Abbreviated Apparel Review: Modest Men’s Sartorial Savior?
Updated on December 13, 2024 by Karlton Miko Tyack
Shorter gents, rejoice. Abbreviated Apparel is a clothing line that doesn’t use a 6’2” model as their size Medium template. Is it right for you, though?
I was 5’7” by the time I was 11. I thought I’d go on to play rugby second row in high school and college. By sophomore year, I hadn’t grown a centimeter. When I once stood in the back row for class pictures, I was now in the front. I quit rugby and became an equestrian. And as I got older, I started tailoring every single item of clothing I owned. Or, I’d wear boys-section button-ups with overly short sleeves — I survived; short fits were a cornerstone of 2000s men’s fashion.
Abbreviated Apparel was developed as a solution to this inconvenience. They’re a style brand that caters to shorter men. I’m taking this to mean that their brand promise is that I won’t have to customize garments that men closer to the six-foot range don’t have to. Yes, I tailor my suits no matter how well they initially fit, and you should, too. I’m not Mark Zuckerberg, though. I don’t need/want all of my casual t-shirts to be custom-made.
I’ve been wearing Abbreviated Apparel clothing for the past month. Here’s everything you need to know.
- Table of Contents
- Abbreviated: Overall Thoughts
- Abbreviated Apparel Hands-On Review, About the Brand
- Relaxed Button-Down Shirt
- Chore Coat
- The Pants
- Flannel Shirt
- Heavyweight Tee
- Relaxed-Fit Hoodie and Sweatpants
- Conclusion: So Many Options (And Read the Product Descriptions)
- Abbreviated: Overall Thoughts
The brand kindly sent me the following items:
- Relaxed Button-Down Shirt, XS
- Chore Coat, XS
- Slim Fit Chino Pant, 28 x 25
- Slim Fit Jeans, 28 x 25
- Flannel Shirt, XS
- Heavyweight Tee, XS
- Relaxed Fit Hoodie, XS
- Sweatpants, XS
I’ve broken down the Pros into the two most important qualities, and then I move on to the cons.
Let’s start with the most vital part — fit. I may be an optimistic guy, but I’m also an honest guy. Also, my British side prevents me from making exaggerated and overly expressive statements. But, Abbreviated did it. Cue fireworks.
Pro: Fit
They 105% deliver; these pieces fit short guys beautifully. Moreover, average men six feet or under can shop Abbreviated too. Just keep in mind that if you’re 5’11”, you aren’t a size medium. Do any millennials remember that time Lisa Simpson got an A+++, bringing Springfield Elementary up to the state’s minimum standard? That’s what Abbreviated did, but with clothing sizes for the industry. And they didn’t cheat.
Pro: Quality and Style
The quality is good for the price—great, even. I’ve no complaints. I’ve seen clothing at higher price points that don’t even align its fabric patterns. In fact, at Abbreviated’s prices, inattention to details like that wouldn’t even offend me. And yet, the brand clearly has a good working relationship with its manufacturing partners.
These clothes certainly punch above their price points. They balance trend-resistant classicism with style relevance (more on that when I get to the specifics).
Cons
I’m not sure everyone will consider the slim pants actually slim. This isn’t a sizing issue, but it acknowledges that different brands have different standards for labels like slim or regular. I personally love the fit, but I’ll dig more into that when I get to the item details.
I wish information on the manufacturing of it all were easier to find. Some tags mention they’re made in China, others don’t.
However, personally, I do trust Abbreviated’s practices based on the quality of the pieces, the fact the founder, Mike Monnette, is a menswear vet, and admittedly, based on pure vibes. I mean, come on, the blog is called “Short Stories.” If this brand were a person, I’d want to grab a beer with him. Plus, on that very blog, Monnette goes on to expose industry shortcuts; I couldn’t imagine his brand would take the same shortcuts he’s calling out.
And finally, I’d love more things I can wear to work. I’m in one of the few industries left that still requires a full suit and tie, so I’ll mainly get to enjoy these fantastic clothes on the weekends. Fortunately, most of you likely don’t work at a 280-year-old art auction house on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This is a me issue.
Abbreviated Apparel Hands-On Review, About the Brand
Abbreviated was founded as recently as 2023 by style industry vet Mike Monnette. For a decade prior, Monnette ran several big-name menswear departments. As a statistically average-height man, Monnette was frustrated with the height bias among most major brands.
And for us short gents who have long suspected that the fashion industry is avoiding us? We can take those tinfoil hats off. Monnette saw first-hand that this was indeed happening. He left his corporate job in menswear and started Abbreviated as an answer to this.
Let’s get to the clothes.
Relaxed Button-Down Shirt
I requested the Abbreviated Button-Down Shirt in sage green, size XS. It’s also available in a cream and blue colorway.
The first thing that pleasantly surprised me about this shirt is its stretch. It looks and feels like a traditional, strongly woven button-down. Still, that flexibility came in handy for me when an impromptu flag football game arose at a picnic.
Moreover, you can wear this breathable Oxford fabric all year long. At the time of this writing, it’s autumn. I love wearing it with a chore coat or pullover. I’ve even worn it on casual Fridays at work.
I very much enjoy this sage hue. I’ve ordered sage shirts online that sometimes arrive looking more like a pastel mint. I’m into pastels, but the color they achieve here is far more versatile. You can wear it with salmon shorts in the spring or earth tones in colder seasons.
The construction is solid. There were a few inconsequential loose threads, but I honestly couldn’t care less. It’s a sub-$50 shirt that Abbreviated built like a $100 one.
Relaxed Button-Down Shirt: Sizing
Abbreviated Apparel Relaxed Button-Down Shirt
This was the first item I tried. It didn’t fit me perfectly; it’s more slim than relaxed, but here’s why I’m thrilled about that. I’ve worn XS shirts my entire adult life, many of which were still too long or too big. So, I ordered this shirt in a size XS.
Again, I’m 5’7”, which is on the taller side of below-average. What size do the many men shorter than me have? Abbreviated basically created this perfect world where I’m a size S, maybe even an M. The model wearing a medium on the website is 5’8”. This is how it should be.
Though Mike Monnette kindly offered to let me switch out anything that didn’t fit, I’m keeping this. I know Abbreviated designed the shirt to be relaxed, but the unintentionally slim fit lets me wear it to work. I may just order another one for the weekends.
Admittedly, I knee-jerked-ordered an XS without checking the super helpful details on the product page. Each size is broken down by chest, body, and arm length, so you don’t have to make the same happy mistake I did.
Abbreviated Apparel Chore Coat
The chore coat might be my favorite piece I received. I requested it in an XS, in the natural colorway, which is a cream-like hue. There’s also a charcoal option.
It’s a classic design with a boxy silhouette and a three-pocket front. The silver-toned buttons are solid but not heavy, adding a touch of class. The undyed fabric has an almost art canvas aesthetic. Would it be too on the nose to wear it with Helmut Lang’s 2020 paint-splattered jeans? Maybe, but it would certainly look intentional.
The point I’m making is that you can style this jacket as you would any chore coat. However, Abbreviated seems to have subtly upped the versatility factor.
I actually think that with its cream shade, this coat could add some weight to a resort-chic linen look. The rounded bottom placket also adds a bit of charming visual softness. This jacket can hold its own in a classy but sporty English countryside combination.
On the practical front, the cotton canvas is certainly as durable as a chore coat should be. It also has six pockets, including a pen pocket, which is a clear “you’re welcome” to us EDC heads.
Chore Coat: Sizing
Through this chore coat, I discovered something fantastic about Abbreviated’s sizing. The brand doesn’t just accommodate shorter men; it gives us options.
Again, I ordered an XS. I typically prefer an oversized fit when it comes to a chore coat. Plus, it’s more traditional for a chore coat to be less close to the body and more boxy. However, I already have two chore coats, and I wanted to give this one a different assignment.
The XS fits me flatteringly and looks great over my work suit. It’s still as boxy as a classic chore coat but just a little sleeker. I also could’ve gone for a small if I wanted a more traditional fit or a medium if I wanted the oversized fit I usually prefer.
The Pants
I’ve consolidated the Slim Fit Chinos and the Slim Fit Jeans because I have the same notes regarding the sizing. Of course, I’ll give each their own time in the spotlight when it comes to build and style.
I requested both in their smallest size: a 28 waist and a 25 inseam.
Let’s start with the chinos, then move on to the jeans.
Abbreviated Apparel Slim Fit Chino Pant
These are excellent chinos. I requested them in khaki, but they also come in charcoal. They’re midweight, well-made, and adaptable from a style perspective. The horn-style buttons are a nice detail, too; they’re very sophisticated.
There’s also a bit of stretch in there. It isn’t so much that it feels like a hybrid pant, though. I’m confident the chinos won’t lose their shape. They’re just more comfortable.
I earlier mentioned that some of you might not consider this a slim. First off, regardless of how you like the fit, I think they’re universally flattering, even if you have super skinny legs. I’ve just noticed that shorter men with thin legs tend to wear extra slims, just a touch over skinny. This is happening less now that skinny pants have gone out of trend, but I wanted to point that out.
Moreover, the shorter inseam of these pants will make your legs look longer.
Personally, I think the slimness is perfect for chinos.
Abbreviated Apparel Slim Fit Jeans
These jeans come in a black or dark wash, a classic dark blue jeans color. I requested the latter.
Like the chinos, they have excellent structure and top-notch stitching. I pulled hard on the belt loops, which is a test I subject jeans to when I’m reviewing them. I very literally tried to pull them off and even wore gloves so I wouldn’t chafe. They’re Superman-strong.
The front button is the same silver-toned button as the ones on the chore coat, with darker hardware throughout. The gold stitching is snazzy and gives it a high-end look.
You can incorporate these jeans into an Americana or streetwear look. Moreover, they’re the kind of jeans you can wear with a ripped T-shirt or a suit jacket.
Slim Fit Chino and Jeans: Sizing
Holy cow, Abbreviated offers a lot of pant sizing. Their consideration could bring a tear to your eye. If you’re a short guy, you’ll find your size here, don’t you worry.
My issue, again, is that I didn’t read. It’s totally my fault. I just picked the shortest, smallest ones available. The waist was perfect, but I’m definitely not a 25-inch inseam. Actually, the model on the Chinos product page is exactly my height and is wearing a 28-inch inseam, so I should’ve known better (or, again, I should just read the product page).
That being the case, I wore the chinos cuffed and showed off my socks, and I thought I looked pretty cool.
Although my inability to pay attention is a loss for me, it’s a win for Abbreviated — another example of them overdelivering on their brand promise.
Abbreviated Apparel Flannel Shirt
This flannel comes in orange plaid and navy plaid, which is the one I ordered. Between the size options and the proportions, I’m going to make a bold statement and say this is the best flannel shirt on the market for short men.
The brand made this shirt with 310 GSM cotton flannel, which I find is the perfect weight for a flannel. It’s still breathable, so you won’t feel like taking it off indoors, and the heating is on.
Style-wise, this shirt is what I like to call classic but distinct. It’s standard and, therefore, versatile, but not boring. It’ll never go out of style but always look relevant.
The plaid is really compelling. It’s faded, but with the color dynamics, also still quite defined. The result is a handsome gradient that could slot in easily with the rest of your plaid shirts.
Spoiler alert: I ordered a size smaller than I should have, but it worked out for me (again).
Flannel Shirt: Sizing
Abbreviated Apparel Flannel Shirt
Like everything else, I likely would’ve had a more classic fit with a small instead of an XS. I also would’ve had a more classically relaxed fit with a medium based on the very helpful, detailed, and easy-to-read sizing guide I simply didn’t read.
So yes, this flannel is perfectly sized like all the other clothes.
However, this worked out for me because, to be honest, I’m not a big flannel guy. I love the look, but there’s never really any time for me to wear one over, say, a button-down and cashmere pullover.
Since this fits me a bit like a slim button-down, I can style it like a thick, winter-time button-down or wear it as an open outer layer.
Abbreviated Apparel Heavyweight Tee
The heavyweight tee is a traditional crewneck, available in black, white, ocean blue, and dark gray. It boasts an impressive composition, including well-finished sleeve hems with two lines of stitching and a durable bound collar.
These fortifications not only make the shirt fit and drape well but also give it a bit of unstuffy formality. I mean, how formal can a T-shirt be?
It’s definitely one of the best shirts I’ve ever worn.
Heavyweight Tee: Sizing
Like the chore coat, short guys have some excellent options no matter their size. Technically, for a regular fit, I’d go for a small or even a medium if I want a more on-trend, relaxed-but-clean-lined silhouette.
However, since I’m so slender, the XS actually fits me quite beautifully. I’m also sure it would fit men much shorter than me. Again, the lines are clean, and the drape is strong.
Relaxed-Fit Hoodie and Sweatpants
I’m going over these two together because they’re clearly a set. The hoodie and sweatpants are available in black and heather gray. Additionally, the hoodie is available in an attractive marina blue. I received the heather gray for both pieces.
I love sweats that are comfortable enough to literally sleep in but are well-designed enough that I can wear them running or to the gym. These are that. I might be wearing them as I type this sentence. I may also have been wearing them an hour prior when I went for a coffee run.
The cinched hems add a handsome structure. If you look at the front part of the hood that sits below your throat where each side meets, you’ll notice the right side of the fabric sits on top of the other. This is a minor detail. However, it helps keep the hood on your head while providing style.
Oh, and neither the sweatpants nor the hoodie shrank after I washed them for the first time.
Relaxed Fit Hoodie and Sweatpants: Sizing
Like the Heavyweight Tee, the XS hoodie fits me well as a skinny 5’7” guy and will fit nicely on men much shorter, too. A small would be more of a classic hoodie fit on me, but I can wear this XS under a blazer. Since the aughts are coming back, I’m sure that combo will too. And now I’m prepared.
I definitely needed a size S for the sweatpants. I like a little ankle exposure with cinched-hem sweatpants, so when I’m standing, the XS looks perfect. When I sit, it exposes that it’s a touch too small. I could probably wear a medium if I wanted an extra relaxed look, too.
Again, these sweats deliver on the fit front.
Conclusion: So Many Options (And Read the Product Descriptions)
I’ve already mentioned this, but Abbreviated Apparel delivers hard on its brand promise. It’s rare even for sublines that focus on shorter men to acknowledge gents all the way down to the 5’2” range. And sure, you can say, “Well, once he’s that short, just go to the boy’s section.” And to that, I say, grown men, even the shortest ones, have different proportions. Abbreviated acknowledges this.
At Abbreviated, I, someone who has only ever fit into XS sizes, am closer to an S or even an M, depending on my fit preference. That’s another thing — we have options here.
The styles are great, and the quality is excellent.
Just don’t do what I did and forgo reading the fit descriptions. They’re easy, quick, and helpful. All that to say, despite my oversight, most of my clothes fit perfectly, and the rest are workable.