I'll be a first-time visitor in Spring '05 to Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei. I'm not much interested in buying tourist knick-knacks, but I would be interested in buying myself menswear items e.g. sports shirts, slacks, etc. Are typical American mens sizes (Extra Large) available in SE Asia?

You are better off going to a tailor and having clothes made- find a good tailor and get at least 2 or 3 fittings over the course of several days.
Large sizes are hard to find in Asia.

Good quality tailor made clothing is a bargain in Asia. There are some excellent tailors who can make quality items in a couple of days for a price that is comparable to off the shelf prices in the west.

My favourite is the famous "Sams" in Hong Kong (burlington arcade)

Thank you, men. Good suggestions both!

Try on before you buy, what is marked as L, XL or even XXL can be too small for someone who normaly takes a Medium size. Some brands now state 'L Asian Size' on labels.

hey john, i went to cuny, molly(mollie) malone's pub still there?

i am a big guy...i have custom made stuff done in both hong kong and bangkok...in bangkok, i have been very pleased with jack at menet il sarto at the marriott resort and spa mini mall, 2nd floor....needs several days to do the work....have a couple of fittings or you will be disappointed....readi made stuff will all be too small for you except for some polo shirt knock-offs at about $3. each--cheap quality...and tons of ties, althought sometimes they are not long enough...i've had pants, suits, jackets, robes, and tons of shirts made...wools are not the best...

In Bangkok extra large sizes are available in some brands at Central Chitlom - they carry a good range of well priced mens wear. In S'pore check out British India which has a great range of mens clothes mainly linen at good prices and carry extra large sizes - they have an outlet in Takashimaya mall.

Once again, thanks fellows, for your thoughtful responses. Kuranosuke, which CUNY college did you attend? There are now 19 of them!

downtown nyc, bernard baruch(sp?) b school.