Size Chart and Shirt Care

 

Chest size is used to determine the label size. In other words, in the item descriptions chest size may be given as the width in inches from armpit to armpit (where the hem on the sides of the shirt meet the underside sleeve hem) with the shirt lying on a flat surface, times 2 to give the overall chest circumference. If the width is 24" armpit to armpit, then 2 X 24" = 48" which is a large.

It must be noted that there is often going to be "overlap" in sizes; often chest size for a particular size shirt may vary plus or minus 1" and more. This is normal depending on the brand. I've found that most people like to wear their aloha shirts loosely, without being tucked into shorts or trousers. Yet others may prefer their shirts to fit more snuggly or tuck them into their shorts or trousers. It's a matter of personal preference.

Shirt length is measured from the bottom of the collar to the bottom of the hem. Shoulder distance is measured from the shoulder/sleeve hems. Obviously, shirt length and shoulder distance are more important if one is either above or below average stature. Nowadays, in my opinion, the average height of an American male adult is about 6' plus or minus an inch.

Actual shirt sizes may vary from one manufacturer to another and may be dependent on type of material, quality of material, and weave.

Shirt care is important; always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Of course, dry cleaning is the way to go for cleaning but is costly and often not necessary. In general, I have found that most shirts may be safely washed on cold, delicate cycle with Woolite or comparable gentle detergent. Rinse cold. For cottons or cotton blends, drying on the permanent press cycle with a sheet or two of Bounce or similar fabric softener will yield wrinkle-free, shrinkage-free shirts .

For rayon or silk shirts I would recommend dry cleaning. However I follow the above washing directions, except that I hang-dry these shirts to prevent shrinkage. Pressing or ironing at low temperature settings is then usually needed. I have found that certain brands no matter what material they are made of should by hang-dried or dry-cleaned; i.e., Paradise Found…never dry these shirts in a dryer.

What kind of hanger(s) should I use? I use wire, rubber-coated hangers but have found that rayon and silk shirts may become distorted or "stretched-out" in the shoulder area due to the weight of the shirt and the nature of the material. This usually only occurs over a longer period of time of storage, say from one summer to the next. For hanging rayon or silk aloha shirts, I would recommend using fabric covered or wooden hangers. Folding is also an excellent alternative for storing.