Shirts for narrow shoulders and big neck?

[deaddog]

I'm having a tough time fitting dress shirts. I wear a 17/33 but I find that the shoulders are wide - that is, the shoulder seam is about 1/2" below the point where shoulder goes from vertical to horizontal. I usually get a "slim fit" BB shirt but even that doesnt work in the shoulders. I don't want to wait weeks (or longer) for MTM. Any suggestions on brands that might work? Can a tailor actually "narrow" a shirt through the shoulders?

 

[deaddog]

that nobody wants to respond? I actually thought it was kind of practical - sort of the fit/silhouette type questions people post all of the time regarding suits.

 

[gdl203]

The answer is very simple: if you don't fit the RTW shirt patterns, you have to go MTM.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by gdl203

The answer is very simple: if you don't fit the RTW shirt patterns, you have to go MTM.

Yep, a 17 inch neck is on the bigger side and the assumption is that the shoulders are going to be wide on a person with that neck measurement. If you have narrow shoulders then you are "odd" for lack of a better term and will need to get shirts made. Shoulders can't be narrowed succesfully.

 

[whoopee]

Fashion designers known for making slimmer cuts will make shirts with narrower shoulders. E.g. Jil Sander, Dior Homme, etc. At that price point, my recommendation would be to get MTM/bespoke.

 

[mack11211]

There are also lower priced slim-fit shirts like those from Zara, H&M, and maybe Express. You may have to get the arms shortened, tho'.

 

[wheelerray]

I have the same problem, with a 17.5 neck, but only a 19" shoulder spread. My tailor has narrowed lots of my shirts accross the shoulders, but this can only be done if the sleeves are also too long, as they are shortened by the amount the shoulders are narrowed. So one solution may be to buy the same shirt, but with longer sleeves to allow the shoulders to be narrowed.

My tailor charges only $22.00 to narrow shoulders, take in sides, and set sleeve length correctly, but that was with a quantity discount.

However, time will pass whether you have Jantzen shirts on order or not. So my suggestion is to have your tailor fix up what you already own to get you by until your Jantzen order arrives.

 

[deaddog]

I apologize for having to "jump start" my question but the responses have been helpful. Can anybody comment further on the discrepancy between ed's comment that shoulders can not be narrowed successfully and wheeleray's experience of having a tailor narrow shoulders? Most "nice" shirts with a 17" neck have sleeves that are too long so if I can get a tailor to fix it up for 22 bucks that is a much better option that waiting a month or more for shirts.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by wheelerray

My tailor charges only $22.00 to narrow shoulders, take in sides, and set sleeve length correctly, but that was with a quantity discount.

That sounds like a ridiculously low price considering the amount of work. If I'm not mistaken, basically the sleeves need to be detached, sides taken in, new armholes cut, sleeves need to be re-attached (can't use the same armhole as it will be too big for the sleevehead, no?)

 

[deaddog]

What is the absolutely fastest turnaround I can get for MTM shirts at a not silly (no more than $100/shirt) price? Any suggestions?

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by deaddog

What is the absolutely fastest turnaround I can get for MTM shirts at a not silly (no more than $100/shirt) price? Any suggestions?

If you are in NYC, the Indian tailors (Mohans, LaRukico etc). I'm sure they have similar tailors in other cities. Usually 2-3 weeks. If you rush them, they can get the shirts sooner. I doubt that their shirts go for over $100. $100 is about as low as you can start when talking MTM.

 

[whoopee]

CEGO can do it in around a week, but $100 is pushing it.

 

[DMcG]

Originally Posted by deaddog

What is the absolutely fastest turnaround I can get for MTM shirts at a not silly (no more than $100/shirt) price? Any suggestions?

I have no personal experience with them, but mysuitshop.com seems to have a very quick turnaround. The only stuff I know about them is from this thread http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=22775

I don't know if there are any other reviews of them here, but I'm sure a quick search will turn it up if there is.

 

[deaddog]

Anybody have a quick and acceptable experience with MTM shirts in Chicago? At what cost?
thanks again

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by deaddog

What is the absolutely fastest turnaround I can get for MTM shirts

What is your rush?