# How is a "fitted" t-shirt at the Gap different from a normal one? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 24, 2001, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340 "2001-03-24T19:53:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2001, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/1 "2001-03-24T19:53:23Z")
I was at the Gap in the mall today doing some clothes shopping. I noticed they seem to be selling a lot of stuff there nowadays that’s labeled as “fitted”. In particular, they have “fitted” t-shirts, and regular ones. “Fitted” are more expensive, of course. Being the unhip guy that I am, I have no idea what the difference is. Anyone have enlightenment? ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_Cool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecb155/32.png) [@Joe\_Cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Cool)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2001, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/2 "2001-03-24T20:17:03Z")
I _think_ that fitted means tapered at the waist (like an hourglass shape), as opposed to a more cylindrical (straight down sides) cut. I’m not positive though. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2001, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/3 "2001-03-24T20:23:32Z")
It means it costs $60 more than a regular t-shirt, which can be found at Wal-Mart. Three for five bucks. ---
**Author:** ![pluto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f08c70/32.png) [@pluto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pluto)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2001, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/4 "2001-03-24T21:09:37Z")
I just talked to Molly at the Gap and she told me that “the fitted are a little snugger”. Mrs. Pluto works at the Gap. (I was actually trying to call her but Molly answered the phone.) If you need more info I’ll ask her, if you like. I am of the “as long as it’s clean” school of fashion so I don’t see why you should pay more for a particular brand or style, but Mrs. P. can spot Gap clothes a mile away. I think the reason you would pay more is because there might be people who 1) can tell what kind of clothes you’re wearing, and 2) they care what kind of clothes you’re wearing and 3) you care that they care. Most of my acquaintances don’t fit any of these categories but I still wear Gap clothes because Mrs. P. gets them cheap. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/5 "2001-03-25T03:13:57Z")
Joe\_Cool is correct. If you a man or woman and have a relatively large chest and a narrow waist they look and fit better than the straight down type. You can also get “fitted” t shirts at most department store for the same price as regular T-shirts they are typically labeled “athletic” or “tapered” fit. “Gap shirts are different because they are 100% Egyptian combed cotton, enzyme washed for softness. Machine washable and made in the USA. Egyptian cotton is virtually indestructible and will last a lifetime; its softness will actually improve with use and washing. The fertile banks of the river Nile produce cotton commonly accepted as the worlds finest. To insure strong, lightweight, long lasting cotton, the threads are combed. Combing the cotton sorts out the short fibers from the long ones. The longer the fibers are the stronger the cotton fabric will be. We then weave the thread into fabric which results in a soft to the touch, light and durable material. The combination of combing and the special attributes of Egyptian cotton, result in cotton unsurpassed by none.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . Just kidding but it sounded good. They are “special” because the GAP spends gazillions of advertising dollars a year to tell you that they are. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/6 "2001-03-25T03:26:45Z")
Mini-Hijack: I am looking for a more open-necked (wider, if you please) t-shirt, but haven’t been able to find these except in Germany. American style t-shirts are invariably of the almost crew-necked variety and are a little snug for my taste as outerwear. I would also like to make the distinction between the t-shirt I am talking about and the so-called “boat-neck” shirts of the early 60’s. Don’t want anything **that** wide. If anyone knows where these might be had, I would appreciate the info. BTW, I _know_ these are available for ladies, but the one I bought in Germany was definitely a man’s style shirt. Thanks Quasi ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/7 "2001-03-25T03:39:50Z")
Also, check the fabric content of the “fitted” shirt. Often these will be a cotton/spandex blend, so that they are slightly more stretchy and retain the shape after being washed. Most regular fit t-shirts will be all cotton. After a while they begin to lose their shape. For a woman, often times the fitted shirt will be more of a slight hourglass shape, sometimes with a little shirring at the bust-it helps it accentuate her figure a little more. For a man, fitted shirts are simply going to be narrower at the waist and perhaps fit a little closer in the sleeves. **Quasimodem** I have no idea where you can find one of those. Especially since I can’t even picture it in my mind. You might check a sporting goods store such as the Sports Authority, but I can’t guarantee anything on that one. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/8 "2001-03-25T03:50:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Quasimodem \* > \*\*Mini-Hijack: I am looking for a more open-necked (wider, if you please) t-shirt, but haven’t been able to find these except in Germany. American style t-shirts are invariably of the almost crew-necked variety and are a little snug for my taste as outerwear. – > > Thanks > Quasi \*\* here [http://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Product/asp/product-id/17220.html](http://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Product/asp/product-id/17220.html) ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/9 "2001-03-25T04:36:56Z")
> [@](#): > > …a cotton/spandex blend… That should have read a cotton/ **lycra** blend. Spandex in a t-shirt? I knew I had to have messed something up when I hit the “submit” button. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2001, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-fitted-t-shirt-at-the-gap-different-from-a-normal-one/59340/10 "2001-03-25T07:14:46Z")
\*\*I have no idea where you can find one of those. Especially since I can’t even picture it in my mind. \*\* [/QUOTE] L: Just picture me taking a pair of scissors to the neck of a regular t-shirt and cutting the sewn-in collar off. all the way around. Make sense **now**? 😃