Shirt size small or extra small? - opinions please!

[slimjim88]

So I'm about to order some stuff from American Eagle, but I don't know which size to get (for tops). I normally wear size small, but I was at the store yesterday and it seems that the extra-small is the same in length, but a tighter fit. With the size small, there is more slack around the chest and shoulders area.

Being that I'm a skinny guy (5'7" and 130 lbs - I need to work out I know), I don't know if I should wear clothes that are that tight on me. Is it better that the clothes are fitted around the arms and chest (size extra small), or better to have a little slack so I don't look so thin? (Notice the arms/shoulders in the side views). I normally buy their size small and the stuff fits well. I'm worried the extra small will be too small and will shrink in the wash too. I took pics for comparison. Thanks.

Picasa Web Albums - Shirt Sizes
(Note: the clothes in the pictures are for comparison purposes- I'm not buying those).

 

[Night Owl]

Try American Eagle MTM.

 

[slimjim88]

Originally Posted by Night Owl

Try American Eagle MTM.

I don't know what that means. But can you please answer the question I posted though? Thanks.

 

[Tarmac]

do as I do at Burger King. Go with the Large

 

[Bhowie]

Trolling, Trolling, Trolling. Keep those doggies Trolling.

 

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by slimjim88

I don't know what that means. But can you please answer the question I posted though? Thanks.

[serious answer] Extra small Remo.

 

[mrbowtie]

Get the small, as it will shrink.

 

[AvariceBespoke]

Originally Posted by mrbowtie

Get the small, as it will shrink.

+1 mrbowtie knows his stuff

 

[EdenResident]

It's American Eagle. Just buy both of them.

 

[slimjim88]

Originally Posted by EdenResident

It's American Eagle. Just buy both of them.

Thanks for the ass condescending comment. Even if it is cheap, it makes no sense to buy both cause obviously one will fit better than the other.

 

[WoodyStylee]

SlimJim, in the interest of making this thread short and sweet, StyleForum members tend to look down upon 'Mall Brands' such as american eagle, abercrombie, etc. Sure, I admittedly wore that **** in high- school 7 years ago when i didnt know any better, however if you insist on purchasing those brands and are looking for size advice from this forum, your in the wrong place. Topics here tend to revolve around clothing that actually has some sort of quality in both material and fit. Godspeed.

 

[Tarmac]

nothing wrong with AE, this thread is just stupid.

the different sizes look almost identical on you, get what you prefer. You said you already own tons of AE in small so you should know how exactly they shrink.

 

[Felix Krull]

MTM means made-to-measure. This is a type of tailoring in which your measurements are taken and then a garment is fashioned to those dimensions. It is considered a bridge between RTW (ready to wear) and bespoke (full custom). Most of what is passed off as custom clothing is in actuality made-to-measure.

Nevertheless, I found precious little difference in the extra small and small sizes in your photos. As a trim man, myself, I can empathize somewhat with your dilemma. Generally speaking, you want the arm holes as high as possible while providing enough flexibility and length in the sleeve to have a comfortable range of motion. I would also have some concerns about how the collar would shrink on an extra-small resulting in a strangling effect when you put on a tie.

I too would go with the small. I cannot let you pass, however, without questioning American Eagle as your label of choice. It's reputation strikes me as antithetical to having style which is what this forum attempts to uphold as it pre-eminent value. Surely, even if you are of modest means you can afford to do better for yourself than The Gap and its incestuous offspring like American Eagle.

Best wishes to you!

 

[slimjim88]

Alright, thanks for the advice guys. While I'm at it, which colors do you recommend for this v-neck sweater? I know it may not be your style, but which color(s) do you think would match me (light skin, brown hair, brown eyes) and would go well with jeans for a casual daytime look? I'm not sure why but I really like the yellow one, and perhaps black as well. http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product...ctId=1144_9351