Is getting shirts altered an okay idea?

[mikeman]

I recently bought some shirts from J crew in a medium, I used to wear a small, but the chest pulls a bit. Anyway, I used to be able to wear the shirts either tucker or untucked, and the length wasn't an issue. The mediums seem to be a bit long, and a bit too wide in the waist area. Do you guys ever get your shirts shortened and taken in a bit? If so, where should a shirt fall to be okay to wear tucked or untucked? Any info would be great.

 

[wigglr]

I recently bought some shirts from J crew in a medium, I used to wear a small, but the chest pulls a bit. Anyway, I used to be able to wear the shirts either tucker or untucked, and the length wasn't an issue. The mediums seem to be a bit long, and a bit too wide in the waist area. Do you guys ever get your shirts shortened and taken in a bit? If so, where should a shirt fall to be okay to wear tucked or untucked? Any info would be great.

I do this all the time. Should be easy for a tailor. Typically an untucked shirt should be shorter; however, if you want to wear that same shirt tucked later, it will have a harder time staying tucked. Sometimes I get some shortened and taken in, other times, i just get them taken in.

 

[eluther]

I think it's a myth that you can wear the same shirt tucked in and untucked unless you have much higher-than-average rise trousers for tucking the shirt in (12-13"). Epaulet's trousers (not chinos) are good for this, specifically.

For untucked, the side seam should fall at the bottom of your belt line(-ish). If you try tucking in a shirt that's only that long, you're going to fuss with it all day. For shirts you tuck in, I generally like them to fall almost to my crotch.

However, it's never a bad idea to get your shirts altered. Spending $15 to get a $65 dollar shirt taken in is going to make it look much nicer than most $80 shirts.

 

[mikeman]

Alright. It just sucks because I work in a casual place were I dont have to wear an "dress' shirt, but I do tuck them in, but once I get home and throw on some jeans; then its untucked...

As for the tapering, is there any good guidelines to follow, as to not get them too slim?

 

[msulinski]

I generally wouldn't wear a shirt that is meant to be tucked in untucked, as the long tails look sloppy. There are shirts designed to be worn untucked, which have a much more finished look and design to the hem.

In terms of how tapered, etc, you should go to the tailor and let him pin the shirt while you wear it. That will let you see how it will look after the alterations are done. If you are happy with the look, go for it. I'm sure there are limits to how much a shirt can be taken in before looking "off" so let your tailor advise you on that.

 

[mikeman]

What generally distinguishes a shirt that should be tucked, and one that is ment to be worn out? Just the length of the tails?

 

[JayJay]



What generally distinguishes a shirt that should be tucked, and one that is ment to be worn out? Just the length of the tails?

The length and shape of the hem.

 

[msulinski]

What generally distinguishes a shirt that should be tucked, and one that is ment to be worn out? Just the length of the tails?

A shirt meant to be untucket will have a hem than generally lacks tails. It may have vestiges of them, but for the most part, runs straight across. It will also not have any exposed laundry care tags and spare buttons near the hem, like a lot of dress shirts do.

 

[mikeman]

Alright, here is some quick pictures of one of the shirts. Let me know what you guys think could be fixed.

 

[JayJay]

Looks too long to be worn untucked. Also appears to be too baggy.

 

[mikeman]



Looks too long to be worn untucked. Also appears to be too baggy.

Just in the waist area, or all around?

 

[wigglr]

I like the color! It is definitely too long and it almost "balloons" out at the bottom. You would have to tuck this in - but it might cause a muffin-top look. It is never a bad idea to tuck button-down shirts in casually, either. I would get that tailored.

Alright, here is some quick pictures of one of the shirts. Let me know what you guys think could be fixed.

 

[shilleck]

That shirt should be tucked.

 

[wigglr]

You look pretty thin - maybe buying slim fit is a good option for you. I'm not thin and I even buy slim fit. It just helps get rid of excess fabric.

 

[sportin_life]

That shirt looks much too large to be altered.

Slightly off topic, but how much are you guys typically paying to get sides taken in? I was previously having my shirts darted (tailor charged $15) and requested some new ones to be taken in instead. He wanted $25 for it, which seemed reasonable.