Ray Custom Shirtmaker in Philly? Any experience?

[JohnD356]

I found some passing stuff about Ray Custom Shirtmaker (site) in a forum search, but nothing really specific. Has anyone used him and how does his work compare to the NYC makers? Thanks for any help Philly guys.

 

[ltontheqt]

I don't have a basis for comparison to NY shirtmakers, as I've never used them. For that matter, Ray is thus far the first and only shirtmaker I've used. His shirts fit better than RTW, and that should be a given. However, I find them a little blousier than I'd like. He says this is to allow for shrinkage. And he wants you to be comfortable. Price is not bad: $150 to $165 range for most stuff. He's open to suggestion - he copied a collar style I liked, even though this was not part of his repertoire. He'll do pattern matching if you ask. Default buttons are plastic, but he'll do MOP upon request. Fabric selection is just OK. I don't know if he allows customers to bring own fabrics. All in all, he's convenient if you're in the Philadelphia area, and overall I like his shirts. At the same time, I can't say that I haven't thought about using someone else, so I guess there's either a hint of dissatisfaction or I'd like to see what else is out there.

 

[JohnD356]

^ Thanks for the review. The prices are good but, given the minimum order, it's a fairly costly experiment to figure out how the shirts turn out. Based on your thoughts, I'm tempted to look elsewhere. Hopefully some others can comment. Thanks again for the reply.

 

[rajesh06]

My guess is that (outside the HK makers) you'll be hard pressed to get custom shirts in the $150 - $165 range net of all costs. Remember no tax in PA.

The trial shirt is an experiment - the others aren't much of a risk in that sense.

I use Barton and Donaldson and they are in the $225 to $275 range.

 

[JohnD356]

Originally Posted by rajesh06

My guess is that (outside the HK makers) you'll be hard pressed to get custom shirts in the $150 - $165 range net of all costs. Remember no tax in PA.

The trial shirt is an experiment - the others aren't much of a risk in that sense.

I use Barton and Donaldson and they are in the $225 to $275 range.

Agreed, the price is great. I've heard good things about Barton and Donaldson, but never seen their work. Could you give me your impressions? Thanks.

 

[Shirtmaven]

I know Ray very well. as well as His father who is a shirtmaker in Jenkentown.

He makes an excellent shirt, and he and his wife will do a good job for you.

Carl

 

[JohnD356]

^ Thank you Carl. I'm always impressed by how gracious you are towards your peers.

 

[Shirtmaven]

Ray and his wife Roxanne are truely very nice people. no reason not to help them.
I have seen the shirt. the work is clean. I can not comment on fit.
their shop is 5 minutes from where I grew up.
Carl

 

[Shirtmaven]

Originally Posted by JohnD356

^ Thank you Carl. I'm always impressed by how gracious you are towards your peers.

I am towards the people I like. Don't get me started on those that I do not like!!!

 

[rajesh06]

Originally Posted by JohnD356

Agreed, the price is great. I've heard good things about Barton and Donaldson, but never seen their work. Could you give me your impressions? Thanks.

I really like the fit.
The fabrics range from nice to excellent - selection is huge.
The construction is excellent.

The store smells musty.

 

[philosophe]

Originally Posted by Shirtmaven

Ray and his wife Roxanne are truely very nice people. no reason not to help them.
I have seen the shirt. the work is clean. I can not comment on fit.
their shop is 5 minutes from where I grew up.
Carl

Ray and Roxanne are incredibly nice folks.

I have some shirts from Carl (Shirtmaven) and some shirts from Ray. I recommend both. Ray is very open to suggestions and feedback about fit. He makes a first shirt, then tweaks the fit--and tweaks it again after the second round if needed. If the first shirt just doesn't work, he remakes it from scratch. You will not end up with a shirt you can't wear.

I don't think that Ray does CMT, but he has a good selection of fabrics on hand and can order all sorts of things.

I have no experience with Barton & Donaldson.

 

[JohnD356]

^ Thanks for the feedback.