Custom made shirts

When it comes to men’s fashion, a lot of people aren’t aware of the benefits of custom fitted shirts.  For those that are, they are often turned off by the price.  Unless you are the you’re fortunate enough to make a trip to Asia and line up a personal tailor for life, you’ll probably have to shell out $200-$500 per shirt just to spill morning coffee on it a week later.

So what are these benefits?  Well, custom fits are so comfortable and eye-pleasing you will hate having to ever buy off the rack again.  Also, because the you’re paying so much for the labor, the material is typically top notch as well.  A more formal guide to fabrics and fits can be read here.  While it’s usually a pain to be fitted for that first shirt, once your exact measurements are set, they will be saved on file by your tailor and you won’t need to be measured again.  Unless you go through a growth spurt or you decide to follow this trend.

The name is cooler than the shirt

But again, the problem comes back to the cost.  If money isn’t an issue, you may as well continue on reading here for the world’s best shirtmakers.  But for most of us it is, and even if we are lucky enough to have a friend visiting Asia that is willing to submit our measurements, and even if he finds a great trustworthy tailor in a no-name shop on a no-name street outside of Bangkok or Hong Kong or Hanoi, and even if this tailor is internet competent and has experience suiting world diplomats, he probably isn’t going to be up on the latest fashion styles.  If you’re an aspiring politician and you’re fine with solid blues and whites to match those red and navy ties, then you’re in luck.  But, if you recently spotted a cool new Patrik Ervell shirt and want to replicate that material and cut with a customized fit, you’re left with no options.

Stodgy old J Press

Unfortunately, for now, we’re left playing the guessing game that is buying men’s shirts.  Once you identify a few designers whose sizes consistently fit you well, you can start to build your wardrobe with the essentials, and venture when appropriate.  And, most importantly, you can start buying from them online without trying on the shirts first.  Too many times I’ve ordered a shirt that was great quality, a great deal, and a style I loved, only to have the sizing be slightly off.  Of course, having found a shirt with 3 of the 4 critical components right on, I was obliged to go right on wearing it.  And until that perfect option comes along, we’ll probably have to continue to settle.

[ht to friend NL]