[Sean Longden]

My concern would be that a slim-fit summer polo is not going to be popular among the older/larger gentlemen (blokes like me).

[bluescaptain]

I'm quite large and I tend to stay away from clothes marked 'slim fit' 

[SJC]

The Oviatt are 1" waisted in, the summer ones are the same. Is 1" too much?

[bluescaptain]

That depends on if there is shrinkage after a couple of washes. If you got girth around your belly like me (I'm on xxl as it is) 1" would be the difference between wearing a nice fitting polo or looking like a piggy in a blanket, in that scenario. But on the other hand, that can very well be a good reason to loose some weight! 

[Sean Longden]

I wouldn't change anything from last year (apart from a more generous loop). They were popular, they sold well. Maybe offer two fits - normal and slim fit. The slim fit might also work better on the ladies. But by have the tapered cut does run the risk of losing some customers. You should be aiming for repeat customers from last year, so you don't want to risk losing some of them.

[metatron]

Btw for reference I bought the L summer polo last year, and to get my neck size in the winter polo I had to get the XXL, which still wasn't that baggy. I am not really a big guy, 41 inch chest, 16-16.5 inch neck.

[willyto]

Btw for reference I bought the L summer polo last year, and to get my neck size in the winter polo I had to get the XXL, which still wasn't that baggy. I am not really a big guy, 41 inch chest, 16-16.5 inch neck.

That's quite extreme difference in size. I guess we all like different fits but I went with the M in winter polos (Both Deco and Oviatt) and M in summer but summer M is more of a loose fit around the body, I was wearing the burgundy summer one today.

At first I bought the L in winter polos but they are too big on me and the sleeves way too long. I kept only the mustard that I had already washed but might shorten the sleeve.

[SJC]

Who mentioned slim fit? These are not slim fit. The disparity between a regular size 40 chest and waist is 5". These are 1". The only reason I've done this is because I'm following the Oviatt pattern. Sorry there seems to be some confusion: These are the "Oviatt Summer Polos".

The regular vintage polos are straight up and down, in the sides, same as winter ones, and they will be in cellular cotton. Which I'm making in rust, navy and cream.

[Nik]

I agree with Simon. The 1" drop (chest to waist) of the Oviatt style surely isn't detectable on a jersey fabric shirt, irrespective of built. For all practical purposes it's the same as a straight cut. If there are fit issues at the larger end it's more likely to be either a grading issue or a sizing issue, but not the cut itself.

[Sean Longden]

Nik, I would disagree: the more waisted cut of the 'Oviatt' has a definite difference in fit when compared to the current winter polo. If there wasn't a difference, there would be no point in having it. OK, the material stretches, but many people (particularly larger blokes) don't want a shirt to hug their body.

I am not against the idea of the summer 'Oviatt', but I also see a market for the new colours in the cut that was used for last summer's polo shirts.

On a secondary point: What cut are the short sleeves on the summer 'Oviatt'?

[SJC]

You are right Sean about last years polos v this years.  For me these are like a M2 versions of the summer polos with an extra button and 1" reduction in the waist. Ironically the Oviatt, something that I wasn't aware of last year when I made V1.  As far you are concern (and me for that matter) 1" won't hug y/our body because your chest 48" and this is much bigger around than your middle, it won't even get close.  I know what you are referring to as a vintage cut.  But the grade has a lot of tolerance so there isn't really anything that anyone will notice.  They also have a shorter spearpoint with a narrower spread.  The reason I have keep this slight waisting is simply for continuity with the Oviatt pattern and also many buyers last year told me they took their shirts in significantly more than 1" as there was too much stack around the middle for a summer shirt.  But as far as you and I are concerned it will just look a little more flattering.  



However for the cut you are referring to, the Cellular Cotton Polos have the same straight up and down cut as the winter polos and last year's summer polo, and with a collar stand so blokes who want to can wear a tie.    

Besides why aren't you around here sipping a GnT and helping me press these bloody flannels??

[Sean Longden]

Anyway, I think I am starting to understand the various versions of the summer polo!!! P.S. What collar are your having on the cellular cotton polo?

I'm not round yours because some of us have to go to work!!!! But - check your phone - I am free on Friday PM, so will be with you helping to sort stuff out.

[SJC]

Same shape and length as above but with a good collar stand.

[Sean Longden]

Good stuff!

[Nik]

Nik, I would disagree: the more waisted cut of the 'Oviatt' has a definite difference in fit when compared to the current winter polo. If there wasn't a difference, there would be no point in having it. OK, the material stretches, but many people (particularly larger blokes) don't want a shirt to hug their body.

Let's figure this one out over the weekend. I don't doubt that you feel the difference in fit. The question I'm asking myself is, couldn't this be due to a grading issue? If the 1" difference in the waist is an issue for the bigger blokes, then the real issue could be the chest measurement (grading for the XL/XXL sizes).