What do you do if your tailor tells you you're fat?

Hmm... weird and unnecessary replies.

The only question would be, "Is this your ideal weight?"

Spending lots of money when you still have other goals seems silly. I'd suggest you wait - you have plenty of time.

Originally Posted by mjHession

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This one is for some laughs, as well as some advice. I recently decided I wanted to find a better tailor in my area (30 min north of Philly). I find about this guy Joe Centofani, he seems to be regarded as the best around here on SF, so I go in there and I think it's his daughter who probably about mid 40's, tells me im too young to be this big (im 24 and wear a 48r). I told her that i have lost some weight a few years ago, but have sat where im at for a while now. I was about 350lbs, now around 260. She doesn't take the time to even pin my sleeves at the same length, joe noticed this though and pointed it out to her, then when I was leaving she says (maybe as a joke) i only need to loose 40 more pounds to look good in a suit. Should I go somewhere else or just deal with her comments? Sure I know i'm fat, but i don't need her telling me. Also I want to build a relationship with my tailor, not sure how that will happen with her.

Thoughts?

lol, f*ck her - who needs that abuse?! nice job losing 90lbs!

Originally Posted by BareSolid

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If someone tells you you're fat, get off the ******* internet forum and go to the gym. What's the point in going to the tailor to get nice clothes fitted when you'll look like **** regardless? Two chins are certainly not better than one.

wow. personal attack. sheesh

Originally Posted by mjHession

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This one is for some laughs, as well as some advice. I recently decided I wanted to find a better tailor in my area (30 min north of Philly). I find about this guy Joe Centofani, he seems to be regarded as the best around here on SF, so I go in there and I think it's his daughter who probably about mid 40's, tells me im too young to be this big (im 24 and wear a 48r). I told her that i have lost some weight a few years ago, but have sat where im at for a while now. I was about 350lbs, now around 260. She doesn't take the time to even pin my sleeves at the same length, joe noticed this though and pointed it out to her, then when I was leaving she says (maybe as a joke) i only need to loose 40 more pounds to look good in a suit. Should I go somewhere else or just deal with her comments? Sure I know i'm fat, but i don't need her telling me. Also I want to build a relationship with my tailor, not sure how that will happen with her.

Thoughts?

I'd thank her for her honesty and try my best to lose some weight. Sweet talks and flattery will get you nowhere in life. Straight talks may bruise your ego a bit, but are definitely helpful for self betterment.

Please let us know if you've decided to use their service or not.

Well the important thing is, it wasn't the tailor who commented/insulted you on your weight. Just his daughter/assistant. I'd suggest going at least one more time, requesting to see the tailor (the father) only, for all fitting, pinning, etc. If he or the daughter asks why, comment on the unprofessional nature of your last experience with this girl. If the tailor is professional, he will fit you himself (and probably apologize for his daughter's behavior). Perhaps he will offer some constructive criticism regarding your weight (e.g., "you would look so much better in this suit if you could shave off a few lbs. here..." vs. what his daughter said), or he will make you look your best regardless of size (this should be expected regardless of him comments, of course). If the above is not the case, then find a new tailor.

Originally Posted by mjHession

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i do go to the gym only twice weekly though, and I hike about 10-30 miles weekly (flat trails, length depending on free time for the week).

That's not very active at all.

to be honest, after a certain point a good looking suit does not look good just because of sheer size.

drape and tapering goes straight out of the window. look at the back pants pockets, they become so far skewed it looks strange, and a large person fitting into an otr suit is nearly impossible, as most people store their fat in their midsection, sizing up the jackets enables them to button their suits, but have like 10 inches excess fabric in the shoulders. the other thing is, Men's suits were not designed to have size F breasts, which causes pulling and wrinkles in odd places.
I guess one does get more of their moneys worth in fabric, if a size 58 suit cost the same as a 36s, but uses like double the material...

congrats on losing 90lbs and continuing, not the easiest accomplishment. keep it up, and don't end up like those robust people who have given up.

You do infinitely more exercise than me, so I can't really talk, but I will anyway. Besides losing weight and all that common sense advice, why not remind her or the tailor that their job is to take an ill-fitting suit and make it look good.

Doesn't make a difference if "you are too fat" or "you are too thin" or, like me, "my, my, you have a huge bulge between your legs and I'd love to take you in the back so you can trade for services instead of paying with a check that I'd have to report to the IRS and pay taxes on."

Yes, it would be a female tailor, you jerks.

Originally Posted by JensenH

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I'd thank her for her honesty and try my best to lose some weight. Sweet talks and flattery will get you nowhere in life. Straight talks may bruise your ego a bit, but are definitely helpful for self betterment.

This is not a question of sweet talk vs. straight talk. This is a question of minding one's own business vs. going out of one's way to ridicule. Your tailor has only slightly more call to comment on your weight than a stranger you meet on the street, and only then as it relates to your specific transaction--e.g. "a large man like yourself should probably go for a more conservative-styled suit; here are some options I'd consider". Not "you look bad in clothes" as you bid each other goodbye.

Besides... it's a tailor, for goodness' sake. Their job is to make clothes for you, not to become your "total body image consultant". If I want that, I'll go to a doctor or hire a trainer. At least they probably won't try to advise me on my choice of clothing.

I would call him a few choice words of my own then find a new one, he obviously doesn't need your bisnuess or he would have treated you with better service.

This could be a matter of cultural difference, Joe Centofani sounds italian, mediterranean people are know for not being as subtle as northern people. If your tailor tells you you are fat, you have two choices, find a subtler tailor or get over the cultural difference.

answer: look for Kunk. train with Kunk.

Originally Posted by Lowndes

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Well, 220 was my weight at my max. and I'm 6'2" and wore a 43L. Just depends on the person.

It certainly does. I'm 5'9'' and weigh 170. I wear 44R,
at least in Belvest, Isaia, Battistoni. When I was around
160, I wore 42 or 43 in US made garments.

Originally Posted by Artigas

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This is not a question of sweet talk vs. straight talk. This is a question of minding one's own business vs. going out of one's way to ridicule. Your tailor has only slightly more call to comment on your weight than a stranger you meet on the street, and only then as it relates to your specific transaction--e.g. "a large man like yourself should probably go for a more conservative-styled suit; here are some options I'd consider". Not "you look bad in clothes" as you bid each other goodbye.

Besides... it's a tailor, for goodness' sake. Their job is to make clothes for you, not to become your "total body image consultant". If I want that, I'll go to a doctor or hire a trainer. At least they probably won't try to advise me on my choice of clothing.

OP said the woman "tells me im too young to be this big" How is this "going out of one's way to ridicule?

A good tailor is suppose to give you his/her honest opinions and advice on how to dress in addition to making clothes for you. Whether or not you take their advice is your peragotive.

Again, I would rather hear the truth that perhaps stings a bit than hear fawning salespeak that does nothing but strokes my ego.

Originally Posted by mjHession

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can't run very far very fast, .

Don't run. Bad for your knees at your size. Plenty of other low impact things you can do. Think barbell step ups.