General Athletic Build Thread

[jake8078]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

I was just thinking whether anyone paid for a tailor to alter his tees.

So...anyone else do it?


Who said anything about paying?

Originally Posted by jake8078

I've decided to start tapering them myself

 

[phxlawstudent]

Needles and sewing machines are beyond my comprehension. But more importantly, the time it would take to learn to do it properly is out of my grasp. No extra curricular activities in law school.

 

[jake8078]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

Needles and sewing machines are beyond my comprehension. But more importantly, the time it would take to learn to do it properly is out of my grasp. No extra curricular activities in law school.

Sewing is beyond your grasp but you're studying law, eh? Heh. I understand time constraints all too well, however.

I haven't tried it yet, in fact I've never used a sewing machine, but stuff generally comes easy to me. They make it look very easy in the youtube video below. There's a DIY thread that popped up recently about this stuff - I'll post my results in there.



I otherwise am starting to believe that there's no such thing as a well-tapered t-shirt. Even the 'athletic' and 'fitted' stuff seems to have different overall proportions, but no significant drop.

 

[GraphicNovelty]

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3050354?...:referralID=NA This looks like it would fit based on the sizing measurements. I'm going to try it out tonight maybe (if i can get ****** to the mall).

 

[phxlawstudent]

I remember only one shirt truly fitting at Nordstroms. But the v-neck was so low I couldn't use it as a regular t-shirt.

Maybe my Nordstroms didn't carry that line, but I was pretty thorough. Wonder if its an online thing only.


edit:

As for sewing my own shirts, that how-to video on youtube is going to net you some ugly ass results. Frayed seams for certain. No bueno for me. I'd rather endure the scorn of my tailor than wear that.

I hear things about Alt. Apparrel in that other thread I started. Any pictures of the fit on an 8" drop?

 

[canstyleace]

Ok im in this club as well, around 5-7,36,14.5,28,126

Tshirts: A guilty pleasure here since its not an sf approved brand but dsquared tshirts are the only ones that fit me perfect, I hate it because I have to search for the least flamboyant ones and then wait for a sale since they're not worth retail imo, I only have 2 btw but the cut is sick, best fit on me out off all I've tried, they almost have the full 8" drop for me, but note that not all d2 t's have this cut, they dont call them any different than other more square cut t's but you can definitely tell when you see them irl or even online, only con is that they're a bit long-ish for me but its not too bad as they tapper out a bit at the end and the cut is round like on most BD's so the sides are shorter for pocket access yet the front/back cover your ass/crotch about half way down, I take a sz Small in these btw, the xs fit better in length but was too tight in the chest/shoulder/biceps; also alt/A and ame/A tshirts have a decent drop and fit and are a much cheaper option with second best fit.

Polos: MJ's stinky rat fit great and have a better drop than most I've tried, I also take a sz Small in these, on these also the xs fits me better in length but I get to many stretch lines up top.

Sweaters: Gap merino vnecks and crews in xs fit me great, I havent had a br sweater in awhile but xs used to fit me great too and the best fitting sweater I have is an ea sz 40 wool sweater that fit perfect after initial shrinkage.

 

[Ludeykrus]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

Needles and sewing machines are beyond my comprehension. But more importantly, the time it would take to learn to do it properly is out of my grasp. No extra curricular activities in law school.

It's not hard, I started sewing about a year or two ago. Started by slimming tee's and OCBD shirts. It's the only way to get a well-fitting shirt.

If you alter 10 shirts after buying a cheap machine, the machine will have paid for itself in tailoring costs. Something to consider.

 

[canstyleace]

^what sewing machine do you recommend to start?

 

[Ludeykrus]

I bought the cheapest thing I could find new locally: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4698205 Picked up for a hundred bucks at WalMart. It does more than I need and has held up great to everything I've done so far. Really, you only need a straight stitch, a zigzag, and a covered zigzag for almost anything you'll ever do. If you have those and the machine's reliable, easy to use, it's all you'll need. Oh, and a self-threading needle function makes life much easier.

 

[jake8078]

Originally Posted by canstyleace

^what sewing machine do you recommend to start?

I picked up this one after much research:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ss_T15_product

But Ludekrys is right, if it'll hold up and do basic functions that's all you need for the kind of work we're talking about.

 

[jake8078]

Originally Posted by Ludeykrus

Really, you only need a straight stitch, a zigzag, and a covered zigzag for almost anything you'll ever do. If you have those and the machine's reliable, easy to use, it's all you'll need. Oh, and a self-threading needle function makes life much easier.
Any resources online that you could point us to for how to take in side seams and such? I was going to use the method I posted earlier based on this youtube video, but:

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

As for sewing my own shirts, that how-to video on youtube is going to net you some ugly ass results. Frayed seams for certain. No bueno for me. I'd rather endure the scorn of my tailor than wear that.

 

[ppllzz]

anf and ruehl t's have pretty good taper. i picked up some of the undershirts--solid color, no logo (which are thick enough to be regular shirts) for $10 a piece at my local ruehl (they are closing so 50% off everything)

 

[jake8078]

Alright the BR XS Merino Sweaters came in today. Here's a fit pic.

The sleeves are a little long, but they fit great in the shoulders and chest area. However, lots of extra fabric in the waist area (more visible in the first shot than the second).

Worth keeping at $50 each or return and look elsewhere?

 

[phxlawstudent]

Really? Thats an extra small? I just wear small. The small even hugs my biceps like a too small t-shirt.

I agree about the arms, but again, the small arms are almost perfect on me. I am now tempted to try that extra small....

I'd say return it if you know you can do better.... But to be honest.... I am not even sure better exists. Same with t-shirts.

 

[Epaulet]

Originally Posted by tim_pnin

I would say that the "SF approved" company that is most user-friendly to guys with "athletic builds" is epaulet.

Their shirts in size L should fit you perfectly. I'm pretty sure that their fit model is about the same size. The darts in those shirts work perfectly to slim the shirt down through the body for guys with big drops. I have the same measurements as you, except that I am 6'3, 200 lbs, and epaulet shirts in size XL fit very well. I find Gitman to be too boxy and BoO to be too slim. Epaulet splits the difference (plus Mike is a mensch so it's good to support his store).

I also recently got a pair of the epaulet EP's Smith Straight Leg jean in size 32. They do a pretty good job of accommodating my crossfit thighs right out of the box, and should be perfect after 15-20 wears.

Hey, I just want to thank all of you guys for your recommendations!

Physique-wise, I'm definitely in this boat. I'm the fit model for the shirts, and I'm 5'10" and about 195lb. I like lifting weights, drinking beer, and eating carbs. In terms of our collection, I can offer the following:

Epaulet Shirts
Our shirts definitely work well with an athletic physique. They're a hybrid slim fit that I couldn't find anywhere on the market. They're really flattering on a muscular build, but also don't hang too much off a slim build. A lot of my in-store customers are into sports and weightlifting, and they really dig the fit.

EP's Jeans
The EP's jeans are definitely cut slim, but work for most guys with moderately muscular legs. We actually have quite a few cross-fit guys and serious cyclists who shop in the store and picked up a pair. If you've got really large thighs - especially on a smaller waist (28-30"), then you'll want to carefully check the measurements against other jeans that you own. In my case, I have 26.5" thighs on a 33 waist, and although I'd love to wear my own jeans, it ain't happening.

Epaulet Trousers
We have two fits - a slim fit called the "Walt" and a slightly looser one called the "Rudy." Right now, I've only got the Walt online, but we're going to run basics in both fits starting in about 6 weeks. Like the jeans, the Walt works for guys with slim to moderately muscular legs. They've worked for about 80% of my store customers. The Rudy works for people with my build, or for slimmer guys who want a slightly bigger fit in their trousers.

For other stuff, I usually go with American Apparel for t-shirts (even though I kind of hate the lousy quality/price ratio), Fred Perry for Polo's, and Naked & Famous Slim Guys for jeans. Brooks Brothers actually put out some really nice sweaters this season, which will be hugely marked down on Tuesday. I picked up two of them before Christmas, and it can be a good fit if you size down one or two. Great quality too.

But, I'm right here with you guys and it's not easy for me to find clothes that fit properly. If you ever have any questions or need any measurements please drop me a line anytime.