Dress Shirts: Enlarging Neck Size

[Lawman]

I wear a size 17.5 shirt, which fits well in the neck, and tends to be blousy. I see a lot more size 17s on Ebay, and was wondering if you can move a button or do anything else to move down a size in shirts. Any thoughts? I've never done this. I have some size 17 shirts that fit fine everywhere except in the neck, which is too tight.

 

[meister]

Originally Posted by Lawman

I wear a size 17.5 shirt, which fits well in the neck, and tends to be blousy. I see a lot more size 17s on Ebay, and was wondering if you can move a button or do anything else to move down a size in shirts. Any thoughts? I've never done this. I have some size 17 shirts that fit fine everywhere except in the neck, which is too tight.

sometimes moving the collar button a tad will do... the actual shirt size in 44/17.5 is the same as 43/17 from what I have heard FWIW

 

[tlmusic]

+1 on moving the button. Just don't move it too much or there will be too much gap between the collar points, or the tie will sit a little lopsided. Yes, you can replace the collar with a larger size. I've had this done twice, on a Brooks Brothers formal shirt and a Turnbull and Asser shirt. In one case my local tailor did the switch and Turnbull and Asser replaced the other (not inexpensive!). If the shirt is high quality and has a split yoke, this operation can usually be undertaken. It will depend on the construction of the shirt if this is possible. www.collarreplacement.com is an affordable option for replacing collars.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by tlmusic

Turnbull and Asser replaced the other (not inexpensive!).
No kidding, $85!

 

[JimInSoCalif]

I tried moving the collar button and it looked bad with a tie and even looked bad without a tie.

I am going to try Collar Replacement. Has anyone here used them?

 

[upnorth]

Changing the position of the collar buttons may not work for some.

If your collar is tight but not suffocating, you could try to lengthen the shank on the collar button so that it doesn't button up too tightly. This may however create a little tie gap. Try it first before considering the more expensive option of collar replacement.

I too have a large neck with a relative smaller body proportion and the main problem I have with collar replacement is finding the same fabric to match an ebay bought shirt.