem guys start to face is that regular clothes aren't designed for bodies like this.
Why Do My Clothes Fit Tighter?
Your clothes could be hugging your body a bit more closely for a variety of reasons. Muscle growth is one, especially if you've been hitting the gym hard. But other factors might include general weight gain, bloating, or even a laundry mishap.
Remember, hot water and dryers are notorious for shrinking clothes! However, if you've been consistent with your workout routine and eating a balanced diet, it's likely your new muscles that are filling out your outfits.
Does Bloating Make Clothes Tighter?
Certainly does! Bloating can be another culprit for that tight feeling around your waistband. Consuming certain foods, or eating just before your workout, can cause temporary bloating.
However, unlike the lasting changes from muscle growth, bloating is a transient issue and tends to resolve on its own.
Building Muscle, Clothes Don't Fit
After building muscle, it's common to notice certain areas, such as the chest, arms, and shoulders, bulging against your clothes.
This is particularly true for traditional off-the-rack clothes that aren't designed with a muscular build in mind. Your sleeves might become restricting, and buttons on your shirt start to gape threatening to pop.
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That's where clothes for bodybuilders or muscle fit shirts come into play.
The Ultimate Solution - Tapered Menswear
For those grappling with the dilemma of building muscle but busting out of their clothes, Tapered Menswear provides a much-needed solution.
With the introduction of TAPERED fit shirts, men now have the option for shirts that are fitted, but have enough stretch to provide comfort for all day wear in comparison to slim fit.
A perfect fit for a V taper physique. So why not show off all that hard work in the gym with a TAPERED fit shirt, and be comfortable as well as fashionable?
Check out our best seller here.
Our TAPERED fit has been developed by leading Tailors and industry experts to provide you with a revolutionary fit, you won’t ever need to take your shirt to a tailor again or give lots of different measurements.
Perfect for those seeking a muscular fit, or bespoke tailoring - ready to wear! The best shirts for a muscular build.
Our Tapered collection also includes muscle fit short sleeve shirts, muscle fit t-shirts and muscle fit polos.
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Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.
Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.
Enhanced Darts
Expertly tailored darts at the back, for the perfect fit.
Stretch Cotton
Super soft, breathable and allows complete freedom of movement.
Perfect for the office.
With our non obtrusive logo stitched subtly on the wrist makes our TAPERED Fit Shirt ideal for formal occasions.
Tapered Fit Shirts are the true solution to your shirt fitting problem. If you want a shirt that fits your body like it should, check out or best selling shirt here