I've been buying 2XL shirts for 20 years.
I am the same size I was 20 years ago. Maybe slightly smaller.
The last few years I've noticed the sizings have been steadily shrinking. A 2XL from Hallensteins or Country Road is barely an XL from 5 years ago. In particular, the trunks are narrower and the arms are also thinner / narrower. I went to the Warehouse last week and bought a few 3XL shirts for $25 each. They are actually smaller than the 2XL shirts I have from 5 years ago. I have some theories about what's going on.
Retailer are pushing suppliers for sharp pricing. The suppliers put in bids that look great on paper. But when they actually make the stuff, the stitch on a "3XL" label to a shirt that has been cut to a slightly smaller dimension to save fabric...and provide some room for profit on lower materials costs. That most stores seem to have gone this way is a shame. Even Rodd & Gunn - where they will happy charge you $170 for a cotton shirt that worth $30 - sell shirts that no longer fit.
I have been mail ordering shirts from a Canadian supplier (marks.com) who have withstood the shrinking tide. Unfortunately, they were recently bought by a chain called "Canadian Tire" who are experts at turning good businesses into bad ones. MYl last order was refused by marks.com as they now no longer ship outside Canada. Yep....Canadian Tire is now firmly in control.
Looks like I will have to buy 4XL shirts to get what used to be a 2XL......but even then the sleeves can still be pencil thin.
Anyone know where Ma'a Nonu buys his shirts? A guy with arms like that won't be able to buy clothes at 95% of Kiwi clothing retailers. Then there is the shoe problem. I take a US14 (basically a UK 13 1/2). No one in NZ stocks them as a boot. I can get shoes and trainers OK.
When I try to order boots from overseas, they generally (Timberland, Marks, etc...) don't ship internationally. I could use YouShop....if I had a month. No wonder all the big buys wear jandals. They can't get anything else that fits.




