I know this is an odd topic, but hope someone can help.
I'm going to be in need of a couple "better then a t-shirt" shirts for an up-coming event.
I hate clothes shopping, and the nearest store would be 90 min drive anyway.
I tried a couple polo shirts from on-line stores. An xtra large fits my chest and shoulders fine. But in mexico or china or where ever they are made, they must have pipecleaner arms. They would cut the circulation off if I tried to wear them. I used to cut the sleeves lengthwise about halfway to my armpit, but my daughter told me no more of that look. Cant go to a 2 x as I have a short torso and a small waist. Trying to tuck in all the extra looks like I'm wearing a diaper.
Someone must make a short sleeved shirt with proper sleeve sizes dont they???

I agree that there is bound to be someone out there but I don't know who they are. I can relate to the hatred of shopping. A few years ago I stopped at a super Target store to get a bottle of white-out/ liquid paper. I went to the office supply bought it + started to leave the store. I was stopped by store security. He said you weren't in here very long. I told him I found what I wanted to buy it + was leaving. he just kinda chuckled + said, a woman would never do that.

Buy a sewing machine and have your way with the shirts.

True that. My mother in her retirement keeps herself busy sewing for people, alterations, etc. A little extra cash to supplement SS doesn't hurt + it keeps her doing something that she enjoys. If you were local I would introduce you; however, wherever you are there is bound to be some women doing the same service. You might check by enquiring at the local dry cleaners, they generally know all the alterations people.

I got a chuckle NC over your advise to check with local dry cleaners ...... There isn't one anywhere in this county!
There used to be a lady like your mom that did some custom work. She can't do it anymore. I expect my best bet is to ask around and see who might do some tailoring in other larger towns around.
Tom P, I am very handy, can build or repair most anything ...... cooking and sewing skills would be at the very bottom of my list!
Way back, they had a home-economics class in school. It covered those things, it, along with shop class are no longer offered. A shame I think.

Check out the polo shirts from Orvis. They are very generous in their sizes. I usually wear a XL in most brands but could probably wear a Large with the Orvis shirts. Very well made. The arm openings are much larger than others.

Outstanding RCG! I really appreciate the response.

I'm dead serious, go to salvation army store. Lots of cheap shirts,you never know what you might find.

hvrhunter, that is a great idea! I'm guessing a salvation army store is the same sort of thing as a thrift, or second hand store. Get the thought out there, and the ideas roll in from helpful people!
My daughter called last night, and was going to check the orvis shirts, I'll call and tell her to check your advice hvr. My kid had me double check chest, 46", bicep and neck both right at 17" and said she could make it work from there.
This made me think about when she left for college. Her goal was a school somewhere with sunshine more then 3 months a year. The other was far away from me and her Mom.
She chose Denver, and is now in nursing school there. Her mom wasn't thrilled, but I knew she needed to get away. I had trained her in Kali since she was 10 yrs old, and any other tricks to maim or cripple an attacker with anything at hand. I felt fine with her on her own. She took lots of pictures when she left and calls often.
She doesn't wear makeup, or dress flashy, but is a pretty girl, and very fit and athletic. I knew she would get hit on plenty in the big city, but felt she could take care of herself.
So anyway,she brought home her housemate and best friend last summer for a visit. When my daughter and her mom were gone doing something, the housemate, ( I forget her name, doesn't matter) stopped down to chat with me.
At one point, she asked if I knew Olivia's dating routine. I told her no.
She said on a first coffee date, she would show pictures of "home" The house, highschool, her mom... Then she would show the stone in the town green with my name with all the others who served, and tell the fellow, there's my dads name, he is a combat decorated army ranger. Then would come a picture of my walk-in gunvault, and tell about growing up hunting and shooting. Then a picture she wanted before she left, of me in one of the sleeve cut shirts with flexed biceps.
The friend laughed and said it weeded out any of the boys just hoping for a hookup, with just one coffee date. I would never know all this if it wasn't for the housemate, and I've never said anything to her. It does make me smile that she really does know how to take care of herself. I may not be needed, but she still calls on a regular basis.
If you have dragged on through the whole story,let me say our daughters are often way ahead of us dads.

The added bonus to shopping at the sally ann is that you are REALLY helping people.