Dress Shirts

[cbk1boral]

I wear Reebok shirts. Its very comfortable stylish yet simple.

[Baron Of Cats]

For the longest time my closet was filled with $300-$500 designer shirts picked up on end of season sales (or online discount sites) for an average of about $85 each. As with many expensive things (e.g. watches) the sticker price is for those who want to pay the sticker price, or who can't afford to wait and potentially miss out on the item. For the more patient and frugal shopper, deals abound. Everything from British tailoring like T&A, Thomas Pink, and Richard James to designer lines like Prada, Raf Simons, and Lanvin is available somewhere, sometime, at a great price.

I'm particularly partial to Lanvin because they fit me near-perfectly and flatter my body type. And to Prada stretch-cotton because they look great without ironing and can survive half-decades of trips through the tumble dryer and still come out looking fresh.

Recently, though, I made my first venture into bespoke shirts. $300 for a shirt that fits my slightly too-broad shoulders and too-thick neck while neither ballooning around the rest of my torso nor clinging like a sausage casing. Hallelujah I have seen the light! I've taken off the rack shirts to tailors for minor improvements before, but a truly bespoke shirt is a joy unto itself. The price, though, was mostly dictated by my insistence on visiting a local tailor for the full in-person consultation experience.

My friend Peter, who is a long thin fellow who also suffers from a not-quite-off-the-rack physique, swears by the services of a Bangkok-based bespoke tailor who crafts shirts for about $50 each. Not too shabby for a shirt patterned exactly from one's own body. Similarly-priced shirts can also be found at a variety of Hong Kong and Bangkok-based tailors with online presence. You send them your detailed measurements, and they send you the shirts.

Granted, both of these approaches are a bit "fussy" and require patience: either to wait for a deal, or wait for a tailor to do the work. Some might prefer the convenience of just walking into a nearby store and buying a Polo RL - they're well made and an American icon with good reason.

But it just goes to show: luxury can often fit within a tight budget.

[Famousname]

But it just goes to show: luxury can often fit within a tight budget.

It sure can. I call it "ebay". LOL. BTW, on the low, for those who were thinking of checking out Brooks Brothers, Land End dress shirts are secretly renown for make an equivalent shirt to BB for about $30-$40 less. I still wear mostly Brooks Bros because I can find them for the same price as the Lands End. I'm a guerrilla shopper.

[GeoffA]

I like the quality of Brooks Brothers, but even their Extra Slim cut has way too much material ballooning out around the waist. As far as fit goes, combined with price and quality, it's hard to beat Hugh & Crye; I just wish they had more of a selection.

[fiddletown]

I've been wearing Brooks Brothers for years. One can go on their website and under the "Men" tab find "Create Your Own Shirt." One can choose fabric, collar style, cuff style, fit, neck size and sleave length to the half inch, monogram if desired, etc. Not quite the same as bespoke, but closer than off-the-rack. And they have an excellent selection of fabrics for not too much money (plus some luxury fabrics for plenty).

[zgold922]

Anyone here have any experiennce with Charles Tyrwhitt? I'm thinking of giving them a try.

Charles Tyrwhitt for Men's Dress Shirts, Suits, Ties, Shoes & Accessories | CTShirts.com

[Famousname]

Anyone here have any experiennce with Charles Tyrwhitt? I'm thinking of giving them a try.

Charles Tyrwhitt for Men's Dress Shirts, Suits, Ties, Shoes & Accessories | CTShirts.com

I researched them after hearing excellent things. I was told to be sure to get their Sea Island cotton shirts.Somehow, I got of track and never did get one. I need to check them back out. I'm starting to think the British have had the whole "collar" game right over us Yanks the whole time. I think spread collar is the way of the foreseeable future.

[GeoffA]

Anyone here have any experiennce with Charles Tyrwhitt? I'm thinking of giving them a try.

Charles Tyrwhitt for Men's Dress Shirts, Suits, Ties, Shoes & Accessories | CTShirts.com

I've got several shirts and a tie due to arrive this week, I'll be sure to report back.

[GeoffA]

I researched them after hearing excellent things. I was told to be sure to get their Sea Island cotton shirts.Somehow, I got of track and never did get one. I need to check them back out. I'm starting to think the British have had the whole "collar" game right over us Yanks the whole time. I think spread collar is the way of the foreseeable future.

If you like spread collar, check out Hughe & Crye. I've been really happy withe their shirts and customer service.

[drewmcd24]

I bought a couple from Ledbury (Ledbury) recently that are very nice. Their slim-fit shirts fit me better than anything I can get at the mall.

Edit: PM me if any of you guys want a referral coupon. You and I will both get 25 bucks off our next orders.