I have several RLPL shirts and can honestly say that I don't see the fuss. I picked mine up at outlet for about $50 each, and unless they are now making direct-to-outlet RLPL (I'm fairly certain that they're not) they are no better than most shirts out there. The collars and cuffs are fused and the body is oversized in most cases.
Personally I find that my T M Lewin shirts stand up much better to wear over 1+ Years than RLPL. Don't get me wrong, I believe their suits and outwear are justifiable at sale-price, but I would say that if you're spending any more than $100 per shirt you could be getting a much better deal by buying something without the branding.
In the interest of science
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)I have just compared my RLPL shirts to those from Lewin, Hugo Boss (Black Line) and some Thomas Mason for Chester Barrie (Savile Row tailors). Personally I rank:
1. Lewin Shirts - the non-fused collars and cuffs combined with a total purchase price of £35 each makes them the best deal. most resilient to washing and ironing, and while not as crease resistant, the simple fact that I can buy 8 new shirts every 6 months for the price of just one of the other brands makes them a hands-down winner.
2. Thomas Mason for Chester Barrie - More expensive at £85 per shirt but probably worth it in terms of long-term wear. The seams feel stronger and the collars and cuffs remain stiff after repeated washings. They hold their shape well, and can be easily tailored. Very limited distribution network, I got all of mine from the shop in Savile Row when picking up some new suits.
3. RLPL - Some very fine fabrics that feel nice against the skin, though the close weave makes them crease easily. Single needle stitch on the side seams is a nice touch, but fabric is unforgiving - example: I could take a photo right now of a freshly iron double cuff and the fold-back crease would be clearly visible. Maybe this helps with the fold but personally, I like my shirts to feel a little more crisp than I'm able to achieve with normal RLPL.
4. BOSS Black - Mass produced, with fused collars and cuffs, very thin fabrics and a tendency to fade within about 6 washes. Great if you get bored of your shirts after 3 months, not so much if you are looking for a shirt you can wear 52 times a year.
Everything I state here should be taken with a pinch of salt; I have worked for each of these brands at one time or another in my career, and it is possible that seeing production methods, handling products that have been returned and simply growing accustomed to high-priced goods has given me a skewed viewpoint. Please don't take my word as gospel, but maybe consider starting at a lower price point and moving up until you can't see an improvement rather than starting at the top and moving down until you can't stand the poor quality.
