Charles Tyrwhitt vs. Brooks Brothers - Page 2

+1.  This is dead on analysis.  CT has a much better variety, but I agree that the quality of the fabric in BB shirts is better.  Their non-irons just have a nicer heft to them and don't actually require ironing, unlike the CT's, which do.  That said, I'd ideally have an even split of both.  I REALLY value having more unique (in the states, at least) collar and cuff choices (Windsor, spread, etc.) a lot, and BB just doesn't have anything near what CT does in that department. 
 

 

I don't know much about traditional British fits, but American "traditional fits" are pretty much potato sacks.  And I don't think it's always been that way.  I hate to say the obvious, but it's probably reflective of American belly sizes - the data make it pretty clear that our waistlines are growing quickly, and as a tall skinny guy, it certainly feels like American shirt makers are keeping this trend in mind. 
 

 

I own both and much prefer the BB ESF over the CT shirts for both fit and quality of construction.

Thread revival.

Can anyone tell me how collar sizing and fabric for the BB and CT marcella slim fit tuxedo shirts compare?

My best shirts are true 39cm (~15.35") collars, so a slightly oversized 15.5 (anything >15.7) collar will float on my neck. I'm tempted to pull the trigger on a CT marcella shirt since it is 30 cheaper than BB, but want to make sure the collar won't look loose on me. If only I could try on the CT first.

Both company's collars generally fit TTS.

I agree with the consensus. The quality of the BB shirts are better, i.e., the cotton feels softer and the non-iron is almost ready to wear straight out of the dryer, but the patterns collar selection is better with CT.

Old thread, but I thought I would contribute some thoughts after heading to the CT store to see if either their Slim or Tailored Fit lines could replace my current lineup of BB Slim Fit. I'm pretty slim at 5'9 and 135 lbs. My closet is full of BB Slim Fit in 14.5 - 34", which I used to be very happy with, but recently decided are still too baggy for me.

I tried on the BB Extra Slim Fit a few weeks ago. They were nice, but too tight in the shoulders, chest, and arms. I read about CT Tailored Fit here and thought I'd give them a try. I was disappointed to find that these are not very slim at all. The slim fit is an absolute joke, wider than a regular fit from most other stores. The tailored fit was slightly slimmer, but still not as slim as BB Slim Fit and MUCH bigger than BB Extra Slim Fit. I was really hoping these would work since I like the styles and patterns at CT, and work right around the corner from the 7th Avenue store. Unfortunately, even their slimmest fit is still styled for someone 30lbs heavier than myself.

I will say that I've been very impressed by the service at the 7th Avenue store in NYC. Both times I have visited, the salespeople were very helpful and attentive, something that is sorely missing from nearly early Brooks Brothers store I've visited in the last 5 years. I was also surprised to here that you can return items within 6 months, even if they've been worn, washed, etc. That's pretty nice considering the varying amounts of shrinkage between brands and even shirts of the same brand.

I'd love to hear anyone else's opinion of these shirts (or OTR suggestions for someone my size).

odd. I have some BB slim fit that are huge on me while the CT tailored fit shirts fit me nicely.

The (thrifted) CT shirts which I have owned have had a tendency to shrink in the neck more than any other shirt. I have seen a 15.5 labeled neck which measured 14.75.

I don't buy BB on principle. Every SA I've ever talked to there has been a huge douche. Also CT has nicer patterns. I can't say I've experienced shrinkage on my shirts, though. I don't heat dry them, though.

I thought about purchasing one with a 15" neck to see how it would do after shrinkage, but my experience is generally that the neck and arms shrink the most, while the body stays roughly the same. Even though CT provides the freedom to return if I'm not happy, I suspect this would be a waste of time.

I wear the slim fit in BB & CT, the CT shirts tend to shrink at least a 1/2 inch and I wash at home and air dry. Also, the arm holes are lower on the CT shirts and find it uncomfortable when wearing a jacket.

I just picked up CT shirts for the first time. Got the tailored fit. They fit me very well. I have a 17 neck, 44 chest and 31 waist..most shirts have way too much material. The tailored fits have been the best fit for me so far.

 

Do you think it's ok to dry them on low heat or do I have to let them air dry? I'd be ok if they shrank a a little..

They shrink the most in the neck and sleeve...I would tumble them on air with no heat.

Charles Tyrwhitt v. Brooks Brothers

 

I own both. I also own several ties from CT, which I think are underrated.

 

At this point, I almost exclusively purchase my dress shirts and sports shirts from BB. But that is not because BB is superior to CT or that CT is inferior. It is something of a habit for me now.

 

BB shirts, I think, are an outstanding value if you can purchase at a sale. I purchase my dress shirts in 3s when they have that sale. As for the BB sports shirts, I generally purchase separately.

 

 

Conclusion: both are excellent. Out of habit, I purchase BB dress shirts (slim fit).