Just put my faith in ricky ho

[johnnynorman3]

So, it got to be that time when I had to put in the inevitable large shirt order. I just felt like the time was right and that I had gotten my measurements as close as I was gonna get them after three test shirts (one of which I accidentally ruined in a load of dark bath towels -- ugh). Ironically, it was actually the first shirt that came closet to being perfect of the test shirts. This order has some tweaked measurements, but I'm confident with the changes.

The big order I put in is all work shirts -- it should be fun purging the closet when these things arrive -- and I mixed together double button cuffs with french cuffs, and the spread, P-15, and semi-spread collars. I went primarily with stripes and dobby's, with a few twills, checks, and pinpoint oxfords for good measure. I think I have a pretty good mix of patterns with solids. For solids, I opted for twill, herringbones, and subtle prince of wales (Bjorn H's #286 to be precise), as those on this board seem to have had better luck with those than with the broadcloths (I already have a white Sea Island from Jantzen as well).

I really am looking forward to putting in a casual shirt order, though because I like to wear my casual shirts untucked with jeans, I need to take some new measurements. All told, I figure I can get through probably 2 years or so with the shirt order I put in, and it'll only cost me about $500. You just can't beat that.

I'll let you know precisely the fabrics I ordered and how they turned out when they come in (hopefully in a month or so).

 

[jcusey]

it should be fun purging the closet when these things arrive

You know, you'd think that; but if you're at all like me, it just never seems to happen. Pretty soon, I'll need a house that's all closet.

 

[johnnynorman3]

Oh, it will happen -- I'm moving to a New York apartment with a woman.

 

[johnnynorman3]

I didn't order this fabric, but was thinking of it. What do you think of it? I thought that it could perhaps work as both a work and casual shirt (something like a navy blue tie might work w/ a gray suit perhaps). I'm wondering what the color will turn out like, but it looks promising.

 

[BGW]

This would be an excellent opportunity for commentary on the quality of the Japanese cotton on Jantzen's site.

 

[johnnynorman3]

What is the usual quality of Japanese cotton? Compared to Italian cotton, etc.?

 

[Shirtmaven]

Japanese cotton fabric is fine. Especially pinpoint oxford.
The old TTX fabric was a 100/2 egyptian cotton that was excellent.

Stay away from ***. 140/2 they are a little light and flimsey.

Italian fabrics tend to have more vibrant colors and denser weaves. Finishing on Italian fabric is also better.

***. shirtings are not the bargain they once were. Today the trading companies are converting more fabric in Taiwan, China, Korea and Indonesia. Those fabrics in at least a 50/1 construction are passable but not great.

IT is the machinery and technology that makes the fabric what it is today. Finishes make inexpensive fabrics feel better then ever.

 

[johnnynorman3]

I have gone exclusively with the Italian fabrics thus far, and this time I made sure to include several twills and dobby designs, as I have heard good things about those. I think maybe I'll save my Japanese cotton experiment for a casual shirt.

Looking back at my order, I must say that I included a lot of blue in my 11 selections, but I did not choose even a single plain blue shirt. The closet I came to ordering a plain blue shirt was the #1 dobby, which is a blue 1 cm herringbone. I think that I chose sufficiently different shades, patterns, and weaves to make my selection very diverse though. My guess is that over the next several months I'll probably order 2 or 3 more dress shirts and maybe five or so casual shirts. The thing I am most excited about is having a closet full of shirts with no labels in them -- I ordered monogram #30 (aka "The Bjorn&quot.

 

[BjornH]

Be prepared to take some snide remarks like "Are you afraid they are gonna misplace your shirts at bandcamp ?" Regarding the fabrics, I've stuck with the italian ones on our members' suggestions. I'm wearing the purple check 245 now and it is much softer than I indicated - fully on par with a standard H&K shirt. I've been picking up my toddler again and again and there is not a wrinkle to be seen. Go Jantzen . B

 

[imageWIS]

I didn't order this fabric, but was thinking of it. What do you think of it? I thought that it could perhaps work as both a work and casual shirt (something like a navy blue tie might work w/ a gray suit perhaps). I'm wondering what the color will turn out like, but it looks promising.

Actually this shirt might look with a brown suit. Jon.

 

[johnnynorman3]

Bjorn, I love it when you post comments re: your fabrics. You seem to have purchased the most on Jantzen thus far. I ended up purchasing the stripes 256 and the Checkers 286 that you have earlier discussed.

I like that Gingham check a lot -- what do you wear it with? I'm thinking I might use that for a combo dress/casual shirt. But perhaps it could even work as a dress shirt?

 

[johnnynorman3]

Bjorn,

I just broke down and order the Checkers 245. I feel pretty good about it -- can you imagine how much easier a 12 hour work day will be with a shirt that soft on my back (I think I can get away with this shirt with a navy blue or charcoal suit and understated tie).

 

[regularjoe]

Quote:

(johnnynorman3 @ 15 June 2004, 11:21) I didn't order this fabric, but was thinking of it. Â What do you think of it? I thought that it could perhaps work as both a work and casual shirt (something like a navy blue tie might work w/ a gray suit perhaps). Â I'm wondering what the color will turn out like, but it looks promising.
Actually this shirt might look with a brown suit. Jon.
Can't forget the patterned Hermes tie.

 

[tdial]

Quote:

(imageWIS @ 16 June 2004, 12:57)

Originally Posted by johnnynorman3,15 June 2004, 11:21

I didn't order this fabric, but was thinking of it. Â What do you think of it? I thought that it could perhaps work as both a work and casual shirt (something like a navy blue tie might work w/ a gray suit perhaps). Â I'm wondering what the color will turn out like, but it looks promising.
Actually this shirt might look with a brown suit. Jon.
Can't forget the patterned Hermes tie.
And the corrected grain Prada shoes.

 

[BjornH]

Good to know that my comments are appreciated .

Others are pulling ahead of me in the numbers but I'm still in the game. I've been using the purple one casually with light blue silk knots for the lack of better ones. I've tried it on with a dark charcoal suit (w/pinstripes) and a rather quiet navy tie and it was a keeper. The trick is not to have the other components compete with the shirt for attention - the color is much louder than the standard good-backdrop-for-a-tie dress shirt.

B