The Visual Argument for trying a size down

jcp’s Spring 2013 line: Launching this Friday February 1st

Note: The following shirts are recent arrivals, but they’re already in stores and online.  So, not from the line that launches tomorrow then?  See the terrific interview Esquire did with Nick Wooster about what to expect in 2/1/13 jcp release (spoiler: new blazers).  Not sure if all brick & mortars will have the collection on Friday.

Quick, what size should a 5’10”, 165-170 pound male wear?  Medium right?  Wrong.  Well, kinda.  Sometimes a medium works, sometimes it’s too big.  Especially if it’s from a retailer that’s more accessible, like Target, Old Navy, or JC Penney.  And despite JC Penney’s commendable shift towards better fit and vastly improved aesthetics, they still seem to have a ways to go when it comes to sizing.

Point is, if you can, try a size down at these places.  Visuals of some new jcp arrivals on a 5’10 / 165-170 pound frame for comparison’s sake are below, then a follow up question at the bottom of the post.

jcp polo shirt – $14.00

Hats off to the jcp guys on this one.  “They’re grrrrrrrrrrrreat!”  Makes you wish winter would ease off even quicker.  It’s not a pique weave, but instead just a standard, medium-weight jersey.  Super soft too.  Reinforced/taped seams are a nice touch.  One complaint is that it’s a little long, so short guys, beware.  Interesting that the designers decided to take the stripes all the way up and onto the collar.

 

jcp Button-Down Poplin Shirt – $25.00

These are the shirts you need to beat up in the wash a bit.  Off the rack they’ve got a bit of a papery “noise” to them when you move.  But the collars are good and substantial, and the fit is decent as long as you size down.  Seems like there’s a little extra around the middle even if an average sized guy goes down a size.  Should be great for layering.

 

jcp 60% cotton / 40% poly French terry crewneck – $18.00

Proof that a little bit of poly, every so often, isn’t all bad.  Extremely soft and moves great.  Available in a few solids and stripe color combinations.  They didn’t have a medium in the stripe, so the blue solid subbed in.  Great feeling shirt.  Couldn’t help it and picked one of these up.

Question:  What height/weight should a size small fit?  Meanwhile, if traditional, middle-America retailers are going to attack the more style-conscious male consumer, should they re-calibrate their sizing for those more fashion-forward brands?  Is JCPenney’s jcp label losing out on that vast swath of guys who are on the smaller side?