Alright, I know this is a bit off-topic, but I need some help here. I usually stick with Lucky Brand shirts—I love the material and the overall vibe—but the sleeves just keep stretching out on me. The problem is, if I size up, the rest of the shirt starts looking like a dress.
What are your go-to shirt brands that actually fit well? We all lift, so there's zero shame in rocking a "schmedium" to show it off. I just want something that hugs the arms but doesn't look like I'm wearing a blouse everywhere else.
Let me know what you guys are wearing. Thanks!
honestly man i had to ditch lucky brand for the same reason. the cotton just doesnt hold its shape once u stretch it out. i switched to True Classic or Fresh Clean Threads—they’re cut way better for guys with actual arms and the sleeves have some elastic in them so they dont sag after an hour.
lol i feel u on the "dress" look. if u want something a bit more premium, check out Vuori (the Strato Tech tee) or Rhone. they are super soft like lucky brand but they have that 4-way stretch so they hug the biceps and then taper down at the waist. bit more expensive but they look way classier than a gym shirt.
check out State and Liberty if ur looking for actual button-downs or polos. they’re literally designed for the "v-taper" so there’s tons of room in the shoulders/arms but the waist is tight. no more billowing fabric around the gut. finally a brand that gets it!
i’m a big fan of Barbell Apparel for this. they’re made specifically for lifters. their tees have that "schmedium" fit u mentioned where the sleeves are tight but the length is actually normal. plus they dont shrink into a crop top the first time u dry them
Gymshark has some "lifestyle" or "essential" lines that dont look like loud gym gear. they’re usually a cotton/elastane blend which is the secret for keeping the sleeve shape. just stay away from the 100% cotton stuff if ur worried about the stretching.
dude the lucky brand sleeve stretch is so real. i stopped buying them for that exact reason - they look great for like two washes and then the cuffs just give up. i switched to true classic or fresh clean threads. they're literally designed for the "lifting" build so the arms stay tight but it doesnt look like a tent around the waist.
honestly? just go to target and grab the "goodfellow" brand slim fits. they're cheap enough that if they do stretch you don't feel bad, but they actually hold their shape way better than the expensive stuff. i'm a large but i buy the mediums to let the gains show lol.
if u want to spend a little more check out cuts clothing. their "ao" curve hem is basically the gold standard for gym guys right now. pricey but they don't shrink and the sleeves stay hugged to your triceps all day long. plus they make u look like you've been hitting the gym harder than you actually have haha.
man i have the same problem with lucky. the material is soft but zero recovery in the fabric. i've been rocking the "athletic fit" from banana republic lately. they actually give you room in the chest/shoulders but taper down so you dont get that baggy "dress" look you're talking about.
nothing beats a plain old bella+canvas 3001c shirt from amazon or a wholesale site. they're like 8 bucks each and they have that "schmedium" fit perfect. just buy a few and see how they feel. plus if you accidentally ruin one at the gym or whatever who cares?
