I just got some short sleeve shirts from L.L. Bean, size 14 1/2 neck. I am thin and weigh 130 pounds but the shirts ballooned out and are fit for someone who weighs at least 180 pounds. (I'm 5'8 tall.) I had bought some short sleeve shirts this summer at the supposedly conservative stores, Ha'va'd Coop and J.Press in Cambridge, MA, but had the same balloning problem. My short sleeve shirts used to fit me fine. So before I ordered the shirts from Bean, I spoke to the Fone order clerk about this, and she said that their shirts were full cut but they should fit me. Well, they balloon outwards. Are there any sources for narrow cut, or whatever it might be called, short sleeve shirts anymore that will fit me? Or do the fashion tsars (czars) decree otherwise?

Try western cut shirts.  A lot of them are quite tapered from the armholes down.  When my hubby was heavier I couldn't buy them for him because they were too snug in the chest and stomach.

Have you tried European cut shirts?  They are tapered and made for slim physiques. Myra ____________________ Please direct e-mail to myra [at] primenet [dot] com

What I did, which solved this problem quite quickly, was to neglect changing my eating and drinking habits when I went from the shop floor to the office... Incidently, one of the more serious responses suggested western _style_ shirts, but I suspect you'll have some difficulty finding them in short sleeve. Good luck, TEA/

Incidently, one of the more serious responses suggested western _style_ shirts, but I suspect you'll have some difficulty finding them in short sleeve. <shrug  There's lots of short sleeve western shirts here in Texas, but I don't buy them.  It's easier to make a long sleeve short than to make a short sleeve long.  <g As you've discovered, Premise Checker, full cut is not for you, but for men who are stocky or have a large build.  I hope you can return the shirt, although I guess you could have it altered.  Your magic words are TAPERED or FITTED for slim men.  Western and European cuts are cut this way.  Some men can wear full or tapered/fitted. Ease (extra room so your clothes aren't skin tight) will differ by brand.  You'll probably prefer some over others. I *had* to buy fitted for my ex.  By questioning salesfolks about brands with tapered/fitted cuts and experimenting, I found that John Henry and Arrow Brigade worked well for him.  The John Henry is the slimmer of the two.  Try to remember (or keep a card in your wallet) all the details

decree otherwise? Arrow carries dress shirts. Sears may have them. Athletic cut is the name I've heard, there's another one but I can't remember.  Also Penny's!  As far as polo shirts or T-shirts...I doubt it.   Jan