Help me find my ideal shirt!

[abc123]

Good evening Gents,

I start this thread in hoping to get some ideas for shirts that will meet my particular needs. I own a variety of Brooks, Polo, and the like, but I can never consistently find what I'm looking for from these retailers. I need to buy a few more dress shirts over the next year, and I'm having trouble finding what I need. My basic requirements are that

-Spread collar, regular button placket, french cuff preferred, 100% cotton
-variety of fabrics is great, but I mainly just need white and light blue now
-No non-iron fabric
-Quite a slim fit (I'm pretty thin)
-I'm on a budget, so I don't want to/can't pay for things like borelli/kiton

Although what I want seems simple, I have found that the simplest things are those that are hardest to find. I'd be willing to do mtm, but I am on a budget, and really don't want to go through the stress of waiting for Jantzen. So, if you were to recommend a shirt for me, OTR or MTM, what would it be? I live in DC, so any recommended tailors and their price ranges would be great!

Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing your opinions!

PS - I also posted this on aaac, just seeking more opinions!

 

[jml90]

I've seen good results from both
www.mysuitshop.com and www.baronboutique.com

 

[Stax]

Land's End Custom. The choice of fabrics is not too extensive, but it should work, given your requirements. All custom shirts are returnable for a refund. It took me a few iterations to get the perfect, but the ill fitting shirts were returned without incident.

http://www.landsend.com/cd/index/fp/...79367685142010

 

[kitonbrioni]

It seems that Jantzen at $50 a mtm shirt is the place for you.

 

[Carey]

Kiton, Brioni, Charvet, etc at $300-$400 per shirt is way out there. If I had that much money, I would do it.

DC choices for mote reasonable MTM or OTR. Downtown has Thomas Pink. Nordstrom does a MTM that is about $125 per shirt and no make-up charge. I bet Raleigh's (I think they are still in business) might have Individualized which starts around $125 per shirt.

A really good OTR will cost at least that much. So if you are willing to drop the coin, then MTM will allow you to get what you want. Individualized (available at most independent men's shops) allows you to pick from at least 10 different collar and cuff styles. The retailer should have several bodies for you to try on.

I have had six Individualized shirts made over the past few years and I have been very stisfied. My take is that if I can spend $125 for an Ike Behar, or for a Robert Talbott OTR, then I am willing to spend a little more to get a close fitting shirt, with the collar, cuff and fabric of my choosing. It takes six weeks to get them back, but well worth it.

If your budget only allows for you to spend less than a $100 on a shirt, then OTR outlet shopping is your best option.

Best of luck to you.

Good luck.

 

[Leslierc]

Originally Posted by Carey

Kiton, Brioni, Charvet, etc at $300-$400 per shirt is way out there. If I had that much money, I would do it.

DC choices for mote reasonable MTM or OTR. Downtown has Thomas Pink. Nordstrom does a MTM that is about $125 per shirt and no make-up charge. I bet Raleigh's (I think they are still in business) might have Individualized which starts around $125 per shirt.

A really good OTR will cost at least that much. So if you are willing to drop the coin, then MTM will allow you to get what you want. Individualized (available at most independent men's shops) allows you to pick from at least 10 different collar and cuff styles. The retailer should have several bodies for you to try on.

I have had six Individualized shirts made over the past few years and I have been very stisfied. My take is that if I can spend $125 for an Ike Behar, or for a Robert Talbott OTR, then I am willing to spend a little more to get a close fitting shirt, with the collar, cuff and fabric of my choosing. It takes six weeks to get them back, but well worth it.

If your budget only allows for you to spend less than a $100 on a shirt, then OTR outlet shopping is your best option.

Best of luck to you.

Good luck.

I was about to suggest Pink and Nordstrom MTM before I read your response. By the way, Raleighs closed more than 15 years ago.

 

[abc123]

The Nordstrom MTM is an interesting option. How does the quality (materials, not fit) compare to OTRs such as Brooks? Would you consider it on a par with Jantzen quality (without the eternal wait, of course)?

 

[Carey]

Originally Posted by abc123

The Nordstrom MTM is an interesting option. How does the quality (materials, not fit) compare to OTRs such as Brooks? Would you consider it on a par with Jantzen quality (without the eternal wait, of course)?


They have some nice patterns and fabrics that are very nice. I am planning to give them a try too, when I get my next good commission check. Nordstrom black label OTR shirts are very slim fitting, but the collar-band height is a bit low for my taste. MTM is a different story, more collar and cuff choices to suit your personal taste.

Can't say anything about Brooks. I don't shop there.

From what I have read on this board about Jantzen, I would guess their quality is dodgey.