50 replies to this topic

[ump117]

I am just looking for some feedback on different brands of shirts... I have navy and red smitty shirts and am not a huge fan..the material is thick and traps body heat...good for fall baseball but not for may and june!

I also have black and powder blue from www.theofficialschoice.com , and the material is soft, and light.

I recently purchased the Dalco Pink shirt from ump-attire and am not a huge fan, but only because of the mesh it is made of, is almost see through. But sharp, none the less.

So the question is, Whats your favorite brand? What shirts do you find most comfortable?

[Umpire in Chief]

Okay I'm going to sound completely biased...

But my answer is the Ump-Attire Ultimate line of shirts. The material is absolutely the best. Lightweight, Breathable, not transparent and look really sharp.

Honest answer.

Smitty is my second favorite.

[gatoremt]

I use Cliff Keen. They are super thin and breathable material. I love them.

[D62 blue]

there is a local shirt brand , called "original blues" . it isnt currently available except through an umpire here in my area (orange county CA) . they were originally made by an umpire who started his own brand .after he passed away his family didnt want to continue . so another friend (umpire) of the family has taken over and plans to continue making the brand . i dont know how they would compare to some of the mass produced brands . i like them alot though . i also have several versions (different years) and colors of honigs shirts styles . and they have performed well so far .
marc

[p1timeblue]

Because I'm too lazy to iron, I prefer shirts that stay wrinkle-free and light, so that said, here is my opinion:

Dalco is my least favorite because I can never get wrinkles out.
Letrell shirts stay straight, but they are too thick for my comfort.
With Official's Choice, I can never match my partners.
Smitty shirts look great, but they are starting to come apart.
Honig's, so far, is durable, but doesn't stay tucked in.

My favorites are Teamwork and the new Majestics. Both aren't too thick, and never wrinkle after hanging!

[ukce1861]

I've tried three brands, Honig's, Ump-Attire and Smitty's. I have not tried the new Honig's style. My old style Honig's shirts are my favorite. The Ump-Attire and Smitty's shirts "pill" on the left side, presumably from my mask (Diamond Featherweight w/ Wilson wraparounds). Anybody else have this problem? Any ideas?

[Mike Prince]

I had to return the UA Ultimate I bought this year because of bad picks in the fabric after only 2 uses (also on the left side). I have a bunch of Smitty shirts and a couple of Dalcos, I've worn the Smitty's on 90+ degree humid days and have had no issues although the Dalcos are a bit cooler due to the thin mesh.

[Thunderheads]

I'm a Smitty's guy, ...but have a Majestic, and a Dalco also. I'd love to try the U-A shirt soon .....and by the way ....the new Honig's material is nice!

For price and 'ease-of-care' ....you just have to love the Smitty's....

[Umpete]

I would have to agree with Warren, the Ump-Attire Ulitmates are my favorite so far. If you're a Facebook Fan of Ump-Attire, Jim is running a special deal on them through Father's Day. 25% off makes them even more desirable.

[wek29]

I've heard the Ultimates run small, is that the case?

[Thunderheads]

I've heard the Ultimates run small, is that the case?

I just inquired .... they are set up to accommodate a chest protector, so, I'm assuming based on other measurements I've seen, you order your regular size for plate, and you can order a size down for bases. Not saying 1 shirt won't work either way, but that's how you'll see guys explain this ...

Smitty's runs small: A Smitty XL measures 24" across the chest w/ 17.5" shoulders, and an Ultimate measures 25.5 and 18.5 at the shoulders.

FOR ME: I get a 2xl in Smitty's and this will be perfect for plate, and just a tad big on bases. If I were to get an Ultimate, I'd order an XL based on the dimensions given.

[hckyosgood30]

I've tried almost every major brand out there, and what I always come back to is Honigs. Esspecially now that they have their "new" shirts. When on sale for $18 you can't beat them. Ultimates do run true to size however they have flex much like the new honigs, so I always wear size L on plate and bases so that I always look trim. But every shirt is cut in the sholders for plate. Just be careful I've had 2 split on me and have been resewed, after only a few uses.

[D62 blue]

I've heard the Ultimates run small, is that the case?

I just inquired .... they are set up to accommodate a chest protector, so, I'm assuming based on other measurements I've seen, you order your regular size for plate, and you can order a size down for bases. Not saying 1 shirt won't work either way, but that's how you'll see guys explain this ...

Smitty's runs small: A Smitty XL measures 24" across the chest w/ 17.5" shoulders, and an Ultimate measures 25.5 and 18.5 at the shoulders.

FOR ME: I get a 2xl in Smitty's and this will be perfect for plate, and just a tad big on bases. If I were to get an Ultimate, I'd order an XL based on the dimensions given.

what is youre ht and weight , im thinking of that fathers day offer form UA for shirts . i wear 2xl for plate and xl for bases in a honigs shirt .
marc

[Thunderheads]

I've heard the Ultimates run small, is that the case?

I just inquired .... they are set up to accommodate a chest protector, so, I'm assuming based on other measurements I've seen, you order your regular size for plate, and you can order a size down for bases. Not saying 1 shirt won't work either way, but that's how you'll see guys explain this ...

Smitty's runs small: A Smitty XL measures 24" across the chest w/ 17.5" shoulders, and an Ultimate measures 25.5 and 18.5 at the shoulders.

FOR ME: I get a 2xl in Smitty's and this will be perfect for plate, and just a tad big on bases. If I were to get an Ultimate, I'd order an XL based on the dimensions given.

what is youre ht and weight , im thinking of that fathers day offer form UA for shirts . i wear 2xl for plate and xl for bases in a honigs shirt .
marc

You have to be careful in ordering when comparing a Honig's shirt, because the Honigs' shirts (not the new 2011 version) had different sized lots throughout 2009 and 2010. Because I had a 2xl in Smitty's , and I ordered a 2xl from Honig's because I thought it'd be the same, and it was HUGE ...but I don't know how the new Honig's are sized.

I'm 5'11, 225 (46 regular suit) , ... 17.5" neck on a fitted shirt .... I regularly wear an XL.

I have 3 different brand shirts, Smitty, Dalco, and Majestic. Smitty is a 2xl for me, again, good for plate and only a tad big for bases. Majestic and Dalco however, I get an XL because they're sized or CPs. They are just a tad smaller than the 2xl Smitty, so a tad (very little) tighter w/ a CP but fit better on the bases than the Smitty.

Your best bet is this, ... go home and measure your shirts. Lay them flat on the ground and measure across the chest under the armpit. Then go from there. Again, ... Ultimate XL is 25.5, order accordingly ....for me, I'd get an XL in the Ultimate...

[zm1283]

I only have one Ultimate shirt. It's a black medium that I wear on the bases. It is really nice.

The Smitty is my other favorite. Large on the plate, medium on the bases. I am 6'1" and about 185.

The Dalcos fit funny (Not long enough tail and the sleeves are weird), and the material is stiff and it wrinkles.

The new Honigs shirt may be nice, but I didn't like the fit of the old ones. They weren't bad shirts, just didn't fit real well on me.

[p1timeblue]

The Ump-Attire and Smitty's shirts "pill" on the left side, presumably from my mask (Diamond Featherweight w/ Wilson wraparounds). Anybody else have this problem? Any ideas?

This happens to me. Diamond Silver Featherweight mask + Smitty shirts = pilling left sleeves.

I just noticed that I have two shirts of Letrell. The scarlet is thicker, feels like a dish sponge, and is very uncomfortable during a hot game. On the other hand, I regularly wear a black Letrell that is much thinner and has not pilled like the Smittys.

[Thunderheads]

The Ump-Attire and Smitty's shirts "pill" on the left side, presumably from my mask (Diamond Featherweight w/ Wilson wraparounds). Anybody else have this problem? Any ideas?

This happens to me. Diamond Silver Featherweight mask + Smitty shirts = pilling left sleeves.

I just noticed that I have two shirts of Letrell. The scarlet is thicker, feels like a dish sponge, and is very uncomfortable during a hot game. On the other hand, I regularly wear a black Letrell that is much thinner and has not pilled like the Smittys.

Rotate your mask from one arm to another so BOTH sides pill evenly and to a lesser degree!

[catsbackr]

Favorite shirts?

For summer, Official's Choice.

For college and high school, Honig's.

[noumpere]

For summer, Official's Choice.

Have you bought from them recently and if so any issues? I have some and need some more but I heard there were some problems so wanted to check it out before I buy

[sdix00]

Reposting this one in this thread as it is more appropriate.

Just my personal experience as I had to buy a lot of stuff this year.



I bought all these shirts in 2010 (except OfficialsChoice, GIVEN to me in 2011). I wear XXL in everyday shirts. All shirts below are XXL.

2010 Majestic shirt fits great and works over the CP just fine as well.

2010 Smitty will also work, BUT Smitty is 2" skinnier at the waist but is a stretchy shirt.

2010 Dalco shirt (Pink for breast cancer awareness) fit and is sized like Majestic and does not stretch much.

Bought the old material Honig shirt on Clearance in November 2010 and it was a bit tight and does not stretch. I have a partner who has to work a little harder to get the Clearance Honig's over his CP because it does not stretch.

2011 OfficialsChoice.com is garbage. I was given my District Tournament shirts last week, both OfficialsChoice and they are VERY tight and do NOT stretch. I have to trade them in for the next size this week. EDIT: received 2011 OC shirts and my Navy one does not stretch and my powder one DOES stretch. *facepalm*


By far, I am happiest with the Majestic. Smitty is comfortable, but grabs around the waist as it is a little smaller.

I keep meaning to try the U/A Ultimate, but I always find something else to spend the $30 on.

EDIT 8/16/2011:
I just bought the U/A Ultimate and everything that Thunderheads extrapolates and hckyosgood confirms is spot on. The material is great BUT it runs true to size (perhaps a little smaller and trimmer) and is significantly smaller than my Majestics (old style, not 2011 MLB style) and Dalcos.

Absolutely need to size up for the plate. It does stretch, but not nearly as much as a Smitty.

Also want to concur with zm1283 that Dalco's are stiff and they do hold wrinkles.


So, for me:
1. Majestic (Old style, not 2011 MLB style) - for their generous sizing, material, breathability and resistance to wrinkles. I assume the 2011 shirt is just as good, but I don't own it as none of my partners have it.
2. U/A Ultimate - for their material and look. Although I need to size up 1 for the bases and 1 or 2 for the plate
3. Dalco - for their generous sizing and color selection at U/A (Pink, Gray, White) (material is durable but holds wrinkles and is a little heavy)
4. Smitty - light material, very stretchy. Even though it is stretchy, I need to size up for the plate so I don't look like a wrapped sausage. I have seen issues with the buttons being loose or falling off.
∞. (That's infinity, folks.) Officials Choice. I do have a decent shirt, but I have 4 other shirts and a pair of pants that fit horribly everywhere and look terrible. For me, I just don't know what I might get from them.



EDIT: 9/1/2011
Here are some shirt sizing comparisons.

Bottom: 2010 Majestic XXL (Widest shirt in that size)
Top: 2010 Dalco XXL



Bottom: 2010 Majestic XXL (Widest shirt in that size)
Top: 2011 +POS (The tail on +POS is at least an inch longer than anything else I own and it has very broad shoulders - see further down)




Bottom: 2010 Majestic XXL (Widest shirt in that size)
Top: 2011 Honigs XXL (New material in 2011 and is stretchy, comfortable and higher quality than my 2010 shirt)





Bottom: 2011 Smitty XL
Top: 2011 Ump-Attire Ultimate XXL (Yes, the U/A Ultimate XXL is the exact same width as the Smitty XL)
U/A Ultimate is very light, just a bit shorter in the tail and narrower in the waist and is even a little narrower than most of my XXL t-shirts.
Definitely NOT sized up like the other brands.




Bottom four: 2011 Smitty XXL, 2011 Honigs XXL, 2010 Dalco XXL, 2010 Majestic XXL.
Top: 2011 +POS XXL.
Notice the shoulders are nearly a full inch broader. This goes for each side, so 2 inches broader.