As a fashion historian, I find this story fascinating! Now I am wondering when sizing systems for men’s shirts changed from neck-sleeve to S-M-L. There were similar changes in womenswear in the late 1980s.
At least in the U.S., men's dress shirts are still measured by neck and sleeve size. It's the regular t-shirts and other shirts that are listed as S-M-L.
The only 'graduation' we have here is at university level - we don't graduate from school - so it was really interesting to read about the system in the States. I remember seeing a picture of my American cousin's kindergarten graduation - all the tiny children were in academic gowns and mortarboards. Really cute!
Business shirts and dress shirts here have collar sizes rather than 'size' sizes. I agree that it's confusing!
I learn something new from you all the time. I thought everyone had a graduation from high school. The only graduation I had was from high school and college.
Oh America.... Thankfully I’m Australian, so no end-of-school photographs, no ‘dressing up’ for our annual photos, no attempt to turn school kids into grown men via shirt sizing! In Australia, ‘business shirts’ are sized by neck size but most other men’s shirts are S, M, L, XL, 2XL etc (as far as I know as a single woman who has only ever shopped for her father and brothers.). The whole process you’ve described sounds so disorganised and ... daft. I like the simplicity and honesty of Australian life. But always intriguing to hear how others do it, so thanks for the insight. All the best.
As a fashion historian, I find this story fascinating! Now I am wondering when sizing systems for men’s shirts changed from neck-sleeve to S-M-L. There were similar changes in womenswear in the late 1980s.
At least in the U.S., men's dress shirts are still measured by neck and sleeve size. It's the regular t-shirts and other shirts that are listed as S-M-L.
Loved this, Matt!
The only 'graduation' we have here is at university level - we don't graduate from school - so it was really interesting to read about the system in the States. I remember seeing a picture of my American cousin's kindergarten graduation - all the tiny children were in academic gowns and mortarboards. Really cute!
Business shirts and dress shirts here have collar sizes rather than 'size' sizes. I agree that it's confusing!
I learn something new from you all the time. I thought everyone had a graduation from high school. The only graduation I had was from high school and college.
Oh America.... Thankfully I’m Australian, so no end-of-school photographs, no ‘dressing up’ for our annual photos, no attempt to turn school kids into grown men via shirt sizing! In Australia, ‘business shirts’ are sized by neck size but most other men’s shirts are S, M, L, XL, 2XL etc (as far as I know as a single woman who has only ever shopped for her father and brothers.). The whole process you’ve described sounds so disorganised and ... daft. I like the simplicity and honesty of Australian life. But always intriguing to hear how others do it, so thanks for the insight. All the best.