AA - I believe

[Plasdom]

So I have had a long run of bad luck with T shirts. I have gone through a ton of them and they all end up the same. The neck gets larger and loses its shape after multiple washes; sometimes after a single wash. So I have been reading threads and found out that you guys love american apparel. So I figure, "to hell with it" and buy the "Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt (3-PACK)" online without trying it on or actually feeling it.

They arrived today. wow. They fit perfectly (medium) feels solid and so comfy. Now if they last through multiple washes...all will be well with the world. Prior to them I purchase two BR t shirts which are starting to lose a bit of shape after 4 washes

 

[sbbbjm]

if they fit perfect, make sure when you dry them that you only do it partially to get them back to their original shape if they've stretched. if you dry them all the way they will shrink alot.

AA is notorious for shrinkage. i buy em in larges if i want a regular fit. they're too big at first but after a couple times in the dryer that fit perfect. if i want snug and fitted i stay with the mediums and only partially dry

 

[generic_guy]

Originally Posted by Plasdom

Now if they last through multiple washes...

They don't.
Expect them to be about a size smaller after a normal wash.
You can presumably keep them the same size if you handwash and then stretch and dry carefully, although it doesn't seem worth the effort to me.
This may vary according to which shirt you buy, people do rave about them so maybe I've just been unlucky.

 

[quadraphony]

Speaking of AA shrinkage, do the hoodies shrink down at all after a wash and machine dry?

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by quadraphony

Speaking of AA shrinkage, do the hoodies shrink down at all after a wash and machine dry?
I've got the california fleece hoodie. My experience is that if it shrinks in between washes, I sure haven't noticed. Do note that all their clothing is similar to brands like Penguin in that if you like "normal" sizing, go a size up from what you normally wear or your usual size for "slim." I can't remember where I found it because it's not in AA's site, but I remember seeing exact measurements for their t-shirts. The only real difference between the medium and the small was length. The large was when a more noticeable change happened. I own AA shirts S-L and they all fit fine on me.

 

[Plasdom]

Originally Posted by generic_guy

They don't.
Expect them to be about a size smaller after a normal wash.
You can presumably keep them the same size if you handwash and then stretch and dry carefully, although it doesn't seem worth the effort to me.
This may vary according to which shirt you buy, people do rave about them so maybe I've just been unlucky.
Great...I figured this must be too good to be true.

 

[jookz]

Originally Posted by Plasdom

Great...I figured this must be too good to be true.


They seem to last through multiple washes for me rather well so far...

Also, you can get AA shirts much cheaper through wholesale operations such as YQUE, which certainly makes the costs of the shirts justifiable, even if they don't last quite as long as other brands.

 

[shoreman1782]

I've had several AA tshirts/leisure shirts/fleece sweatshirts for a couple of years, and none has worn out, frayed, etc. I wash them normally, but usually hang dry. On the occasions I've dried them (I'm not that careful), they've shrunk a little, but stretched back out to normal before long. I wear a large, if it matters. YMMV.

My only issue has been the zipper on the sweatshirts, which is sewn a little sloppily and shapes the shirt oddly near the bottom.

SF user The Grapist does wholesale orders through the buying and selling forum.

 

[dusty]

A hoodies do not shrink significantly.

 

[BubblyMasquerade]

I have a 35 or 36 inch chest, what size would I be if I just popped the shirts into the dryer?

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by BubblyMasquerade

I have a 35 or 36 inch chest, what size would I be if I just popped the shirts into the dryer?
Again, I'd say you're a small but that depends on how long you want your shirts. I'm 6'1 and while a small fits me fine, it goes a little high on my belt since I mostly wear lowrise jeans. Hence, I order medium AA's from Yque, my friendly neighborhood Los Feliz wonder store. To repeat, it has never been my experience that AA shrinks like say a Hanes Beefy or what not. The material is so pliable that you can stretch it back even if it does a little. I also have never had problems with the shirt fraying, losing color, shape, etc. I wear my shirts all the time and they look as good as new. Shoreman made a good point about the zipper on the hoodie. For some reason it's a bit oddly shapened towards the bottom. It doesn't seem able to really lie flat and instead pops out a bit. I think it has to do with the lightness of the material in that it's a bit flexible.

 

[The Grapist]

Get a small. I've had mine (close to 2 dozen) for quite a while and they hold up to washes and dryings and all that. Also, I sell almost the entire line for discounted prices: http://styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=13312

 

[BubblyMasquerade]

Cool, thanks.

 

[Brian SD]

I've never had an AA shirt lose its shape in the wash, or in the dryer. They shrink, yea. But that's all.. the neck doesn't get loose and they don't really twist either.

 

[Ott]

I like how the necks stretch out, they're a bit constricting at first.

And yeah, they shrink upwards like crazy.. everyone knows that. Just wash cold, line dry, and its fine imo.