Short guy needs clothes that fit.

• Where can a short guy buy clothes that fit? I'm 5 ft 6 and slim, and I can never seem to find clothes that fit me properly, even in small sizes. Everything winds up being too big on me, particularly shirts; the sleeves on short-sleeve shirts (whether polo, t-shirt, or button-down) go almost to my elbows instead of ending around my biceps or triceps, and when the shirts are untucked, they go halfway down my thighs. As for long-sleeve button-downs, the cuffs inevitably slip down past my wrists. It's very frustrating. Where can I buy clothes that will fit me properly -- for example (but not exclusively), short-sleeve buttons downs that look like http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=78232? I just ordered a few of those in small, which is the smallest size they have, and it turns out they're too big for me. But not just those types of shirts. Anything, really. If it helps, I'm in my late 30s, and I'm also gay -- which is only relevant because gay guys tend to dress a little more trimly than straight guys. But I don't need "fabulous" or flashy clothes or skinny jeans; I just want nice, neat clothes that fit me trimly, something smart and casual that I could maybe also wear to work. And I live in New York City, so it doesn't necessarily have to be from an online store. Oh -- and I'd rather not shop in the kids' department. Thanks.

• Answer:

  Hey Tin Man, just be glad you're not 5'4" -- it's even harder. First, a few words of validation: Yes, it's really hard to find smaller clothes. Size Small in most stores is way, way too large for people who are actually small. And stores are willing to have oodles of XXL shirts leftover without bothering to stock a single XS, ever (see my http://ask.metafilter.com/71268/Shopping-for-clothes-makes-me-wish-I-was-fat. And although you might maybe find something smaller in the boys' section, the styles are way less grownup and refined. brainmouse is on the money with the tailor suggestion, but tailoring is limited to some very basic alterations unless you're willing to pay far more than the cost of the garment (more on this later). First, you need to find clothes that are the closest to your size. Express sure looks nice, but you'll notice they don't carry XS shirts. Disqualified. Banana Republic is a more traditional, boxy cut. They have a few slimmer pieces, but you'll notice they don't carry XS in their stores so you can't even try them on to see if they are, in fact, small. Lame. You'll notice that in the Banana Republic stores they pin the shirts behind the mannequins to make their shirts look slimmer. Why they don't sell shirts made to look like that in the first place I cannot understand. So. Uniqlo - Great selection of XS shirts in all varieties. Look for the slim fit varieties. If I had to limit myself to one store forever, this would be it. Although I recall they lack pants in 28 waist. What is your waist size? Top Shop / Top Man - They carry pants down to 26" waist and shirts down to XXS! Amazing! Their styles never quite aligned with my taste, but I really appreciated that they offered them. Club Monaco - You'll need to hunt down the slim-fit varietals, but they carry shirts in XS and pants in 28 waist. Ben Sherman - Great looking XS shirts. Find the cut that you like. The SOHO fit is the slimmest. Gap - Mostly oversized, but I had great luck with shorts there a year ago so thought I'd mention it. H&M - Sizes at H&M are wildly inconsistent, but check out their XS "Fine Cotton Stretch" T-shirts. ZARA - The occasional small-enough dress shirt. ZARA gets more credit than deserved for small sizes, but they have the occasional find. Bonobos - Online pants-focused store. I seek out their slim-fit pants which are few and far between, but their stuff is slimmer than average. (Jeans) - You didn't mention problems finding slim pants, but just in case:Lucky, Seven andDiesel make slim fits in waist sizes down to 28. These are way overpriced, but if you want the fit... Tailoring As I mentioned, tailors can only fix certain things cost-effecvtively. Hemming pants is an obvious one. I found that http://www.dejavutailoring.com did what is called an Original Hem or California Hem: they sew the factory Jean hem back onto the shortened jeans so that you don't lose the worn hem. They also shorten dress shirt sleeves from the shoulders which allows you to maintain the placket and buttons at the appropriate wrist position. Many tailors will just attach the cuffs a few inches up, this is disappointing. Hope this helps!