MTM Advice

[bbob2013]

Hey folks,

Can I get some advice on how to order MTM items, or how to properly build a MTM rapport?

Here is my situation: I have a unique build, well over 6 feet tall, have never been truly happy with selection or fit of OTR shirts in my size, and I have recently lost some weight and intend to lose more. I am in immediate need for some well fitting shirts. I figured this was a good time to explore MTM. After some less than positive online experiences I have decided to go local. Luckily there is a shop here that has decent reviews (on here and elsewhere). It's a small, by appointment setup, and so far I have really enjoyed working with the guy. To date, I have made two orders and have been pleased with the product, there were some fitment issues that he will take care of at cost.

Here are my concerns:

- I know very little about fabric and don't want to be taken for a ride.
- He has a lot of fabric books, but there really aren't any fabric house names on the books. The names I have seen, when googled don't turn up anything (I assume the worse here). An area of concern?
- The fabrics are very thin/light, maybe this is my personal preference, as I am used to thicker fabrics from OTR shirts. Is the weight/lightness an indicator of quality?

I am not looking for anything exotic, just some decent shirts that fit well, don't wrinkle much, and are at a fair/market price.

Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Get 2-3 shirts. (If the minimum is higher, consider going elsewhere.) Get an oxford cloth and a broadcloth if possible. Stick to the cheaper fabric options among the pure cottons. Weight is basically independent of quality. More help would be possible with listed fabric names or pictures of current shirts being worn.

 

[bbob2013]

Thanks for the reply! I will get a few pictures of what I have gotten so far and how it fits, maybe we can go from there.

 

[Shirtmaven]

where are the shirts being produced?
his shop?
USA factory?

no name books sound like HK/China
not that this is bad. just even the shirtmaker, may not know where the fabric is from.

ask the shirtmaker and see what he says

 

[bbob2013]

The shirts are definitely from Hong Kong, he is pretty open about that aspect. Seems like he has had a decently long relationship with production end of things.

Regarding the books, most just have "JT" and "ST" and all the fabrics are coded. Some of the books have italian and British flag stickers on them

.

I can't remember what the suiting books said, they appeared to be from different mills.

I will ask him and see what he says, I am due for a pick up in a few weeks. Should I be asking what mills specifically the fabrics are from? Is that a reasonable thing to ask?

So far most of the shirts I have gotten have been "easy iron" and I have a round of Chambray and Oxford in the works now. I will get a few pics up soon.

Thanks fellas!

 

[Shirtmaven]

If the shirts are priced under $100 then the fabric is all from Asia/china. and i do not mean Japan!

the country flags are meaningless.
doubtful the salesman knows the country of origin

as long as he stands behind his product, then you can develop a erelationship