clothes for short men, below 5'6''

[JoeSchmoe05]

Not many retailers sell anything smaller than 'regular', and its incredibly difficult for me to find clothes that don't look ridiculous on me (I'm 5'5''). I'm sure there are quite a few of you DJ's out there that are in the 'short' category for clothing, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions on what to do? Where to look for and how to choose shirts, jeans/pants, etc... Thanks!

 

[jprjrjr]

Originally posted by JoeSchmoe05
Not many retailers sell anything smaller than 'regular', and its incredibly difficult for me to find clothes that don't look ridiculous on me (I'm 5'5''). I'm sure there are quite a few of you DJ's out there that are in the 'short' category for clothing, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions on what to do? Where to look for and how to choose shirts, jeans/pants, etc... Thanks!

I have the opposite problem. I can harldy ever find shirts and sleeves that are long enough. Good luck with finding something that fits.

 

[frivolousz21]

dude wat are u talking about?

I am 5' 6" and I wear medium everywhere in shirts

get some muscle !

 

[diablo]

AE...

Originally posted by JoeSchmoe05
Not many retailers sell anything smaller than 'regular'... Where to look for and how to choose shirts, jeans/pants, etc... Thanks!

I've never heard of a size "regular". Just (sometimes) Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large. Perhaps you should consider going to a few "normal" stores, that is, places that carry sizes that aren't as bizarre as what you've mentioned. Some examples include A&F, Hollister, Express Men, or anywhere else you might find in the mall. From working retail for over 3 years, I can tell you that unless your body is just... weird... that you should be able to find clothes that fit you without too much trouble. Try small shirts, and jeans in around size 29x30. Or better yet, try on different stuff from different stores until you find the sizes that fit you.

 

[The Bartender]

I agree with the advice to workout. I am 5'6" and can wear a small/med/large depending on the type of shirt and the manufacturer. Smalls I tend to save for those "tight" fitting type of shirts....

 

[JoeSchmoe05]

Hi, thanks for the replies. Pretty much told me what I already needed to do I guess (work out), which I've been doing anyways this past week (and hope to continue for the next 6 months at least).

I guess I've just been frustrated with how most retailers focus attention on the regular's and big/tall, even though there is a sizable population of shorts. I went into JCPenney's last night to look for clothes appropriate for work, couldn't find anything. One polo shirt by Arizona in a small vintage seemed to fit me ok, but most vintage stuff is a bit too casual for the office. I've always had to put a lot of work into finding clothes, I guess that will have to continue. We'll see what bulking up does for me. Thanks again for the tips.

 

[Alpine]

Get friendly with girls who are into fashion design, they will alter stuff for you and introduce you to their model aquaintances.

 

[jwchop]

Websites, Designers, and Stores for Smaller Guys

It's great that you guys are telling him to work out, but that doesn't solve his problem now nor in the future. He needs clothes that fit well, not that will just hang off him. I'm small, so I've made a big effort in finding stores, designers, and websites that sell stuff that fits me.

But first 2 important points: The first thing is to measure yourself and know what your size in shirts, pants and shoes are. Know your size! Secondly its important to not settle on clothes that don't fit you well. In the end its just a waste of money to buy clothes that look great in the store and only look "ok" on you. Here's the situation: You try on the shirt and see that it only "slightly" does not fit well. But you think to yourself "I'll buy it anyway, noone will notice". The thing is observant people (i.e. women) do, but in a bad way though. And that goes against what you wanted to do, i.e. look good, no? You want to get clothes that fit! So don't settle. If you go into a store and don't see anything that fits you, walk out; don't buy haphazardly.
It's hard but I think those are the 2 most important points to remember.

Now to the good stuff. Here's one good website and an article printed in the New York Times a few weeks ago:

1. www.jimmyaus.com

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Looking High and Low

By STEPHANIE ROSENBLOOM
NY TIMES
Published: June 9, 2005

Retailers and Web sites catering to short men suggested some tips about labels and stores well suited to those 5-foot-8 and under:

Dsquared and Prada "If you're on the shorter side, it's a perfect season for you," said Michael Macko, men's fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue. "Designers like Dsquared and Prada are showing much shorter than traditional jackets."

Dr. Martens These thick-heeled British work boots and shoes dmusastore.com) are available in sizes as small as a British 3 (an American men's 4) and have the effect of making one look taller without an obvious elevator heel.

Allen-Edmonds The Web site of this shoe make (allenedmonds.com) has a good selection of small sizes, which can be particularly hard to find at retail stores.

Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, J. C. Penney and Land's End These retailers sell tailored clothing that can be customized to fit. Brooks Brothers offers made-to-measure suits in its stores. Nordstrom, J. C. Penney and Land's End offer cotton dress shirts and dress pants on their Web sites that are made to one's measurements and shipped in a matter of weeks. Nordstrom offers custom suits and tuxedos online.

Web sites If stores do not have smaller sizes, check retailers' Web sites for a broader selection. The smallest inseam on Gap pants in stores is 30 inches, but gap.com has 28's for sale. American Eagle Outfitters and Sierra Trading Post Users of shortsupport.org, a Web site with advice for short people, say these retailers have good selections of smaller sizes, especially online.

At sierratradingpost.com men can shop by size, including small, x small and xx-small. Americaneagleoutfitters.com has shirts in size x-small, and has jeans and cargo pants with 28-inch inseams.

Levi's Straight-cut (505's) and classic-fit jeans come in sizes with a 28-inch inseam and a 28 waist, and are praised for their fit on frugalcorner.com/short.html, an online clothing guide for short men.

A Levi's spokesman said if a store does not stock a particular size, customers can call a customer service line (1-800-USA LEVIS) that will find it.

More information, including a list of specialty stores nationwide, can also be found on shortsupport.org, which also provides links to sites with fashion advice for men and women.

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Good Luck!
jwchop

 

[Jay-X]

i'm pretty short, as not as much as you, 5'9, and i often have problems finding shirts that fit. lots of stores have just MEDIUM, LARGE and EXTRA LARGE, and a medium is usually a bit loose on me. nothing too bad, but it can be noticed, since the cuts on the shoulders hang an inch below they are supposed to...

 

[user43770]

Get your clothing altered by a tailor. It's worth the extra money.

I always have my jeans altered. Hell, they last you for years - they might as well fit comfortably.

 

[Maximus Rex]

Get clothing made for Asian men, or if your can afford it, get made-to-measure or bespoke clothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSphCTU2vZ4

3 Short Man Style Tips - Real World Men's Style Advice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HKs9erqdWs

How to Dress Taller - 10 Tips for Short Men