Dress Shirt Problems (So Stressful!)

[alexk26]

Hello everyone. I have been extremely unlucky trying to find clothes that fit. I am about 5'10, 150 pounds. Contrary to popular belief, I am actually not too skinny. I have a decent build, and used to weight lift a while back. Every shirt I buy is too big on me. I went to Banana Republic, tried on shirts (thought they fit fine), and realized they were way too big. I would sit at my desk at work and the sleeves were double the width of my arms and wrists. The side, front, and back of my shirts were huge and stuck out so much. I realized the shirts I bought didn't have collar sizes or sleeve lengths, only small/medium/large/extra large.

Next, I tried Charles Tyrwhitt. They have good quality and decent prices. After measuring myself like 5 times, I determined the best fit was a 15.5 collar size and a 32 sleeve length. The shirts I selected were slim fit. Waited 3 weeks for them in the mail. Tried them on. Much better fit, but still too big. WHAT DO I DO?

They said I could do a free exchange but I have no clue what the correct decision is. I am trying to put on muscle, so I don't want to outgrow a shirt. At the same time, it is so sloppy looking to walk around in shirts that are too big.

Do I go from a 15.5 to a 15 collar in the slim fit or do I go to an "extra" slim fit and stay at a 15.5 collar?

Please help, thank you so much!!!

 

[jack webb]

Hello everyone. I have been extremely unlucky trying to find clothes that fit. I am about 5'10, 150 pounds. Contrary to popular belief, I am actually not too skinny. I have a decent build, and used to weight lift a while back. Every shirt I buy is too big on me. I went to Banana Republic, tried on shirts (thought they fit fine), and realized they were way too big. I would sit at my desk at work and the sleeves were double the width of my arms and wrists. The side, front, and back of my shirts were huge and stuck out so much. I realized the shirts I bought didn't have collar sizes or sleeve lengths, only small/medium/large/extra large.

Next, I tried Charles Tyrwhitt. They have good quality and decent prices. After measuring myself like 5 times, I determined the best fit was a 15.5 collar size and a 32 sleeve length. The shirts I selected were slim fit. Waited 3 weeks for them in the mail. Tried them on. Much better fit, but still too big. WHAT DO I DO?

They said I could do a free exchange but I have no clue what the correct decision is. I am trying to put on muscle, so I don't want to outgrow a shirt. At the same time, it is so sloppy looking to walk around in shirts that are too big.

Do I go from a 15.5 to a 15 collar in the slim fit or do I go to an "extra" slim fit and stay at a 15.5 collar?

Please help, thank you so much!!!

My height and weight are very close to yours and I have the same problem: medium- sized shirts are often too big, and small-sized shirts frequently too small. With respect to the Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, if it were me I'd keep the 15.5 collar and try the extra slim fit. In general, though, it's just a matter trying things on until you find the right fit, understanding that the correct size is apt to vary across brands. I like to wear my shirts untucked and have found that slim, small Untuckit shirts fit well, as do small Buck Mason button downs.

Another option, of course, would be to buy from a vendor such as Proper Cloth or Woodies that will make a shirt to your specifications (I believe Charles Tyrwhitt now has this service as well for at least some of their line). Naturally this will cost more, but if off-the-rack cannot nail your fit it might be worth considering.

 

[KOz]

Hello everyone. I have been extremely unlucky trying to find clothes that fit. I am about 5'10, 150 pounds. Contrary to popular belief, I am actually not too skinny. I have a decent build, and used to weight lift a while back. Every shirt I buy is too big on me. I went to Banana Republic, tried on shirts (thought they fit fine), and realized they were way too big. I would sit at my desk at work and the sleeves were double the width of my arms and wrists. The side, front, and back of my shirts were huge and stuck out so much. I realized the shirts I bought didn't have collar sizes or sleeve lengths, only small/medium/large/extra large.

Next, I tried Charles Tyrwhitt. They have good quality and decent prices. After measuring myself like 5 times, I determined the best fit was a 15.5 collar size and a 32 sleeve length. The shirts I selected were slim fit. Waited 3 weeks for them in the mail. Tried them on. Much better fit, but still too big. WHAT DO I DO?

They said I could do a free exchange but I have no clue what the correct decision is. I am trying to put on muscle, so I don't want to outgrow a shirt. At the same time, it is so sloppy looking to walk around in shirts that are too big.

Do I go from a 15.5 to a 15 collar in the slim fit or do I go to an "extra" slim fit and stay at a 15.5 collar?

Please help, thank you so much!!!

I know exactly how you feel. Bodybuilding has made purchasing clothes more difficult.

Unfortunately, you kind of have to make peace with the fact that going through cutting/bulking cycles and wanting a perfectly fitting wardrobe are at odds.

For best fit, you can get a bespoke made shirt.

Otherwise get a shirt that fits the shoulders and chest, then have a tailor alter it. Stay on the looser side of fits.

 

[Panama]

I am the size of a Gorilla. Thankfully Charles Tyrwhitt size 18 with 37 inch sleeves fit me perfectly...

 

[DapperPhilly]

Try a company like Spier & MacKay MTO