What do you have the most trouble finding RTW? Why?

[Modernist]

Originally Posted by anon

Originally Posted by Modernist

If the OP's intention was to imply "and you have to go bespoke", then it's got to be shirts. I'm a fairly standard 40 in all measurements except sleeve length. All the slim-fit RTW that I find are about 1 1/2" short. And there are some details that I'm a bit OCD about. Especially a stitched down full back box pleat. Despite the added visual interest, it also acts as a dart, making for a neater and more fitted back.

Besides that, it's got to be OTC socks in anything else besides black, navy and grey.

you prefer the box pleat be stitched down?

Yes, for instance the way Band of Outsiders' shirts are like.

Hm, perhaps the correct term isn't "stitched down" but "stitched"? Non-native speaker alert

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by Modernist

Yes, for instance the way Band of Outsiders' shirts are like.

Hm, perhaps the correct term isn't "stitched down" but "stitched"? Non-native speaker alert

Your english is fine. I didn't know this was an option. I hate when my box pleat gets pulled out and just shows a crease. Stitching the pleat flat would still give you the look without having to worry about it getting pulled out. That's actually a really neat idea..

 

[Irond Will]

Shirts and jackets. Probably jackets, since a few places carry slim-cut 15.5x36. No one carries jackets that fit me OTR - the closest would probably be a 39L with two extra inches of sleeve.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by bigbris1

Dress shirts. 16.5 neck, 37 sleeve.

About the same here... 15.5 neck 37 on one asrm, 36 the other.

Sweaters are the worst for me... sleeve all too short.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by Connemara

Basic, plain suits. As in a grey or navy worsted.

I don't know if kaxixi meant hard to find or hard to find at 80% off. Finding basic suits should be pretty easy.

Originally Posted by norcaltransplant

36S suits and sportcoats

The higher-end boutiques and even department stores only order a few pieces each season. They rarely make it past the first markdown. I would kill to find some decent Hickey Freeman odd jackets for $250-300ish.

Haven't you been using MTM? Last time I saw you--quite a while ago I think--you had a nice jacket on. I know it would be great to get a source for cheaper RTW, but once you have a good wardrobe, aren't you better served by adding exactly what you want?

Originally Posted by Modernist

Besides that, it's got to be OTC socks in anything else besides black, navy and grey.

Yeah, no idea where you might be able to find those...

For me, it's shirts. I'm sure it's no coincidence that the cheapest bespoke/mtm category, with the most options, is the one most guys struggle with.

 

[maomao1980]

Originally Posted by yfyf

I've only found two RTW shirts that pass the mark, Orian for Tomorrowland and Spencer Hart. In the case of Spencer Hart, they're a little too full and long so perfect for doing a few minor alterations to. I must try Barba sometime. I've tried Fray and was a bit disappointed, someone once gave me a Tom Ford and it was way tight (and not in a good way).

becareful buying Barba, some are cut fuller, but they all have a nice fit around the chest, so it's easy to taper the rest. Also you can buy black label Barbas which are pretty tight for me around the shoulder and upper arms, but might work for you. Fray is pretty full as you said. I looked at Orian in Japan before, I think the sleeves are cut too short for me

I really like their button down collars.

 

[bluemagic]

Icy light blue slim-fit OCBDs.

 

[chorse123]

What are you guys paying for Orian? I can get them.

 

[kaxixi]

Originally Posted by Modernist

If the OP's intention was to imply "and you have to go bespoke", then it's got to be shirts. I'm a fairly standard 40 in all measurements except sleeve length. All the slim-fit RTW that I find are about 1 1/2" short. And there are some details that I'm a bit OCD about. Especially a stitched down full back box pleat. Despite the added visual interest, it also acts as a dart, making for a neater and more fitted back.

Besides that, it's got to be OTC socks in anything else besides black, navy and grey.

I had no intention other than curiosity. Conne's reason--not willing to pay retail--is as good as any.

 

[Nicola]

Suits that fit. Normal drops don't work for me. Other then that I'm easy enough.

For the person looking for 36. Vacation in Italy. Italian 46 is pretty common. Come over twice a year for the sales if you want . It's not like the 46 are flying off the racks. Even now the shops have stuff on the small end of the range getting cheaper by the week.

 

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by binge

Jimmy hats.
Problem solved.

 

[bigbris1]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

About the same here... 15.5 neck 37 on one asrm, 36 the other.

Sweaters are the worst for me... sleeve all too short.

Mee too. I either push the sleeves up, or when worn over a shirt I show a little shirt cuff which isn't too bad.

Other than that I wash them, then stretch the sleeves while they are wet & dry them flat.

 

[Holdfast]

Shirts that fit well.

 

[maomao1980]

Originally Posted by chorse123

What are you guys paying for Orian? I can get them.

I've never bought one so couldn't remember correctly, but they seem to be around US$150 from Tomorrowland in Japan.

 

[wanderingpilgrim]

Dress Shirts have been the hardest, but mtm has solved that. Getting a shirt to fit a 18 inch neck with a 39.5 inch sleeve just wasn't happening. I had to have the shoulder seam half way down my triceps to get a sleeve that was long enough. Suits are the difficult item at the moment. It will have to be mtm or bespoke because finding a 48l or xl jacket with 35 or 36 pants just isn't going to happen. Any otr jackets need so much waist suppression that it is ridiculous.