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In Need of a Fashion Expert

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    May 03, 2010 9:59 PM GMT
    Does anyone have any advice on dress clothes and getting the custom-fit look? Hitting up a wedding in T-minus 2 weeks, and while my suit is all set, I can't seem to find dress shirts that fit well at the waste. Always go for the slim-fit or tailored fit, but they still fall big on me. I was told that the more you work out and go out of the "clothing bell-curve" the harder it is to find the perfect fit. At a 42" chest and 32" waste, apparently finding the right shirt isn't easy (according to a guy at Brooks Brothers).

    Any suggestions on brands/cuts that have worked well? I have a smoking-hot date and gotta look the part.
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    May 03, 2010 11:08 PM GMT
    Go "French cuff" whatever you choose.

    I tend to like Gucci dress shirts for fabric and fit.

    Otherwise, find a custom tailor in your town and see if they can do a rush. You'll pay dearly for rush, though.
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  • nicelyproport...

    Posts: 588

    May 03, 2010 11:16 PM GMT
    I have roughly the same build as you and share the same problem: most dress shirts that fit me in the shoulders and chest are huge around the waist.

    European dress shirts generally will be cut narrower than those manufactured for the US. (Even "slim-fit" dress shirts in the US often are too billowy for my torso.) I suggest that you try Zara, a European brand with stores in the US. Zara sells body-conscious dress shirts that are both nicely tailored and relatively inexpensive.

    If you feel like parting with more money, Dolce and Gabbana makes dress shirts that seem to conform to my torso perfectly.

    Of course, you could always have a shirt custom-made for you. A less expensive option: buy a shirt that fits your upper body and have a tailor take it in around the waist.

    Hope this helps. Good luck!
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  • nicelyproport...

    Posts: 588

    May 03, 2010 11:21 PM GMT
    GAMRican saidGo "French cuff" whatever you choose.

    I tend to like Gucci dress shirts for fabric and fit.

    Otherwise, find a custom tailor in your town and see if they can do a rush. You'll pay dearly for rush, though.


    Yes, Gucci shirts also are nicely-tailored.
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  • Menergy_1

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    May 03, 2010 11:21 PM GMT
    Take your shirt(s) to a tailor/alteration shop (Martinizing cleaners have such services, for example) -- for a very few bucks you have them take in the body of the shirt for a perfect, trimmer fit. This can be done in a few hours, or next day or so pickup time....saves hunting all over for an expensive European or athletic fit shirt in a rush.

    We share the same chest and waist sizes, by the way.
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    May 03, 2010 11:28 PM GMT
    djl85 saidDoes anyone have any advice on dress clothes and getting the custom-fit look? Hitting up a wedding in T-minus 2 weeks, and while my suit is all set, I can't seem to find dress shirts that fit well at the waste. Always go for the slim-fit or tailored fit, but they still fall big on me. I was told that the more you work out and go out of the "clothing bell-curve" the harder it is to find the perfect fit. At a 42" chest and 32" waste, apparently finding the right shirt isn't easy (according to a guy at Brooks Brothers).

    Any suggestions on brands/cuts that have worked well? I have a smoking-hot date and gotta look the part.


    I'm not an expert but-

    Sounds like all you need is to find the shirt that you really like (pattern/color/collar etc.) and have a tailor 'take it in' (taper it in the back with two seams from under the shoulder to the waist). The sleeves may also need to be slightly adjusted. Consider that you might want it tight enough to show off your body but still a little looser if you're into dancing.

    Though it will 'set you back' in cost, you'll 1- not waste more time and effort looking, and, 2- you'll have the shirt for other occasions (assuming you don't put on more muscle bulk before that).

    Enjoy your date!
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    May 03, 2010 11:36 PM GMT
    BuddyinNYC saidSounds like all you need is to find the shirt that you really like (pattern/color/collar etc.) and have a tailor 'take it in' (taper it in the back with two seams from under the shoulder to the waist).

    Agreed. Sounds like you would do well to start with an "Athletic Taper" shirt (or "Athletic Cut") and then go to a tailor/seamstress. They can take in the side seams, and/or put in "darts" that gather the extra fabric to create a shapely fit.

    I have this problem myself, since my neck is thicker in proportion to the standard American shirt size. When I buy for my collar size, the rest of the shirt is like a tent on me. So I just have the body of the shirt tailored down, something I accept as required for my build. Simple, yes?
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  • GQjock

    Posts: 11649

    May 04, 2010 12:00 AM GMT
    Go online .....
    I think Calvin makes a very slim fitting shirt
    In a Men's dress shirt there are more measurements to consider than just the chest and the waist
    and that's the neck and the sleeve length
    The neck size really determines the torso size
    is you're neck a 15 15.5 or a 16?
    Sleeve 33 34 or 35?
    Athletic fit shirts are the first stop
    but if they aren't what you're looking for hit a custom tailor shop
    it'll cost you but what's the price of hotness
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    May 04, 2010 12:32 AM GMT


    Charles Tyrwhitt makes beautiful bttn dwns. My best advice would be to buy your shirts w/ the correct measurements for neck, upper torso and sleeves and take it to the tailor to custom fit your lower torso. It usually costs no more than 15-20 bucks for the alteration.
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    May 04, 2010 12:41 AM GMT
    For dress clothing, I buy Hugo Boss. They arrange to get it altered for you and it's ready in two working days. You just need darts in the back. Getting one custom made would be ideal but you don't have much time left and it's be better if your pant was custom too.
    But if you have a sports mag lying around with a fashion photo spread in it, see what the models are wearing, they usually would be the same body type as you and shop there.
    French cuffs are really old school, they can make you look older than you are (and tacky) if you don't get the right shirt and complementary outfit. Depends if the wedding's traditional with older family members too.
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    May 04, 2010 12:45 AM GMT
    No need to buy Gucci or D&G (....though Dolce & Gabbana really does fit perfectly).

    Find a shirt made from a nice material that fits you well in the shoulders, arms and neck. Then, simply take it to a good tailor somewhere near you. They'll pin it up, they can add darts.... and it will be as good as that $350 dollar Dolce & Gabbana dress shirt.

    if this is just a one night thing, you can try Zara, its cheap and they fit well... again... anything can be altered. And if you have two weeks, it can be done easily.

    Good luck.
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    May 04, 2010 12:46 AM GMT
    AbFab1 saidTake your shirt(s) to a tailor/alteration shop (Martinizing cleaners have such services, for example) -- for a very few bucks you have them take in the body of the shirt for a perfect, trimmer fit. This can be done in a few hours, or next day or so pickup time....saves hunting all over for an expensive European or athletic fit shirt in a rush.

    We share the same chest and waist sizes, by the way.


    The most pratical option... Tailors can work WONDERS!!

    Good luck in your search bro! icon_cool.gif

    Post pics when you find something
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    May 04, 2010 12:58 AM GMT
    Consider tailored online - http://www.indochino.com/. Their prices aren't unreasonable and I've had a friend have good results with them. Of course you're cutting it really tight if you need alterations - but you can pay an extra $30 bucks to get it within 10 days.

    The thing about the measurements and cut though is that once you get it right, it's pretty easy to keep ordering the same thing.
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    May 04, 2010 1:04 AM GMT
    Tailoring is the long term solution. But with only two weeks I would try Zara, Club Monaco or Benetton/Sisley for slim fit dress shirts. I've bought great fitted shirts at all of those stores.
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    May 04, 2010 1:10 AM GMT
    For your body size... I recommend going to Express men... They have great shirts that are well fitted and tons of ties to compliment. If you' re gunning for the bow tie, hit up the Mens Warehouse... For a great night out 7 Diamonds brand long sleeve shirts are an amazing fit and look great!
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    May 04, 2010 1:18 AM GMT
    Ok i see all this Gucci and Boss and such... truth is most peeps dont have the money to buy these kinds of shirts...

    Go to Express, they have awesome fitted shirts.. just make sure you shy away from stretch cotton as it will get bigger after the first wash or dry clean. Get the regular cotton shirt...

    Recently... there is this big trend in the fashion market for fitted shirts and more guys in the US are wanting these shirts.. Even JC penny now has fitted dress shirts. Truth is you can find fitted shirts at the waist any where now..
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    May 04, 2010 1:19 AM GMT
    The only issue with Zara is that their clothes often shrink when put into a dryer. They're very form fitting, but the fit you get in the store won't necessarily be the same after the first wash.
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  • nicelyproport...

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    May 04, 2010 1:30 AM GMT
    SeaSon saidThe only issue with Zara is that their clothes often shrink when put into a dryer. They're very form fitting, but the fit you get in the store won't necessarily be the same after the first wash.


    true that. i hang mine to dry so that they won't shrink.
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    May 04, 2010 1:39 AM GMT
    I've never washed a form fitted shirt...

    I just though it was a dry clean only item. Then again I don't want to worry myself about trying to make it nice again.
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    May 04, 2010 1:55 AM GMT
    Gucci dress shirt? No way. It's nice to have them if you wear them on a regular basis, and assuming you don't, I would go with something A LOT cheaper. If there is a Zara store nearby, head over there. They have really stylish, yet affordable dress shirts. I just LOVE Zara.
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    May 04, 2010 1:57 AM GMT
    luvitohateit saidGucci dress shirt? No way. It's nice to have them if you wear them on a regular basis, and assuming you don't, I would go with something A LOT cheaper. If there is a Zara store nearby, head over there. They have really stylish, yet affordable dress shirts. I just LOVE Zara.




    Yes yes! I love me my Zara as well.. Their suits are just the most amazing fitted things out there. I hate all that extra baggage and fluff
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  • bmw0

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    May 04, 2010 1:59 AM GMT
    I would reccomend going to Express or Banana Republic. The shirts are reasonably priced, good quality...and look amazing.
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  • quarterlifecr...

    Posts: 53

    May 04, 2010 1:59 AM GMT
    As a stylist, If find that slim and formal wear don't always mix. People have been saying the right things though.

    Europe is really where this is more prominent. Try TopMan (which is Top Shop for Men) at topman.com or if you're in the states, they have a New York City location.

    Try popping by your local H&M. Most H&M's I've encountered are pretty decent in having a good collection of formal wear for men. They too are from Europe.

    Try some high end shops:
    http://needsupply.com/mens/tops/ls-classic-button.html (Need Supply)
    http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Suiting_Mens.html (Blackbird Ballard)

    Hate to say it, but higher end designers usually do carry the more slim fit clothing. Doesn't necessarily have to be a Gucci, or Prada (let's not break the bank on something somebody may spill a glass of wine on).

    and as I say, if all fails, there's always Bloomingdales (and Loehmanns).
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  • quarterlifecr...

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    May 04, 2010 2:14 AM GMT
    Oh and I also agree with people saying Zara.

    Zara crosses that euro-trendy look a lot for me. I always go in hoping to find something, but maybe if I was looking for some basics I'd go there.

    and Barneys Co-Op.
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    May 04, 2010 2:32 AM GMT
    Banana Republic - Slim Fit Dress Shirt - Get one size larger if your regular size doesn't fit in the shoulders. They make a killer dress shirt with a great cut. Not too expensive either. Definite wedding material.

    Jcrew - Tailored fit dress shirt. You can wash it in your washing machine if you want to. Great cut. Again, if it doesn't fit in the shoulders, just get one size larger.

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