There are few things less attractive than a man drowning in his clothes. For some inexplicable reason, all men think they are a size large—and we just can’t take it anymore. As women, we find this quite humorous and ironic since we’re always trying to appear smaller while men are always trying to look bigger.
It’s important for men to understand that there’s an astronomical difference between something that fits and something that’s too tight. Trying something on before you buy it is time well spent (stop rolling your eyes!!). We are well aware that shopping is not something most of you find enjoyable and truth be told, countless women feel the same way. Judging from the men we know, it’s safe to say that you run to the mall or department store only when you are in dire need of a particular item. Our hope is that maybe, just maybe, we can convince you that when you make this one time a year trek to the mall that you include a trip into the fitting rooms before hitting the registers. We don’t want anyone wearing ill-fitting garments, and we especially want you to avoid an extra and unnecessary trip back to the mall. This means that you must, yes MUST, make it back into the fitting rooms in each store before you make a purchase. I know it’s the last thing you want to do, nobody enjoys it (not even girls), but sizes vary from brand to brand and store to store.
Because we know that it can be difficult to judge whether or not something fits correctly, we’re here to make it as simple and quick as possible for you.
When trying on a shirt (and this applies to ALL tops and jackets), there are two quick and easy ways to tell if it fits. First look at the seam that is supposed to fall at the top of your shoulder. If this seam lies anywhere else, like halfway down your arm (we see this far too often), then the shirt is too big. Contrary to many men’s beliefs, this will make you look smaller instead of larger. Next, check to see where the sleeve ends. Short sleeve shirts should never fall below your elbow and long sleeve shirts should fall just below the wrist bone. Shirts that fit these requirements will give you an overall better and sexier look.
Now for your bottom half. No woman likes to see sagging that displays the type, pattern, and cleanliness of your underwear; crotches hanging down to your knees; or the bottom of your pant legs being walked all over. We’re all for comfort so please wear pants where they feel good (like right at or under your natural waist). The two most important things about a pair of pants are the size and the style. When you see one number times another on a pair of pants, the first number is the waist and the second number is the inseam length. A general rule is that the darker the denim the dressier the jean. There are tons of fits out there and most of them should be avoided. We are large advocates of straight leg and boot leg (sometimes called boot cut) fits. Never EVER take a pair of tapered leg pants into the dressing room—they aren’t attractive on anyone. A good way to ensure the pant leg doesn’t get smaller towards the bottom is to fold the bottom hem up to the knee. If they are the same width at these two points, they’re winners! When you get back to the fitting room to actually try everything on, be sure that you determine if your pants are the correct length by putting your shoes on with them. You want the pants to graze the floor on heel of your shoes, and this will create a nice “break” in the pants over your ankle.
Women appreciate men who take pride in their appearance and dress to impress. Wearing clothes that fit well and are comfortable are beneficial in ways you’ve never imagined (trust us). They will allow you to carry yourself differently. When you know you look good, it shows. Also, after you have found that store or brand that makes clothes that fit your body just right, make it your shopping destination for every trip to the mall. Believe us, it’ll make your life easier and in the end, we know that’s what is most important for you guys!!
