When you have a small morphology, you tend to despair, to think that you’ll never find jackets in 44, shirts in XS or even XXS and that everything will be definitively too large.
In fact, it isn’t the case. It is perfectly possible to dress as well as someone measuring 1m80, but you’re gonna have to think differently and to look elsewhere. I’ve had a fair few clients under 1m75 and I assure you that you can create some really nice outfits.
The problem is that apart from telling you that you shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes or really big items of clothing, there isn’t much info on brands that do a good job of small sizes….
Here’s my experience relating to smaller morphologies: the main points to remember, the XS by different brands, and alternative pathways.
Yes, it is possible!
The main points to remember about fashion for smaller sizes
The eternal refrain about the fit…
Ah yes, clothes that are perfectly cut for your size will save your style. In fact, there’s a really vicious effect when you’re on the small side – it’s that if your clothes are even slightly too large, or the shoulders are slightly too wide, your small size is highlighted. If the item is too large, it adds volume to your chest and messes up the proportions of your body. So make sure your clothes fit perfectly.
I’m not making things up when I say that in order to lengthen out your silhouette, you need to add verticality…so go for jackets with fine lapels, fitted sleeves, small shirt collars or vertical stripes. You should also avoid straight cuts and go for a good old semi-slim which will make your legs look longer and slimmer. I don’t need to tell you that the fitting of your jacket needs to be absolutely perfect…
In fact, make sure that everything is in proportion with your silhouette, whether it be the lapels on your jacket, the collar on your shirt or the shape of your shoes (yes, you should avoid pointy shoes).
When it comes to the opposition jacket vs coat on someone small, I’m fairly nuanced, I’ve seen some really nice looks on smaller morphologies with a coat…On the other hand; it is absolutely essential that the shoulders are perfect, the sleeves are the right length (it is THE detail that makes the item look too big). So each case is different for deciding if you should go for a smaller jacket rather than a reefer or a coat…
You’re going to tell me that I’m stating the obvious, especially if you’ve been reading Kinowear for a long time, but it is necessary to insist on some things.
I’m taking things to an extreme, but the style of the hobbits is particularly interesting because there are systematically verticalities in each outfit (strong contrasts, open jackets, gilets, luxurious materials)
Get your clothes retouched!
What do small guys and guys who aren’t satisfied with their style have in common? They don’t go to the tailor’s often enough!
It is often the case that getting a shirt or jacket refitted (and the sleeves shortened) can work miracles on your silhouette, just like trousers or jeans in the right length. Don’t forget for the jacket: if the shoulders are perfect, everything else is retouchable. Be careful though, don’t go for a jacket sized 48 to get it retouched to a 44 because that isn’t what it’s made for. In fact, when there’s too much difference in size, the size of the pockets, the height of the button, the opening of the lapels, everything becomes messed up and the proportions are no longer the same if you get them retouched…This can create a visibly weird look. Just make sure that the shoulders are really perfect!
I’m insisting on this point, I know, because a jacket with a fit that’s perfectly adapted is the ultimate item for someone small.
So, make my day, go and get your shirts retouched, your jackets fitted, your sleeves shortened and your jeans cut to the right length!
Clothes for dressing well when you’re small
The case of jeans: easy
Finding jeans when you’re small is easy because brands sold all over the place start their sizes at 27 or even 26 (I remind you that I’m talking about American sizes). For example, A.P.Ca and April77 have several pairs of unisex jeans on offer. Given that they’re sold to women, 26 around the waist is an easy size to find. For the slimmer amongst you: they even do a 25 or 24 (to compare, I’m a 31…)
Renhsen – this French jeans brand (that we love) starts at a 27 (example here) and I think that Mickael, the designer, was looking to do a 26…I need to check that one.
Nudie is also known for starting with fairly small sizes. 27 can often be found and sometimes even lower…
With all these tips, you’ve got no reason not to have a pair of perfectly fitting jeans!
Chart of sizes of Nudie jeans. You see, you have a choice! (the first number corresponds to the size of your hips and the second to leg length…)
XS exists!
In fact XS can be found pretty much everywhere (even if XXS is much rarer)
On the other hand, at the start of a collection, you should immediately check to see if there are smaller sizes because they are usually gone the fastest. Don’t ask me why brands don’t make more of them, I’ve never found a satisfactory answer to this question…For example, H&M do 44 for jackets and I’ve already seen 36 (=XS) in Gap. You just need to get in there right at the start of the collections.
There’s a brand that always does XS and even XXS that’s not expensive and is well cut – Topman. All their jackets start at 44 (BE CAREFUL the sizing system isn’t the one used normally so you MUST read the size guides). The same goes for blouses and parkas, available in XXS! Obviously, for that price, you’re not expecting bone buttons or mixes of wool and cashmere but for a student who’s fairly slim with a small budget it’s perfect. Note, too, that the collection of suits is particularly good and has lots on offer for smaller people…
The site Asos is also your friend because it offers an extremely practical way to look for your size! Be careful though because the sizing system can also sometimes make you go wrong (sometimes they mix up UK and other sizes so keep an eye out for that).
Finally, American Apparel (who even offer XXS in T-shirts!) and Uniqlo regularly have smaller sizes.
Let’s go up in range
Idem, XS exists. In the sales, if you really can’t find anything and don’t live in Paris, check out Sandro who offer well cut items in XS. April77, that I talked about above, also have well fitted shirts in XS…
La Comédie Humaine offer really well cut shirts in size 36(XXS/XS) and Vincent, the designer, is thinking about doing even smaller sizes. They’re also gonna do 44 for jackets which is the same as XS (reminder: the sizing for shirts isn’t the same as for jackets).
As for Melinda Gloss, they sometimes do 37 for shirts and have 44 for the majority of their jackets and coats…
Little Bastard is a mixed brand with the particularity to offer perfectos in smaller sizes:
There will definitely be some in your size!
Finally, Ly Adams (who doesn’t have an e-shop yet, but that’s to come!) offers lots of shirts in XS and suits in 44 that are really well cut. It really is a great address if you have a small morphology and you’re looking for the perfect shirt or suit.
Milone’s say on style for a small guy…
As a reminder, Milone – who’s the expert on workwear on the forum – has posted his experience when it comes to good Japanese brands and small sizes:
If you want smaller sizes, check out brands like Wtaps, Uniform Experiment, Soph.Net, Neighborhood…because they really do have small sizes. Even Momotaro has small sizes, look at the measurements… For example, I’m 1m73 and weigh about 65kg. I take an L in Japanese brands, even Momotaro, and it fits perfectly: almost made-to-measure.
Read our post on Japanese men’s wear
In European brands, I take an M. In US brands, an M and sometimes an S. Really check the sizing of these brands…info can easily be found in e-shops that sell them. On the other hand Visvim uses European sizing, so be careful…
Something to think seriously about if you want better quality stuff! (on the other hand, the majority of the brands mentioned can only be found online).
The made to measure
It’s a greatly underestimated route for those who have difficulty finding clothes in their size…
Especially now because some really nice and accessible items can be found. Louis Purple have a nice choice of materials and constructions. We’ve had great results with Black Lapel too (read our review here).
If you explore this path (and it’s what I’d advise you to do) use it for suits, jackets and eventually trousers…Don’t be intimidated by the price, it’s no more expensive than mid-range stuff.
Look for other brands
The secret weapon for smaller morphologies is called…the brand Bonarium! It’s supposed to be for guys aged between 11 and 18 and, more precisely, for those measuring between 140cm and 180cm. In fact, if the brand uses teenage models, in my opinion it is aimed at smaller morphologies. It’s strong point is communication, as it never claims to be a brand exclusively for teenagers…which is reassuring for smaller guys!
The range is actually very adult and timeless and at decent prices (jeans for 90 dollars, shirts for 80).
You can find blue jeans, grey jeans, beige chinos and basic and classic shirts (the oxford shirt, checked shirt…)
Finally, the size guide is very precise relating to every product so you should be able to find your way around with no problem! And in case you’re hesitating, contact the brand by mail or on their Facebook page and they’ll give you the best answer you could ask for…
For 100 dollars, what are you waiting for?
Check out kids’ brands
Yes, if you’re really small (smaller than 1m65) it isn’t a bad idea to check out kids’ brands ( or rather teenage because you’ll be looking at sizes for ages 14/16). I assure you that you could find clothes that are perfectly cut. You don’t believe me? Trust me! Note, too, that there’s no difference in style compared to ‘adult’ brands.
Amongst them, when I was looking for inspiration, I found a nie brand called Finger in the nose. The global design is fairly mature and they don’t use the usual codes used to categorize kids’ clothing. As for the sizes, go for 4XL or 5XL (or 3XL if you measure less than 1m60). You’ll even find a chambray shirt or a more workwear shirt. In the same way, the cardigans are not at all childish…on the contrary. There are also coats and parkas to check out. You should take a look for yourselves 😉
And as usual, pay attention to the sizing guide and contact the brand if you have a doubt.
A nice little workwear shirt from Finger in the nose…
I strongly encourage you to look at other brands for teenagers, there are nice surprises when you look at higher-end brands. In fact the teen ranges by Paul Smith, Burberry or Ralph Lauren (and all other brands) are often of better quality and less expensive than the adult ranges (the buttons and seams are reinforced for easily understandable reasons…)
Honestly, if you have nightmares trying to find clothes in your size, it could really be worth a shot looking in kids’ ranges in departement stores.
I advise you to be frank with the sellers. Simply say that you have trouble finding clothes that fit you well in PAP and that people have told you to try out teens’ fashion. You’ll see that they’re used to people asking the same stuff…
American Apparel also has the great idea too sometimes offer a product for both kids and adults…there’ll therefore definitely be your size, see the example of this shirt:
Oh, I forgot, supermarkets often have great stuff that doesn’t cost much for teens…just have a look to see if there’s anything good on offer when you’re doing your shopping!
And women’s brands?
Here it gets a bit complicated because we’re moving into a universe which is much bigger than that of men’s fashion (and that I don’t know much about, I’m not going to lie to you!)
But according to what I have seen, it’s possible to find big items for winter like parkas or jackets. They are, by the way, the only kinds of items that you should look for in women’s stores: parkas and jackets (and maybe coats or trenches…but be careful).
This is because they are the only items with a cut and design that’s fairly neutral. In fact, the risk is taking an item that’s too feminine with the bottom of the back in a rounded shape, darts where it’s fitted around the chest, or a flared fit at the bottom of the item. For example, this item by All Saints seems to be fairly neutral:
But if you look at it in profile, you’ll see that there’s quite a bit of volume around the chest and it risks being obvious on a guy:
Too much volume at the chest…
It really is necessary to try on these items and you should be particularly vigilant when it comes to the cut of the item around the chest (as you should with all women’s items that you may try on)
As a matter of fact, when I’ve been with female friends shopping, I’ve spotted some nice items in Comptoir des Cotonniers, with items with fairly straight cuts like this trench, this perfecto parka or this parka ( the equivalent can be found by other brands such as Sandro but at twice the price). It really is this kind of item you should go for if you must look for clothes in women’s ranges.
Still talking about big items, think about looking at outerwear brands. Remember the women’s Filson blouse Geoffrey had, but Aigle (which are seeing a spectacular turn around in style that I salute) also offer interesting parkas and trenches.
Once again, don’t limit yourself to the brands I’ve mentioned…explore for yourselves. For example, I know that Uniqlo also offer women’s items that are really neutral!
You’ve got a ton of ideas there for the next time your girlfriend asks you to go shopping with her!
Important: If you’re just starting to explore women’s brands, think about things on offer (private ads on forums, ebay, etc)… a market that’s much more varied and active for men.
The final word
There you go…you now have loads of stuff to explore! Over to you to do your own research now. I strongly advise you to spend a few hours on all of these ideas to get a clear idea of the possibilities on offer for you and not to directly ask ‘where can I find a grey reefer in XS for less than 350 dollars?’ XS is a bit of a thing on the side in men’s fashion and it’s worth spending time on…your style will thank you for it!
One more thing, there’s a blog dedicated to tips for smaller guys : The Modest Man. Brock, the author, is doing a great job and as a lot of brands to recommend, where the one I talked about probably aren’t the easiest to find.
Edit: Wow! Brock is such a great blogger 🙂 In the comments below he’s giving awesome brand recommandations for all the US based readers. Go have a look and thank him with a quik comment and upvote
This guide only asks to be updated so if you have some interesting tips to give to others, now is the time to say so! 😉
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This guide only asks to be updated so if you have some interesting tips to give to others, now is the time to say so!
Nicolas,
First off, thanks for the in depth article. Every time I see a new “style tips for short guys” post I think, “here we go, another 5 step list about wearing pinstripe suits…”. And it’s always the same, especially from the big sites like Ask Men and GQ. There’s no research or new thought put into it, just the same old regurgitated nonsense, and most of it isn’t even good advice.
So, thanks.
I don’t disagree with anything you said. Wit a few exceptions, the brands you recommend are definitely not as easy to find in the States. I haven’t heard of several of them. But it’s worth mentioning that one of my favorite shirts is a long-sleeve polo from ASOS. It fits perfectly.
Also, I get the occasional email from a UK reader looking for specific brands to try, so I’ll send them to this post.
As far as American brands go, here’s a quick list of my favorites:
Banana Republic – their Aiden chinos are the perfect slim/straight chino with just enough taper through the leg. If you need more room, go with the Emerson chino. You really can’t go wrong with either cut.
J. Crew – Not good for a lot of things (polos, for example)… but great for some stuff. Their 484 fit pants are pretty solid for slim to average guys who want a slim but not skinny look. For other items, XS is usually available online (but not in the store).
J. Crew Factory – Much cheaper than J. Crew, and always on sale. It’s mostly online, and XS is usually available. Good for sweaters, pullovers, cardigans, etc.
Express – I don’t like a lot of stuff here because of the styles and huge lion logo. But their Rocco fit jeans are some of my favorite. Make sure to go with the “skinny leg” version. (It’s not skinny, just tapered). These are more modern and slim than the J. Crew 484s. Perfect for small, slim guys. I also have a pea coat from Express that fits really well (had to get the sleeves shortened a bit).
Zara – Awesome for jackets and coats. Zara is for slim people, plain and simple. Their small fits like a extra small at most other stores. Definitely worth checking out.
Peter Manning – Classic American clothes made specifically for men under 5’8″. They have a proprietary sizing system based on height and weight, and it works really well. Fair warning – these clothes are styled and cut for a classic look. Probably better for older guys and/or more conservative dressers.
Club Monaco – I have limited, but positive, experience with CM. They make an XS henley that fits great.
There are plenty of others, but as you can see, it’s hit or miss. Pants fit great from one place, but shirts don’t. You’ll have to cobble your wardrobe together from different places.
And yes, tailor everything. That is the number one most important tip for short gents. Every pair of pants should be hemmed. Every sleeve shortened. Every shirt taken in. I usually keep the tags on new items and take them to my tailor. If they can’t alter them, I send them back.
It sucks…but we have to work harder to look good. Regular trips to the tailor and post office (to send stuff back). Lots of online shopping because the store doesn’t have S and XS.
But it’s totally worth it.
One last point – when it comes to suits and dress shirts, feel free to try the bigger brands (J. Crew Ludlow or Suit Supply, etc.) but don’t be afraid to go custom. The best company I’ve worked with for this is Dragon Inside. See my detailed review here:
http://www.themodestman.com/dragon-inside-custom-suits-review/
Nicolas, you guys are doing awesome things here at Kinowear. Great to see another blog contributing to the knowledgebase for modest men who want to step up their style. Keep it up, and thanks for the shoutout!
-Brock
Hi Brock,
Thanks a lor for your in-depth recommendation of brands. I’m adding this to the post as a contribution from you 🙂
And thanks for your support.
PS : I totally agree, GQ ans Ask men have no good advice whatsoever!
Hi Katherine, tanks for your comment. I hope the post and suggestions by Brock helped 🙂
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your comment. It seems like you’ve got a very athletic body type. You’ll probably find some good in this post I’ve wrote on Kinobody.com: http://www.kinobody.com/lifestyle/how-to-dress/
Have you read that post on alterations too ? http://www.kinowear.com/alterations
Unfortunately I’ve have no brand in mind for you, but trying a lot of different brands, even though it’s frustrating is the way to go.
– Nicolas
Robert,
Another resource you can check out is this blog:
http://www.wellbuiltstyle.com/
He talks a lot about some of the problems you mentioned. For example, getting darts sewn into your shirts is a great way to reduce excess fabric around the waist and lower back.
Also, many shirts can be hemmed/shortened some. Most style advice will say “sure, you can hem a polo shirt, but it’s not worth it.” I say BS. It’s totally worth it. Otherwise, it doesn’t fit and you won’t wear it. So if it costs an extra $30 to make it fit, pony up and spend the money.
There are some brands that don’t go as long, but they’re few and far between, and they’re not consistent (across products and seasons). It takes a lot of experimentation to find good stuff.
Hope that helps some. Hit me up with questions!
-Brock
Thanks Brock.
Hi Robert,
I was thinking about this, you should look for “textured” knitwear. They generally have more elasticity to it and therefore would likely tighten around your waist. S.N.S Herning has a lot of cool stuff : http://www.sns-herning.com/en.aspx
It took a lot of trial and error, but I finally found jeans that fit my short, stout frame. If you’re a guy with bigger thighs and/or butt, give Adriano Goldschmied’s Matchbox jean a try. It’s a straight-slim cut. Great for weightlifters.
Thanks Michael! You can also check out http://www.fitnessblackbook.com – his specialty is basically helping you get really strong without adding bulk. Helps with the whole “bodybuilder legs” thing, or reshaping other parts to fit in clothes better. I’ve been reading his stuff for years.
Not to wear pointy shoes…. for formal dress shoes they come in pointy mostly and makes you look taller. We can also mention the size of heel in the men shoe.
I found a brand tom tailor to be pretty good for short men. Their first size is really small and fits well if you are small and slim.