How do I find dress shirts that will fit me and stay tucked in?
I’ve been dressing up for a job for a few months now, and had to confront similar problems. Most dress shirts that would fit my neck and arm size looked like balloons on me, and came untucked all the time, and made me look frumpier than I would have if I’d come to work in flipflops, shorts and t-shirts. Then I discovered the magical powers of my local tailor shop. I found some cheap (and we’re talking deep-discount, decent but really cheap) dress shirts that fit in the neck and the arms, but had enough room for me and another half of me again around the waist. I took them to the tailor, they pinned them a bit, and a couple of days later I picked them up. And they make me look good, or at least as good as I can look. Cost? About ten to fifteen bucks per shirt, with about fifteen bucks per shirt for tailoring. Thirty dollar shirts that look really good, and give me a really professional image aren’t bad. The only other alternative I’ve found is stuff that’s labeled as being modern fit or
The real reason I’ve avoided Tall shirts to this point is that the sleeves on me are already plenty long, so I’m unwilling to order tall shirts online. I guess I’ll have to find a Big&Tall store and try some. Right, but that’s because you’re buying shirts that are sized S, M, L, XL, as opposed to buying fitted shirts where the sizes correspond to your sleeve length and neck size. Go to Land’s End or a department store, not more fashion-oriented stores like Banana Republic or the Gap (you know those stores are actually the same company, right?). You know that section of the men’s department where all the shirts are wrapped in plastic and sitting on shelves? That’s where you want to be. At nicer stores, someone may be able to take your measurements for you there, otherwise check the sizing guidelines at Land’s End. Get a shirt that’s tall sized but fits you in the sleeves and you’re golden. Either that or start wearing pants pulled up higher like they did in the ’40s. The downside of doi
Yeah, fitted shirts will make all the difference. Your measurements are very close to mine (at best I have an inch on you). I’ve noticed that unless you buy shirts that list a sleeve and neck size, it’s a crapshoot. Unless you know how the brand is cut. Also, don’t skimp on the undershirts. Buy nicer ones, or at least something other than what Walmart carries. Jockey’s work well. It’ll help keep your dress shirt in line. I find that Macy’s has almost constant sales on men’s shirts, at least in my mall. I have good luck with their brands. Also, Express makes a pretty nice line. Catch them on a seasonal change and stock up. I should try this tailor thing – never thought about it.
