Those who participate in extreme weight lifting activities frequently have to go the MTM route when buying their clothes to accommodate the effects of those athletic endeavors on their bodies.

 

The funny thing is that it's been a good 5-6 years since I lifted like that. I've lost muscle size in my arms, chest and legs but apparently not in my neck. It's remained constant. I know it's not the worst thing ever to wear a collar and tie slightly loosened. Maybe I just have a weird body shape. Lol

 

Yes, with the measurements you list I can't think anything but MTM would be the way to go. And TBH, yeah, as you mention you can only "blame" weight lifting for all the measurements. Sorry. But kudos for wanting to have shirts that legitimately fit, versus going with the unbuttoned look with a 17" neck shirt and a tie. IMO not a great look. You'll look 100x better with MTM.

 

I feel your pain. I have kind of the reverse problem.

As a former powerlifter and bodybuilder, shirts work best with 17 inch neck. But, try finding one that fits 17 inches at the neck with a 32 inch waist. Usually this means the "slim" fit that still has to be taken in.

Agree with others on the MTM idea for you. If you find a good source, please post and let us know!

Best wishes for the Holidays, and coming New Year!

 

Agree that MTM or a bespoke from a decent shirtmaker will best fit your needs. As an individual who has been larger through most of his life, I would suggest that your build would be most flattered by clothing that is roomy, but not to the degree you've pictured, and shaped to fit your body. Little looks worse on a fellow with a few extra pounds than snug clothing.

As an individual who did some half-***** body building for about 5 years, I can attest that a fair bit of the mass sticks around even after you've stopped training, unless other life changes intervene.

 

As an individual who did some half-***** body building for about 5 years, I can attest that a fair bit of the mass sticks around even after you've stopped training, unless other life changes intervene.

I'm blown away that even after 1 1/2 years being out of the gym (covid, laziness and such) that I'm still carrying a lot of the muscle I gained. That's not just gym bragging... I gain fat and muscle quickly but lose slowly.

 

I’ve found Proper Cloth to be a good source for MTM shirts. Ratio Clothing is another one that others have had success with, but I’ve not had great luck with them. Both will let you do free remakes on the first shirt to get it right. Good luck.

 

Proper Cloth or Mercer can make anything you want and not break the bank. Even the sized shirts are setup for the mean of body ratios.

 

Thank you gentlemen! I've been off the 'net for a few days. I appreciate the ideas. I'm afraid that I've been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I have two inexpensive shirts from Kohl's. I know... not the best quality, but I've been out of work for almost 21 months. They are 18 1/2 34-35. I could probably do with a 19 neck.

Since in my new job I wear a uniform of sorts (open collar polo or button down shirt, black pants and shoes), My other dress shirts are pretty much just open collar for casual wear. I really only need two or three dress shirts I need to button the collars. That would be for the occasional wedding or funeral.

So I may just save up for those two or three custom shirts. I think I deserve it anyway.

This is one of the Kohl's 18 1/2s for an interview I had.

 

Thank you gentlemen! I've been off the 'net for a few days. I appreciate the ideas. I'm afraid that I've been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I have two inexpensive shirts from Kohl's. I know... not the best quality, but I've been out of work for almost 21 months. They are 18 1/2 34-35. I could probably do with a 19 neck.

Since in my new job I wear a uniform of sorts (open collar polo or button down shirt, black pants and shoes), My other dress shirts are pretty much just open collar for casual wear. I really only need two or three dress shirts I need to button the collars. That would be for the occasional wedding or funeral.

So I may just save up for those two or three custom shirts. I think I deserve it anyway.

This is one of the Kohl's 18 1/2s for an interview I had.

View attachment 73935

If you're buying RTW you really have no better choice than to buy sizes that fit your largest dimension even if it means that garment is too loose elsewhere. And if finances are tight, it's more important to husband resources. If you can find a seamstress who works inexpensively, they should be able to take in the seam on each side of the shirt to decrease its dimensions and look a bit better. It would normally be only part of alterations to reduce a shirt's size, but it's not difficult or time consuming, so if the worker is being fair, they shouldn't have to charge a lot.

I'm blown away that even after 1 1/2 years being out of the gym (covid, laziness and such) that I'm still carrying a lot of the muscle I gained. That's not just gym bragging... I gain fat and muscle quickly but lose slowly.

Used to joke that I bought the wrong bodybuilding magazine, Muscle and Fatness!