I can't find clothes that fit AT ALL, help!

[illbell]

4 hours of trying on clothes today. Zero purchases. 2 hours last week. Zero purchases. I went to Macy's/Eddie Bauer/Nordstrom/H&M/Marshalls/Dillards. Nothing.

I've had this problem as long as I can remember. I have 2 pairs of jeans and 2 sweaters because of it.

I'm not overweight, I'm not skinny. I'm 6'2 190 pounds. I lift weights so I have big chest/big shoulders but I in no way have a bodybuilding body, just a little thicker than the average Joe. Everything I tried on didn't fit. Medium way too tight. Large fit on the arms way too tight on chest. XL fit in chest way to big around waist.

What is one to do? I'm trying to re-vamp my wardrobe and "dress like a man" but it seems like an exercise in futility.

 

[Nick Danger]

I feel your pain. I'm not the same build as you, but I have just as much trouble. I'm short but neither skinny nor fat. I do not have the build of a typical American guy (I guess you could say I'm less thick than the average Joe) and tend to do much better with clothes from Europe. Just about the only American store where I can ever find anything that fits is Banana Republic. Even Levi's are a tough fit for me. Only some of the 514 line fits without being too tight or too loose.

Nick

 

[73mountaineer]

Have you tried any "slim fit" styles in a large or extra large? Not a rack I could ever shop off of, but it sounds like you just need a different cut.

 

[Kotton]

Or try lower body work outs too.

 

[illbell]

LOL guys. By thick I meant thick with muscle not fat Slim fit doesn't do it. Tried it today. Large is VERY form fitting. Not my style. XL fits great in chest and arms, but is so big in the waist section of the sweater/shirt/etc...

514 is the only jean I can wear. And it's hit or miss. Kotton, what makes you think I don't work legs? Every Monday and Thursday I do legs

But yea, I just don't know what to do here.... Figured I'd throw it out there for those who are more "fashion forward" than I. But when you can't even find a button down that fits right, something's wrong!

 

[Nick Danger]

If you can wear the 514 Levi's, then perhaps our shape is more similar than I thought.

I can recommend a couple of stores to try, depending on where you live.

I've found some stuff that fits great at Zara (from Spain) and Top Shop / Top Man (from England.)

Nick

 

[illbell]

Nick,

Thanks a lot man, I'll check those spots out. Hopefully there are some locations around here

Yea 514 is the only denim I can wear in Levi's. I haven't tried any other jean because even at 50 bucks a pair, it hurts a little. I don't see myself wearing >$100 jeans. My pant size is either 33x32 or 32x32 depending on the day LOL. Shirt size is ?? who knows. Nothing fits! Everything I own is a size L in shirts/jackets/sweaters etc.... They are all very old though because I just can't buy any new clothing.

 

[coolcanuc]

Not sure what you are looking for exactly, but you might want to try higher end stores or a tailor.

 

[illbell]

Damn, neither of those stores exist here. I checked out the Zara site, that place looks great! Oh well....

 

[illbell]

Just looking for a few nice sweaters, some nice button downs, and some decent pants.

 

[Nick Danger]

For shirts, I'm doing well with Calvin Klein slim fit. You might want to give them a try. I've found some great deals on them on eBay. Another line of shirts that fits well for me is Ben Sherman slim fit. Again, try eBay. I wear a medium, but you might find a large to be a perfect fit.

Nick

 

[Kotton]

Try bachrach.

 

[illbell]

Kotton, thanks, checking that out now.

Nick, I'm too damn tall for CK slim fit. I tried today. They had really nice stuff. The large stops about an inch above my jeans. The XL stops right above my belt. Ben Sherman, now there's a good company. Problem is I can't find their stuff locally. I guess I can play the eBay try and return game but that will just tie up too much cash waiting for the inevitable returns

Express used to be a great fit for me and I would just suck it up and pay 80 bucks a sweater. I went in there today though and it seems as though they are making their stuff for the dance club crowd now. I'm 31 as of a couple weeks ago. I'm done with that scene LOL, I want to start dressing like a man, not a boy

 

[illbell]

No Bachrach CO locations. Dammit, that store looks awesome too! I really don't want to order a bunch of stuff and nothing fits and I have to eat shipping back.....

 

[Nick Danger]

If you ever visit Chicago, there is a Zara and a Top Shop / Top Man on Michigan Avenue. You could fill out your wardrobe in an afternoon. I guess I'm spoiled by how many great shops I have within walking distance.

Nick

 

[illbell]

No Bachrach CO locations. Dammit, that store looks awesome too! I really don't want to order a bunch of stuff and nothing fits and I have to eat shipping back.....

Nick, yes you are a lucky man! My parents were up on Bryn Mawr and Sheridan for a few years. Too bad they're not there anymore. I'd kill two birds with one stone. Visit parents and fill out wardrobe!

Speaking of which can I get a decent set up with $300 bucks?

 

[Nick Danger]

Bryn Mawr and Sheridan? That's one block from where my mom lives. I'm a few miles south, in Old Town. It's almost too close to Michigan Avenue. Very tempting for shopping.

Hope you'll come visit again someday.

Nick

 

[illbell]

Ha that's awesome! Yea they had a condo in that old hotel right there. Old Town, I miss Old Town. I keep trying to get the wife to move to Chicago but she's not having it! I was just there a couple weeks ago. Sadly, it was for a funeral, but I still got to see Chicago again which was nice.

 

[Teppanyaki]

FWIW, I now order my pants from Land's End. Once you get the length and waist size right, they deliver to your door. I have also discovered the joy/shame of adjustable waistband pants, where you get a little extra "give" as it stretches after a meal or if you put on a few pounds.

 

[Kotton]

What about bke jeans from buckle. I wear the Tyler's and really like them, somewhat expensive, but nice. I wear cinch jeans too, but you might not like them.