There was a time when clothes were created specifically, and just, for a certain person. That is, prior to mass-production which really started at the beginning of the 20th century, clothes and style were 100% a person's own.
You didn't have to worry about going to a party and seeing someone wearing the same exact outfit you just bought because you'd be wearing the only outfit of that kind.
A huge plus to this time was that your clothes always fit perfectly because they were made for you. There was no worry about getting the wrong size like there is today.
I talked about this very briefly in my importance of proper fit post a while back, but these days it is very important to understand different sizes of clothes, and more importantly, that sizes are not universal.
What do I mean by this?
It'll be easier to explain if I give you an example:
Recently, I bought two Alfani linen-blend shirts in medium because the majority of shirts I own are that size. Nine times out of ten, I don't have to worry about clothes not fitting properly because sizing is pretty consistent for men's clothing.
However, when I got the two shirts, which still do fit well-enough, I realized that they were a bit bigger than Ralph Lauren's medium shirts. Take a look at the picture below in which I'm wearing a size medium over a size small which I bought a couple weeks after. I'd say both fit pretty-well, but the small is definitely more of a perfect fit. What do you think?
 |
| While the off-white medium shirt still pretty much fits, note the difference between the two sizes. It might only be an inch different, but that inch makes a lot of difference. |
So how do you ensure that you're always getting the right size? Unfortunately, there really isn't a sure-fire way. I recommend that if you're in a store to try the piece on rather than just assume it's going to fit. It can be kind of annoying, but that's why I like sticking with one or two brands, because in that case, it's not compulsory that you try it on. Sizes across a brand tend to be pretty much the same, so if you're a Calvin Klein shirts are all large, you don't have to worry about buying a large from them that won't fit.
But if it's a new brand, like Alfani was to me, I'd really suggest spending the five minutes or so trying it on.
If you're buying something online, however, like I tend to do, I suggest trying the piece prior to removing any of the tags. That way, if it doesn't fit properly, you can just return it for the next size up or down.
Of course, there are going to be certain pieces which do in fact have one size to fit anyone. These include, hats, scarves, and ties. But for pieces like shirts, pants, sports coats, and even shoes-- all of which I would refer to as primary pieces-- one size does not necessarily fit every single time.
My theory is that certain brands create clothing for specific body sizes, not necessarily specific types of people. I mean, it makes sense considering that a lot of major brands mass-produce their clothes now. They couldn't possibly consider specific people. It's so much easier, for example, to make a piece for someone with a slim body type than someone who's x feet tall and weighs x pounds.
A perfect example of a company who tends to do this is Ralph Lauren. I actually bought a couple suits that received horrible reviews online. People said things like "the cut is strange" and that it "distorts the waste". I was actually really worried that they wouldn't fit properly.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I got them, and I realized what the issue probably was for the people who wrote those reviews (i.e. they didn't have the right body size). Ralph Lauren suits are intended for people with slimmer physiques. I'm definitely not skinny, per se, but I have a very slim body structure. I think that's why Ralph Lauren works so well for me.
Alfani, on the other hand, may be a brand intended for people who have a slightly bigger physique, hence why their sizing is a bit big.
My best advice, as I mentioned above, is to find a brand that really works with your body type and stick with it. Sometimes getting different brands is necessary-- like there was no way I was going to spend $90 USD on a Ralph Lauren wool sweater-- so when you decide to try a different brand just be wary. I usually buy one piece and if it fits I'll buy more.
Definitely don't start by buying five shirts from a brand you aren't familiar with!
But seriously guys: although sizing can be a little confusing at times for men's clothing, we should all appreciate that we don't have to go through all the things women tend to endure while shopping for new clothes!
What do you all think though? Do you find your size varies often or is pretty much consistent like it is with me? What would you say is the brand that fits you best?
Let me know in the comments!
-Ryan S.
No comments:
Post a Comment