Comments on: Would You Ever Shop in the Boys Dept?

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:55:26 +0000

I went to Dillard’s today for Black Friday and was measured by the on-staff tailor; I’m a 13 collar and 28 sleeve and stand at 5′ 2″. Small! He sent me to Brooks Brothers, suggested a size 16 in boys’. The sleeve and collar fit beautifully, but unfortunately the torso didn’t fit correctly. Just wanted to give a heads-up since Brooks Brothers may work out for other short and small guys! Their shirts are more expensive than other boys’ typically are at $45 a pop.

Also, Old Navy boys’ XL shirts (and XL ties) have fit me well; my closet is filled with them as they’re the closest things that comes to a good fit for me. Also far more affordable than most at $12-$14 a shirt.

By: Christopher Allred

Christopher Allred — Sun, 23 May 2010 13:00:23 +0000

I’m surprised this hasn’t been a major part of the blog before. Before I got lazy and just quit caring about my body I frequently bought boys XL, for the exact reasons that the cut fit me really well and the price fit my student budget even better.

As the trend moves that labels design more adult looking pieces for kids the getting for us lil guys should keep being good and only get better!

By: Sangsouvanh

Sangsouvanh — Tue, 04 May 2010 03:28:55 +0000

Thank you for posting this! I’m not the only one out there doing this. I am 5′ 6” and Ralph Lauren Kids fits me pretty amazingly. Depending on whether it is outer wear or shirts, sizes 14-18 work for me. With the prices basically being half of what adult sizes are, it’s a great idea. Try eBay as well, I’ve found some great sweaters and button downs for under $20.

Cheers.

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:16:16 +0000

AC – re the age-appropriateness of the styles, some of the higher-end brands (e.g. Polo, BB, Hickey Freeman) might work. And check out Anon’s tip further down in the comments. He’s got a lead on vertical stripes.

10lbs – congrats on manning up for the boys dept. sounds like it was a goldmine.

David – I’ll have to give Hickey another shot; I tried on a suit jacket a few years back and it wasn’t working for me.

Randy – see you there!

Robert – would it be worth a shot trying some other kids brands? or the “Husky” size?

Anon – thanks for the lead on the vertical stripes.

Tintin – I had no idea Polo Boys was such a boon. I’ve got to get on that. And thanks for the behind-the-scenes BB insight — glad to hear that this is such a common practice.

By: Tintin

Tintin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:23:12 +0000

All I bought in college were boy’s size 20 Polo buttondowns. Back in the 80’s the men’s BDs were crazy expensive. No one ever figured out where I was getting them until my girlfriend blew my cover.

When I worked in the boys department at Brooks Bros we had tons of men shop there. All about 5′8, 145 pounds and the boys flannel blazer fit them perfectly.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:53:58 +0000

You can buy vertically striped shirts for boys at the Ralph Lauren web site.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:01:06 +0000

I used to buy clothing in the boys department when I was in college. Sadly, I put on a little bit of weight and I went from short and skinny to short and average. Even though the weight gain was small, it was just enough to make it impossible for me to buy boys clothing anymore.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:35:13 +0000

I’ve been doing this for years at Macy’s Polo boys dept. Guess I’ll see you all there. My only suggestion is to try on the polo shirts on before you buy because one year they made the sizes way bigger than previous years. I just snatched up a bunch of mediums and I had to go back to exchange a ton of shirts.

I haven’t had much luck with sport coats, but guess i’ll have a look

By: David

David — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:03:59 +0000

Hickey Freeman boys’ are excellent, especially on sale.

I find that American-cut kids’ businesswear fits best on me (28″ waist, 36″ chest, 5′3″, 130lb). My chest and thighs are too big for polos, t-shirts, etc, but a little tapering at the waist and dress shirts come out perfect.