The Appeal of Dressing Fashionably for Men

[Moonbear]

And as for the long sleeves...I always have a problem finding sleeves and pant legs that are long enough for me. Where did you go shopping, they might have stuff to finally fit me

The stuff in the department stores wasn't worth buying even if the sleeves fit, but if you want something with longer sleeves that fits nicely, try New York & Co for blouses. I usually like their blouses because they fit me just right...they're slender through the waist for a very attractive profile. But, for some reason, this year, all the sleeves are longer, so they don't fit. I still bought one because I LOVED the color (a dark blue with silver stripes) and rest of the fit, just need to get myself to a tailor now to get the sleeves shortened. They're actually long enough that I can roll the cuff once and it's then the right length, but it's not styled for rolling the cuffs so I can't really wear it that way. Or, maybe I'll make it my practice shirt to see if I can sew cuffs right (since it has stripes, it'll make it easier for me to follow straight lines while sewing).

I've been gradually learning to sew things that are actually wearable, and I'm getting braver with doing my own alterations. I knew some basics, but needed a lot of practice, so first practiced making scrubs. I just bought whatever fabric was on sale for those, and figured it doesn't make a bit of difference if the seams weren't perfectly straight or they didn't come out like I planned since scrubs aren't exactly fashion-forward anyway. They actually came out well, and of all the things I get compliments on, they're the thing I most often get compliments about (you have to keep in mind that I work at a medical school with attached hospital, so there are a lot of people who have no choice but to wear scrubs all day, so anything that is a print that's not psychedelic daisies or puppies with stethoscopes and also fits somewhat well is going to get attention from those who want to know where to get them. I've been told I should open a side business making scrubs. Anyway, I moved on from that to trying my hand at real clothes this summer, and made a sundress. My boyfriend loves that one on me, so I must've done something right (he'd tell me if it didn't look good...it would be an excuse to make me take it off ). That was still a fairly simple pattern. But, now that my skills are improving, the next thing I want to learn to make are blouses and men's shirts. My boyfriend would LOVE it if I could make him shirts. I'm not sure I'm up to his level of quality by a long shot yet, but I'm up for trying and learning and practicing until I get it right. I wouldn't start out making anything I actually expected him to wear, just stuff out of cheap fabric to practice and get an idea of how to adjust the fit and make my seams straight, etc. The collars look the trickiest to get right. I have to get a worn-out shirt from him to take apart for a pattern though (that's how I've been learning...I take something that I like the fit or style of but is worn out and take it apart then try to reconstruct it).

 

[Cyrus]

As for the "baggy" shirt, it just looks like it's not tucked in all the way. Is it too long? It's kind of hard to tell since it seems like the pants are too big and the shirt is coming untucked quickly. It also looks like the sleeves are way to wide too though, so the rest of the shirt doesn't start to hang in the right place. It really doesn't make sense, unless you have very wide shoulders and are buying extra-large shirts or something. Afterall, if someone is putting on a lot of weight in the middle, they're also going to be putting it on in the chest and shoulders and everywhere else, so would just need to buy a bigger size, not have a smaller size cut wider around the middle. But, what brand was that? If I ever need maternity clothing, I'll remember who has the shirts that are narrow in the shoulders and wide in the middle.

No, its tucked in all the way. Now you know why I have all my dress shirts tailored or custom made. I'm not kidding when I say shirts for men are for horrendously fat people. Did you notice the last two shirts are *not* coming out, at all, with the same pants?
My shoulders are pretty broad though. I can't remember the brand, and the shirt is at the tailor now ($20.00). I'll retake a picture when it comes back.

 

[mcknia07]

Moonbear, how will I know what size to get with that company? Since every company's sizes are different. Most people think that I should be wearing an XS but in most stores that I have been going to, they make me to be like sizes M-XL. What's wrong with the stores I'm going to, they make the smallest person feel so fat, and that's real great for insecure teens.

 

[Moonbear]

No, its tucked in all the way.

I don't see how it can be tucked all the way in. If it was just too wide, it would be in gathers all the way around, not poofing up like that...that's just not tucked in far enough. It's too long (maybe too long AND too wide, but definitely too long if there's that much left to poof up while it's tucked all the way in as far as you can get it).

(And those pants really are too big on you...that's not a good cut for your body at all. I don't think the pleats have anything to do with it, they're big all the way down the leg...those are cut for someone with big thighs, which you clearly don't have. If it's not too late, you might want to return them.)

 

[Moonbear]

Moonbear, how will I know what size to get with that company? Since every company's sizes are different. Most people think that I should be wearing an XS but in most stores that I have been going to, they make me to be like sizes M-XL. What's wrong with the stores I'm going to, they make the smallest person feel so fat, and that's real great for insecure teens.

Um...I just figured you'd find one of their stores in a mall and try the clothes on. That brand tends to run a bit on the small side. I usually have to buy a size larger than what I'd buy elsewhere there (or maybe that just means they run true to size rather than all the others that run big to supposedly make you feel good while remaining in denial about your real size). If you're an XS, that's DEFINITELY a store for you to find. I can only buy shirts there, and once in a while find a rare pair of pants that I fit. They are really aimed toward thinner customers. It's also generally good quality without totally breaking the bank (not cheap, but not ridiculously expensive either). Everything I've ever bought from them has lasted a very long time...usually longer than I remain that size. But, they have some different styles and fits of things...I don't think you could easily buy from them through a catalog without trying on clothes. If our crappy little mall here has one of their stores, I'm sure you can find them in a mall near you too.

 

[mcknia07]

I just found out where one is, about an hour or so from me. And, I have to go shopping soon, we are having a family picture and I NEED a new outfit, plus work clothes too Oh, and maybe some more shoes, too. Does anyone know where to get nice long pants? Do the pants run long at NY&Co.?

 

[Cyrus]

I don't see how it can be tucked all the way in. If it was just too wide, it would be in gathers all the way around, not poofing up like that...that's just not tucked in far enough. It's too long (maybe too long AND too wide, but definitely too long if there's that much left to poof up while it's tucked all the way in as far as you can get it).

Typically, shirts have more play in the back than the front. You don't bend backwards, but you bend fowards. So there needs to be more slack in the back, not the front. That's why the back of your shirt will poof more than the front. Its just the natural motion of a person.

I know its hard to believe, but I'm telling you on my honor. It was tucked in as much as I could! This is how I did it for each shirt. I tuck it in as much as I can, and then I rotate my upper body around my hips and move my back up and down. This is the range of motion you go through as you're wearing the shirt. If its too big, it will poof out as you move around throughout the day. Now if you look at the white shirt, after moving around everything stays exactly the same. You can't see it, but the custom white shirt is really long. It goes at least 6 inches down into the pants. Its made in such a way that you couldn't wear it without tucking it in. The reason is that some shirts are short and when you move around parts of it come out from being tucked inside your pants. These will *never* do that - there far too long.

(And those pants really are too big on you...that's not a good cut for your body at all. I don't think the pleats have anything to do with it, they're big all the way down the leg...those are cut for someone with big thighs, which you clearly don't have. If it's not too late, you might want to return them.)

Yes, I agree. I bought them a long time ago, a few years ago. And they have been sitting in the closet. I'm going to take them and have them altered too. They are way too baggy.

They are actually the only pair of pants I have that are so damn baggy! I was going to wear my black slacks that fit properly, but I figured the first shirt would look funny in black pants so I just wore the khakis since all the shirts could be worn with it as an example.

 

[Pyrrhus]

I believe Cyrus, It has happened to me before, too!. I think that's why European and Latin (at least for me) clothes tend to fit us better. Although I do buy from American brands, just sometimes I have to resign myself from buying a shirt or other specific item because of the bagginess or puffiness.

 

[JasonRox]

You guys are so lucky. Shopping in the US is so much better than here in Canada. Our choices are sssssoooooo limited, and if you go to Toronto it's darn expensive.

I'm lucky I live near the border of a big city, but it still kind of sucks to drive to another country for clothes. I actually don't remember buying clothes in Canada except when I got that 20% discount. Even with a weak dollar, it's still cheaper. Crazy.

 

[JasonRox]

Typically, shirts have more play in the back than the front. You don't bend backwards, but you bend fowards. So there needs to be more slack in the back, not the front. That's why the back of your shirt will poof more than the front. Its just the natural motion of a person.

I know its hard to believe, but I'm telling you on my honor. It was tucked in as much as I could! This is how I did it for each shirt. I tuck it in as much as I can, and then I rotate my upper body around my hips and move my back up and down. This is the range of motion you go through as you're wearing the shirt. If its too big, it will poof out as you move around throughout the day. Now if you look at the white shirt, after moving around everything stays exactly the same. You can't see it, but the custom white shirt is really long. It goes at least 6 inches down into the pants. Its made in such a way that you couldn't wear it without tucking it in. The reason is that some shirts are short and when you move around parts of it come out from being tucked inside your pants. These will *never* do that - there far too long.



Yes, I agree. I bought them a long time ago, a few years ago. And they have been sitting in the closet. I'm going to take them and have them altered too. They are way too baggy.

They are actually the only pair of pants I have that are so damn baggy! I was going to wear my black slacks that fit properly, but I figured the first shirt would look funny in black pants so I just wore the khakis since all the shirts could be worn with it as an example.

You can't fix big shirts no matter what you do.

American style shirts should be banned from the planet.

 

[Cyrus]

You can't fix big shirts no matter what you do.

American style shirts should be banned from the planet.

I donno, if you ever fall out of an airplane they make for good parachutes.

 

[Moonbear]

Y
American style shirts should be banned from the planet.

I'm still trying to figure out how these are "American" style. Every item of clothing that's in the less expensive stores (and even some of the more expensive ones) says, "Made in China," "Made in Pakistan," "Made in the Phillipines," "Made in Mexico," "Made in Guatamala." None of it says, "Made in America" or "Made in U.S.A." Really, I don't think it's an intentional style, I think it's just crappy workmanship from places with cheap wages and no quality control.

 

[gravenewworld]

I'm still trying to figure out how these are "American" style. Every item of clothing that's in the less expensive stores (and even some of the more expensive ones) says, "Made in China," "Made in Pakistan," "Made in the Phillipines," "Made in Mexico," "Made in Guatamala." None of it says, "Made in America" or "Made in U.S.A." Really, I don't think it's an intentional style, I think it's just crappy workmanship from places with cheap wages and no quality control.

If you have ever bought clothing in Europe or Asia you would know. American clothing is much much much bigger. A size large here would be a size XXL in Europe or Asia.

 

[mcknia07]

So, that's why, when I went into bebe they told me I look like a size 2, so they handed me a 4, and well...I have curves and it still didn't seem to fit me. I just started to get fed up, but, i can't help it I have curves, and all those other ladies were total twigs, with no shape at all.

 

[Evo]

So, that's why, when I went into bebe they told me I look like a size 2, so they handed me a 4, and well...I have curves and it still didn't seem to fit me. I just started to get fed up, but, i can't help it I have curves, and all those other ladies were total twigs, with no shape at all.

I'm a twig shape with large chicken breasts. I used to wear a size 0, my older daughter is 5'7" and wears a size 0 and it's baggy.

 

[Astronuc]

I'm a twig shape with large chicken breasts. I used to wear a size 0, my older daughter is 5'7" and wears a size 0 and it's baggy.

I remember Twiggy.

 

[mcknia07]

I'm a twig shape with large chicken breasts. I used to wear a size 0, my older daughter is 5'7" and wears a size 0 and it's baggy.

Wow, you and your daughter are very lucky. Size 0 would never fit me again, my curves and long legs screw me there.

And as for Twiggy, she is very pretty...I only wish I was as pretty as her!

 

[physics girl phd]

But, now that my skills are improving, the next thing I want to learn to make are blouses and men's shirts.

Check out David Coffin's book "Shirtmaking: Developing skill for fine sewing."

I'm a seamstress in my better non-stressed moments (since about 5). I like the geometrical aspects of taking cloth and shaping it into proper form. I'm currently lusting after a japanese book("Pattern Magic") http://www.yesasia.com/us/1004092111-0-0-0-en/info.html" and its sequel.

 

[DaveC426913]

I'm a twig shape with large chicken breasts.

A large-breasted, thin woman. You must have guys beating ... a path to your door.

 

[Monique]

Wow, you and your daughter are very lucky. Size 0 would never fit me again, my curves and long legs screw me there.

What does being lucky have to do with wearing size 0 and why are you so obsessed with wearing small sized clothing? Just find something that fits and looks good on you, no matter what the label says.

 

[JasonRox]

I'm still trying to figure out how these are "American" style. Every item of clothing that's in the less expensive stores (and even some of the more expensive ones) says, "Made in China," "Made in Pakistan," "Made in the Phillipines," "Made in Mexico," "Made in Guatamala." None of it says, "Made in America" or "Made in U.S.A." Really, I don't think it's an intentional style, I think it's just crappy workmanship from places with cheap wages and no quality control.

It's an American cut. Just because it's made in the US or China or wherever, does not mean the cut relates to their area. They make European cuts in the US, but it is in no way and American cut or style. Their exists no American slim cut.

China is simply giving Americans their cut and style.

It's definitely American.

I remember some customers wondering why the nice shirt doesn't fit so well, and I would always have to explain that it's American. Some walked away like I saved them a lot of money because they'll never buy it again. American cuts are horrid for narrow or athletic frames, like me or Cyrus or others here.

The sad part is how stores like A&F and Hollister started shifting their cuts to a more American fitting. Hence, I'm less likely to purchase it now. I don't see BR or Zara taking that route.

 

[JasonRox]

So, that's why, when I went into bebe they told me I look like a size 2, so they handed me a 4, and well...I have curves and it still didn't seem to fit me. I just started to get fed up, but, i can't help it I have curves, and all those other ladies were total twigs, with no shape at all.

You have to work with your body that's all.

Skirts should go well on a girl with curves.

 

[mcknia07]

What does being lucky have to do with wearing size 0 and why are you so obsessed with wearing small sized clothing? Just find something that fits and looks good on you, no matter what the label says.

Just saying, that being small has it's advantages. (clothes fit better, pretty much just go in and it will fit) I would never want to be a size 0 again. I would look dead. People already tell me that I'm way to skinny. I know that every label and factory is different, I wear all different sizes, its not really a bother to me. I would like to know my true size though.

 

[mcknia07]

You have to work with your body that's all.

Skirts should go well on a girl with curves.

I do work with it, and I try to do it well.

As for skirts...everyone compliments me when I wear my skirts, so I take it I must know how to pull them off, maybe.

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

I do work with it, and I try to do it well.

As for skirts...everyone compliments me when I wear my skirts, so I take it I must know how to pull them off, maybe.

I thought the point of a skirt is that you don't have to pull it off. hmmmmm... :-/

 

[mcknia07]

I thought the point of a skirt is that you don't have to pull it off. hmmmmm... :-/

Well...I guess, in a way, you are right too...

 

[Monique]

Just saying, that being small has it's advantages. (clothes fit better, pretty much just go in and it will fit) I would never want to be a size 0 again. I would look dead. People already tell me that I'm way to skinny. I know that every label and factory is different, I wear all different sizes, its not really a bother to me. I would like to know my true size though.

I'm sorry, but being small has nothing to do with having a standardized shape. There is nothing like a true size, it depends entirely on how the fabric is cut. The only true size there is are your own measurements, which will be different for each person.

 

[mcknia07]

I'm sorry, but being small has nothing to do with having a standardized shape. There is nothing like a true size, it depends entirely on how the fabric is cut. The only true size there is are your own measurements, which will be different for each person.

Ok, you are very right. I was just saying I want to know what a "real size" of clothing is. I wish there was a set way things had to be measured. It would make things so much easier, to just go in and pick out clothes.

 

[GeorginaS]

Standardised clothing sizes for women would be very, very handy.

 

[DaveC426913]

Standardised clothing sizes for women would be very, very handy.

As would standardized women.

 

[mcknia07]

Standardised clothing sizes for women would be very, very handy.

Yes, and to think that a guy can just go in and pretty much say what size he is, and it will fit pretty well. Men are so lucky...

 

[mcknia07]

As would standardized women.

Are you saying you want every woman to be the same? Oh come on, you need some variance :)

 

[DaveC426913]

Are you saying you want every woman to be the same? Oh come on, you need some variance :)

No, I just said it would be handy.

We could simply buy two of the same lingerie. Save us those embarrassing mix ups at Christmas.

 

[Evo]

Standardised clothing sizes for women would be very, very handy.

I've found that size is directly proportional to cost. The more expensive the clothing, the smaller the size that fits me.

 

[mcknia07]

Bad, bad Dave...Trying to fool 2 women at once. What a shame!

 

[Cyrus]

Yes, and to think that a guy can just go in and pretty much say what size he is, and it will fit pretty well. Men are so lucky...

Did you pay attention at all in this thread about what the guys have posted? Clearly, not.

 

[turbo]

Standardised clothing sizes for women would be very, very handy.

Ain't happening! Women will pay more for clothing that fits them AND is branded as being a few sizes smaller than they really are. Guys don't get this. We would wear Levis that had a large tag over the right hip proudly displaying the waist and inseam measurements. Women?... not so much.

I don't see what the problem is. A woman can claim that she wears size X in designer Y's fashion line, but if she's got a dumpy butt or ends up with muffin-tops most of the time, her friends will know her approximate size, and they will know that she is scamming them. If she is a larger woman and she buys clothing appropriate to her size and looks good, her cattier friends will say that she looks "matronly". "Fashion" is a way for people to put peer pressure on others, and to give those who are favored with "good" genetics (depending on the times) an advantage over others. Please remember that not so long ago, women that would now be called fat were highly regarded for their beauty and were well-represented in art.

 

[Monique]

I wish there was a set way things had to be measured. It would make things so much easier, to just go in and pick out clothes.

Now wouldn't it be nice if in the future you just get yourself scanned, so that you get custom-made factory items at little extra cost? I can see that happening.

 

[Moonbear]

So, that's why, when I went into bebe they told me I look like a size 2, so they handed me a 4, and well...I have curves and it still didn't seem to fit me. I just started to get fed up, but, i can't help it I have curves, and all those other ladies were total twigs, with no shape at all.

Then try a different store, or different clothes. Some are cut to accommodate curves better than others. Don't be afraid to go up in sizes. This mentality that you should be some particular size and don't try on the larger sizes is one of the reasons stores are so inconsistent in their sizing...they'll put out something that should be a size 6 or 8 and label it a size 4 just so someone who insists they're a size 4 will pick it up and try it on and buy it.

You have to work with your body that's all.

Skirts should go well on a girl with curves.

Not all skirts. You need to consider the shape of the skirt. Some skirts are best on sticks, some best on curvy frames, some are good for shorter women and others better on those with long legs, and some should be donated to the costume department of the local children's theater. To find clothes that fit, you pretty much have to resolve yourself to trying on the entire store to find one outfit.

 

[JasonRox]

Not all skirts.

Incorrect, short skirts look good all the time and on all frames.

 

[mgb_phys]

Incorrect, short skirts look good all the time and on all frames.

You've not visited Scotland then ?

http://www.utilikilts.com/

 

[JasonRox]

Today is the first day I didn't wear my hat. I always tried hair styles and none of them worked.

I always had my hat on with the wings flaring out. That was my trademark I guess. I never liked it too much everyone else seemed to even though it looked odd.

So, by accident last week I didn't wash my hair (ran out of shampoo) and my hair got a greasy and straight. I liked it and it worked pretty well. So I went to a hairdresser and she straightened it (chemically) and now I have all these chemicals in my hair. I can't wait to see what it looks like. Then I'll let it grease up and that will be my new trademark.

 

[JasonRox]

You've not visited Scotland then ?

http://www.utilikilts.com/

Too long. It shouldn't go past the butt cheeks.

 

[DaveC426913]

Too long. It shouldn't go past the butt cheeks.

Well that would be interesting - but don't you think it has to be at least long enough to reach up to the belt?

 

[physics girl phd]

Then I'll let it grease up and that will be my new trademark.

This scares me.

I used to always wear a newsboy hat in undergrad (before Britney Spears, etc. made them popular)... and i had my pencils (about 10 of them) stuck up in my hat for storage. One day the physics guys pulled my hat off for two reasons.. to check if my hair was clean (it was!) an to count the pencils. I even had people say I should sell the hats (since I made them in series as I lost them, out of corduroy scavenged from thrift stores).

By grad school, I was taking chucks of hair and wraping them into little curls all over my head, or doing high-up, mickey-mouse-ear-style princess-leia buns (these were both also a good place for pencils).

Now that I'm "grown-up", I just do a severe a-line cut with short-cropped bangs (like Uma Thurman in pulp fiction). I've even had students say I look like her.

My message: your look can change (and I like the idea of a signature look -- even the hat with wings!)... but I'd be scared of the greasy hair!

 

[JasonRox]

This scares me.

I used to always wear a newsboy hat in undergrad (before Britney Spears, etc. made them popular)... and i had my pencils (about 10 of them) stuck up in my hat for storage. One day the physics guys pulled my hat off for two reasons.. to check if my hair was clean (it was!) an to count the pencils. I even had people say I should sell the hats (since I made them in series as I lost them, out of corduroy scavenged from thrift stores).

By grad school, I was taking chucks of hair and wraping them into little curls all over my head, or doing high-up, mickey-mouse-ear-style princess-leia buns (these were both also a good place for pencils).

Now that I'm "grown-up", I just do a severe a-line cut with short-cropped bangs (like Uma Thurman in pulp fiction). I've even had students say I look like her.

My message: your look can change (and I like the idea of a signature look -- even the hat with wings!)... but I'd be scared of the greasy hair!

Well, things can change in a week. It all depends on how it comes out. I might buy a product that gives me the "look" or something.

All I know, girls don't seem to care too much. Lots of people used to say my hair before looked dumb, but it didn't stop me from getting girls. Probably because I looked like a hockey player, but I guess greasy hair is just the same.

 

[Cyrus]

Jason, go out and buy some pomade...

 

[Cyrus]

Have to attend a dinner event tonight, snapped a quick pic of the suit:

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1108/pict0338fw1.jpg

 

[offtheleft]

Have to attend a dinner event tonight, snapped a quick pic of the suit:

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1108/pict0338fw1.jpg

[/URL]

get a skinnier tie and a pocket square and it would be the epitome of GQ.

 

[mgb_phys]

Then I'll let it grease up and that will be my new trademark.

Are we still talking about short skirts?