I am 6'7" with a large focus of the height on my torso, and have just recently given up on finding off-the-rack clothing. Anyone my height knows the dozens of reasons why it's not working out. The few suppliers out there have a couple items that 'fit', but with many additional problems, such as too hot/cold, baggy, too casual, or just plain ugly. I need a jersey that has about a 28-inch length (71 cm), but for some reason, 'tall' to manufacturers also means 'big', so i am left with a bell-shaped jersey that looks more like a poncho with an elastic band around the waist.
Has anyone had experience with getting jerseys custom-tailored? I do know a tailor and am considering letting him try an experiment, but if there is a tailor that is familiar with this, I'd love to learn about it. The thought of a custom merino wool jersey in simple colors is starting to sound very nice.
Aren't the sizes of cycling clothes frustrating??? Heck, even finding REGULAR clothes that fit can be maddening.
I don't know if you've considered this or not... but a tailor could take in any jersey you buy and make it fit you perfectly for about $10. I do that with my clothes a lot of the time, because when I get a pair of jeans big enough for my booty, they're too big in the waist; or if I get a jersey big enough for it, they're too wide through the shoulders.
Taking the things to a tailor may be a bit of an inconvenience; but it's a whole lot cheaper than having custom jerseys made. I've looked into that. Not only are they expensive, but there's usually a mininum of 10 or more that you have to buy all at once. Around here, you see lots of little seamstress shops, usually run by Asian women. I've been to several, and every one of them have done a fantastic job at really reasonable prices.
Hi Sierra, thanks for the tip. I was just thinking of doing this for a Clydesdale jersey that is the right length, but currently fits like a loose boat sail. My biggest fear is the huge number of below-average alterations businesses out here, so I better check with some sharper-looking friends for a good one. I'll post how it turns out.
If you're not sure about the abilities of your tailor or seamstress, you might want to take in any cheap T-shirt you can find that would be too big for you, and have them take it in, first. Then you'll get at least a partial idea of what kind of work they do, though of course it will always be different in different fabric, etc.
I now have a LOT of clothes I need to take to my favorite seamstress to be taken in, because the biking has helped me lose 45 pounds! Woohooo!
