Clothing Guide for Short Men Short men are paid little attention by most manufacturers, namely clothing. This site will help assist men under 5'8" to locate clothing to fit, without having to repeat a lot of research on their own. A reference of mail-order clothing sources, as well as manufacturers, is listed at the end. Contributions of information are greatly appreciated so we can make a complete set of useful information. Mail your information to me at piner@best.com. Be sure to include the brand, specific sizes available (to your knowledge), and where you can buy them. And, of course, include any comments or suggestions as well. Types of Clothing Notes: Shoes are listed in US men's sizes unless otherwise mentioned. Country of manufacture noted in brackets after the brand names. Product materials used are also noted where they may be of interest. Shoes - Athletic New Balance [USA and foreign] - Most New Balance men's shoes are size 7 or larger. However, here are the models that are available in sizes below 7: CT-545 tennis shoe down to size 6 (made in USA, leather), MX650BW/MX650NS cross trainers down to size 6 (leather), SB770WT "athletic boat shoe" down to 4.5(incl. B width, synthetic), RS700WT and RC700WT running down to size 4D (synthetic), M585NV running down to size 6 (USA, synthetic), and M496GR running down to size 6D (USA, leather). Look on the New Balance web page for current information. Since New Balance specializes in widths, you can take advantage of this and buy their women's versions of the men's models in a D width (standard men's width) if you still can't find a suitable men's model as listed above. Both synthetic and leather models are available. If your size is 5.5 men's, for example, try a 7 D women's. You can order New Balance shoes through L.L. Bean, JCPenney, Nordstrom, and local New Balance dealers. If you are looking for men's sizes under size 7, you should order from a local New Balance dealer or Nordstrom's. Nike [various foreign] - Nike athletic shoes are known for running 1/2 smaller than their listed size. While hard to find, you can get them down to 6.5 men's. This makes their effective size a size 6 men's. Both synthetic and leather models are available. These can be special ordered through JCPenney and possibly Nordstrom. If your feet are narrower than a standard men's D width, look at the Nike women's wide shoes, since these are in a C width (but are hard to find). Other brands that make men's sizes down to 6.5 include; Reebok, Fila, Adidas, Avia, and LA Gear. These can all be special ordered through JCPenney. If you wear a men's size 6 or less, you also have some options in boy's shoes. If you have a narrow foot, you can wear pretty much any boy's shoe. However, if your foot is a standard men's D width, try; Adidas, Fila, and Converse. Of the three, Converse runs the largest (try 1/2 size smaller than your normal size), and Adidas is the narrowest of the wider boy's shoes. Adidas is a good choice for a wider boy's cross trainer. Nike and Reebok are a medium boy's width, andso are too narrow for a person with standard men's D width feet. All these boy's shoes can be found at Kid's Foot Locker, as well as other retailers with a good selection of boy's athletic shoes. Reference: Nike 1-800-344-NIKE New Balance 1-800-622-1218 (customer service) Adidas Reebok Converse Fila Shoes - Casual Casual shoes worn by both sexes, like Converse All-Star and Vans, are great because you can look in the women's section to find something in your size, if you can't find something in men's. The only catch is that they are sometimes made in a women's B width, instead of the standard men's D width. Just look for the most unisex styles for the best luck in finding them wide enough, unless you need the narrow B width, of course. You can also find some Nike casual shoes in men's down to a size 6. These casual Nikes don't seem to run small like their athletic shoes. Converse All-Stars can be ordered from JCPenney in men's sizes way down to a size 3, making the effective smallest size a 3.5, since you are supposed to order 1/2 smaller than you normally wear. You can order Vans from a local dealer down to size 6.5 men's, in narrow, standard (D width), and wide widths. If you need smaller, simply order a boy's size, since they use the same proportions as the men's sizes (allowing you to order quite small shoes, as you can with All-Stars). Reference: Nike 1-800-344-NIKE [various foreign] Vans [USA and foreign] Converse [USA and foreign] Shoes - Nice casual and dress Rockport [various foreign] - A number of their models are available down to 6.5 men's (roughly 1/3), and some of the dressier models down to size 6, with a few down to size 5. A few less-dressy models are available in size 6. Casual, casual dress, and dress models are available. You can special order these through a local dealer, including Nordstrom, or buy from Okun Bros. mail-order. Dexter [USA] - They have a similar number of smaller men's sizes as Rockport. Roughly 1/3 are available down to 6.5. Some size 6 shoes are available, but these are mostly dress models, with a few casual. Casual, casual dress, and dress models are available. You can special order through a dealer, including Nordstrom, or buy from Okun Bros. mail-order. Florsheim [various foreign] - They make some dress models down to size 6, with a few down to size 5. You can find these at a local Florsheim dealer,through the Florsheim web site (only certain models), Short Sizes mail-order company, and Okun Bros. mail-order. Vegetarian Shoes [England] - The Gibson Shoe is in a classic oxford style that can be used for both casual dress and dress. It is sold as a unisex shoe available in UK sizes 3-12, which is down to an equivalent men's size 4. They are available in whole US men's sizes,so you can order an equivalent men's size 4, 5, 6, 7, and larger. It is made of a tough, breathable synthetic that looks and feels like leather, and is water-resistant, scuff-resistant, and lightweight. Because it isn't leather, polishing or other usual maintenance isn't needed! Available from Heartland Products mail-order. Dr. Martens [England] - Most of these shoes are available down to UK size 3 (US men's size 4 !), so these are an excellent choice for men who have feet US men's size 6.5 (UK 5 = US 6) or less (they seem to run large), but want a casual non-athletic shoe. They make a range of shoes, boots, and sandals. Their look tends to be more rugged, with lugged sole and yellow stitching along the sole edge. However, for purposes of nicer dress, you can get plainer, non-yellow-stitching Gibson-style shoes in shinier finishes. Because half-sizes are not offered, you may have to go with their 4-hole Gibson (#1561) instead of their standard 3-hole Gibson (which also tend to run large) to get a good fit, especially if your feet are more narrow. It is best to find a local dealer with a range of models available for you to try on because of this. A very wide range of combinations of models, leathers/fabrics, finishes, and colors are available. Dr. Martens have a reputation for being very durable as well as comfortable. Dr. Martens are available in both leather and canvas models (all have leather insoles). You can order Dr. Martens through a local dealer that carries them, including Nordstrom. Mephisto [France] - These are casual European walking shoes, available down to a 5.5. They are highly expensive at over $200, but are supposedly one of the finest shoes of its kind. You can order and buy these shoes at a local dealer who sells high-quality shoes, and from Okun Bros. mail-order. Reference: Rockport 1-800-343-WALK Dexter 1-800-852-2336 Florsheim 1-800-843-7463 Vegetarian Shoes Dr. Martens 1-800-460-3885 (Note: This is the Doc Martens distributor for the USA, and so isn't specifically meant for consumers. They can, however, help direct you to local retailer.) Mephisto Shoes - Boots (not the rubber kind used for muck work) Carolina Shoe [USA] - They make engineer and biker's boots, among others. Available down to 5 and 6. I also noticed a model down to size 4. Chippewa [USA] - They make engineer boots down to size 6 and are available from Okun Bros. mail-order. Dr. Martens [England] - They make sizes down to UK size 3, which is a US men's size 4. Many styles available in a wide range of colors, leather types, styles, heights, and number of holes. Ranges from black to some pretty wild colors and styles. Reference: Carolina Shoe Dr. Martens 1-800-460-3885 (Note: This is the Doc Martens distributor for the USA, and so isn't specifically meant for consumers. They can, however, help direct you to local retailers.) Chippewa Major makers are often available down to 6.5 men's, which is good if that is your size, but they are still hard to find. If you wear a size 7 or larger, you are in luck because most men's shoes are manufactured starting at size 7 or 7.5. Shoes - Elevator Due to popular request, I've added this section. Richlee Shoe Company P.O. Box 3566 Frederick, MD 21705 Phone: 1-800-343-3810 Socks After you get those smaller shoes, you will need some smaller socks to go with them. In general, look for socks labeled as sock size 9-11 (standard men's socks are labeled sock size 10-13) if you have a smaller foot (7 or smaller) in boy's departments, at short shops, or through Short Sizes mail-order. Tired of too-big socks that bunch up? Read on. White athletic - Standard men's crew socks in Fruit of the Loom brand seem to fit better than men's socks of other brands, but you will still get some bunching of extra fabric after they are broken in (just not as bad as other brands). Definitely the value leader. If you want an ideal fit and don't mind paying extra for it, look for Gold Toe socks in the boy's department of Macy's. White socks in boy's departments in general are the bottom line of what to look for. Casual - Gold Toe socks from the Macy's boy's department available in dark colors. Sears has Casual Wear socks in their boy's department in a variety of light and dark colors (black, tan, rust, green) and are cheaper than Gold Toe. Dress - Gold Toe socks from the Macy's boy's department. I've seen dress socks in other boy's departments, but nothing that seemed to be of suitable quality. Shirts - Casual button For short sleeve shirts, you can simply look in a boy's department of a store with quality merchandise. If you are borderline between men's and boy's sizes, you will likely look for a Large (14-16) or XL (18-20). Because sleeve length is usually not an issue, you can concentrate on shopping for the style and quality you like. For long sleeve shirts, you will need to look in a quality boy's department. The sleeves are actually much more likely to fit in boy's sizes, as I have never found a shirt in a men's size where the sleeves truly fit. If you have a small neck and small chest and are borderline men's and boy's sizes, you might fit a 14-16, which has shorter sleeves (closer to 30"). The 18-20 shirts have sleeves that tend to be between 31-32". However, they are still usually shorter than men's long sleeves, so you will get a better fit in most cases. Levi's denim shirts, including their Dockers models, are good quality choices and can be found in Sears and Macy's. Keep in mind these will shrink. Shirts - Dress In general, you want to look for shirts in a trim fit to avoid excess fabric, unless you are heavier or larger than average. Boy's dress shirts just don't cut it for fit or quality. For getting shirts with 30 or 31" sleeves (down to 14.5" neck) right out the package, you can go with Trafalger Park. These are available from: Short Sizes - mail-order, and local short shops. Short Sizes also carries a shirt in these sleeves made by Individualized, as well as some Yves Saint Laurent shirts with a sleeve length of 30/31". You can find Arrow Brigade (trim fit) shirts at Sears. These will be like the Land's End shirts in that if you get long sleeves, you will need to have them shortened for sub-32" sleeves. If you are slim, these are the best choice outside of a short shop because the body, shoulders, and length are more appropriately sized for a short man than any other shirt I have have tried so far. New for 1997, Sears is now carrying several colors and styles of shirts in 30" sleeves in their own Stafford brand. I found the shoulder and body sizing acceptable, but they are longer than any other shirt Ihave tried so far. Luckily, shortening the shirt length is easier (and hidden in your pants) than shortening sleeve length. Paul Frederick sells a number of shirts in 30" and 31" sleeves. Apparently, they have a large selection of colors, stripes, checks, and other styles, as well as many collar and cuff styles. These shirts can be ordered direct via mail order. If you live where there is a Nordstrom, they have their own line of shirts (in fact, that is all they sell). You can get shirts with a 30" sleeve right out of the package if you want all-cotton and a "classic" fit (non-trim fit). Colors available: white, blue, cream. The shirts are certainly high quality, but are expensive and likely to be sized too large. For a much broader selection of fabrics, colors, and fits (trim for example) in a quality dress shirt at reasonable prices, you can order Land's End dress shirts in 32" sleeves (down to 14.5" neck) and then having the sleeves shortened locally (their Oxford shirts have the widest range of fits, colors/stripes, neck sizes, and fabric types). You will likely spend the same or even slightly less than buying the shirts that already have 30" sleeves, yet get a much wider selection. However, if you are slim, you will likely find the body and shoulders too generously cut. If you don't care about long sleeves or are looking for short sleeves or want to avoid the hassle of getting a shirt you like in sub-32" sleeves, you can simply shop for short-sleeve shirts by neck size. However, you will probably find that the body, shoulders, and length will still be too big. Try Arrow Brigade shirts or shirts from a short men's clothier. Jeans Levi's - The 501's (button fly) and 505 (zipper fly) are great for leaner short men and are available down to a 28 waist and 30 length in men's (although 29/30 is the smallest commonly available). If you need or prefer a jean with more room, try a 550 relaxed fit. If you need something smaller than men's, you can get student size boy's jeans (501, 505, 550) in 29/28, 28/28, and smaller if need be. 28 inseam boy's jeans can be hard to find for a 29 waist jean, however, so you may need to special order from JCPenney or look in the Macy's boy's department. Land's End - They have traditional (trimmer fit), relaxed, and loose fit. You can get waists as small as 28 inches. However, Consumer Reports says these jeans run big, so you may want to order the waist an inch smaller than normal. The true beauty of these jeans is that you can request any length inseam you want, down to the closest 1/2 inch! That would allow you to order, for example, a 28 waist (more like 29 inches), with a 26.5" inseam. Arizona Jean Company (JCPenney) - They make all their jeans down to size 28/30 (30/29 is also available in relaxed fit). Since this is a JCPenney brand, you can only buy or order these through JCPenney. However, if you have a 28" waist, this is a cheaper alternative to Levi's boy's jeans or Land's End jeans (although you can't get an inseam under 30 inches, unlike the other two). Wrangler - They make some good Rugged Wear jeans in men's sizes down to 29 waist, 30 inseam. Can be ordered from JCPenney and found at local retailers. Reference: Levi Strauss 1-800-USA-LEVI Land's End 1-800-356-4444 Wrangler Arizona Jean Company (JCPenney) 1-800-222-6161 Pants - Casual dress (appropriate for corporate casual) Hagger - These are available down to a 29 waist/30 length. If you need this smallest size, but cannot find them, special order through JCPenney. These pants have a significantly trimmer fit than the Dockers for exactly the same size. Good if you are on the leaner side. Available in plain or pleated front. Levi's Dockers - These are available down to 29 waist/30 length or 30 waist/28 length. While I like the design, construction, and style of standard Dockers pleated, I found they were on the large side, especially in the thigh. Probably good for bigger or heavier shorter men, or if you like them on the baggy side. You can find 29/30 Dockers at Macy's. JCPenney and other retailers usually only offer down to a 30/30. Reference: Levi Strauss 1-800-USA-LEVI Haggar Pants - Dress These can be obtained through: Short Sizes mail-order or a local short shop. You may find some small enough at some men's clothiers. In any case they will require hemming, as is common with dress pants anyways. Suits and sportcoats You can find suits and sportcoats in small sizes and short lengths through Short Sizes mail-order or a local short shop. Some men's clothiers also carry these sizes, but only certain ones do. Men's Warehouse (California) carries down to a size 35 sportcoat, and possibly a 34 in a suit. I recommend simply cracking open the yellow pages and calling men's clothing stores and asking what the smallest sizes they carry are. You are likely to find trying on suits and sportcoats at a local store more reliable than mail-order because of the variety in fits and personal preference. Belts As a general rule, you can always try the boy's department, but the belts there tend to be of lower and often questionable quality. 30 inch belts are somewhat difficult to find in men's, and 28 inch belts are non-existent. Quality casual and dress belts that are made in USA and are synthetic but look like leather can be purchased from: Aesop Since they are sold as unisex models, you can find them as small as 24 inches. Realistic sizes for small short men are commonly 28 or 30 inches, which are tough or impossible to find in stores. For another option in casual belts, look for Levi's belts in a boy's department. Sears seems to have a good selection, and you can also find them at Macy's. The Levi's boy's belts seem to be of quality thatis more comparable to adult belts, although still not quite as good. They have various styles in leather. For dress belts, I found a belt made by Bavelle (made in Taiwan) in a local short shop. It is a fully adjustable belt that doesn't use holes. Instead, it has a special buckle that engages in 1/4" increments on a plastic strip on the inside of the belt. More importantly, the buckle clamps on the end of the belt, so you can cut the belt to ANY length needed. It is a leather belt available in many buckle and belt styles. Another dress belt you can buy is Coach if you are willing to spend big bucks to get a very high quality leather belt. You can find them at Coach stores down to 28 inches and at Macy's down to 30 inches. You can also look for other belts of various brands that have a buckle that clamps down on or screws onto the end of a belt. That way you can remove the buckle, cut the belt to the length you need, and then reattach the buckle. These are the most practical solution if you wish to purchase your dress belt in a retail store. JCPenney and Tie Rack carries some, as well as various other department stores. Reference: Aesop 1-617-628-8030 (MA, USA) Levi Strauss 1-800-USA-LEVI Bavelle International 1-408-296-3881 (sales) or 1-408-296-4852 (fax) Coach Ties You can find short men's ties through Short Sizes mail-order or a local short shop. I have not yet come across a source of quality ties in a boy's department and the men's ties are always the standard too-long length. Let me know if you know of other sources. Clothing Sources Reference Short men mail order: Short Sizes 1-216-475-2515 or 1-216-475-7440 (fax) (OH, USA) Short men retail clothing stores: Note: More to come in the future. Let me know of a shop near you. California: Ken and Company Menswear, 5'9" & Under Valley Fair Shopping Center 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 2249 Santa Clara, CA 95050 Phone: 1-408-246-2177 The Short Shop 49 Kearny St. San Francisco, CA 94108-5503 Phone: 1-415-296-9744 Men's Ltd. Country Club Center 3364 El Camino (near Watt) Sacramento, CA 95821 Manager: Steven Sloan Phone: 1-916-489-9505 Big Tall and Short Men's Wear 12458 Oxnard St. North Hollywood, CA 91606-4510 Phone: 1-818-985-7273 Jimmy Aus Small and Short 131 N. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211-2206 Phone: 1-310-657-2700 Jockey Club Ltd Short Sizes 3940 S. Bristol St. Santa Ana, CA 92704-7451 Phone: 1-714-662-0449 Other states: Wallaby Station 1022 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 624-3882 Wallaby Station P.O Box 5649 730 Hastings Lane Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 1-800-4-Wallaby Napoleon's Closet 685 S. Adams Rd. Birmingham. MI 48009 (810) 642-5262 Short's Inc. 12420 73rd Ct. Largo, FL 34643-3046 Phone: 1-813-538-4835 Major brand special order/mail order: JCPenney 1-800-222-6161 (special order for pickup in local store or mail order) Specialty mail order: Aesop 1-617-628-8030 (MA, USA) - shoes and accessories Heartland Products 1-800-441-4692 or 1-515-332-3087 (IA, USA) - shoes and accessories Okun Bros Shoes 1-800-433-6344 or 1-616-342-1536 (MI, USA) - shoe mail order: Rockport, Dexter, Florsheim, Mephisto, New Balance, Carolina, etc Mail order clothes: Paul Frederick 1-800-247-1417 - men's clothing (good for small shirts) Land's End 1-800-356-4444 (24 hrs/day) - full-range of clothing L.L. Bean 1-800-441-5713 (order) or 1-800-221-4221 - casual and outdoor clothing/shoes J. Crew 1-800-562-0258 (order) or 1-800-932-0043 (customer relations) Clothing manufacturers: Levi Strauss 1-800-USA-LEVI Haggar Wrangler New Balance 1-800-622-1218 (customer service) Nike 1-800-344-NIKE Reebok Rockport 1-800-343-WALK Florsheim 1-800-843-7463 Vegetarian Shoes Doctor Marten's Van's shoes Mephisto Converse Carolina Shoe
	Much thanks to Piner@best.com for all his work in compiling this information. Please check out his Web site. He may have even more new information at this time. This was updated in January '97.
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