Sized Up is our weekly feature that’ll help you find clothing in your size in cities around the world. You won’t see the same old mall stores here – we focus on smaller, custom shops and boutiques that are off the beaten path. This week, we venture to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You might be surprised to find that Milwaukee has a variety of interesting stores that offer clothing in extended sizes. In my research for this article, I found shops that run the spectrum from high quality menswear to urban fashion, to laid back tees and jeans. If you live in the area and you want to build a diverse wardrobe, you should be able to do so by visiting the stores listed below. As always, if there’s something we missed that you think needs to be on the list, let us know in the comments.
Harleys has been providing high quality menswear to gents in the Milwaukee area since 1948, so you can stand assured they know what they’re doing. You’ll find brands such as J Lindeberg, Cole Haan, and Citizens of Humanity in the store and ready for purchase. If you’re looking for a suit, the Harleys Made to Measure department employs specialists that will help you get the perfect fit no matter what your build.
You’ll regularly find sizes to 54 in ready-made suits, 2XL in shirts, and at least 44 in waist with the option to order larger sizes in pants. Harleys is certainly worth a look if you’re in town.
3565 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211. 888-797-SUIT www.harleys4men.com
The Brass Rooster is one of those places that even guys (like me) who don’t like to spend a lot of time shopping could get lost in for a few hours. Specializing in “The finest men’s hats in a wide variety of styles, from historic to contemporary,” they’ll set you up with a quality hat that will last you years. You can’t buy a hat from The Brass Rooster online; they want you to visit the store to ensure the right fit the first time. After looking at the photos of their store, I’d say it’s worth making the trip.
2479 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207. 414-988-5222 www.brassrooster.com
Envisions Milwaukee offers urban lifestyle gear from brands like Marc Ecko, LRG, Crooks & Castles, Rocawear, and Akademiks. While they don’t have a website of their own, they offer updates on sales, inventory, and events through the Envisions Milwaukee Facebook Page.
Sizes available run to 3XL in tops and 40 waist. From time to time, you’ll find pants in larger sizes, but 40 is the norm for Envisions. They also offer accessories such as watches, hats, shoes, and bags, so you’ll be able to put together an entire look with the items you buy there.
1328 S. Cesar E Chavez Dr., Milwaukee WI. 53204. 414-672-0711 www.facebook.com/envisions.milwaukee
Here are a few other places to take a look at when you’re in Milwaukee. Some of them have extended sizes, and some of them are places to visit for accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
Frieschskys: Specializing in designer clothing, Frieschskys has a wide variety of clothing to choose from in sizes to 44 waist and 4XL shirt (though you’ll find more 3XL and 2XL, according to a Frieschskys rep). They’re a little different in that you won’t find the traditional brick and mortar store setup. Most of Frieschskys business is done online, but if you see something you like or you want more personal attention, you can visit their company headquarters to browse their inventory. 788 N Jefferson St, Suite 700, Milwaukee, WI 53202. 414-559-7243 www.frieschskys.com
Luv Unlimited: New, vintage & handmade clothing, accessories and jewelry for men and women. They also sell records, which gets any store extra points in my book. There’s more inventory in store than there is on the site, so a visit there will help you find what you’re looking for. Sizes to XL for certain, and possibly larger on a case by case basis. 2649 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. 414-744-2540 www.luvunlimited.com
Milwaukee skyline photo by Towpilot. Miller Brewing Company photo by Splauch1
