Small Misfit Needs Help Looking Like a Million Bucks

post #1 of 9

1/18/13 at 8:36am

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rafiki

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Hi,

My name is Rob and I'm a bit of a fashion misfit… in two ways. First, I've sort of neglected my personal appearance (I just never placed much importance on it.) Second, because I'm so small, the few times I actually got motivated to improve my image, I couldn't find anything that fit me well.

I'm a singer/songwriter, and I've spent the last five years honing my act. I'm about to step out into public to perform, and I'm not about to do it looking like s**t. I am an artist by profession, and I know what I like... and I think I know what looks good.

For instance, the Men's Wearhouse measured me not long ago and fitted/sold me a shirt with a 14 ½ neck and a 32/33 sleeve. After seeing myself in it (and wearing it to a wedding), I came to the conclusion that it didn't look good on me… it was just too big. So, I searched around and found GQ's Guide to Shirting, to help me fit myself properly. I put on that bad-fitting MW shirt to test it against GQ's Guide. I can slip about three fingers in at my neck, and the sleeve extends halfway down my thumb. The problem is, I've looked all over the web but can't find anyone selling anything smaller than 14 ½, 32/33. Obviously, I'm in a very low 'percentile' as far as size is concerned… manufacturers must design their clothing for larger men.

So, what do I do? Where do I go (aside from custom made clothing) to find a selection of shirts that are say 13 ½, 30/31? I have no problem shopping in 'Young Men's' section, but I want a good selection of nice shirts that fit perfectly (GQ suggests semi-spread collars and 'slim fit'... I would like to have those choices available to me.)

Any help on what to do/where to go would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob

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post #2 of 9

1/18/13 at 8:49am

SirGrotius

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Hey Rob,

You're doomed. Just kidding. This comes up a lot. Can I assume also that you're skinny, not just short? I can just picture the balloon-like MW dress shirt. Obviously, at a place like SF, that type of clothing isn't even a topic of conversation.

Anyway, you know MTM (made to measure) is your best bet, and it's not that expensive if you're cool dropping $150 or so on a basic shirt.

Otherwise, you're going to have to go more designer label to get that really fitted look, but that'd be even more expensive.

Finally, the least expensive route would be to go to H&M and check out their slim shirts in the smallest size (37 probably, IT). Where do you live? If you're in NYC or a reasonable metropolitan area they should have really small sizes, but you might have to order online if not.

You can always get a more billowy shirt tailored, too. Just ask the tailor (a real tailor) to take it in at the seams. You want to start with a slim shirt though, because otherwise the neck will be too wide and little things such as the arms will be too blobby.

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post #3 of 9

1/18/13 at 10:48am

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rafiki

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I guess I'm slightly skinny... a little more broad at the shoulders. In my opinion, I'm fairly well-proportioned, just small overall. 36" chest, 30" waist, 65 1/2" tall.

I live in North Carolina and and have upscale shopping areas within an hour's drive in several directions.

$150 for a 'basic' shirt seems a little steep, but if it was a really well-made shirt that looked good and fit perfectly, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

I've been looking for a black shirt with wide, but subtle (dark grey) vertical stripes. I also like (subtle, muted) patterns that come across as solid from a distance, but as you get closer, you see the detail. I'm not real big on plaids.

I realize I'm being a bit picky, but if I am going to drop $150 for a shirt, I'm going to have to love it.

Thanks for your help,

Rob

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post #4 of 9

1/18/13 at 12:10pm

meursault42

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Made to measure is the way to go for sure. Nialma, deo veritas and tailor store are all online mtm places with decent quality. Tailor store will mail you a shirt for something like 50 dollars for an oxford.
Pro-tip: stage lights are hot and white stains. Go for blue or grey or something. It will last much longer under scrutiny.

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post #5 of 9

1/18/13 at 1:37pm

sparrow

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HM uniqlo zara have nice stuff for guys that shop XS.

also scour ebay for your sizes.

try a few pre-owned peices to get a better handle on what you like and what fits your style so you dont spend big bucks on things you dont like.

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post #6 of 9

1/21/13 at 1:15pm

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rafiki

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Thanks to all for your input. I'll take a look and give all your suggestions a try.

Rob

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post #7 of 9

1/21/13 at 2:35pm

McBindle

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I would suggest you try Brooks Brothers kids/young men department as well. They have shirts for $60 regular. Americans across the spectrum have gotten bigger over the years and a "20 Husky" or some such size may be just the thing.

Go ahead and try some shirts that the forum members have suggested. If you can post a pic for critique before buying then they will be able to help you save a bunch of money and you will end up looking great on stage. Good luck!

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post #8 of 9

1/21/13 at 3:02pm

TiberiasUSA
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Quote:

Originally Posted by McBindle

I would suggest you try Brooks Brothers kids/young men department as well. They have shirts for $60 regular. Americans across the spectrum have gotten bigger over the years and a "20 Husky" or some such size may be just the thing.

Go ahead and try some shirts that the forum members have suggested. If you can post a pic for critique before buying then they will be able to help you save a bunch of money and you will end up looking great on stage. Good luck!

I think 20 for boys has a neck size of 14.5" might have to go down to a 16-18

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post #9 of 9

1/21/13 at 3:15pm