Below is an interview with the founder of the online clothing store called FOR the FIT. They cater to hard to fit sizes which means they do tall men’s clothing.
How, why, and when did you start FORtheFIT.com?
I was at the mall, shopping for my husband. We had been married just long enough that I felt comfortable giving his wardrobe an overhaul. I was also feeling pretty cocky, convinced my style sense was all that was missing in this Cinder’fella story. 5 hours later, exhausted and with my tail between my legs, I was able to face facts that his style choices had more to do with limited availability in his sizes than any lack of “style”. He’s 5’7”. I’d spent all day hearing “We don’t carry that size,” or “Just get it tailored.” (aka the “short tax”). I griped to my sister about my difficult day, turns out she knew all about my plight (her husband is 6’4” and slender- not much available for him either). That’s when the idea for FORtheFIT came about- an apparel company catering exclusively to hard to find sizes. We officially launched FORtheFIT in 2005.
How do you select / design the clothes that you sell?
I don’t dress celebrities for the red carpet or outfit actors for movie appearances- I dress real men, for real life. So while I do start each season with a glance at runway Fashion and expert predictions for men’s fashion trends, I spend most of my time observing guys out in the real world or chatting with customers- what are they actually wearing? What do they want to be wearing? How can we make clothes look great, but also feel comfortable and be practical enough for real life? Only when I feel like I have a handle on that, do I put pen to paper and start to sketch out the next seasons’ designs.
How can tall men ensure that they get a good fit when buying online?
Know your numbers and check size charts. Do not simply go by the size you usually buy (brands differ and tags often lie). The first step is to take your own measurements for chest, waist, sleeve length, inseam, etc. A soft measuring tape is your friend in this process. You can also check out our guide for how to take your own measurements (you might even be able to score a free tape measure on our site if you don’t have one already!). Once you know your actual body measurements, make sure the site you are using provides size charts for the items you are shopping for. Many sites offer “general” size charts that purport to apply to all items on the site, but unless they only carry one brand, you need more details than that. At FORtheFIT, we make sure to offer the information you need to select the right sizes for each item you are interested in.
What is your returns policy?
At FORtheFIT, we do everything we can to create the right sizes for our customers and provide them with the info to make sure they get the right fit when ordering, but as we like to say, everybody is different and one size most definitely cannot fit all. If you’re unhappy with the item you receive, you can process a return right through our site or using the form enclosed with each order. You have 30 days to get an item back to us for a refund (longer during the Holidays). Just a tip though- we know you’re excited, but please, please don’t remove tags until you are sure you are happy with the fit, color, etc- we can only take back items in new condition with all original tags attached and intact.
Do you ship internationally?
Absolutely- Australia, Belgium, Canada…South Africa – we ship all over the world. But, while we are constantly looking at options to simplify overseas shipping, due to high ship rates and customs complexities in many countries, we cannot accept returns on overseas orders. To help make sure you are happy with your order, please feel free to email us at CustomerService@FORtheFIT.com with any questions about products or sizing so we can help make sure your order is right the first time.
When are tall men going to get a decent winter jacket? I could sure use one!
As soon as they start shopping FORtheFIT.com! We already stock a few coats and jackets in Tall Men’s Sizes, S-2XL and sleeves from 36” to 40” lengths. But, Winter 2016 will see the arrival of many new styles in leather and wool.
What has been the most surprising or exciting thing about serving the Tall community?
The amazing feedback. As a short lady myself, even as I design and create the specs for the tall garments there is always a moment of doubt- is this real? Is someone really this tall? Then the emails pour in from men excited that they get to own real sweatpants for the first time in their lives, because we stock them long enough! We get tons of emails from Moms thrilled to pieces they’ve located the elusive size Small/Tall for their teenager (and MORE excited to know we carry all the way to 2X-Tall, since he’s STILL GROWING). It makes every day and all the effort very much worth it.
Chase Watkins