BRITISH men appear to be opting for smaller waist sizes, with new figures showing 34-inch trousers have overtaken 38-inch as a menswear retailer’s bestseller.
Sales data from online formalwear specialist Dobell reveals a striking shift in the sizes men are buying, amid the growing popularity of weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Just two years ago, the retailer was selling almost as many 38-inch tuxedo trousers as 34-inch pairs.
The smaller size has now surged ahead,
But the smaller size has now surged ahead, with sales of 34-inch trousers 153% higher than those of 38-inch pairs.
The trend is also reflected in the styles men are choosing, with slim-fit tuxedo trousers accounting for 18.5% of sales, compared with 13.2% in 2023.
It means almost one in five pairs sold is now slim-fit, up from around one in eight three years ago.
The figures come as weight-loss injections become increasingly
The figures come as weight-loss injections become increasingly popular across Britain, although the retailer’s sales data does not establish whether the medications are responsible for the shift.
Mike Dobell, founder of Dobell, said: “The change in the most popular waist size is striking. Two years ago, sizes 34 and 38 were selling at almost the same level, but the gap between them has grown considerably.
“Clothing sizes are one way of seeing how people’s bodies and buying habits change over time. When someone loses weight, it can also mean their existing wardrobe no longer fits as it once did, so they may need to rethink what they wear.”
The findings follow research from professional services firm
The findings follow research from professional services firm PwC suggesting the weight-loss drug boom could have significant implications for the fashion industry.
Its June 2026 research found that 42% of people taking GLP-1 medications were spending more on clothing and footwear.
Among those increasing their spending, 74% said they needed replacement clothes because of weight loss or changes in size.
More than one in five (22%) were also
More than one in five (22%) were also spending more on occasionwear, including outfits for weddings and other special events.
PwC found that almost one in ten UK adults had used GLP-1 medication, including both current and former users.
The findings suggest that changes in body shape and shopping habits could create growing demand for smaller clothing sizes and replacement wardrobes.
Dobell, based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, specialises in men’s suits, formalwear and accessories.
