Final answer:
In the context of U.S. military dress uniforms, a maximum of four full-size medals can be worn side by side in one row without overlap. When additional medals are needed, a second row is added above the first, with a small space between them.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one refers to wearing large metals in an overlapping manner, it's likely they're discussing the regulations for wearing military medals and ribbons. According to U.S. military uniform regulations, when medals are worn in a formal setting on dress uniforms, they should be worn in a manner befitting the uniform's guidelines.
For the U.S. Army, when full-size medals are worn on a service dress uniform, they are typically mounted on a medals bar and the maximum number authorized for one row is generally four medals side by side without overlapping. If additional medals are to be worn, a second row is added.
The second and successive rows should have the same number of medals as the row with the most medals, and should be placed above the first row with 1/8 inch of space between rows. Medals within the row are overlapped as necessary to show the face of each medal fully. However, regulations can vary by branch of service and specific guidelines should always be referred to for detailed wear instructions.