Polos/Shirts for broad shoulders

September 1, 2009 4:23 AM

Dieted down about 20 lbs recently. Looking for clothes that fit right. Broad shoulders + thin waist == PITA to shop for.

This was my experience yesterday:

Went to Macy's looking for a bunch of new polos. The only brand that seemed close was Ralph Lauren Custom Fit. The problem was that I seem to be a Large across the shoulders but a Medium for my torso/waist. The medium was a little too tight across the shoulders/arms. The sales guy recommended Fredberry and Hugo boss to fit. Both which they did not carry.

I dunno, not sure if I'm being neurotic but I always felt like my shoulders made non-fitted clothing look worse since they kind of hang/drape weird...

Anyone have any other ideas for me to check out? I'm currently in NYC for the next month so store options shouldn't be an issue.

posted by datacaliber to clothing, beauty, & fashion (15 comments total)

On every consumer-fashion-based show I watch (such as What Not To Wear), the hosts always recommend finding a good tailor. In the states, it's pretty expensive, but if you found shirts that fit you in the shoulder, you could have the waist seaming brought in, and not be as concerned with a perfect fit off-the-rack.
posted by xingcat at 4:30 AM on September 1

Aw man, I can see another ask mefi coming up asking about tailors :P. Can a tailor do something about a cotton polo? I thought they only did things like button ups.
posted by datacaliber at 5:16 AM on September 1

Can a tailor do something about a cotton polo?

Tailors are generally willing to do anything you will pay them to do.
posted by srboisvert at 5:45 AM on September 1

Since you're in NYC, stroll over to Brooks Brothers and try their Slim Fit polo shirts.

In general, check out the brands that offer a "Slim" or "Athletic" fit alternative to their regular fit shirts.
posted by needled at 5:57 AM on September 1

J. Crew sells shirts that tend to nip in a bit around the waist. You may want to check them out.
posted by caveat at 7:05 AM on September 1

Try Bloomingdale's. I think they carry Hugo Boss, and they have other designers that cut their clothing in a more European style (slimmer fit through the waist). My husband has the same body type, and he likes Theory, but that brand is a higher price point than you may be willing to spend. Check them out anyway - you may be able to find stuff on sale.

For a tailor, I recommend Hong Kong Tailor Jack on Waverly Place and 6th Ave in the West Village. The man can work miracles. And yes, tailors can take in anything, including knit shirts like polos.
posted by bedhead at 7:11 AM on September 1 [1 favorite]

Seconding Bloomingdale's. The uptown branch has a larger men's department than the Soho one. And if that doesn't work out Saks and Barney's are very close to the UES Bloomingdale's.

For polo shirts, have you tried Lacoste? My husband has a similar problem with his arms and shoulders sometimes not fitting quite right.

Seconding Hong Kong Tailor Jack. I recommend calling ahead and going on a weekday as the line can get long on Saturdays. He's very reasonable. Bring cash to pay in advance. Don't lose your ticket!
posted by kathryn at 9:05 AM on September 1

You're lucky: slim fit is all the rage. Perhaps this is the upside to recession belt-tightening or something.

In polo shirts, one trick is to buy stretchier material and go a size lower. If you get it just right, it won't be really tight (i.e. to the point of the d-baggish "me-so-gnarly" look).

Something that really works well for me is to search for "tall" sizes. A medium/tall shirt (e.g. from J Crew) seems to fit me just exactly right.

Congrats on the weight loss. Oh, and buy yourself some skinny jeans while you're at it. Slim-cut vintage at J Crew are awfully nice (though pricey), and starting to sell out.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 9:32 AM on September 1

One note: you may be more likely to find tall sizes online than in stores.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 9:40 AM on September 1

Tailors are generally willing to do anything you will pay them to do.

Not the good ones.
posted by Zambrano at 10:17 AM on September 1

A tailor can certainly slim the body/torso of a polo shirt for you. Should cost $10-15. The shoulders and immediate underarm area / chest would be tougher, so pick one that fits there and is a bit big towards the bottom.
posted by YoungAmerican at 10:21 AM on September 1

Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Reuhl, Psycho Bunny, D&G
posted by Zambrano at 10:25 AM on September 1

The sales guy recommended Fredberry

Fred Perry actually, and I was just about to come in here to recommend them to you. My husband is sort of the same shape and they are honestly the only shirts that really fit him right off the rack (a lot of designer stuff/slim fits tend to be too clingy for his tastes and department store brands/regular fits tend to be too boxy). And lucky you, he has a store in Soho- they aren't always so easy to find.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 11:12 AM on September 1

If you want to save money, you could try H&M or Zara which tend to have slimmer cuts. I have a much smaller waist than my shoulders and their shirts taper pretty well.
posted by twblalock at 8:46 PM on September 1

Wheee, didn't expect so many helpful responses. Thanks internets! Marking as resolved.
posted by datacaliber at 5:41 AM on September 2