The curious case of Johnny Bigg
In the ever-evolving landscape of mens fashion, one brand has stood out for its commitment to inclusivity, style, and confidence: Johnny Bigg. Specializing in plus-size men's clothing, Johnny Bigg has carved a niche for itself by offering fashionable, comfortable, and high-quality apparel tailored for the modern man who doesn’t want to compromise on style. Johnny Bigg is seemingly on the path to becoming the Big & Tall clothing GOAT, with their clothes hitting some retail stores in the US as recently as January 2025. So why are they suddenly closing down their US operations?
That’s right, fellas! - The fairly new (to the US) brand known for its stylish big & tall options, is officially winding down its direct-to-consumer operations in the U.S. While there hasn’t been a detailed public statement, the brand quietly broke the news on Instagram. Considering all of the possibilities, the decision likely stems from a mix of tough market conditions, limited traction in the U.S., and shifting priorities at their parent company, Retail Apparel Group.
Bigg Style
Johnny Bigg offers fashionable, comfortable, and high-quality apparel tailored for the modern man who wants to look good without breaking the bank.
Leaving their mark:
Founded with the mission to fill a significant gap in menswear, Johnny Bigg caters to men who require larger sizes but still want trendy, well-fitting clothes. The brand understands that fashion is not a one-size-fits-all industry and has embraced the diversity of body shapes and sizes. Their collection ranges from smart-casual pieces to formal attire, offering everything from tailored suits to laid-back weekend wear.
What sets Johnny Bigg apart is its unwavering focus on the perfect blend of quality and comfort. Each garment is designed with attention to detail, using premium fabrics that ensure durability while providing a comfortable fit. Their range includes Tailored Suits, Casual Wear (Including jeans, chinos, and shorts designed for everyday comfort,) Outerwear, Footwear and Accessories.
They understood the Assignment…
Fashion is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Johnny Bigg understands this, and has embraced the diversity of body shapes and sizes. Their collection ranges from smart-casual pieces to formal attire, offering everything from tailored suits to laid-back weekend wear.
Commitment to Sustainability
Johnny Bigg recognizes the importance of sustainability in today’s fashion industry. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various eco-friendly initiatives. Their approach includes:
Sustainable Materials: Incorporating organic cotton, recycled fibers, and eco-friendly fabrics into their collections to promote environmental stewardship. For example, their Eco Edit Collection features garments crafted with sustainable materials, designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising style.
Ethical Production: Partnering with manufacturers who adhere to fair labor practices and sustainable production methods. Johnny Bigg sources from suppliers certified under global standards like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEXae.
Eco-Conscious Packaging: Reducing plastic use and opting for recyclable packaging materials to minimize waste. Their recent shift toward biodegradable shopping bags is part of their ongoing effort to reduce single-use plastics.
Waste Reduction: Implementing measures to reduce fabric waste during production and promoting recycling programs for used clothing. Their Clothing Recycling Initiative, launched in 2023, encourages customers to return old garments for responsible recycling.
Johnny Bigg’s sustainability efforts reflect their dedication not only to fashion but also to the planet, ensuring that customers can feel good about their purchases.
Sustainable, burn make it fashion…
By incorporating organic cotton, recycled fibers, and eco-friendly fabrics into their collections, and implementing their Eco Edit Collection, which features garments crafted with sustainable materials, Johnny Bigg has found a way to reduce environmental impact without compromising style.
With stores across Australia and New Zealand and a growing online presence, Johnny Bigg has made its mark internationally. Their easy-to-navigate website offers a seamless shopping experience, with detailed size guides and customer support to help you find the perfect fit.
So why are they closing?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I think might have contributed:
A Crowded Market:
The U.S. big & tall space is already packed with legacy retailers like DXL and a growing number of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that have built loyal followings. Breaking into that market was always going to be an uphill climb. And sure, I get it - there still aren’t nearly enough brands catering to the plus-size community. But let’s be honest: a lot of what’s out there is just “regular clothes with extra fabric.” Calling something a 3XL doesn’t mean it fits a bigger body well, especially when the original pattern was designed for a size medium and just scaled up. That’s not fit; that’s copy/paste, and Johnny Bigg understood that concept well (even if others didn’t).
Low Brand Awareness:
Despite offering some genuinely stylish, size-inclusive pieces, Johnny Bigg remained relatively unknown in the States. Building brand recognition here takes serious time, money, and a good understanding of American consumer culture; and while the Body Positivity movement has gained some traction, it simply wasn’t enough to give this brand the exposure it needed.
Parent Company Priorities:
Retail Apparel Group has had its own challenges, including declining sales and store closures across its portfolio. So it’s not shocking that they’re pulling back on international expansion in favor of focusing on profitability.
Customer Experience Concerns:
Some U.S. customers reported issues with sizing consistency and customer service (both critical pain points in a niche market where trust is everything, as noted by Chubstr). That kind of feedback can make or break a brand trying to grow in a new region.
It’s disappointing to see a brand with so much potential exit the market, but it also shows just how complex and competitive the U.S. retail space really is, especially for international brands trying to scale quickly.
That said… THE SALE IS WILD!!!
With no single item priced over $40, you can pick up some seriously good pieces for a fraction of what they used to cost. For context: I once paid almost $200 for a blue windowpane suit. As I write this, I’ve got a full charcoal suit, a velvet tuxedo jacket, two knit shirts, and a linen shirt sitting in my cart - and the total? $150!!If you’ve ever wanted to try the brand, now’s the time. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Why I loved Johnny Bigg:
Truly Plus-Size Focused: Designed with bigger bodies in mind from the start.
Style & Versatility: Modern, put-together pieces for every kind of occasion.
Reliable Quality: Durable fabrics, solid construction, and good value.
Sustainability Efforts: Transparent, eco-conscious practices that mattered.
In a world where fashion often overlooks the needs of larger men, Johnny Bigg shines as a beacon of inclusivity, style, and sustainability. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with pieces that offer both comfort and sophistication, head over to Johnny Bigg while they’re still around. - JH
Explore more at Johnny Bigg's website and redefine your style today.
Learn more about the brand:
(Johnny Bigg, About Us) (Social Responsibility ) (Ethical Sourcing ) (Sustainable Packaging)