DEAR SHOPPING: Where can I find clothing (brands, retailers) for a man with an athletic cut? I am 6-foot-1 with a 44-inch chest that tapers to a 30-inch waist. It is difficult to find shirts without a lot of gather around the waist. I'm also interested in sport coats tapered to fit.
– Andrew, Sacramento
DEAR ANDREW: Your best bet, given your physique, is to go for custom-made apparel. I spoke with Steve Madrid, sales associate at Patrick James men's clothing store in Pavilions.
He says you have a unique build, like a bodybuilder. "The problem is, if (Andrew) buys a 44 jacket off the rack and has it tailored, he'll be left with all this extra fabric underneath the arms," Madrid says. "It's bad surgery on top of bad surgery."
He says if you have your shirts custom-made, you'll definitely get a better fit.
"We make pattern for customers and keep them on file," Madrid says. "The customer selects everything else, including the fabric. In shirts we offer a dozen different cuffs, pockets and collars."
Price-wise, you're looking at about $110 per shirt, depending on the fabric you choose.
You also could have a jacket and slacks made.
Patrick James has worked a lot with Sacramento Kings players who, obviously, have unique builds and opt for custom-made clothing.
Also send questions to Shopping for Answers, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852.
