Short Arms

Oct 4, 2009 by Chubs    2 Comments    Posted under: The Daily Grind

I’m leaving in 2 weeks! This was the shocking realization I got when I checked the calendar. I quickly scrambled to get a checklist of things to bring/prepare before I leave for Singapore on the 19th. The camera gear, bags, luggage, but more importantly the suit I’ll be wearing for the blog awards. I had to have one made!

I quickly pile into our family car and my mom wanted to go with me and see what I’ll be spending over 16k on. (yes she believes I do not have fashion skills. which admittedly I think I am somewhat deficient.) My pre-requisite for a suit was simple, just as long as it was black and it fit well, I was happy. Thus the lack of fashion skill. I initially wanted bobby of Styles I love to come with me, but due to his hectic schedule I thought it best to not bother him.

You see my body is somewhat unique. (Yes, lets go with unique) I have short arms. Shorter than normal. That is why when I find a short or suit or jacket that fits my shoulder with perfectly more often than not the sleeves end up being too long. I have short arms. I first noticed this deficiency when I tried to reach over my desk for fallen pencils or pens and I noticed I couldn’t back in grade school. I noticed my other classmates picking up pens and pencils with ease. I have stubby fingers too but that for another blog post.

The shortness of my arms was even more problematic when I couldn’t find a nice fitting suit or jacket for me. Thus my quest for the perfect shirt/jacket.

I finally ended this quest or rather journey of mine when I decided not to buy clothes of the rack. Sure I like the designs as well as the cloth but the fit just doesn’t cut it for me. I would take a mental image of the polo or shirt, and troop off to Kamuning to have it replicated. In a day and age where commercialism and rip-offs were as rampant as the real thing, a quick trip to GH will confirm this, I was wearing a Carlos Palma original. I didn’t care for the labels. Plus they were way cheaper and fit way better.

Variety of Choices

You see Kamuning is a best kept secret. People come here to have things altered or buy some cloth, but people rarely think about having clothes actually made. The selection of tailor/artisan is a careful selection and you must either get someone who has something previously made or try your luck and hope for the best.

Another key secret would be the selection of cloth. Buying cloth on a per meter or yard basis, you usually need 31/2 yards for a long sleeved polo shirt or 31/2 as well for denims. Be sure to be happy with the cloth you are picking in terms of color, pattern, and feel.

I had myself measured and adjustments already made to the clothes. It will take 1 week for the initial fitting and another few days for the final touches.

All in all, it cost me Php 4000 for the labor for the suit and inner shirt and it will cost me at least 3-4k for the material. Php 8k for a suit. But a suit well worth it. Blog awards here I come.

All kinds of Colors, Textures, and Materials

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