I’m a 5’4” guy in my early 50s who recently lost a bunch of weight, and now I’m struggling to find shirts that fit properly without looking like they’re made for a much younger crowd. I’ve had great luck with pants from Under 510 – total godsend for us shorter folks – but tops are a whole different story.

Back when I had the classic ‘dad bod,’ shirts were easier because my belly filled out the extra length and kept things from looking too baggy or long. Now that I’m slimmer, everything seems to hang off me or hang down to my knees. I’m looking for more traditional options, such as button-ups, polos, or dress shirts, that are mature and professional-looking.

I’m willing to spend a bit more for quality (up to maybe $100-150 per shirt?), but nothing ridiculous. Any brand recommendations, stores, or online spots that cater to shorter, slimmer builds?

  • Can you fit into Extra small?

    Once I lost weight I realized that small was too big! They can be hard to find. Costco and Sam's don't even carry small. Walmart has extra small collared polo brand shirts. Every time I go to Walmart I look to see if they have extra small - they seem to sell out but do carry it. Other than that, Hollister and some of those more pricey stores carry it.

    I am totally with you though. Especially if you have muscle. I don't lift weights because I choose having clothes that fit.

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  • 5’4” athletic build, 128lb, 52 y/o guy here. I have had good luck with Peter Manning for sport coats and suits and Lululemon for shirts. My dress shirts are custom, but for polos I find Lululemon works well (though I will get the length altered on occasion—it’s worth it!).

    For workout and leisure clothes, I also find Uniqlo works well, particularly because their clothes tend to be solid color, no logo.

    Oh, and I find the performance line from Old Navy (XS) works well too. Always have to order those because they never have XS in store.

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  • I went from a size large to medium. I am 5’4 165 lb. I’m still not ‘skinny’, more of an athletic build. I recently bought a size medium sweatshirt at Sam's that fits perfectly, so I bought two. I buy clothes anywhere from Walmart to Nordstrom. I think I am going to try Uniqlo.

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  • Uniqlo goes to xxs for everyday Petermanning.com for higher end

    Under510 for athletic performance travel clothes Theperfectjean for jeans and chinos

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  • I'm roughly your age/size. Banana Republic Factory has great looking clothes for work and casual wear that don't break the bank. Their size small shirts and sweaters fit me well, as do their chinos/jeans in size 30x30. Im relatively broad shouldered so you might try their extra small shirts if you're on the skinnier side. Note that their pants often come in slim or athletic fits; I'm athletic but pretty lean (i.e., not skinny) and the slim versions tend to fit me better.

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  • I went to Uniqlo today and bought a button-down shirt in size medium that looks like it was made for me. I didn't like anything else. I am thrilled I found a non-fitted casual shirt that fits.

    Thanks everyone for the suggestions… keep 'em coming 😀

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  • I started to get my shirts from Fresh Clean Threads. Small size, fits perfectly.

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  • While visiting Hong Kong I had four button-down dress shirts tailor-made for US $200. Perhaps at $150 per shirt a tailor near you could help?

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  • Ash & Erie, Peter Manning. For high end: Reiss as their stuff runs small/fitted

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