What to look for in off-the-rack shirts to have tailored?

[aerc10]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase some business-casual shirts to be worn open-collar. However, I typically have a difficult time finding clothes that fit (I'm 6 foot, 155 pounds, 36-37" chest, 30" waist). Shirts slim enough to fit my chest and waist are too short on the sleeves, and vice versa. As a remedy, I'm looking to have some shirts altered. I chose altering because it seems a bit excessive to have completely custom tailored business casual shirts, but let me know if I'm wrong.

So, here's my question. What should I look for when buying a shirt off-the-rack that I plan to have altered? Since my 'largest' part is my arms, should I buy one to fit me there and have the rest tailored to fit? Are there any key areas that need to fit in addition? I've heard a variety of things from chest, to collar, to shoulders, etc.

I look forward to any advice you have to offer, thanks!

Brian

 

[Joffrey]

Neck, Shoulders, Chest should fit. Everything else (waist, back, sleeves) can be shortened or taken in depending on the part of the shirt (sleeves and shirt length can be shortened, back can be narrowed with darts, and sleeves and waist can also be narrowed at the seams).

 

[aerc10]

So it seems I'd still have a difficult time, as the shirts that would fit my neck, shoulders, and chest are rarely long enough in the sleeves. What other options do I have?

 

[lee_44106]

why don't you try Landsend custom shirt. They are less than $100 per shirt, and you get to customize length and all that. The return policy is also excellent.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by aerc10

What other options do I have?

You could try made-to-measure from one of the various online places.

 

[aerc10]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

You could try made-to-measure from one of the various online places.

Does that make sense for a more casual shirt though? I just get the feeling that's more dressy than I'm looking for.

 

[dsbkoko]

Originally Posted by aerc10

Does that make sense for a more casual shirt though? I just get the feeling that's more dressy than I'm looking for.

The style is what makes something dressy or casual, not the price.

 

[aerc10]

Originally Posted by dsbkoko

The style is what makes something dressy or casual, not the price.

Well, I am talking about the style, not the price. I just get the impression the style with MTM is typically dressy, more 'stiff' look. I wasn't aware they did more casual stuff as well, but if that's the case, I'd be willing to give it a try.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Originally Posted by aerc10

Well, I am talking about the style, not the price. I just get the impression the style with MTM is typically dressy, more 'stiff' look. I wasn't aware they did more casual stuff as well, but if that's the case, I'd be willing to give it a try.

If you want a more casual look with MTM, just get a more casual fabric, such as an oxford or in the summer time linen works well, button down collars usually offer a nice casual look along with barrel cuffs. That was just a suggestion for a casual shirt as there are many different options.

 

[Mexicorn]

As someone who's 6'2" I can relate on having trouble finding small neck / long sleeve combinations.

Try broooks brothers. Their slim fit line goes down to 15" neck while still having a 35" sleeve. Fits me rather well, but you might want it to be altered slightly if you want it to be super slim.

Bear in mind that pretty much any shirt will shrink some in the wash, so don't trust something that's almost form fitting on the chest in the dressing room.

 

[itsallinurhead]

Originally Posted by Mexicorn

As someone who's 6'2" I can relate on having trouble finding small neck / long sleeve combinations.

Try broooks brothers. Their slim fit line goes down to 15" neck while still having a 35" sleeve. Fits me rather well, but you might want it to be altered slightly if you want it to be super slim.

Bear in mind that pretty much any shirt will shrink some in the wash, so don't trust something that's almost form fitting on the chest in the dressing room.

From what I read, the non-iron variety can't be tailored due to the construction that makes them non-iron?

 

[JBird]

Originally Posted by itsallinurhead

From what I read, the non-iron variety can't be tailored due to the construction that makes them non-iron?

I've had all of mine taken in at the sides and haven't had any issues

 

[itsallinurhead]

Originally Posted by JBird

I've had all of mine taken in at the sides and haven't had any issues

The non-iron slim-fits?

 

[JBird]

Originally Posted by itsallinurhead

The non-iron slim-fits?

Yea, they aren't slim enough for me. I'm a 16x32 with a 43" chest and a 32" waist. I have to get all of my shirts "fixed up" and really should just start going MTM.