Reader Question: What are some T-shirt brands sized for us short guys?
“Hey, Josh — While your blog is incredibly helpful for formal fashion, I was hoping you could help me out with something more casual. I myself am 16 years old and 5′6″. As someone in high school, I prefer to balance out my wardrobe. I can afford all the nice fitted button downs I want, but I start to stick out if they become the dominant thing I wear.
“I was hoping you could recommend some brands that have t-shirts sized for us short guys. Currently the only stores I know of with t-shirts that fit very well are Hollister/Ruehl/Abercrombie, but I hate being another generic teenager, and almost everything I end up buying from other brands ends up being so big it’s unflattering. So again, I was wondering if there was any way you could shoot some names my way.
“And the real problem with t-shirts is variety. Sure there’s a few brands that make them short enough, but with t-shirts too much of the same thing really sticks out.
–Evan, 5-foot-6
Hmmm. I’ve always gone exclusively for thrift-store and vintage T-shirts myself, so I don’t really have an answer here… Can you guys help Evan out? Where do you shop for yours? What brands/stores have good T-shirts for short men?
April 28th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I have been in the same situation and even worse since I work out and have a “stocky” frame. Most of my T-Shirts come from a few places but off the top of my head I can say the following may be of assistance
- Cut & Sew - By Marc Ecko - Nice Designs and decent sizes
-American Eagle - I know you are not going the stereotypical look but they do have a good length.
-Merona - Target brand that makes good V-neck and crew neck shirts
-Express For Men- Length of shirts is good but not great depending on the shirts. Their polos are great though
-Armani Exchange- Pricey but a good last resort
A majority of my shirts are from Affliction since I try and support MMA and their shirts while pricey aren’t overly long.
I hope these suggestions will assist you. I’ve been at this stage before lol
April 28th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I recommend checking Old Navy and Jerzees brand.
Granted, I never really buy T-shirts from Old Navy (most T-shirts I have come through ‘earning’ them by helping out with an event or being part of a group), but at just under a skinny 5′7″ myself, I find Old Navy more often has clothing that fits me as compared with clothing from other places.
Beyond that, my favourite T-shirts almost always have come out to be a Jerzees Heavyweight Blend brand. Comfortable, they don’t fan out in the torso or sleeves like some of my shirts, and they last for a very long time (I’ve worn one almost weekly since 2003 and it’s still in great shape).
April 28th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
The best t-shirts for short guys are:
if you’re thin - Banana Republic fitted size small t-shirts
if you’re thick/muscular - Banana Republic size small (regular) t-shirts
April 28th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I just picked up some t-shirts, size extra small, from Club Monaco this weekend, and they fit really well. (5′4″, 137 lbs.) Last summer, I bought a couple of t-shirts from Express Men and like how they fit, too.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
i hate to say this all the time, and i could totally see josh banning me from making this comment yet again, but- go to uniqlo (if you’re in nyc, that is). they have an entire wall of t-shirts that are one-of-a-kind (it helps that it’s their only US store).
topman size S tees would also fit you well. their US site still has free shipping.
in addition to those that were mentioned in the responses above, also try: john varvatos (bloomingdale’s, etc), utility and mossimo athletic fit (both at target), h&m, gap XS, sisley/benetton, threadless.com, etc.
April 29th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I’m 5′1″ 112lb (i.e. tiny) and I’ve had good luck with Threadless (size S) and Gap (XS) tees. American Eagle XS fits well too except for the torso length, which is a little long on me, but since you’re taller it may not be an issue for you. Good luck!
April 29th, 2009 at 1:09 am
I’m the same height, but I have a long torso, so most small sizes fit me. I like the shirts at Threadless.com I believe they use American Apparel shirts.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Ditto on the uniqlo! If you can get them, do so!
Another great alternative is shirt.woot.com they put out a new shirt every day so odds are you’ll have a pretty unique design and a huge catalog to choose from. Their S size is really flattering.
April 29th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Im 5′6 140lbs
how about those diesel and g star raw t shirts
their small seems to fit quite nice..lots of graphic/color options
they do run a little high as far as the price goes (40 - 70)
however i did find few deals here & there online (jjdenim.com, ssense.com)
April 29th, 2009 at 11:04 am
When I was 16 I didn’t even know that I had a wardrobe.
April 29th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
american apparel.. I think the fit and the cotton are fantastic.
Not to sound like i’m trend hopping here, their t-shirts are really
legit and I’ve found the small and XS to fit really well. They kind of
contour and they don’t leave like extra fabric.. must buy!!
top man makes some nice fitted t-shirts I think (their
smalls are smaller, and then offer up to XXS) check out topman.com
April 29th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Alternative Apparel makes great basic tees. unlike American Apparel who are set on this idea that the extra long tshirt is a really in, the owner of Alternative Apparel is apparently a short, wider guy. the shirts tend to run wide as they get larger, but the small and XS sizes are a perfect fit for slimmer short guys.
If you are buying quantity, you can buy them from Friedman’s Activewear in NYC at a pretty good price.
April 29th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Wow! Thanks, everyone — great advice so far, guys!
Sonny - I’d say we’re both broken records when it comes to Uniqlo. They are my go-to store for inexpensive essentials. Can’t say enough good things about their shirts, sweaters, slacks, etc…
Matt and Aki - I love the skinny fit of AA. And their cotton is broken-in thrift-store soft. Love the feel of it. But I’ve always found to be the length off-putting. Their T-shirts seem waaay too long on me (though I like their Oxfords, sweatshirts, and jackets for length).
Ben - Totally agree with you on the AA length thing. Hmmm… Alternative Apparel — will have to check that out!
And my two cents for store-bought tees (of the non-graphic variety): BDG T-shirts at Urban Outfitters (size Small). And Joel from Death Vessel swears by Hanes Boy’s Large tagless T-shirts (solid colors). That interview is here: http://shortshrifted.com/?p=267
April 30th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Fruit of the Loom kids size age 14 (Euro 164) is a good fit. I’m 5′5″, 36″ chest, 130 lbs.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I have to say I was surprised to find the BR stocks extra small t-shirts that fit me great (5′6″ about 140 lbs). I bought a whole mess of them with ribbed sleeves and neck. I also went for their extra small long sleeved t’s and those are great too.
I also agree that small AA works well.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
5′7 160 (athletic)
I like Drifter, Buffalo, and CK t-shirts. Try bluefly.com or macy’s for these.
May 10th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
5′4″, 130lb.
American Apparel are pretty damn good. The length is long, but the bottom is fitted enough that it bunches up without looking unstylish. Buy one and try it.
Uniqlo are nice, and a little shorter in the torso, but not quite as fitted.
If I was 10 pounds lighter, I’d wear threadless x-smalls.
If you’re athletic in the least, I steer away from Gap and Old Navy. They always fit like a tent on me, and I consider myself pretty average build.
May 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
hey guys,
I was looking up sizing on American Apparel shirts, and I stumbled upon this forum.
I need your help! I ordered someone a T-shirt that’s an XL because it seemed tight fitted in the picture (did not specifically say if it was tight fitted or not - ordered off of thefraystore.com). I got it today and it looks HUGE, but I’m wondering if AA shirts run small? Like if a guy typically wears a L, then I should have gotten him a XL, no? I wasn’t sure how “true to fit” AA shirts were.
Please let me know what you guys think because then I will have to exchange it for a smaller size.
Thanks!
May 27th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Hey guys, this is the op who sent Josh the email, I just wanted to thank you all for answering this question with so much zeal. Its actually warming to know there’s such a strong community of short guys out there who have problems finding clothes that fit just right, as quirky as it sounds I thought I was alone in my struggle.
Thanks again guys.
June 4th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Several months ago I came across a web site where a guy showed how he used a sewing machine to hem his long t-shirts (and even to make them narrower.) I tried it. It is very easy to do. Something to keep in mind. Think of it as a sartorial Do-It-Yourself project! If you really like a certain shirt, you can make it fit perfectly.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Frank - Cool… think you could find the link?
June 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
5′-7″, 125 lbs, 36″ chest, 28″ waist. 18″ shoulder to shoulder, 10.5″ biceps.
The frequent problems I have in T-shirts is looseness of the sleeves and body. From experience, the fabric is just as important as the cut. Take Calvin Klein for example, the small Flexible Fit Short Sleeve Crew fits horribly (sleeves too wide, shoulder too narrow) but the same size for Micro Modal Crew surprisingly fits well (the hem was too long though). So far, I have only come to embrace the following brands for short sleeve tops (I am an aficionado for plain, solid color and occasionally dabble in patterns and seldom venture to prints so my reviews are generally for solid or patterned clothes):
Armani Exchange AX pima cotton V & Crew Made in Peru
- Wear extra small. Very soft, sleeping-quality fabric. Form fitting but not tight. Washes well barely any visible pilling in the lighter color ones. Tagless comfort (except a tag on the inside of the side seam which disintegrate in laundering). The shirts from each succeeding season improve. (earlier version’s sleeve length was too short, body too tight).
- Dimension (taken after repeated laundering): Body length including cuffs is about 22.5″. Pit to Pit is 17″. Note that it shrinks consistently 2.5″ from bottom hem and .75″ sleeve length (overall fit is ok because the body stretches back with wear).
- Cost: $20-25. The cheapest I have gotten them was for $12 in a website malfunction last winter.
C-IN2 pima cotton V & Crew Made in Thailand
- Wear small. A bit thicker than AX and does not have a big shrinkage problem; otherwise very similar. Completely tagless. The sleeve has a little bit of excess fabric but not a huge concern. There is also some extra small available in this season’s new Core line. Of interest, the V neck is deep.
- Dimension (taken after repeated laundering): Body length including cuffs is about 24″. Pit to Pit is 17.5″.
- Cost: $22 but can get them on sale for $11 (watch Freshpair and Skiviez.)
J Crew tailored-fit polos Made in Macau and China
- Wear extra small. Some visible pilling in the darker colored ones. Get them in light color. Slimming on body and form fitting around the arms (a tad bit longer than AX and C-IN2). A tiny tag indicating the size is sewn into the inside shoulder seam (seam ripper removable). The Vintage, Risque and Broken-In (lightest but the collar tends to droop) are all excellent. The cons: not breathe as well as the pimas & beware of sizing inconsistency. Different factories manufacture them. Best ones are made in Macau, then China, and the Cambodian ones were wretched. There may be other ones. Extra smalls hardly carried in Brick and Mortar.
- Dimension (taken after repeated laundering): Body length including cuffs is about 26.5″. Pit to Pit is 17″ (remarkably, all three styles shrink to about the same size)
- Cost: $25 to $43. Got them on sale from the website for $10.
I am also giving my 2 cents on the following:
BDG carried by Urban Outfitters. Found an extra small T shirt made in Guatamela for $10 on the sales rack. Very soft and light as feather. Biggest problem are the tags, which are sewn into the seam and some are hard and sharp and cannot be completely remove by seam ripper. Fits remarkably similar to J Crew.
Banana Republic: Extra smalls are carried on the website. I got a Heritage sweater during Christmas and it fits remarkably well. Jackets fits repulsively though. I believe creations from new head men’s designer are finally in the market. I plan to get some of the polo during the summer sale. Extra smalls not carred in B&M.
N2N Bodywear: I got two small muscle hoodies (Active and Lounge lines) both made in US. When I first received them, they were huge. I boiled them in hot water then dried it at the highest setting. Both came back significantly smaller Active lines one: Neck to bottom hem: 24″, Pit to Pit: 18″. Lounge: 25”, 19”. They are very soft, great for workout. The hoods for both were too small.
American Apparel: I gave up on this brand. The sizing just does not complement my body type. Shoulders too narrow, either way too much excess sleeve fabric or not enough that the sleeve rides up. The only style that obviates those deficiencies is the raglans because the arm and shoulder are connected by one piece of fabric. I had one years ago but it got ruined by bleach. I still pine for it to this day. I definitely need to try it in store the determine the right size. Also, the stuff are notorious for significant shrinkage everywhere.
Fyasko: Urban Outfitters carries it. A lot of convivial prints. Great fit for the body but shoulder is too narrow and sleeve is too short and rides up.
Club Monaco: Extra smalls are offered but the sleeve has too much excess fabric, and the shoulder sits awkwardly on me but definitely a good consideration for those with narrower shoulder since the body is form fitting.
United Colors of Benetton & Sisley: Smalls are offered and fit quite well. My beef with the company is the use of generally poor quality fabric. The 100% cotton traps heat and the blended stuff are worse. I am avoiding this place like the plague; way too much money had been wasted at this place. However, if one chooses carefully and examines their stuff, I can’t imagine difficulty finding a flattering top. Of interest, some of the smalls are actually too tight for me.
Splendid Mills: GQ recommended this brand and I got a stripped green and grey striped hoody on sale. It was huge but so soft. I pair it as an oversized style with jeans.
Gap: There are incremental improvements in their basics offering. I am particularly thrilled with the l/s thermal tee. When I first got them, the meeting point of neck cuffs is on one of the side shoulders, which makes the shirt entirely unsymmetrical. The fabric blend was rough to the touch and the hem ran on the short side. But in the most recent incarnations, the cuff meeting point is on the back and the entire shirt is a lot softer with a longer hem (probably not too good for everyone here).
American Eagle: I got an extra small thermal shirt as a gift. It fits well but the brand just doesn’t appeal to my aesthetics. It took me an hour to rip out every trace of branding. It fits like Gap’s thermal.
Saint James: This is a French company that specializes in nautical clothing. They sell everything from nautical sweaters to their famous Ts. I recently bought their Matelot U in 1/2 PON, or S/M per their website international size conversion. Richard from the Madison Ave. store informed me that overtime, the sweater would conform to the body. The overall fit is excellent. There are also nautical Ts of many styles and patterns but I believe they run big. I haven’t gotten myself one yet but from what I have seen so far, I appreciate the subtle difference that sets it apart from others on the market (which aren’t that many to begin with). Visit the store or call them with any questions.
G-Star: I wear their smalls jacket, like the Blan (I don’t quite recall the specific names of the other ones) Whenever I wear their stuff, I always get a feeling that they don’t quite belong on me. The body length is passable and the sleeve may hit the right length but there is something very odd about it. One time, I saw someone 5-8/5-9 wearing their stuff and he looked very sharp. I believe stuff from this brand would work if the body length is cut shorter because everywhere else is on the slim side. I don’t think any slightly overweight men wearing their stuff would not provoke derisive attention. FYI that doesn’t mean I’m throwing them out; I think I’m just not buying any new ones.
Endovanera: I got an XS Cavalry Hoodie in Black winter ’07, a double-breasted wool coat with an oversized hood . I kept it because the 100% washed rayon inner lining was ripped after wear. I got it replaced with a different fabric. As far as I know, this is the only brand that can flatter short people. The bottom hem hits just an inch past my hip bone, the sleeve is slim throughout with a form fitting body, but not tapered like many of the G-star offerings. The best feature is the light-weight wool - very soft, light and not itchy! It is perfect for Southern California winter especially during the early mornings/late evenings/air conditioned work place since it doesn’t get too cold here. The underarm area is snug, for some that can be restricting. Whenever I wore it to work, I received compliments. I am watching their stuff and I notice different materials are used for the lining.
If anyone knows anything about APC, please do share. XS are available but I have read inconsistent review of their sizing. Some wrote that the recent offerings are bigger. Others have mentioned them being quite slim and small. My concern is that I don’t know the dimension of those saying the clothes are slim and small making it difficult the gauge their reviews.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Banana Republic fitted crew. Can often be acquired as cheap as $7 at the outlets.
October 10th, 2009 at 1:04 am
has enyone noticed that the newer Banana Republic fitted crew is different than last season and all before that. Its wider the neck is lame and skinny and the sleves are alittle longer