Foo - Is my new A&F dress shirt too tight?

I stopped by Abercrombie & Fitch to pick up some dress shirts, but maybe think I got it a size too small. Any of you guys wear A&F? The cut fits my waist, shoulders, and arm length fine, but it feels too tight around my chest & lats. If I pull my elbows back (like bench pressing) the shirt gets too tight and it pulls apart at the buttons in front of the breastbone. The next larger size is okay for my chest/lats (just a little tight), but was too long for my arms. Maybe I could just have a tailor sew the cuff buttons in a little more so the shirt won't go past my wrists? I'm wearing them now so maybe I can get used to it. I just want to make sure I didn't waste $150 for 2 shirts.

Pics are needed... jk.
You don't have to.

It sounds like they are too small. $150 for A&F shirts is too much even if they do fit. $150 for Brooks Brothers is money better spent IMO. All my dress shirts are either Brooks Brothers or Express. All the A&F stuff I've seen looks like you just rolled out of bed.

Yep. Refund. They'll give you one, I'm sure. If they resist get loud and act perhaps a tad geeky as that place is so image conscious they'll surely want to avoid a scene like that.

I had a similar dillemma after buying at Marshall's this weekend. I got 4-5 shirts for tooling around the office, short-sleeve button down for months of sweltering summer. Though I like the shirts, they are straight cut, and most dress shirts (short sleeve or not) tend to "blouse up" at the waist. Tapered is the way to go, but in the past I have only found a good tapered shirt out of occasional sheer luck. The tapered shirts also sometimes have something else goofy and trendy like oversized collar. I need to find a consistent source for tapered shirts that look cool but not too hip for the office; nice but not too expensive for my wallet; and don't require tailoring, so I can just "go in" to that store whenever I want more. (And not to hijack your thread, but if anyone knows of a store or brand like this I'm all ears.)

I dunno, flexibility and style are not always synonymous. If you look good in front of a mirror, and don't anticipate needing to flex your arms behind your head, you should be okay.

Pics would be nice though.

Sounds like you need to start lifting some weight and stop going to the mall!

A lot of times theyre meant to be like that.

Isn't A&F gay and racist? Gay is ok, but that other one ..

I dunno. But then, this is Foo

$150 for A&F shirts is too much even if they do fit. $150 for Brooks Brothers is money better spent IMO. All my dress shirts are either Brooks Brothers or Express.
Yeah, I also shop at Express. The girls picked out a hot pink polo shirt for me. :) I was a bit hesitant, but got compliments from the other young women. I could care less what guys think although my friends did rip on me.

A&F, Express - it's all about looks and image. Yeah, they are overpriced, but wearing "casual luxury" says something about you to the young women. Besides, I'm from LA. You need to dress to impress.

And I'm going to exchange them for a larger size.

You're only paying for that name (which sucks). Take 'em back and get 4 GOOD shirts at another store without paying for a fancy name.

I'm with KingTermite.

Dude - check out TJ Max, Ross, Steinmart, Marshalls, ect... I picked up a Liz Claiborne dress shirt that kicks butt for $17 a couple days ago. I have a Perry Ellis shirt that people literally stop me and ask me where I got it that I also got from Marshalls for about $20. A&B and the mall in general are a complete waste unless you like to spend waaaay too much. Although I have found really good deals on the clearance racks at Gap and Banana Republic...

Dress shirts should never be snug. Get a larger size.

$150 for two A&F shirts is always too much, even if they do fit. There is rarely a reason to spend more than about $30 for a dress shirt. If you spend more than that you are paying a premium for a designer label which adds nothing to the utility of the garment and makes you look like a fashion victim.

I used to work in a store that sold Ralph Lauren Polo merchandise. I was embarrassed at how poorly made most of it was, but people would pay the price and that's how I got paid so...

As much as I hate to admit it, the best deal on dress shirts these days is the George brand at Walmart.

I don't know A&F but I'm not a fan of shirts that balloon out. I like my dress shirts to be fitted. I don't feel restricted in any of my shirts but they do taper down towards the waist.

Jesus, by now I've learned that mac doesn't tend to heed good advice.

Go to a real tailors and get some tailored shirts. Many shops include the alterations price in the price of the shirt. You will look like a million bucks and you wont have the Abercrombie "Hey I payed for a piece of crap" Fitch label. If there really are women who like guys in A&F clothes its because 1) they have no sense of style, taste, or individuality or 2) they have very little activity between the ears.

I would say that if you are over 26, you might as well say good ridance to Gap/A&F/AE for dress clothes. For casuals they are fine, but for your professional attire, go to a professional!

I only like Abrervrombie for their cargo shorts. I have yet to kind another maker whose shorts can handle as much as I do.

I would definiltly check out Oakleys clothing like, including their casual shirts, and T-shirts also. Theyre great!

Shirts have different cuts. Sometimes you're not lucky. Maybe their styling doesn't suit your body type.

As much as I hate to admit it, the best deal on dress shirts these days is the George brand at Walmart.

I'm not a fancy dresser by any means. I spent about as much on my one and only suit as the OP spent on two shirts. But I tried buying dress shirts at Walmart back in the day, and even I think they're crap. Course thread and thin, and like everything else at Walmart, is fitted for people with a Budweiser gut.

The $25 to buy a decent shirt at Sears or JcPenney's. $40 at Macy's. And if you really want it to fit well, it's what...like $10 to get it fitted by a tailor?

But I tried buying dress shirts at Walmart back in the day, and even I think they're crap. Course thread and thin, and like everything else at Walmart, is fitted for people with a Budweiser gut.



Check out their pinpoint oxfords. You might be surprised.

Dress shirts should never be snug. Get a larger size.

$150 for two A&F shirts is always too much, even if they do fit. There is rarely a reason to spend more than about $30 for a dress shirt. If you spend more than that you are paying a premium for a designer label which adds nothing to the utility of the garment and makes you look like a fashion victim.

I used to work in a store that sold Ralph Lauren Polo merchandise. I was embarrassed at how poorly made most of it was, but people would pay the price and that's how I got paid so...

As much as I hate to admit it, the best deal on dress shirts these days is the George brand at Walmart.
I stated above about not paying the extra for the designer label....but at the same time there are "cheap" ones too and I don't like those either. I'm not familiar with the "George" brand specifically, but I shopped at Wal-Mart in my younger days and was never impressed with clothing quality. It was always super cheap and got stretched out and misshaped after the first wash.

The less you spend on disposable clothes the more you can spend on quality bike parts. :)

Well, with the exception of shoes. Gotta have well made, strong supporting shoes. ;)

Yeah, $20-30 will get you a decent shirt almost anywhere, sometimes cheaper when they're on sale. I could never let myself spend $75 per item of clothing other than a jacket or bike shorts...

The less you spend on disposable clothes the more you can spend on quality bike parts. :)

Well, with the exception of shoes. Gotta have well made, strong supporting shoes. ;)

Well made dress clothes are hardly disposable.

Well made dress clothes are hardly disposable.
But the OP is talking about A&F. Not well-made.

But the OP is talking about A&F. Not well-made.

For real...most of it's got holes in it by the time they hang it on the shelf. :rolleyes:

H&M has some decent enough stuff, for relatively cheap. Tapered, good quality, good looking, for like $20.

You're only paying for that name (which sucks). Take 'em back and get 4 GOOD shirts at another store without paying for a fancy name.
But the name matters. Women notice those details. And the shirts are good quality - they are thick & heavy. I've see other dress shirts from no-name stores that are so thin and flimsy you can see right through them and notice the wifebeater worn underneath.


the best deal on dress shirts these days is the George brand at Walmart.
Dude, I wouldn't be caught dead even near a *-Mart (Walmart, K-Mart, etc.). Maybe it's different in other states, but here in Los Angeles, Wal-Mart = poor. Let's just say that English is the least heard language in those stores. South Park even poked fun at them by having the affluent Token shop at J-Mart so he could fit in with the other redneck kids from his school.


If there really are women who like guys in A&F clothes its because 1) they have no sense of style, taste, or individuality or 2) they have very little activity between the ears.
1) Whatever works for the women. :p Besides, I prefer women who are a bit high-maintenance to make sure they look good.
2) Dude, those girls are fun to hang out with to go drinking and play sports / workout with. I've met most of them at the gym. Take a look at Kendra from the Girls Next Door. She doesn't come across as the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but she'd be a lot of fun to hang with.


The less you spend on disposable clothes the more you can spend on quality bike parts. :)
I find the "OCP" crowd in the road forums rather amusing. Having a fancy, super-light bike and spending thousands of dollars to get it seems like a total waste. To the non-biker, they are still dorks on a bike. Just give me 2 wheels, a comfortable frame w/ panniers for my stuff, and a Brooks and I'm happy. In fact, I weigh down my bike by throwing a gallon or two of water in my panniers to get a better workout.

The car you drive and the clothes you wear project your image, not the bicycle you pedal around.


For real...most of it's got holes in it by the time they hang it on the shelf. :rolleyes:
That's the "weathered, vintage" look. The very casual shirts are designed like that. The dress shirts I bought are new.

For a bit more formal attire like a business meeting sans a tie, I shop at Express. A&F is more casual while Express is little more dressy.

But the name matters. Women notice those details. And the shirts are good quality - they are thick & heavy. I've see other dress shirts from no-name stores that are so thin and flimsy you can see right through them and notice the wifebeater worn underneath.

Not ALL women go for name brands. The guy I care about isn't into it.


Dude, I wouldn't be caught dead even near a *-Mart (Walmart, K-Mart, etc.). Maybe it's different in other states, but here in Los Angeles, Wal-Mart = poor. Let's just say that English is the least heard language in those stores. South Park even poked fun at them by having the affluent Token shop at J-Mart so he could fit in with the other redneck kids from his school.

Why are the people poor? Because of places like Walmart who don't pay a decent living.


1) Whatever works for the women. :p Besides, I prefer women who are a bit high-maintenance to make sure they look good.
2) Dude, those girls are fun to hang out with to go drinking and play sports / workout with. I've met most of them at the gym. Take a look at Kendra from the Girls Next Door. She doesn't come across as the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but she'd be a lot of fun to hang with.

I'm not high maintenence. I prefer to be natural because I am not ashamed of who I am (other than being fat) because I don't need to hide my face behind make up. Plus I'm not stupid but I'm still a lot of fun. At least that is what my friends say.



I find the "OCP" crowd in the road forums rather amusing. Having a fancy, super-light bike and spending thousands of dollars to get it seems like a total waste. To the non-biker, they are still dorks on a bike. Just give me 2 wheels, a comfortable frame w/ panniers for my stuff, and a Brooks and I'm happy. In fact, I weigh down my bike by throwing a gallon or two of water in my panniers to get a better workout.

The car you drive and the clothes you wear project your image, not the bicycle you pedal around.

I guess I'm OCP now! (whoopee!!) Because I ordered a custom bike for my bad back!! Otherwise I can't ride road.

And my opinion is, you can "not drive at all" or "have clothes from a beggar" but STILL be the same on the inside.



For a bit more formal attire like a business meeting sans a tie, I shop at Express. A&F is more casual while Express is little more dressy.

I see you more as a Nordstrom type of guy. :)

Why are the people poor? Because of places like Walmart who don't pay a decent living.
Plenty of reasons, but that's for P&R. ;) Suffice it to say that negative image is in a lot of people's minds.


I'm not high maintenence. I prefer to be natural because I am not ashamed of who I am (other than being fat) because I don't need to hide my face behind make up. Plus I'm not stupid but I'm still a lot of fun. At least that is what my friends say.
I will not disagree with a woman wielding a sword. :eek: Of course you, and other "natural looking" ladies are also fun to hang out with. I was disagreeing with the poster that a cute girl, who's also an airhead, would have nothing to offer in a relationship.


I guess I'm OCP now! (whoopee!!) Because I ordered a custom bike for my bad back!! Otherwise I can't ride road.
Nah, that's a necessity. I had to order my touring bike as well since the LBS didn't have any in stock. But is your bike carbon-fiber with carbon pedals and matching color seat & frame? :p

Ralph - That's the first name I thought of when I saw your puppy.

Sandy - now that's a dog's name.

(Apologies to any ladies here named Sandy. :D)

Plenty of reasons, but that's for P&R. ;) Suffice it to say that negative image is in a lot of people's minds.
I agree.


Nah, that's a necessity. I had to order my touring bike as well since the LBS didn't have any in stock. But is your bike carbon-fiber with carbon pedals and matching color seat & frame? :p
No, it's Titanium. :D


Ralph - That's the first name I thought of when I saw your puppy.

But she's a girl........


(oops. Edited and moved it. Sorry Big Mac!)

But the name matters. Women notice those details.

Dude, I wouldn't be caught dead even near a *-Mart (Walmart, K-Mart, etc.). Maybe it's different in other states, but here in Los Angeles, Wal-Mart = poor. Let's just say that English is the least heard language in those stores. South Park even poked fun at them by having the affluent Token shop at J-Mart so he could fit in with the other redneck kids from his school.


Are you TRYING to be the poster boy for SoCal shallowness?

But the name matters. Women notice those details. And the shirts are good quality - they are thick & heavy. I've see other dress shirts from no-name stores that are so thin and flimsy you can see right through them and notice the wifebeater worn underneath.
If you like the type of women who notice those details and worry about them, then you deserve each other.

It's not hard to find shirts of just as high (or higher) quality for cheaper prices. I'm not talking about Wal-mart.....but other decent clothing stores.

I don't see anything really wrong with dropping $150 on dress shirts, but isn't there somewhere a bit more upscale you could get them from? Express? Abercrombie? If twelve-year-old girls shop there, that's kind of a clue to stay out of the store.

I'll grant you that the name matters, but do a little work and find some better names. Try Burberry, David Chu, heck... even Calvin Klein and Banana Republic are better brands (in the sense of brand image).

And yes, it sounds like the shirts are too tight. And the reason is that they're made for 19-year-old manorexics. Just try to find some new brands.

I'll grant you that the name matters, but do a little work and find some better names. Try Burberry, David Chu, heck... even Calvin Klein and Banana Republic are better brands (in the sense of brand image).


Even the better brands are imported from China or Turkey where they are jobbed out to the lowest bidder.

As far as brand image goes, noone should ever be able to tell, without looking at the label, where a gentleman buys his clothes. Visible logos brand you as insecure and self conscious. The last thing you want to do is look like a guy who believes what he reads in GQ.

Even the better brands are imported from China or Turkey where they are jobbed out to the lowest bidder.

As far as brand image goes, noone should ever be able to tell, without looking at the label, where a gentleman buys his clothes. Visible logos brand you as insecure and self conscious. The last thing you want to do is look like a guy who believes what he reads in GQ.
Well said Ole.

As far as brand image goes, noone should ever be able to tell, without looking at the label, where a gentleman buys his clothes. Visible logos brand you as insecure and self conscious. The last thing you want to do is look like a guy who believes what he reads in GQ.
I agree, but I don't think our OP does. I was trying to help him out by appealing to his brand snobbery. And personally I don't think there's anything wrong with a little brand snobbery here and there.



Edit: Note: I said 'a little brand snobbery here and there', which is far from, "All I wear is DKNY" or "I only ride vintage Colnagos" or whatever.

Still saying you can get more for your $$$ at Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, ect... And we're talking name brand stuff that looks as nice, or nicer, than A&F or Express. (I get Perry Ellis dress shirt all the time with that pleat at the shoulder - nice dressy shirts). Trust me, when I dress up its to the 9's, I just do it at a fraction of the price. Part of what I really dig doing is getting bang for the buck. Anyone can get something nice if they spend (in many cases overspend) for it. But finding the bargain - something amazingly good at an amazing price - there's something efficient and cool about that to me.

I like girls who dress up too. Skirts, heels, stockings, ect... But I don't like high maintenance. I don't think one necessarily automatically means you get the other. Hehe, well maybe in LA but not Texas (well, except maybe Dallas. ;) ) My last gf was a sharp dresser - very girlie and "hot", but she'd also mow her own lawn, install fences on her property, ect... Not high maintenance at all.

I like girls who dress up too. Skirts, heels, stockings, ect... But I don't like high maintenance.
When I see a girl decked out in Tommy Hillfinger, DKNY, etc.... It just turns me off....I immediately think she must be high-maintenance and superficial.

When I see a girl decked out in Tommy Hillfinger, DKNY, etc.... It just turns me off....I immediately think she must be high-maintenance and superficial.

Agreed. I prefer to let the workmanship and quality materials speak for themselves in my clothing choices. Most women understand this even better than men, and the ones who dont are probably straight up dumb - which is cool if you dont like conversation or anything like that I guess.

When I see a girl decked out in Tommy Hillfinger, DKNY, etc.... It just turns me off....I immediately think she must be high-maintenance and superficial.

Maybe its just down here that its not the case. My ex would dress up but she was as low maintenance of a gf as I've ever had. I work in a professional environment with dress codes, ect... and tend to date women in the same kind of environment, so maybe that has something to do with it.

You're just too buff for A&F. Cut back on the presses, pulldowns, and rows and try again in a few weeks when you drop some mass.

Course you could score some points with the ladies when someone gets you angry and you hulk-shred your way out of your $75. Bonus if you figure out a way to turn green too.

I don't know A&F but I'm not a fan of shirts that balloon out. I like my dress shirts to be fitted. I don't feel restricted in any of my shirts but they do taper down towards the waist.

solid advice. i concur.

You can't go wrong with a basic blue oxford shirt from llbean for about $30.00.

I stopped by Abercrombie & Fitch to pick up some dress shirts, but maybe think I got it a size too small. Any of you guys wear A&F? The cut fits my waist, shoulders, and arm length fine, but it feels too tight around my chest & lats. If I pull my elbows back (like bench pressing) the shirt gets too tight and it pulls apart at the buttons in front of the breastbone. The next larger size is okay for my chest/lats (just a little tight), but was too long for my arms. Maybe I could just have a tailor sew the cuff buttons in a little more so the shirt won't go past my wrists? I'm wearing them now so maybe I can get used to it. I just want to make sure I didn't waste $150 for 2 shirts.

Don't keep shirts that aren't comfortable. The way to waste the money is to keep the shirts and not wear them. Sleeves that are a bit too long are not a problem, but a shirt you're not comfortable in is a problem.

Sometimes people wear dress shirts to a banquet. Are you going to be comfortable in it with a full belly and sitting down?

If you do trade up to a larger size they may redo the cuffs for you and if not it's pretty trivial to do it yourself.

I returned the two A&F dress shirts today and just got one larger size. It's still slightly tight around my chest when I making swimming motions, but I highly doubt I'll be doing that in a meeting.


And yes, it sounds like the shirts are too tight. And the reason is that they're made for 19-year-old manorexics. Just try to find some new brands.
I was looking at the build of the guys who work there as they wear the A&F clothes and all but one was wimpy-looking with a rectangular torso/chest instead of the athletic V-taper. The one guy who did have the V-taper played sports and recommended the larger size as his shirts would also pull the chest button apart. The muscle-T's, however are great - tight & form-fitting like my cycling jersey.


Are you TRYING to be the poster boy for SoCal shallowness?
I don't consider it shallowness but rather sophistication. LA and NY define to the world the image of America. The rest of the US is just filler. When foreigners come to the US, they want to see to LA (Hollywood) and NY (and Vegas for gambling). That's why we drive foreign, higher-end to very expensive "look at me" vehicles, wear the name brands, and are somewhat high-maintenance. It's hard work portraying the positive image of America. :p

If you look at art throughout the centuries - paintings & sculptures - they mostly depicted royalty and the affluent segment of society. Rarely do you see art of the poor common folk.


When I see a girl decked out in Tommy Hillfinger, DKNY, etc.... It just turns me off....I immediately think she must be high-maintenance and superficial.
Nothing wrong with the young women wanting to look hot. In Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, some parts of Hollywood, and the clubs, the women are all dressed up in the lastest trendy fashion. I can appreciate someone taking the time to look good instead of just rolling out of bed and throwing anything on.

I wear AF all of the time, i like them a little tight, but not tight enuff to rip if you flex or something. Genally if it is long enough to cover ur underwear if your pants sag a bit then it fits.

BTW. if u wear AF u must pop collar

marshall is where its at....the cary claiborne, calvin klein, hilfiger, nautica....for maybe $30 a shirt...cant go wrong with that.
$150 for 2 shirts....idk, like buying bazooka joe gum for a quater....doesnt make sense to me.