Please Note: This page will remain for historical reference for
those interested, but has not been updated since 2000 and there are no
current plans to update it, though this could change in the future.
Many of the guidelines remain the same in terms or brands, etc, though
models will have changed.
Short men are paid little attention by most clothing manufacturers.
This site will help assist men under approx 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.
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.
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, and so 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.
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).
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.
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.
Major makers are sometimes available down to 6.5 men's, but 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.
Due to popular request, I've added this section.
Richlee Shoe Company
P.O. Box 3566
Frederick, MD 21705
Phone: 1-800-343-3810
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. You can also look for unisex socks in women's departments. Tired of too-big socks that bunch up? Read on.
Casual, white/natural or colored - The best socks I have found for my purposes are size 9-11 socks from Organic Threads [www.organicthreads.com]. They fit very nicely, are more comfortable than standard cotton socks, and support organic farming. Usually I get the 3-pack that includes natural, colorgrown green (no dye), and colorgrown brown (no dye). You can get them at your local natural food store, a chain like Whold Foods or Wild Oats, or check the online stores on the Organic Threads website. Another brand that provides good fit and quality is Gold Toe, sold in places like Macy's boy's department. Gold Toe socks are good if you need to buy some real polished socks for business versus the more casual Organic Threads socks. 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, though a little less refined. Standard men's crew socks in Fruit of the Loom brand seem to fit better than men's socks of other brands at an affordable price, but you will still get some bunching of extra fabric after they are broken in, so you probably want to limit yourself to these only if you are on a real budget. Socks in boy's departments in general or discount places like Target are of mediocre quality and fit.
Dress - Maggie's Organics makes some nice socks that look and feel like fine dress socks, but also contain some organic cotton. They are available in the same places as Organic Threads. Gold Toe socks from the Macy's boy's department makes another good choice. Most boy's dress socks are of inferior quality.
If you are willing to wade through the good and the bad, you should be able to find some boy's shirts that will work as long as you are not trying to button the collar up for a tie.
For short sleeve shirts, you can try a boy's department of a store with quality merchandise like Macy's. 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.
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, though often I have found their material to be to thin for my standards of durability. 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. However, these shirts are harder to find these days.
As of 1997, JCPenny carries several colors and styles of shirts in 30" sleeves in their own Stafford brand. I found the shoulder and body sizing acceptable (but like most shirts not made for short guys are still sized a bit big), but they are longer than any other shirt I have tried so far. Luckily, shortening the shirt length is easier than shortening sleeve length, but this shirt is still a compromise. If you are limited in budget however, this is a good choice, especially noting the durability of construction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find suits and sportcoats in small sizes and short lengths through Ken and Co shop in Silicon Valley or their mail-order service (limited selection, but can fit you over the phone), Short Sizes mail-order or a local short shop. Virtually no regular men's clothiers have the proper sizes to fit short men. 36 Short is the standard for the smallest size carried in regular men's stores or departments. If you don't have a short shop locally and don't feel comfortable buying mail order, I recommend simply cracking open the yellow pages and calling men's clothing stores and asking what the smallest sizes they carry are or having one custom tailored for you.
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 that is 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.
You can find short men's ties through Short Sizes mail-order or a local short shop. Even in a short shop, they had to shorten and narrow the one I purchased. 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.
Short Sizes [www.shortsizesinc.com] 1-216-475-2515 or 1-216-475-7440 (fax) (OH, USA)
Short Men's Apparel Association (SMAA): Supposed to have full list of short shops (approximately 20 members) but I don't yet have it, so the following is what people have helped report to me about. Let me know of a shop near you. Many stores will ship to you.
California:
Ken and Company Menswear, 5'9"
& Under [www.kenandco.com]
5132 Stevens Creek Blvd. (by Lawrence Expressway and Stevens Creek)
San Jose, CA 95129
Phone: 1-408-246-2177
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 Au's For Men 5'8" & Under
2168 Glendale Galleria
Glendale, CA 91210
Phone: 1-818-243-9898
Fax: 1-818-243-0117
Jockey Club Ltd Short Sizes
[www.shortmenssizes.com]
3940 S. Bristol St. #209
Santa Ana, CA 92704-7451
Phone: 1-714-662-0449
Other states:
Wallaby
Station
90 Madison
Seattle, WA
(206) 624-3882
Wallaby Station
P.O Box 5649
730 Hastings Lane
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
1-800-4-Wallaby
Napoleon's Closet (no website found)
685 S. Adams Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(810) 642-5262
Napolean's Tailor (no website found)
2719 South 108th Street
Milwaukee, WI
Phone: 414-327-1799
Short's Inc.
12420 73rd Ct.
Largo, FL 34643-3046
Phone: 1-813-538-4835
JCPenney 1-800-222-6161 (special order for pickup in local store or 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
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)
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
Vans
Mephisto
Converse
Carolina Shoe
Created and maintained by pinertech@NOJUNKmindspring.com
(remove capital letters to e-mail).
Last updated 2000-07-23