Last minute dress shirt maintenance

Reynolds 101 · #1 06-20-2008, 06:48 AM

Ok my band is wearing all black suits for this evening, and I had everything but a black dress shirt. I was trying it on in the store, and they only had a medium. It seemed a bit big, but I assumed that was the size of my other ones. I took it to be pressed right after I bought it and have to pick it up today. I looked in my closet and I have a brand of the same shirt, but its a small and fits me better.

If I get the shirt today and its a bit too big, is there any way I can shorten the sleeves w/o having to go get it tailored? Anything I can do myself?

Mon Rominee · #2 06-20-2008, 06:54 AM

what, to make it short-sleeve, or because the arms of the shirt are too long for your actual arms?

If it's the former, cut the sleeves at the elbow and do the gig and then get it tailored...

if it's the latter, pull a "Bobby Brady" and hang by your arms on some monkey bars until they stretch...just think: 1st position won't be much of a stretch anymore.

Or, buy a tailored shirt.

Reynolds 101 · #3 06-20-2008, 07:05 AM

Well the whole thing is a little big, because its a medium and I wear a small.
I cant get anything done to it at the cleaners or get it tailored because we have to leave at about 3:45 today.

heroincredible · #4 06-20-2008, 07:19 AM

Not exactly sure how to explain this...and if you're wearing a suit jacket all night then it'll work out.

Have your sleeve completely straight. At the elbow, or just above the elbow, pull it back an inch, so that it 'folds' over. Use a safety pin to hold it in place, or if you have adequate skills with a needle you can use that. If thats not clear enough, I'll see if I can take a picture of how I do it.

Reynolds 101 · #5 06-20-2008, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heroincredible

Not exactly sure how to explain this...and if you're wearing a suit jacket all night then it'll work out.

Have your sleeve completely straight. At the elbow, or just above the elbow, pull it back an inch, so that it 'folds' over. Use a safety pin to hold it in place, or if you have adequate skills with a needle you can use that. If thats not clear enough, I'll see if I can take a picture of how I do it.

Thats a good idea. I was also thinking of putting rubber bands around my upper arm to shorten them a bit, then Im wearing a jacket all evening so it should be fine. Both seem like good ideas for a quick fix which is what I need.