In Short, Men's Clothes have come a long way- but would you say some things have come too far?

I'll admit it: I am a regular and avid reader of men's magazines.  Esquire. GQ.  It goes with the territory since my job requires I be "up to date" on the latest styles and trends.  But, the MORE important part of my job is to be able to adapt those styles and trends to real life and create clothes real men really want to wear and CAN wear, with comfort and confidence- and of course, in the correct sizes and fits. 

It's not uncommon, of course, to see a few "outlandish" things, that are actually kinda' cool and slowly you start to see them worn "on the street."  For example, I love that this season seems to be awash with bright color- from jeans, to socks, to hats- you name it.  For most of us though, these "trends" are incorporated in our wardrobes in more subtle ways.  A bright colored tie, or a T-shirt that pops worn under a more neutral V-neck sweater. Check out some examples below.

Orange & Blue- great for Spring (and fans of a certain Florida team...but I won't pick sides!) - available in short and tall tie lengths at ForTheFit.com

A bright, Spring-worthy trio of shorter-length ties, available in short men's clothing sizes at ForTheFit.com

It's Spring!  The latest trend: make it POP!  Try pairing a bright colored top with an equally Spring-hued sweater in a light silk, suitable for the season  (featured above: short men's proportioned fit top in Grass Green, 23.98, and silk blend short men's sweater in a perfect sky blue "Azure", 49.98; tall men's shirts are available,too.  Try our essential Tees and Polos in Tall Men's Clothing  Sizes, 8 colors from $16.99

But every now and again, a new trend surfaces that leaves me scratching my head.  Take the new "man bags" flooding the marketplace.  Oversized, Mary-Poppins inspired things with straps so short they require the bag be carried by hand.  Beautiful leathers and charming shapes abound, I grant you- but really?  They seem uncomfortable and conspicuous to me.  Modern life requires wheels to move swiftly through the airport.  Easy to open bags from which you can swiftly remove your laptop at security checkpoints.  A bag you can sling on your back or shoulder so you can also manage the newspaper, coffee mug, phone, keys or other slew of items you need both hands to handle at any given time.  Theses new (or old?  they are vintage inspired!) bags just don't seem practical.  Then again, I am not a man and perhaps you guys have been limited to messenger bags and backpacks for far too long.  Are you ready for a change? In short, men's clothes has come a long way, but would you say it's gone too far?  I'd love to hear some opinions- what do you all thing of the new men's "travel" bags and overnighters?

Yours through thick, thin, (and  tall & short men's clothing!)  =)

-Consuelo Bova,
CEO, ForTheFit.com for short men's clothing and tall men's clothes- slim or stout

Our short story is getting longer (taller that is)...

Ready for the BIG news?  Want the Skinny? Here's the tall & short of it...

The Nation's premier short men's clothing retailer and purveyor of fashion in hard-to-find sizes, can add to their credit the title of "the Nation's only Tall & Slim men's clothing specialist."   That's right.  While we do carry Big & Tall sizes, too- we noticed that no one is covering the skinny guy, the long  & lanky gent.  And since it is our goal as a company to take care of fashion business for all the hard-to-fit folks, we've decided to tackle this area, too.

So, whether your men's clothing needs are short and stout, short and slim, tall & lean or big & tall- we've got your back at ForTheFit.com (and your tops, and bottoms, too!)

We're adding new merchandise regularly, so keep checking back with us.  To date:  we have the latest in men's cotton twill chinos (inseams to 40"), sweats and athletic pants (inseams to 37"), tall t-shirts, longer sleeve dress shirts, extended length ties, and more!  Check us out at ForTheFit.com, now for tall men's clothing, too .

- Connie Bova,
CEO , ForTheFit.com

5 Steps to Better Dressing

A few tips from the resident expert in dressing hard-to-find sizes (particularly petite men and women), Consuelo Bova, CEO of online, specialty retailer and apparel manufacturing company ForTheFit.com:

1) KNOW YOUR SIZE: Fit makes a tremendous difference in our overall appearance. Small, ill-fitting or oversized clothing can make for a very underwhelming first impression. Don’t fixate on the size you think you are, the size you want to be, or even the size tag itself (it’s often wrong or purposely misrepresented for marketing purposes). Instead, learn to take your measurements and judge clothes according to their size and fit to your body.

2) KNOW YOUR STYLE: The latest magazines and celebrity style are a great place to start, but ultimately the clothes buy and wear need to be right for you, your personal style and body type. Reference the latest trends to keep your style current, but make sure to adapt your choices to suit the best styles for your body and personality.

3) KNOW YOUR STORE: We should all have a “store.” The place that in a pinch, you know you can quickly find the right styles for your taste, in your sizes, and in your price range. Get to know the staff. Knowledgeable and friendly staff at a store worth visiting and spending your money at will alert you when the best items for you hit the shelf so you have your best pick of sizes and styles. Identify what that store is for you- it is a great way to build the foundation to a great new wardrobe and maintain it. Visit other stores mostly for your wardrobe “spice” .

4) KNOW YOUR COLOR: Don’t underestimate the importance of wearing the right colors for your skin tone and hair. The wrong shade of a color can wash you out and ruin an otherwise great looking and well-fitting outfit. Learn what your best colors are and stick to them. Again if the trendy color is not “your color,” don’t wear it- just adjust the “trend” to a different shade that does work for you.

5) ASK AN HONEST FRIEND: We all need an honest fashion friend and shopping companion. A person that will tell you the painful truth about whether an outfit suits you or not. In exchange for their invaluable services, promise not to be hurt by their critiques, okay?

Good luck and great clothes,

C. Bova, CEO ForTheFit.com

Summer of '09 on SALE!!!

It's that time of year everyone looks forward to (our customers do, at least!)- The Annual Inventory Clearance Sale! We don't discount much throughout the year, but during our annual sale, we make up for it! The sale runs from July 1- July 31, 2009 and new products will be added throughout the month- so check out today's selection and check back regularly for new additions. First come, first serve and quantities are limited (hence the inventory clearance sale)- so shop early and often for the best selection.

Good luck and happy shopping,

C. Bova, CEO
ForTheFit.com

PART 4- Smart Shopping: Emphasize Quality to Make your Wardrobe Last on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many we really need. At the same time, the message out there is mixed- unless we spend more as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Quality clothing can be less expensive than discount clothing. Look at the value you get out of clothing before you look at the price tag. Invest wisely and you will buy pieces that last years instead of months. Stick to natural fabrics and well constructed pieces when you pay premium.

1. You wear your socks every week! Spend more on quality dress socks that won’t wear out. Having difficulty finding good quality socks in a small men’s size? Take a look at Pantherella Patterned Dress Hosiery, Men's Size Small (6-8) .
2. Cashmere is a fabric synonymous with luxury. Unlike sweaters made with man-made fabrics a cashmere sweater won’t pill. It will last longer and feels soft even after many washes. Wear it over button up shirts in various colors and patterns to vary your look Red House Pure Cashmere Pullover

New Australian Study Confirms with Height come Higher Wages

A new Australian study confirms U.S. findings from a few years past that taller people (men and women) earn higher wages than their shorter counterparts. This was found to be true across the board- various industries, professions,levels, etc. How much so? To the tune of an extra 4 inches in men lead to wages about 3% (or one year of experience) higher. You can find the article here, courtesy of Yahoo and the AP.

How to combat this issue? Dress Taller! It has always been our philosophy at ForTheFit.com, that the key for shorter men is to dress to maximize your height and visually lengthen your frame (giving the impression of greater height). In the current economy and job market, given this new research- it literally pays to dress taller and make a better first impression on your interviewer.

A few tips:
1) Keep your suit simple and in a dark color- black is always best.
2) Subtle, vertical pinstripes (can be monochromatic) are an added plus because they will visually lengthen your frame.
3) Keep your tie simple & slim to add inches as well
4) Skip heels or lifts- they can be more comical than effective.
5) Match shoes and socks to trouser to lengthen

Good Luck!

C. Bova, CEO

PART 3- Smart Shopping: Focus on FIT to Stretch your Wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Focus on fit to get a wardrobe that will make you look sharp and remember that clothes that suit your personality and body type are always stylish.

1. American’s today seem to live in their jeans. Casual Friday, dinner out, a barbeque, the football game... your jeans are probably the pants you love most. Spend what you need to get a pair that fits. Look for the correct rise as well as the right length and consider whether the pockets sit where you want them to. Yes guys, that means I expect you to try them on and turn around to look at the back. Great jeans make your backside look lifted and round Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
2. Skip the tailor- buy clothes that fits from the get-go to save a lot of $$$money.
   
1. Try on a variety of sizes. If you usually wear a Medium but you try on a shirt and it seems too large or too small, try a size up or down. All cuts are not equal and some manufacturers cut larger or smaller than the norm- don't let your ego prevent you from securing a great style in your size.
   
2. Look for pants that are the correct hem length and avoid the cost of tailoring. From dress trousers to denim, ForTheFit.com offers pants pre-hemmed at no additional cost. Try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

Get That Look : Celeb Style for Shorter Men- Bob Dylan

Contrary to popular belief, all male celebs are not tall. There are quite a few shorter male celebs. Why don’t we notice how short they are? Style and confidence- these men have it and they dress to make the most of their best features, and visually add inches to their frames. How to accomplish this short men celebrity style? At a price you can afford? Here’s my suggestion…

This week’s candidate: Bob Dylan

Height: 5' 7″ (per celebheights.com)

Why: His vintage rocker looks are timeless and look as good today as they ever did! Fitted clothing in solid black tones worn during the 60’s and 70’s still look great on men today.

For example, here is Bob Dylan performing on stage in July 1978 and here in January 1965 while recording his album “Bring It All Back Home.”

The key to these looks? The dark, monochromatic silhouette makes the most of his slim, shorter frame by creating one long line, visually adding inches. More importantly, notice his the length of his sleeves, the slim fit of the trousers, and the close fit of the jackets- This man’s clothes FIT. Oversized items or too-long sleeves, jacket and pant lengths just make a person look shorter than their actual height. Dylan’s sharp clothing balances out his seemingly untamable hair to create a memorable rock star style. Note that the sunglasses he wore everywhere make him look relaxed in any situation.

Get the Look: In your Size and on your Budget...

Look for clothing, particularly dress shirts and trousers, labeled “trim fit” or “tailored fit.”

1) The Pants: ForTheFit.com offers black trousers for a Bob Dylan style in short rise, slim, flat front styles in various price points (Ben Sherman,$84 ; Ballin, $145). For more casual events, consider Skinny Jeans, like the Decker from Silver Jeans (available exclusively at ForTheFit.com in inseams from 27", $89)

2) The Shirt: Keep an eye on the fit through the torso. One option is to buy off the rack and have the shirt taken in at the waist, and sleeves shortened by a tailor as needed. Another option is to buy a slim-fitting or proportioned dress shirt. For Dylan’s look, try a trim black shirt in black or charcoal (Ben Sherman dress shirt in Black or Charcoal, $69). With a black suit. leather jacket and vest, wear a white shirt (Classix shirts are just $30, and BONUS: sleeves start from 30" and fit is proportioned for 5'9"& Under- no need to see the tailor). Dylan keeps his clothing neutral (wearing black all over is more Johnny Cash than Bob Dylan).
3) A Structured Jacket: In all three photos Dylan wears a jacket that fits him to a tee but each as has a different style: leather, tweed, and suit. A slim, fitted suit from Ben Sherman or Calvin Klein will give you the clean look you need at the office or a special night out (from $388).
4) Sunglasses: Instant cool. The RayBan Wayfarers ($139) Dylan wore indoors still look great today.

PART 2- Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Step into your closet and ask yourself whether you have something appropriate for every aspect of your life – work, sports, dates, family events, happy hour, etc. If not, start shopping today. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing last minute shopping for that big event. Last minute shopping is nearly always more expensive and less likely to offer a repeat performance. Instead, shop for what you need over time and what might last over time...

1. INVEST...in pieces you’ll wear once a week or more.
2. BETTER OVER TIME... Add pieces to your wardrobe that improve with age and wear.
   

• The Leather Jacket: A classically styled, leather jacket, when well cared-for, will improve over time- becoming softer, more supple and generally wonderful to wear. Tip: Leather does not tailor well, so buy a jacket that fits off the rack (for shorter men, try the Park Avenue Classic Lambskin Jacket, or our Suede Jacket (pictured below) for classic, unembellished jackets available in sizes from men's extra-small
• The Jean: Quality jeans will soften and improve with each wash, not disintegrate (for a shorter inseam , from 27"- try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to stop buying, but it’s a good idea to shop with your lifestyle and existing wardrobe in mind.

1. Take Stock: Buy pieces that integrate well with what you already own.
2. Assets: Accessories can be a low-cost way to revamp a "tired" wardrobe. Consider adding some new ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, or vests to existing suit/dress shirt ensembles. Add a little luxe to an inexpensive suit or dress shirt with a 100% silk tie in a colorful, eye-catching print- options abound even at lower price points. Consider Ben Sherman & Palio 100% Silk Ties, from $38 . With French-cuff dress shirts, ditch the complementary cufflinks that come with the shirt and find a little something that represents you. It tells everyone from discerning women to potential clients and interviewers that you are a person that pays attention to little details- a favorable trait for sure! Styles abound from classics (simple shapes in gold or silver, stone inlays) to unique and quirky (football, sailing, gambling, theater motifs and more- you name it!) .
3. Basic Investments: Basics= pieces that can be dressed up or down, worn for years without going out of style, or come in neutral colors that match most everything. Some examples...

• Every man needs a classic pair of high quality, chino trousers in his wardrobe. A khaki colored, flat front model will get the most use- taking you easily from work (business casual) to play (add a golf shirt for the club; a dress-casual shirt or lightweight sweater for drinks or dinner). For quality and style that lasts, we recommend "The Ultimate Chino" Khaki Trouser by Ballin, from $119
• A well-fitting, basic white dress shirt is essential. It, too, goes from work (under a suit, sportcoat or on its own) to play (with jeans for a casual dinner out) effortlessly. One caveat: it's white, so account for inevitable spills and buy several.100% Cotton Dress Shirts by Classix, from $30
  
• The Perfect Jeans: Worn more than any single item of clothing in a man's closet, a good quality pair of jeans in a classic color and style will last season after season. Plus, consider this bonus: Divide the number of wears you get from one pair of jeans into the price you paid and you’ll realize that they cost you pennies per wear! Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
  
• Last but not least: the Polo Shirt. As comfortable as a T-shirt, but wearable to the office, for sports, weekends, you name it. Options abound, so look for a good quality version (one that won't fade, stretch or pill after one wear or wash). that fits well (shoulder seams should fall at or within an inch or so of your actual shoulders, sleeves should end well before your elbows and the length should not completely cover your backside), in a basic color (navy, red, black and white are all good choices). Outer Banks polo, from $20
  

The Meaasure of a Man: A resource for the ladies...

Taking measurements is a fairly simple process- a soft measuring tape and some basic instructions is all you need. But, measuring the man in your life requires a little more- more permission, more convincing...

"I thought size didn't matter..."
It is if you want to buy clothes that fit so that you look your best. Specifically, you want your guy to look his best ( a well-dressed man can be an excellent accessory!)

"But he hates shopping..."
He won't once he knows his actual size. Knowing his actual size will make it easier (and therefore more fun) to shop. A bonus: If you know his size, it will be easier for you to shop & buy him gifts.

Tell him he has your permission to have a Fit...

Start at the top and working your way down. Don’t forget to write everything down as you go so he’ll have the list for later.

1. Collar size: Simply measure around the base of his neck. If he intends to wear the shirt with a tie, the shirt size selected should closely match his exact collar measurement. However, a shirt to be worn without a tie may be purchased slightly larger (by about a 1/2 size) for comfort and a more casual look.


2. Chest size: Have him relax his arms at his sides and measure around the fullest part of his chest with the tape measure just below his armpits.


3. Overarm Measurement: Measure the circumference of his chest and arms (at the highest point of his shoulder blades). Subtract chest measurement from his overarm measurement. This measurement can be useful when buying a jacket or sportcoat- if the difference is 7 inches or greater, we recommend buying jackets one size larger for comfort and a better fit in the upper arms and shoulders.


4. Arm: Have him bend his elbow 90 degrees and place his hand on his hip. Stand behind him and hold the tape at the center back of his neck. Measure across his shoulder to his elbow, and down to his wrist. The total length in inches is his sleeve length.


5. Waist: Measure loosely (so he can breath) around his natural waistline. Many men wear trousers well below the natural waist, under the belly if they carry extra weight around the mid-section- but this can actually make him look heavier than he actually is. For belts, choose a size 1-2 inches larger than his actual waist size.


6. Rise: Rise refers to the distance between the top of a trouser’s waistband and the top of the trouser leg’s inseam (at the crotch). Measure his favorite (and best fitting) pants by measuring along the trouser's seam , or start from scratch (especially if his pants are too tight or too baggy through the buttocks, crotch and thighs). Guys under 5'9" often benefit from short rise pants.


7. Inseam: An inseam can be measured using a pair of pants that fit well (see ForTheFit.com's Style Guide for tips on perfect length). Measure from the crotch seam (where all the fabric meets), down the pant leg all the way to the end. If he does not have a pair of pants of the proper length right now, you’ll need at least pants that fit properly in the waist. From those you can judge where you want the pants to stop. Proper length may vary whether your man is wearing jeans or crisp dress pants, but never by more than an inch and a half. Also, you will want to take the inseam for each leg if you want to have custom pants made because the length may not be the same for each leg. Lastly, if his current trousers are regular rise and you are considering a switch to short rise, keep in mind that the new placement of the crotch will affect the inseam length- adjust accordingly.

And if he's really stubborn...

• Remind him how much more fun it could be taking measurements with you, than visiting his tailor- Earl


• Bribe him- a favorite meal, a massage, whatever it takes!


• Swap- he can take your measurements next. It can't hurt (too many women are slaves to the number on the tag- it's important to know your size, too- Plus, how much better will it be when his gifts to you are actually the right size.)


• Because you said so.


• Feeling frisky? Offer to take measurements... wearing nothing but the measuring tape. We doubt he'll say no.

Good luck (& Better Fit)!

Resource: "Men's Wardrobe and the Size Solution" About.com

Check out this video by stylist Kim Johnson Gross at About.com- it offers a few great tips for the various hard-to-fit sizes and shapes of Men- Big & Tall, Shorter Men, etc.

http://video.about.com/mensfashion/Men-s-Wardrobe-Size-Solutions.ht

Enjoy!

-C. Bova, CEO

Celeb Style Report: Oscars 2009, a Short Walk Down the Red Carpet

Look no further than the nearest Red Carpet for exemplary Short Men's Fashion "Dos" (and some serious "Don'ts," too). It is especially important for shorter men in the entertainment industry to look sharp and confident at these events and make the most of their height. Some tips for looking smart (and walking tall) at your next evening event, garnered from observing some of our favorite, shorter male celebs:

1) Anthony Hopkins (5'8")

The Clothes: a two button, properly fitted tux (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DO choose a suit or a tux with lapels that start lower, since the longer V-shape can lengthen the look of the torso. A four button suit adds too much unflattering bulk to a shorter frame

2) Emile Hirsch (5'5.5")

The Clothes: Long, slouchy pants worn on the red carpet make him look shorter (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DON'T wear pants that are too long. Uncuffed suit pants should be just long enough to create just a small break in the front crease. If there is no break, your pants are too short. Multiple or deep breaks mean your pants are too long. Also, the hem should slope toward the back. ForTheFit.com offers advice and actual photos of great fit, click here. Get your trousers hemmed by a professional, or buy pre-hemmed trousers in your exact inseam (no additional tailoring time or charge) and even in short-rise styles, at shorter men's specialist, ForTheFit.com

3) Sean Penn (5'8")

The Clothes: Sean Penn wore all black on Oscar night, with a slim patterned tie for added style and visual interest (see it HERE).

The Lessons:

DO try a monochromatic look at your next formal event. Wearing the same color head-to-toe helps visually lengthen the body to make you look taller. Plus, an all-black suit, shirt and tie ensemble projects a high-fashion and high-powered image.

DO keep the width of your tie thin and the knot small. Looking taller can be accomplished by creating vertical lines wherever you can. A thinner tie guides the eye down the line of your body and a small knot will keep the tie from looking too angular. Also, be sure the length of your tie is right for your body; it should never fall below your belly button.

Black shirts with a trim fit and skinny ties available at FortheFit.com.

* All heights are provided based on estimates available at CelebHeights.com. They are offered for entertainment purposes only and we cannot verify their accuracy.

If the sock fits...": The Do's and Don'ts of this highly Misunderstood Men's Accessory

...then buy it in every color!

Men don't often give much thought to their hosiery purchases, until of course it's halfway through some insufferable meeting and you notice your socks are slipping and your feet hurt from the misplaced seams- or perhaps on a walk, when you stop to adjust your socks every few steps. Sound familiar? Then read on!


FIT & QUALITY: Stepping in...
Half Sizes, Widths...when buying shoes, you look for a perfect fit. Yet, socks are only offered in these wide ranges that suggest that you can wear the same footwear as a man who wears a shoe 3 sizes larger than you. The retail industry has determined that the "average" shoe size is 10-12 and creates socks accordingly. However, if you were smaller than a 10 or larger than a 12, you may find fit to be a problem. Men with smaller feet often shop the boy's department for dress and casual socks, finding the low price irresistable. But the quality is poor, so socks have to be replaced with such frequency that any savings disappear. Others simply buy socks that are too large and tuck under the toe, leading to foot pains, itching, or just plain discomfort. Former shoe salesperson A. Bridge reveals, "I can tell you that no matter what those sock packages claim, men under a size 8 won't fit into a 10-13 sock size without rolling or tucking – and they aren't happy about it. Also, Men with larger feet shop store after store looking for socks with heels that actually reach the end of their foot."

Instead, find socks that fit your foot. For larger shoe sizes (13+), try specialty retailers, such as
JayStevens.com, which offer socks in larger size ranges. For smaller feet (shoe size less than 10), FortheFit.com offers premium Men's socks in size small, to fit shoe sizes 5-9.

Quality matters, too. The hallmark of quality socks and hosiery are the seam, material and workmanship. Face it, men's socks get used and abused- you literally walk all over them. Invest in quality hosiery that offers a hand-linked toe-seam for an exceptionally smooth join, and premium fibers (which hold-up better wash-after-wash, wear-after-wear).

STYLE: Stepping Out
Now that you've found socks to fit you, here are a few style tips to make sure your feet don't offend...

• The color of your socks should match the color of your pants, not your shoes. However, the color is preferably not exact unless you wear black pants.


• Your sock drawer should include at least two each of the basics: black socks for dress, blue for jeans, a color close to khaki and athletic socks


• Athletic Socks are for the Gym only. Period.


• With shorts, wear nothing higher than an Ankle sock. With long pants, wear socks high enough that you expose no leg when you sit.


• Colorful and patterned socks are great for adding a little extra pizazz to your wardrobe, but keep this in mind: the more colorful your outfit the more toned down your socks should be. Avoid looking like you stepped out of a work by Andy Warhol.


• Socks + Sandals = Oil + Water - they never go together.

When thinking about clothing for shorter men, most people understand the need for special trousers (at least the shorter length part- short rise might still take some teaching!). What they don't necessarily get is the need for special shirts. After all, many men 5'9" and under shop for their shirts right off the rack and do okay. Or at least they think they do...

Often, a shorter man risks a few style pit-falls when shopping off the rack . To help, here are 5 Common Pit-falls (and their Solutions)

1) Droopy Shoulders: Depending on whether it is a dress or casual shirt, shoulder seams should rest at or within an inch or so of where the shoulder and arm meet. I see men all the time (especially in polos or camp shirts) wearing shirts where the shoulder seam is somewhere near their elbow. Shirts proportioned for shorter men are designed narrower through the shoulders to avoid this problem.

2) Dress-ed to Impress?: In general, shorter men benefit from proportioned shirts due to overall shorter length through the torso. After all, you are looking to wear a shirt- not a dress.

3) Shake Hands, not Shirt-Sleeves: Most men don't realize that they have choices beyond 32/33 and 34/35, so they don't think twice about the way their dress shirts fit through the sleeves. Too long? Roll them up! That's the solution for many. But shorter men's dress shirts offer shorter sleeves- so you can follow all those other nifty style principles like having your shirt peak out just a bit from under your suit jacket, and not be so long it obscures your knuckles. Shorter men's proportioned Dress Shirts often are offered in sleeves starting at 30" for a perfect fit, right off the rack.

4) Every Body is not created equal: For as many shapes of men under 5'9", there are a few extra details to think about when selecting a great shirt. To get the perfect fitting shirt, here are some things to look for if you are under 5'9" and...

Slim & Trim ...



Look for shirts that are labeled "slim fit," "tailored-fit," "fitted," or "trim fit." These will often provide a neat, modern silhouette without the need for tailoring. A slim fitting shirt that offers a proportioned fit for under 5'9" is also going to rest better at the shoulders, and offer a more comfortable overall length and proportions.

Wider through the chest & waist...



Shirts proportioned for 5'9" & Under that are labeled "classic-fit" or "gentleman's cut" will offer all the benefits of a shorter men's shirt (narrower shoulders, shorter overall length through torso and sleeves), but will retain more classic, even and wider proportions through the chest and torso for a better fit.


Muscular..

You know who you are- 5'7 but solid as a rock with a thicker neck and muscular arms. Your special requirements are met by looking for short men's proportioned dress shirts that offer a classic or gentleman's cut, but specific neck and sleeve lengths to match your needs. Also, ForTheFit.com offers and array of knit pique crew shirts, sweaters and camp shirts with better proportions for your particular shape.

5) Shop for You: Some of the above can be addressed through tailoring, but tailoring can be costly, time consuming, and may not achieve suitable results in all cases. Instead, consider shopping with specialty retailers who know your body shape and stock their stores accordingly.

Good luck and happy shopping,

C. Bova,

CEO, ForTheFit.com

This election season, Vote for ForTheFit.com

If you love shopping at ForTheFit.com, please help us spread the word about this great store!

We've entered ForTheFit.com in a contest recently & would really appreciate your support. Your vote counts, and winning means a lot of great publicity for our company, which means more people can enjoy all that ForTheFit has to offer!

You can vote 1x per day, every day- so please vote as many times as you can remember. It's really easy, just ...


Thank you so much & Best Regards,

Consuelo Bova, CEO
ForTheFit.com

Happy Father's Day!

It's not an easy job, and often it's a thankless one- but you're doing an amazing job! Your love, patience and support is helping to raise another great generation.

"Thank You" to all of the great father's among us!

-Consuelo Bova, CEO of ForTheFit.com


Happy Father's Day
from our ForTheFit.com family
to yours.



CFO of ForTheFit.com, Jeffrey D. Bova and Son share a quiet moment at the Beach


A Father's Day Gift for you...

He looks up to you- so make sure you look good! Fathers save 10% on all purchases at ForTheFit.com this week. Simply enter coupon code fd2008 at checkout.

As SEEN In... ForTheFit.com and Short Men's Clothing have become quite the hot topics!

First of all - today is June 1st, so HAPPY "SHORT MEN OF STYLE" MONTH! Remember to celebrate by looking your best the whole month long! Also, have you entered yourself in the National Short Man of Style 2008 competition yet? If not, you have 2 more weeks to enter for a chance to win a whole new wardrobe from ForTheFit.com. For details, read my last blog entry, or check out the official contest website at ShortMenofStyle.com

It has been a busy few months for short men's clothing in general, and ForTheFit.com in particular. We have been quite lucky to be featured in some phenomenal publications and to help generate some interest and awareness to this issue of short men's fashion.

Most recently, in response to a reader question in the popular "Ask Teri" fashion column of the Wall Street Journal, our own C.F.O. Jeff Bova was interviewed by Teri Agins. To read the question & answer, click here:
Ask Teri: Finding Clothes that Fit Well.

There has also been a lot of interest in me personally in my roles as CEO of men's e-tailer ForTheFit.com, wife and mom. On, May 22, '08, Entrepreneur.com's "WomenEntrepreneur.com" featured a great, enriching story by Lena West full of great tips about how to escape overflowing e-mail inboxes using some simple methods and new technology. She even included some of my own simple methods for managing the sometimes overwhelming contents of a CEO's inbox. Click here to read Escaping E-Mail Overload by Lena West. There are a few other stories in the pipeline, I'll post when they are published.

Our products themselves have also received some great press. We have added some earth-friendly, eco-fashion proportioned for the shorter, slimmer man. Customer's have responded quite favorably to our Alternative Apparel T-shirts and Jackets, and so has the Press. Our Eco-Heather T-shirts from Alternative Apparel were featured in Lisa Neff's May 3, 2008 article Earth Duds for Earth Day in the Chicago Free Press. This came on the heels of a feature about our women's and men's short-length (inseam) sweats and athletic pants in the Orlando Sentinel's Style Section, Fashion Focus: Dress Up, Dress Down by Jean Patteson.

Also, CNN recently ran a story about short men's fashion, which was picked up on the wires and published in papers throughout the country. All in all, it has been a phenomenal few months for shorter men's fashion and we are so pleased. Thank you to the reader's and viewers out there for their interest and to the members of the press for their help in bringing this topic to life and raising awareness!

- Consuelo Bova,

CEO, ForTheFit.com