Low-Rise vs Short Rise?

I get this question (or some version of it) all the time: I bought low-rise jeans and they were HUGE on my waist- I measured them and they were INCHES bigger than the labeled size. What gives? and why should I consider short rise, then anyway?

I figured since I mentioned our new, true "short rise" jean in my last post, it would be as good a time as any to address the issue.

What is Short-Rise?
Many shorter men complain that when they were trousers, they experience bagginess and bunching in the crotch that is both uncomfortable and looks unprofessional. The problem is usually easily resolved by purchasing the proper rise. Rise refers to the measurement from crotch to waist. Most pants available off the rack are “regular rise” (11 inches or more, based on a size 34 waist pant). This can be too much for men under 5’9”, many of which are actually short rise (10 inches or less for a size 34 waist pant). The shorter rise is what eliminates all of the bagging and bunching at the crotch, front or back.

What is Low-Rise?
There are many pants in stores today labeled low rise. This is not to be confused with short rise. Low rise simply means that the pant sits below the natural waist. The rise on these pants would be the distance from the crotch to the imaginary waist (ie where the waist would be if not lobbed off so the pants sit lower than the waist). They are sized based on the imaginary waist, but the measurement at the band may be an inch or two larger. Therefore, if you have a short rise, the fit may be awkward, since the pants will likely rest at your natural waist and be an inch or two larger than the labeled waist size. One tip, try on a size or two smaller than you typically wear, or search for a manufacturer whose jeans are naturally cut shorter in the rise, such as Silver Jeans.


That is whay we carry so many short-rise products. They are often the best solution for shorter men. In fact, it's the best thing you didn't know you needed (so say many of my customers when they by our khakis and find that for the first time ever- lo and behold they love the way they look and feel in their pants! Check out our testimonials).

The unfortunate part is that true short-rise pants are hard to find in regular department stores or mall stores (who do stock regular and long-rise !!!) and pants can't be altered by a tailor to be short rise, either! The specialty retailer is one way to go. An online retailer specializing in short men's apparel, like ForTheFit.com - will probably offer the best selection.

Best,
C

February Finds...

me staring at order forms and trying to make some final decisions about the many exciting new products we've come across for our customers while scouring the apparel markets.

Anyway, I promised a preview and here goes:

* New Short Rise Trousers - We've stumbled across some great new casual pants that feature short rise and shorter inseam. Besides the usual Khakis and dress trousers, this fall we'll be adding a wide variety of casual men's styles so you can take that basic wardrobe to the next level! We're adding a couple of new brands too- all of which offer trimmer, more proportioned fits for the shorter man.

* New Denim - We haven't decided yet- but it looks like we have as many as two new brands joining our lineup. Both offer true short-rise styles (as opposed to low-rise), and FACTORY FINISHED shorter hems. Never mind the premium denim quality and up-to-the-minute style!!! Score!

* NEW Short-rise shorts for spring in various styles and colors

That's not even the half of it... I'd tell you more but then it wouldn't technically be a preview so much as the full story! Anyway, it will be an exciting Spring and Fall lineup for ForTheFit.com and we look forward to sharing this new merchandise with you as it arrives (I'll provide any interesting background stories then!).

Best,

Connie

For the Love of Clothes...

As I write this post, I'm on a plane to Las Vegas to celebrate Valentine's Day with my husband the usual way- we're off to Market to discover the latest & greatest in Men's apparel. 'Vegas is home to some of the largest apparel markets and conventions for retailers in the U.S., with bi-annual shows in February and July.

The annual shows are actually a stressful time for Jeff (my husband and C.F.O. of ForTheFit.com) and I. Why? Because we are not your average menswear store. We are a specialty retailer- specializing in Short Mens Clothes. We head to market in search of the best labels, up to date styles, quality casual and professional attire- proportioned to fit shorter men. The problem? Shopping industry markets is not much different from shopping your local department store- options can be limited for those with slimmer builds, short inseams, or overall shorter in height (i.e. under 5'9").

The frustrating thing is that we estimate that there are at least 14 million American men who fall into this category and want attractive clothes to wear. So for them, I pass up a real Valentine's Day every year and walk the endless men's market mazes housed within the various Las Vegas convention centers. I consider myself to be their personal shopper- seeking out brands that cut their wears to the right proportions for smaller men, convincing popular labels to make special size runs for us, and finding other quality manufacturers to do our custom work. Sounds easy enough, right? If only! But it's worth it because we've been at it for nearly 3 years now and I frequently receive messages from customers excited that for the first time, they are enjoying great fit and style- right off the rack. Love that. The stress of forcing change in a pretty static industry… not so much.

So if it is so stressful, then why do I subject myself to this mission every year? For the love of clothes, (and my business partner, of course,who keeps me laughing even in the most stressful of times!). Though our job is not an easy one, I would be lying if I said that we don't have any fun at market. There's a certain thrill to the "Sneak Peek" at what's coming to stores near you (and online!) in the upcoming months. There's an even greater thrill when I score these same styles and the best brands for my customers. I look forward to reporting back soon on our market finds and things to look forward to in the world of short men's apparel for Spring '08. Happy Valentines Day to you all,

Connie