The rise of Athletic cut clothing companies
Discussion
lemmingjames said:
I think those with an outty belly/strongman physique probably arent going to be suited to this thread (though our thigh sizes might be the same).
I'm fairly lean, with a small(ish) waist and fairly big chest/shoulders- and I honestly don't have too much of an issue. Shirts are the only problem I guess, but I don't button them to the top, so can get around that providing my arms fit through the holes.My thigh is 30", but I can find trousers that fit ok, though I ripped the arse out of a pair last week bending down....( a recurring issue with trousers- I've got a big ass)
However, I'm not a follower of fashion, and plain t shirts/jeans/shorts do me for 90% of my non working time.
106kg/234lbs @ 5'10- not huge, but 'athletically built' I guess, and by no means fat
I'm certainly interested to hear of places to buy clothes for people who work out, I really struggle to find anything that fits properly. The only jeans I've found that fit my arse and thighs without inches of spare waistband are the Levi 541 athletic fit, they're bloody expensive (for someone who doesn't like spending money on clothes) so I only have two pairs and I wear them whenever I'm not in shorts. As for T-shirts I've found the Primark slim fit £2.50 specials are pretty good, everything else I've tried is too big round the belly and too short. Trying to buy a suit off the peg recently was a joke, every single jacket was too short and had a massive belly space, every single pair of trousers felt like they were going to rupture if I bent more than 15 degrees (and were too short).
I'm not even that big by gym standards, 6'4" and ~97kg. How the guys who are properly big and also lean manage I don't know, if you're a powerlifter or strongman physique then I guess just fat man clothes would suffice.
I'm not even that big by gym standards, 6'4" and ~97kg. How the guys who are properly big and also lean manage I don't know, if you're a powerlifter or strongman physique then I guess just fat man clothes would suffice.
lemmingjames said:
But then do you go up a size in trousers to find something that fits or are you able to stick to your waist size?
im 5/9-10 but 84kg so to have 20kg on me, you must be massive (though ive heard not that big in the showers)
im 5/9-10 but 84kg so to have 20kg on me, you must be massive (though ive heard not that big in the showers)
I can usually find something that'll fit waist and the leg, maybe not perfect, but not far off. My arse causes the problems- hip measurement is fairly big.
I found spending a bit of time going through the Levi range really helped find a pair that fit. Although these are skinny fit they're still a little big on the waist but fit well down the leg. I cycle a fair bit so have reasonable legs (nothing compared to rugby players / power lifters though)
didelydoo said:
I can usually find something that'll fit waist and the leg, maybe not perfect, but not far off. My arse causes the problems- hip measurement is fairly big.
Tried on the Top Shop 'Athletic' Range trouser last night, might as well just have worn running tights. How the f
k they can claim its Athletic fit i dont know, unless im not the target demograph (which is always possible), id post a pic but FB doesnt allow sharing now it seemsQuite a few jean manufacturers feature elastane in now for the extra bit of give but then its just finding some that suit. Id love to do a website that has links and reviews to clothes but dont have the know how or time to maintain it
didelydoo said:
I'm fairly lean, with a small(ish) waist and fairly big chest/shoulders- and I honestly don't have too much of an issue. Shirts are the only problem I guess, but I don't button them to the top, so can get around that providing my arms fit through the holes.
My thigh is 30", but I can find trousers that fit ok, though I ripped the arse out of a pair last week bending down....( a recurring issue with trousers- I've got a big ass)
However, I'm not a follower of fashion, and plain t shirts/jeans/shorts do me for 90% of my non working time.
106kg/234lbs @ 5'10- not huge, but 'athletically built' I guess, and by no means fat
At those's stats, you must be a hefty build or body builder which are both completely different to athletic build!My thigh is 30", but I can find trousers that fit ok, though I ripped the arse out of a pair last week bending down....( a recurring issue with trousers- I've got a big ass)
However, I'm not a follower of fashion, and plain t shirts/jeans/shorts do me for 90% of my non working time.
106kg/234lbs @ 5'10- not huge, but 'athletically built' I guess, and by no means fat
Usain Bolt is classic "athletic build" but, even at 6'5" he's only 94kg!!
In the fashion world, David Gandy is athletic build - he's 6'3" but probably a fair bit lighter than Bolt!
Edited by oceanview on Thursday 14th September 20:13
oceanview said:
At those's stats, you must be a hefty build or body builder which are both completely different to athletic build!
Usain Bolt is classic "athletic build" but, even at 6'5" he's only 94kg!!
In the fashion world, David Gandy is athletic build - he's 6'3" but probably a fair bit lighter than Bolt!
I guess, perhaps too big to be athletic, closer to bodybuilder nowadays I suppose, or somewhere between the two.Usain Bolt is classic "athletic build" but, even at 6'5" he's only 94kg!!
In the fashion world, David Gandy is athletic build - he's 6'3" but probably a fair bit lighter than Bolt!
Edited by oceanview on Thursday 14th September 20:13
oceanview said:
At those's stats, you must be a hefty build or body builder which are both completely different to athletic build!
Usain Bolt is classic "athletic build" but, even at 6'5" he's only 94kg!!
In the fashion world, David Gandy is athletic build - he's 6'3" but probably a fair bit lighter than Bolt!
Gandy is 91kg apparently though i imagine his clothes are tailor made by whoever he is promoting as opposed to off the shelfUsain Bolt is classic "athletic build" but, even at 6'5" he's only 94kg!!
In the fashion world, David Gandy is athletic build - he's 6'3" but probably a fair bit lighter than Bolt!
Edited by oceanview on Thursday 14th September 20:13
lemmingjames said:
Gandy is 91kg apparently though i imagine his clothes are tailor made by whoever he is promoting as opposed to off the shelf
I don't know about him, and I'm no model, but I get my OTR clothes tailored to fit properly - usually only costs a few quid to get a tuck here or a let there. I really struggle due to a mix of my bad dimensions!
I've been signed up to compete before so I guess I've been more on the extreme side of things, but currently not in competition shape but still fairly lean and quite chunky so look like a serious gym goer rather than recreational.
I'm 5'7 so struggle with the length of clothes as well as the rest of the poor fit. I'm generally a scruffy jeans and tshirt / polo shirt kind of guy so don't have too many issues there. The only jeans I buy these days are the stretchy Diesel ones. They look and feel like regular jeans but are very stretchy and feel fairly soft so are rather comfortable and not restrictive as some jeans can be. I normally wear a 32" waist, but these actually accommodate my thighs. I do have some 34" waist versions too which are a bit big around the waist but much more comfortable.
I do wear Suits and Shirts to work which is always a nightmare if I have to wear a tie. I'm currently wearing a Moss Bros shirt with a 17" collar. I can just get the collar to touch and have no hope of doing the button up. An off the peg shirt that I can do up means the rest of the shirt is way too big so have to have them tailored. I'm quite keen to try one of the online tailors if anybody has a recommendation?
Suits are a nightmare. I have tailored suits which I love, but they do cost a fair amount so have some off the peg ones. Anything from a high street store won't fit me, usual arms and front of shoulder issue. However...and annoyingly, if I look at stuff which is around the 400 quid mark, it's almost like they've actually cut the cloth around a person and not a generic mannequin that is loosely based on a human and is a MUCH better fit.
I've been signed up to compete before so I guess I've been more on the extreme side of things, but currently not in competition shape but still fairly lean and quite chunky so look like a serious gym goer rather than recreational.
I'm 5'7 so struggle with the length of clothes as well as the rest of the poor fit. I'm generally a scruffy jeans and tshirt / polo shirt kind of guy so don't have too many issues there. The only jeans I buy these days are the stretchy Diesel ones. They look and feel like regular jeans but are very stretchy and feel fairly soft so are rather comfortable and not restrictive as some jeans can be. I normally wear a 32" waist, but these actually accommodate my thighs. I do have some 34" waist versions too which are a bit big around the waist but much more comfortable.
I do wear Suits and Shirts to work which is always a nightmare if I have to wear a tie. I'm currently wearing a Moss Bros shirt with a 17" collar. I can just get the collar to touch and have no hope of doing the button up. An off the peg shirt that I can do up means the rest of the shirt is way too big so have to have them tailored. I'm quite keen to try one of the online tailors if anybody has a recommendation?
Suits are a nightmare. I have tailored suits which I love, but they do cost a fair amount so have some off the peg ones. Anything from a high street store won't fit me, usual arms and front of shoulder issue. However...and annoyingly, if I look at stuff which is around the 400 quid mark, it's almost like they've actually cut the cloth around a person and not a generic mannequin that is loosely based on a human and is a MUCH better fit.
Bit of an update;
Tried the Boss Albany (green label), 1 waist size up and not a good fit. Youd need to walk around post poo waist all the time and found the belt/top button digs into the stomach when sat down.
However, ended up in Zara (girl im with was adamant she'd find me something that fitted, i was like nah you wont etc), Zara Mens slim fit (1 waist size up fitted fine) though id have them more as a cold autumn through to cold spring jeans as they are abit to snug on certain bits but contoured the butt/thighs/calfs greatly/fashionably. I didnt check out the other trousers they do but might be worth a look if nearby for some
Also having some shirts and a pair jean (is it a pair if its one?) taken in (bit more than a few quid unfortunately).
Tried the Boss Albany (green label), 1 waist size up and not a good fit. Youd need to walk around post poo waist all the time and found the belt/top button digs into the stomach when sat down.
However, ended up in Zara (girl im with was adamant she'd find me something that fitted, i was like nah you wont etc), Zara Mens slim fit (1 waist size up fitted fine) though id have them more as a cold autumn through to cold spring jeans as they are abit to snug on certain bits but contoured the butt/thighs/calfs greatly/fashionably. I didnt check out the other trousers they do but might be worth a look if nearby for some
Also having some shirts and a pair jean (is it a pair if its one?) taken in (bit more than a few quid unfortunately).
As a powerfully built company director type of chap, I can confirm the struggle is real. 
I don't have too much trouble with trousers (36" waist, 34" leg usually works out fine for me), though getting shirts and suit jackets/sports jackets to fit can be a bit of a pain.
I've got a 17" neck, 44/46" chest (changes depending on which shop I'm in), and a 36" waist. This basically translates into a fairly big bloke who's not particularly fat (honest).
If I buy a "regular fit" 17" work shirt, there's a parachute's worth of material around the belly/waist. After a fair amount of trial and error, I find that a 17" collar shirt in a "slim fit" or "tailored fit" does the job nicely.
Same for jackets. The best for me tends to be a 46" chest "slim fit".
Still, it's all trial and error, as every shop is different.
I don't have too much trouble with trousers (36" waist, 34" leg usually works out fine for me), though getting shirts and suit jackets/sports jackets to fit can be a bit of a pain.
I've got a 17" neck, 44/46" chest (changes depending on which shop I'm in), and a 36" waist. This basically translates into a fairly big bloke who's not particularly fat (honest).
If I buy a "regular fit" 17" work shirt, there's a parachute's worth of material around the belly/waist. After a fair amount of trial and error, I find that a 17" collar shirt in a "slim fit" or "tailored fit" does the job nicely.
Same for jackets. The best for me tends to be a 46" chest "slim fit".
Still, it's all trial and error, as every shop is different.
iTailor.com is your friend. Custom made shirts, t-shirts, chinos etc. and superb quality.
Not perfect, takes 5 to 6 weeks to arrive and you need to measure carefully, but they are cheaper than most normal shops and they look great. I currently have 5 shirts, 3 polos, and some chinos all made to measure exactly how I like them. I'm not powerfully built or anything, but I like slim fit clothes and shop-made stuff is always compromise on length, waist, sleeve length or something.
Not perfect, takes 5 to 6 weeks to arrive and you need to measure carefully, but they are cheaper than most normal shops and they look great. I currently have 5 shirts, 3 polos, and some chinos all made to measure exactly how I like them. I'm not powerfully built or anything, but I like slim fit clothes and shop-made stuff is always compromise on length, waist, sleeve length or something.
Trousers I recommend buying the size that fits you hips down then have the waist taken in to suit. My local backstreet tailors charged me £15 a pair last time I bought new trousers.
Marks and Spencer do a made to measure shirt service that works pretty well, http://marksandspencer-madetomeasure.com/, although I'd recommend going into the store and getting measured rather than doing it yourself.
Cheap T shirts I go with tri blend from Redbubble, https://blog.redbubble.com/2016/03/mens-classic-te... its a slim fit so I buy a size up but it is a flattering fit if you have a triangle going on and isn't too short in the sleeve either.
As I'm broad for my size (currently 46" chest, 21" shoulder to shoulder, shrinking back down to a 30" waist, ~5'9" tall) I find short sleeves getting pulled up so they sit before my bicep. A lot of long sleeve stuff that fits me on my chest is just too tight on my arms, like painfully tight.
Otherwise you are into the proper bodybuilding clothes from the likes of GASP.
Marks and Spencer do a made to measure shirt service that works pretty well, http://marksandspencer-madetomeasure.com/, although I'd recommend going into the store and getting measured rather than doing it yourself.
Cheap T shirts I go with tri blend from Redbubble, https://blog.redbubble.com/2016/03/mens-classic-te... its a slim fit so I buy a size up but it is a flattering fit if you have a triangle going on and isn't too short in the sleeve either.
As I'm broad for my size (currently 46" chest, 21" shoulder to shoulder, shrinking back down to a 30" waist, ~5'9" tall) I find short sleeves getting pulled up so they sit before my bicep. A lot of long sleeve stuff that fits me on my chest is just too tight on my arms, like painfully tight.
Otherwise you are into the proper bodybuilding clothes from the likes of GASP.
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