As a big, tall guy – over six and a half feet tall and as broad as a linebacker – I have to lodge a complaint.

See, if you’re simply ‘big’, you have no problem finding the right clothing to fit you. Same goes if you’re ‘tall’ (though your options are maybe a bit fewer). However, if you’re, like me, stuck at the intersection of Big and Tall, you’re most likely out of luck.

Because I dress mostly business-casual, it’s not something I notice a lot, but when I need to really pull out all the stops and dress formally – like I did a few months ago for a presentation in front of a room full of surgeons – I found myself scrabbling to find a shirt with a 22 neck and 39/40 sleeves. As difficult as it is, there are a few men’s clothing brands who can hook me up in the sizes I need, but even in those cases, my choice of colors is severely limited, so I need to make the most out of my accessories – my tie, watch, belt, etc. I don’t mention cufflinks, because I have yet to find anyone outside my tailor who can hook me up with a French cuffed shirt in the size I need. So much for wearing cufflinks. I got a great pair as a gift when I was best man for a friend of mine, but I have only one shirt I can wear them with. And with the economy in its current shape, I’m not rushing out to have more shirts custom made.

Tell me, loyal readers, do any of you have a similar problem? What resources do you use?