Custom shirts in the DC area... VM Clothiers?

[JonM]

Just wondering if anyone here has dealt with them before. A search turned up one or two passing mentions, but nobody had any experiences to report.

The situation is, after a lot of trial and error, I've finally found some shirts that fit me right. The problem is, they're cheap Staffords, and they've got that wrinkle-free resin on them. As a result, they're coarse to the touch and don't breathe. I thought maybe if I washed them a bunch of times, like a new pair of jeans, but it isn't coming off.

So I'd like to take them to a tailor or MTM place and get them copied, only with better fabric. I stopped by Chevy Chase Custom Tailors in Bethesda, and I liked the tailor there a lot, but they're changing locations and won't be doing custom shirts until February. And I thought about Jantzen, but I don't have months to wait.

VM Clothiers looks good from the website. The shirt would be made in Hong Kong, but I could get measured here and maybe get a second opinion on the fit of the shirts I'd like to copy. It's in my price range at $55-$75, and there's no minimum, so I guess it isn't a huge risk to try one shirt.

On the other hand, I'm a little worried about their guarantee, which only applies if the shirt that comes back from Hong Kong is different from the measurements that were sent. If I understand correctly, it wouldn't apply if I just wanted to make a few tweaks once I tried it on.

But has anyone here tried them? Or if nobody has, does this at least seem like a good way to go? I'm never tried MTM before, and this seems like a decent option, but I'd hate to get ripped off. Thanks!

Oh, their website is http://www.vmclothiers.com.

 

[loveandhate]

Did you give them a try?

 

[JonM]

Nope, not yet. I'll probably bite the bullet and get one shirt made to see how it goes, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to be the first. If I do go ahead with it, I'll definitely post my experiences here...

 

[jbs1979]

Hi hoping you or someone else make the plunge and tried VM Clothiers already.

The fabrics that they use seem decent, mostly 2 ply with 100s or better.

I usually buy Landsends shirts and I am very happy with their standard 80s pinpoint but they dont have the herringbone fabric I want for my wedding dress shirts anymore.

I am going to give VM a try, but sure would appreciate some reviews first if available.

 

[drifterinc]

anyone try them yet??? looked at there site and considering my first MTM from them...

 

[Shirtmaven]

I am not sure what kind of shirt made from sea island cotton you will get for $55.
Considering the Sea Island cotton I buy is over $55 per yard.

looks like cheap HK shirt.
bad lining, bad buttons, qustionable fabrics. hope it does not shrink too much!
Carl

 

[jbs1979]

Okay well I received my shirts today from VM Clothiers. Exactly 6-8weeks as described!

In short I am very pleased and have broken down my opinions below. I will be honest, I am not trying to look like Brad Pitt at the Cannes Festival. Neither do i have any interest in walking into Saks and spending $300 on a high end sea island cotton shirt. I am just a normal joe who has a common problem and doesn't want to wear standard run of the mill menswharehouse shirts that done fit me because I am not 40lbs over weight.


Website = Super easy to use, ordering system was accurate and all web based. No order tracking, but doesn't matter since emails to Vishal answered my questions on status.

Fit and measurement system = considering i did this all myself for the first time over the internet, the fit ended up better than even I imagined. Simply to follow instructions.

Customer Service = Vishal answered all my questions promptly and even took initiave to answer additional measurement questions because it was my first time. Even followed up with me when UPS didn't deliver my shirts the 1st attempt because I was not home.

Fabric = No expert, I also don't understand what "lining" is as Carl mentioned in a dress shirt, but the fabric I choose was the 100% Egyptian cotton since this line had the best selection and was around 2ply 80-120. The feel and quality seemed better than the best Landsend shirts I usually ordered previously. The fabric selection I feel was better than most HK or Thailand websites. It wasn't like they were trying to pass off patterns and styles of fabric that is 10 years old.

Shrinkage/Washing = was in normal limits that I would expect. Washed all shirts twice and couldn't notice any color fading or leakage. No sewing came apart, etc.

Buttons = Come on who really cares . It is white, didn't break in the wash or fall off and it does its job.

I will post some pictures hopefully also. But hey all I can say is that if you are a tall , slim person with an athletic build like myself and are sick of having to order plain white or blue shirts in supposed "tall" sizes off the rack, I would strongly recommend you give a VM shirt a try for 60 bucks.