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Shirt tailoring and sizing question

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cpadude

cpadude

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I have what probably seems like a basic question about getting shirts altered. I have about 7 Brooks Brothers Slim Fit shirts which I thought were slim enough with the right sleeve length.

Now on further reflection (and with a more refined eye thanks to styleforum), I realize that the shirt sleeves are too long and that the back of the shirt is too blousy. Is it possible for a tailor to take the shirt in and shorten the sleeves?

This seems like an easy process, so what is a decent price in a major city (Chicago to be specific if you have recommendations)?

As a rule of thumb, how big are the waists and chests of your shirts relative to your actual chest and waist size, respectively.

Thanks Much.
 
Alexander Kabbaz

Alexander Kabbaz

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If you are an average size between 15 and 17 neck, then:

Chest 6"-7" additional fabric
Waist 5"-6"
Hips 6"-7"
 
Augusto86

Augusto86

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Seems as good a place as any - what exactly do the two numbers that most dress shirts are given MEAN? Like 15.5/35, or whatever. I always buy shirts in S/M/L or have them made - so I don't know what the numbers mean, and that sort of shirt is usually wrapped or online, so I can't try it on!

Help me, O master of shirts...
 
mack11211

mack11211

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The two numbers refer to neck size and sleeve length as measures from the top of the center back behind the neck.

Generally an S has a neck of 15, a M, 16; a L, 17. Sleeve length might be 33 for S, 34 for M, 35 for L. Chest of an American-cut M shirt will be about 50 inches. These sizes are approximate, esp in chest and sleeve, and vary by maker of course.
 
matadorpoeta

matadorpoeta

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Originally Posted by DocHolliday
Click to expand...
Italian shirts usually list the neck size and the chest size.

i've never seen a dress shirt that listed the chest size. my guess is that you are mistaking the neck size in centimeters (42, 43, etc...) for a chest size.
 
matadorpoeta

matadorpoeta

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Originally Posted by cpadude
Click to expand...
Now on further reflection (and with a more refined eye thanks to styleforum), I realize that the shirt sleeves are too long and that the back of the shirt is too blousy. Is it possible for a tailor to take the shirt in and shorten the sleeves?

i would bet that, rather than shortening the sleeves, you likely need to have the cuffs made tighter.
 
DocHolliday

DocHolliday

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Originally Posted by matadorpoeta
Click to expand...
i've never seen a dress shirt that listed the chest size. my guess is that you are mistaking the neck size in centimeters (42, 43, etc...) for a chest size.
Good lord, you're absolutely right. I'd never thought about it before, but this is the only thing that remotely makes sense. Funny the things one assumes. And I can't tell you how long I've labored under this impression! A good laugh at myself today!
 

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