Fit check before doing MTM shirts

[nabass]

Hi all - I'm interested in dialing in the fit of my button down shirts with potentially looking to get some MTM. Before that, though, I thought it would be helpful to get feedback on how my (probably) best fitting shirt fits. The waist seems pretty good to me, there's extra fabric around the armpits, but figured this group could give better advice around what to change (or keep the same) in an ideal fit. Thanks!

 

[KOz]

Looks good, but the sleeves are too long.

 

[rjc149]

Fit is spot on except for the sleeves as mentioned.

Everyone's "ideal" is going to be a little different and somewhat subjective. Current #menswear sensibility dictates that dress/tuck-in shirts should be closer-fitting and tailored to your body. I prefer my dress/tuck-in shirts to be slightly roomier, it's more comfortable and practical, and the silhouette is more masculine especially when worn with dress trousers. Getting regular fit dress shirts and darting them at the waist is my ideal. Ultimately it's up to you.

 

[bmwe30nut]

New here, so I don't have much opinion (but agree that the sleeves look a bit long**), but I do have a question:

In a shirt like that, should you be able to comfortably button the collar button, or does it matter if it's being worn unbuttoned? (maybe rephrasing: If the body and sleeves fit right does a tight collar matter if it's being worn unbuttoned?).

**(I generally roll up my sleeves in sports shirts, so the sleeve length doesn't quite matter so much to me).

 

[breakaway01]

I agree that the fit looks fine in the body though it’s on the slimmer side. I also would prefer a little more ease in the body though that’s a styling choice.

In terms of @bmwe30nut ’s question, for a RTW shirt that I’m never going to button at the collar, it’s more important to get a good fit in the body and sleeves.

 

[rjc149]

New here, so I don't have much opinion (but agree that the sleeves look a bit long**), but I do have a question:

In a shirt like that, should you be able to comfortably button the collar button, or does it matter if it's being worn unbuttoned? (maybe rephrasing: If the body and sleeves fit right does a tight collar matter if it's being worn unbuttoned?).

**(I generally roll up my sleeves in sports shirts, so the sleeve length doesn't quite matter so much to me).

I've never tried on a new shirt where the collar was too tight but the shirt otherwise fit me well. A tight collar means the shirt is too small for me overall or there are QC issues with the 15.5 collar measurement.

If a shirt shrinks over time to the point where it's uncomfortable to button the collar, I replace it even if the shirt is otherwise wearable with the collar unbuttoned.

 

[bmwe30nut]

I've never tried on a new shirt where the collar was too tight but the shirt otherwise fit me well. A tight collar means the shirt is too small for me overall or there are QC issues with the 15.5 collar measurement.

If a shirt shrinks over time to the point where it's uncomfortable to button the collar, I replace it even if the shirt is otherwise wearable with the collar unbuttoned.

Thanks. I have a fat neck...shirts that the neck is comfortable would probably make me a nice Poncho instead of a shirt.

 

[rjc149]

Thanks. I have a fat neck...shirts that the neck is comfortable would probably make me a nice Poncho instead of a shirt.

If you cannot button the collar without partially strangling yourself, I would guess (maybe incorrectly) the rest of the shirt is also too small for the rest of your body since that's always the case with me, and my neck isn't particularly slender.

The other options would be to get your correct collar size but in a slim-fit, get a roomier shirt and dart the sides to take in the excess material ($20 at a tailor), or go MTM if there's discrepancy in your body proportions outside of the normal range of deviation.

 

[bmwe30nut]

If you cannot button the collar without partially strangling yourself, I would guess (maybe incorrectly) the rest of the shirt is also too small for the rest of your body since that's always the case with me, and my neck isn't particularly slender.

The other options would be to get your correct collar size but in a slim-fit, get a roomier shirt and dart the sides to take in the excess material ($20 at a tailor), or go MTM if there's discrepancy in your body proportions outside of the normal range of deviation.

Have a couple MTM dress shirts (gained about 15lbs since then) that were perfect, but now a bit tight on the neck. Actually just did your suggestion on off the rack dress shirts (tailor took the sides in) in slim fit and it worked well. If I could lose the 15 lbs (better yet, a lot more and just get newer clothes), the older shirts would be fine.

 

[rjc149]

Have a couple MTM dress shirts (gained about 15lbs since then) that were perfect, but now a bit tight on the neck. Actually just did your suggestion on off the rack dress shirts (tailor took the sides in) in slim fit and it worked well. If I could lose the 15 lbs (better yet, a lot more and just get newer clothes), the older shirts would be fine.

Personally this is the way I go, get OTR shirts and dart them. I like more room in the chest and around the arms, it gives off a more pronounced V profile, and it's obviously more cost-effective than having custom shirts made.

 

[breakaway01]

I've never tried on a new shirt where the collar was too tight but the shirt otherwise fit me well. A tight collar means the shirt is too small for me overall or there are QC issues with the 15.5 collar measurement.

If a shirt shrinks over time to the point where it's uncomfortable to button the collar, I replace it even if the shirt is otherwise wearable with the collar unbuttoned.

I have a relatively thick neck for my chest size (15.5 and 37”) — so RTW shirts often don’t work for me. Darts don’t work to decrease the chest size. Fortunately custom shirts are a reasonable alternative.

 

[rjc149]

I have a relatively thick neck for my chest size (15.5 and 37”) — so RTW shirts often don’t work for me. Darts don’t work to decrease the chest size. Fortunately custom shirts are a reasonable alternative.

How about slim fits?

 

[breakaway01]

How about slim fits?

yeah, I've done slim or extra-slim from a few makers but not all offer them as an option. If I were on a tighter budget it would definitely be the most realistic option.