Sorry in advance for the poor photography (As well as the unfortunate color matching; I wanted to keep the pants continuous as a point of reference). UNIQLO's linen shirts this year are definitely better quality than last year's, but the sizing is a bit different. Last year's 100% linen shirts fit a size large off the rack, but would shrink to the proper size after being washed. This year's 100% linen shirts will not shrink in the wash (I've also put them on delicate dry with no shrinkage).
I took the financial hit and tested out shrinkage on their linen-cotton shirts today, and found that like last year's 100% linen shirts, they fit a size large off the rack, then shrink down to the proper sizing in the wash (wash settings were cold + delicate cycle, line dry). I'm 5'10, 150 lbs, 31" waist (true, non-vanity measurement), and a 38R, with a 15" neck, and usually wear a size M. For this, I went with a size S. The fit tightened up significantly, bringing in the chest to what feels and looks like a 36, the waist to around 32", and there was significant shrinkage in the length, which is all in line with standard size S measurements.. The fit afterwards is in line with UNIQLO's other button downs, if a tiny bit boxier and roomier.
Small additional observation: Abercrombie's garment dyed 100% linen shirts will not shrink in the wash. I've yet to machine dry it, but I put it through the same wash as the UNIQLO. The fabric (and subjectively, the cut, which is slimmer in the waist and overall, with a shorter tail that allows for better untucked wear) is also significantly better than UNIQLO's 100% linen. Unfortunately, I can't comment on A&F's linen-cotton blends.
TL;DR- This year's UNIQLO linen-cotton shirts will shrink to the proper size in the wash, 100% linen ones will not.
Submitted June 23, 2017 at 10:54PM by az0606 http://ift.tt/2s5ZaDW
