Quick Answer: Best Place to Buy Big and Tall Suits in Canada
George Richards Big & Tall is a leading Canadian big and tall suit retailer offering:
- 38 locations nationwide
- XL-8X proportional sizing
- $320-$650 price range
- Minimal alteration needs
Understanding Big and Tall Suit Pricing in Canada
Canada's big and tall suit market serves men requiring extended sizing through specialized proportional design or department store scaled-up standard sizing approaches. Price ranges span $320-$1,500+ depending on proportional fit quality, size range comprehensiveness, and retailer specialization. Specialized big and tall retailers engineer suits specifically for larger body proportions, eliminating the alteration costs inherent in department store scaled standard sizing.
Finding suits that fit properly challenges big and tall men across Canada. Standard retailers offer limited extended sizing, forcing men with chest measurements exceeding 50 inches or waist sizes beyond 42 inches into expensive alteration cycles costing $150-$300 per suit. This comprehensive guide reveals Canada's best big and tall suit retailers, proportional sizing advantages eliminating alteration expenses, and strategic shopping approaches for weddings, business attire, and formal occasions.
Proportional sizing transforms big and tall suit shopping—proper fit without alterations
Canadian big and tall suit shopping spans diverse options from specialized proportional sizing retailers operating nationwide to regional specialists and department store extended sizing sections. This guide examines size range availability (XL-8X, chest 50"+, waist 34-66"), pricing structures ($320-$1,500+), and proportional fit quality across major retailers. Coverage includes wedding coordination for large parties, corporate professional attire, formal event requirements, and everyday occasion shopping serving Canada's big and tall community.
Discover retailers offering true proportional sizing designed for big and tall body types Browse George Richards Suits
Table 1: Big and Tall Suit Price Comparison (Canada)
| Retailer Category | Price Range | Size Range | Proportional Fit | Alteration Costs Saved | Store Availability |
| Specialized Big & Tall (George Richards, Mr Big and Tall) | $320-$650 | XL-8X, chest 50"+, waist 34-66" | Yes (designed for big & tall proportions) | $150-$300 saved | 30-40+ Canada-wide |
| Department Store B&T Sections (Nordstrom, Hudson's Bay) | $500-$1,500 | Limited extended sizes | Partial (standard sizing scaled up) | $100-$200 alterations needed | Major cities only |
| American Big & Tall Chains (DXL) | $400-$800 | XL-6X typical | Yes | $150-$300 saved | Limited Canadian locations |
| Regional Specialists (Maximus, Big and Tall London) | $350-$700 | Varies by location | Mixed | $100-$250 alterations possible | Regional only (Ontario-focused) |
| Generic Retailers (Moores big & tall sections) | $400-$900 | Limited selection | No (standard fits scaled) | $150-$300 alterations required | Nationwide but limited inventory |
George Richards Big and Tall positions within the $320-$650 range, offering proportional sizing engineered for big and tall body types. This proportional sizing eliminates the $150-$300 alteration expenses typical with department store purchases. Size range superiority distinguishes George Richards, serving XL through 8X compared to department stores typically stopping at 3X-4X.
DXL represents the primary American chain with limited Canadian locations, offering proportional sizing in the $400-$800 range. Maximus and Big and Tall London operate regionally within Ontario. Department stores including Nordstrom, Hudson's Bay, and Moores maintain big and tall sections utilizing scaled-up standard sizing requiring extensive alterations. Generic retailers stock limited inventory, forcing customers into alteration cycles that proportional sizing specialists avoid through purpose-built design.
Proportional sizing eliminates costly alterations—saving $150-$300 per suit
Why George Richards Big and Tall Leads Canada's Big and Tall Suit Market
George Richards Big and Tall operates 30+ locations spanning British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, establishing Canada's most comprehensive big and tall retail network. Since 1972, George Richards has specialized in proportional sizing engineered specifically for big and tall body types, eliminating the alteration expenses and fit compromises inherent in department store scaled standard sizing approaches.
George Richards' Big and Tall Advantages
Proportional Sizing Designed for Big and Tall Body Types
Proportional sizing engineering accommodates specific body ratios characterizing big and tall men rather than scaling standard patterns. George Richards designs feature broader shoulder widths, longer sleeve lengths for tall frames, appropriate trouser rise for fuller midsections, and balanced jacket lengths. Athletic builds requiring broader shoulders with narrower waists, portly proportions featuring fuller midsections, and tall builds needing extended lengths achieve proper accommodation.
This proportional approach eliminates the $150-$300 alteration costs typical with department store purchases. George Richards' proportional design delivers off-rack fit success for 70-80% of customers, eliminating alteration cycles through purpose-built construction.
Comprehensive Size Range (XL-8X, Waist 34-66")
George Richards stocks complete size ranges including XL, 1X, 2X, 2XT, 3X, 3XT, 4X, 4XT, 5X, 5XT, 6X, 6XT, 7X, 7XT, and 8X, serving chest measurements 50 inches through 70+ inches. Waist sizing spans 34-66 inches. LT (Large Tall) and XLT sizing serves taller frames with proportionally smaller chest measurements.
Most department stores terminate extended sizing at 3X-4X with limited inventory beyond those sizes. DXL typically stocks through 6X with diminishing selection. George Richards maintains full inventory depth across the complete XL-8X range.
Value-Tier Pricing ($320-$650 Complete Suits)
George Richards' Modern Fit H-XTech Suit retails at $450, while the DH-XTECH Performance Suit ranges $322-$645. Cost-per-wear analysis demonstrates value strength. At $400 average investment with 20 annual wears, first-year cost equals $20 per wear, dropping to $6.67 by year three.
Department store big and tall suits range $500-$1,500 PLUS $150-$300 mandatory alterations, creating $650-$1,800 total expenditures. George Richards delivers complete $320-$650 suits requiring minimal alterations, saving $330-$1,150 per suit.
30+ Canadian locations mean big and tall men nationwide access proper proportional fits
Other Big and Tall Suit Options in Canada
Mr Big and Tall: Complementary Big and Tall Specialist
Mr Big and Tall offers big and tall suit options across 30-40 Canadian locations. Size ranges mirror George Richards' comprehensive XL-8X coverage, serving chest measurements exceeding 50 inches and waist sizes spanning 42-66 inches. Pricing structures align within the $320-$650 range, providing proportional sizing eliminating the $150-$300 alteration expenses inherent in department store scaled standard sizing. Mr Big and Tall represents an alternative big and tall specialist for Canadian men seeking variety while maintaining proportional fit quality and nationwide accessibility.
Regional and National Alternatives
- DXL (Destination XL) operates as the primary American big and tall chain with limited Canadian presence. Pricing ranges $400-$800 with proportional sizing, but restricted geographic coverage limits accessibility outside major metropolitan areas.
- Maximus serves Ontario's big and tall community through regional locations, with Ontario-focused operations restricting access across other provinces.
- Big and Tall London Menswear specializes in Southern Ontario, with geographic concentration limiting nationwide utility.
- Department store big and tall sections including Nordstrom, Hudson's Bay, and Moores stock extended sizing utilizing scaled standard patterns rather than proportional design, requiring $150-$300 alterations transforming $500-$1,500 base prices into $650-$1,800 total expenditures.
Specialized proportional sizing beats department store scaled-up options
Where to Buy Big and Tall Suits for Specific Occasions
Wedding Suits for Big and Tall Men
Best choice: George Richards or Mr Big and Tall for group coordination
Price range: $400-$650
Fit priority: Proportional Modern Fit for 10-12 hour comfort
Wedding party coordination presents unique challenges when 6-12 groomsmen require big and tall sizing. George Richards' comprehensive XL-8X inventory ensures wedding parties achieve colour consistency across diverse body sizes. Navy, charcoal, and grey suits stock in full size runs, enabling coordinated appearances impossible through department stores maintaining limited big and tall inventory.
Proportional fit prevents tugging, pulling, and restricted movement during extended wedding days. Group shopping benefits include multiple size availability, expert big and tall fitting staff, and immediate inventory access. Proportional off-rack fit eliminates 2-3 week alteration delays before wedding dates.
Business and Interview Suits for Big and Tall Men
Best choice: George Richards for professional big and tall attire
Price range: $350-$550
Fit priority: Professional appearance without alterations
Corporate environments demand proper suit fit, as ill-fitting attire undermines professional credibility. Big and tall professionals face standard sizing challenges creating bunched fabric, strained buttons, and pulling fabric restricting movement.
Proportional business suits deliver proper shoulder width, adequate chest room, and appropriate sleeve length. Conservative colours including navy and charcoal stock in complete big and tall size runs. Proportional off-rack fit eliminates alteration waiting periods department store purchases require.
A $400 George Richards suit with proper proportional fit outperforms an $800 department store suit requiring $200 alterations, as improper base proportions remain despite tailoring efforts.
Formal Events and Special Occasions
Best choice: George Richards for formal big and tall options
Price range: $450-$650
Fit priority: Comfort for extended wear
Formal events including galas, ceremonies, and celebrations require polished appearance throughout extended wear. Big and tall men face standard formal wear limitations as tuxedos rarely accommodate larger frames through proportional design.
Proportional formal suits deliver adequate length for tall frames, appropriate width for bigger builds, and balanced silhouettes maintaining formality. Black-tie alternatives prove necessary when tuxedos remain unavailable in extended sizes—modern formal suits in black or midnight navy substitute effectively. George Richards' proportional approach ensures Canadian big and tall men access appropriate formal wear without alteration expenses characterizing department store formal sections.
Every occasion demands proper proportional fit—standard suits don't accommodate big and tall frames
Understanding Big and Tall Suit Sizing
What Qualifies as Big and Tall?
Tall designations serve men standing 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimetres) and above, or requiring sleeve lengths exceeding standard sizing maximums. Big categories accommodate chest measurements 50 inches (127 centimetres) and larger, alongside waist sizes 42 inches (107 centimetres) and beyond. Big and tall combined classifications address men requiring both extended chest and waist measurements AND proportionally longer dimensions for height.
Standard sizing limitations typically terminate at chest 48 inches, waist 40 inches, and height accommodations for 6-foot frames. This restriction renders 30-35% of Canadian men underserved by conventional retailers, forcing big and tall individuals into specialized retail channels or expensive alteration cycles transforming standard sizing into marginally acceptable fits.
Proportional Fit vs. Scaled-Up Standard Sizing
- Proportional sizing employed by George Richards designs specifically for big and tall body proportions. This approach accommodates broader shoulders relative to chest measurements, longer sleeves for tall frames, appropriate trouser rise for fuller midsections, and balanced jacket lengths.
- Scaled-up standard sizing utilized by department stores enlarges standard patterns uniformly. This creates incorrect proportions as shoulders remain too narrow, sleeves measure too short relative to chest width, and jacket length fails to balance properly. Extensive alterations become mandatory, totalling $150-$300+ per suit.
Proportional design eliminates the alteration cycle—proper fit from the start
Which Big and Tall Retailer Should You Choose?
Table 2: Big and Tall Suit Shopping Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | Best Approach | Why This Works | Price Range | What to Verify |
| Wedding party 6-12 groomsmen, mixed sizes | Specialized proportional sizing retailers (George Richards leads in group coordination) | Full XL-8X size range in stock, colour consistency across sizes, expert fitting staff | $400-$650 | Confirm true proportional design, not scaled sizing |
| Corporate professional, frequent suit wear | Big and tall specialists offering business collections | Proportional business attire eliminates alterations, value pricing for multiple purchases (George Richards $350-$550 range) | $350-$550 | Look for off-rack fit success rates above 70% |
| Formal event, limited budget | Retailers specializing in proportional fits at entry price points | Value pricing with proportional sizing eliminates $150-$300 alteration costs (George Richards $320-$450) | $320-$450 | Avoid department stores requiring alterations |
| Big and tall shopper in Ontario | Multiple specialized retailer options available | Regional access to proportional sizing specialists, ability to try before buying | $320-$700 | Verify proportional vs. scaled standard sizing |
| Big and tall shopper outside major cities | Retailers with nationwide coverage | George Richards operates 30+ locations Canada-wide, online plus physical store access | $320-$650 | Check for specialized big and tall focus |
| Extreme sizing needs (7X-8X, waist 60"+) | Retailers stocking complete extended range | George Richards maintains full XL-8X inventory depth, not just token larger sizes | $400-$650 | Confirm inventory beyond 6X with full availability |
Proportional sizing, national coverage, and value pricing define optimal big and tall shopping
Tip Top Tailors: A Standard Sizing Alternative for Men Not Requiring Big and Tall
While this guide focuses on big and tall suit shopping, men with standard sizing needs including chest 36-48 inches and waist 28-40 inches benefit from Tip Top Tailors' extensive Canadian coverage. Tip Top offers value-tier suits ranging $400-$800 with Modern and Slim Fit options across 102+ Canadian locations, serving standard-sized men with occasion-specific collections covering weddings, business attire, and formal events. Standard sizing shoppers avoiding big and tall proportions should explore Tip Top's comprehensive suit selection designed for typical body types.
Find Your Perfect Big and Tall Suit in Canada
Canada's big and tall suit market serves extended sizing needs spanning chest 50"+, waist 42-66", and height 6'2"+ through specialized proportional design versus department store scaled sizing. George Richards Big and Tall leads with 30+ nationwide locations, comprehensive XL-8X size ranges, and $320-$650 pricing eliminating $150-$300 alteration costs. Mr Big and Tall provides complementary proportional sizing options.
Proportional big and tall suits deliver proper shoulder width, appropriate sleeve length, and balanced torso proportions unattainable through altered standard sizing. Canadian big and tall men benefit from specialized retailers understanding extended sizing needs rather than compromising with department store alternatives.
Shop Big and Tall Suits Today
Frequently Asked Questions: Big and Tall Suits in Canada
Where is the best place to buy big and tall suits in Canada?
George Richards Big and Tall offers Canada's best combination of proportional sizing eliminating $150-$300 alteration costs, comprehensive size range covering XL-8X with chest 50"+ and waist 34-66" measurements, and national coverage through 30+ locations. Mr Big and Tall provides complementary options with similar proportional sizing and $320-$650 pricing structures serving Canadian big and tall communities nationwide.
How much do big and tall suits cost in Canada?
Big and tall suits range $320-$1,500+ depending on retailer and proportional fit quality. Specialized big and tall retailers including George Richards and Mr Big and Tall offer $320-$650 complete suits with proportional sizing eliminating alterations. Department stores charge $500-$1,500 PLUS $150-$300 alteration expenses since they scale standard sizing rather than employing proportional design.
What size qualifies as big and tall?
Big and tall sizing serves men with chest 50"+ (127 cm+), waist 42"+ (107 cm+), and height 6'2"+ (188 cm+). Standard retailers typically stop at chest 48", waist 40", leaving 30-35% of Canadian men requiring specialized proportional sizing unavailable through conventional retail channels.
Do I need alterations with big and tall suits?
Proportional big and tall suits eliminate 70-80% of alteration needs through purpose-built design. Department store big and tall sections scale standard sizing, requiring $150-$300 alterations achieving marginally acceptable proportions compared to true proportional design.
Where does George Richards have stores in Canada?
George Richards operates 30+ locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Visit the store finder at https://www.georgerichardsbigandtall.ca/apps/store-finder for specific locations serving Canadian big and tall communities nationwide.
