Thoughts on JcPenney's line of casual L/S Shirts

[parc]

I have been perusing various stores as to what my options were to wear next year at school. I've been unable to find a job and even though I would really like a few articles from places like J.Crew, I won't have the funds to make-up a new wardrobe ( I'm switching from t-shirts and sports-wear ). So I've been looking at what places more in my price range have to offer, like JcPenney.
I haven't shopped in JcPenney for years now and back when I did I always remember people looking down on others who wore products from there. Personally I don't care what people think of where I buy my stuff but I'm more interested in knowing how good their long-sleeve shirts are. I own two Oxford American Living shirts my mom bought for me and the quality (taking experience from other Oxfords I've felt in various stores).


If you didn't feel like reading that the question I have is:
Are the Long-sleeve casual shirts sold at JcPenney worth buying (a.k.a is their construction as good as J.Crew shirts) or should I save my money and buy one J.Crew - I could buy 3 shirts at JcPenney for roughly the same price - and just slowly increase my wardrobe over time?

 

[dkoernert]

My problem with their line is finding shirts that fit. I don't know what your build is like, but they can be a decent value if they fit you. Most are pretty tent-like, even the "fitted" or slim-fit shirts are pretty large in my experience.

 

[parc]

I have that problem as well. Even though I have a athletic build the size small American Living shirts I own are loose on me - not terribly big, but not as form fitting as I would like.

 

[Reevolving]

Any shirt you buy will require tailoring. Get into that mindset.
When my current batch of BB shirts wears out, I plan to get $30 cheapos with $10 of alterations.
Shirts are now disposable to me... So, I vote for the 3 JCP shirts over 1 JCrew

 

[JG000]

Originally Posted by dkoernert

My problem with their line is finding shirts that fit. I don't know what your build is like, but they can be a decent value if they fit you. Most are pretty tent-like, even the "fitted" or slim-fit shirts are pretty large in my experience.
I too have a hard time finding shirts there that fit (atleast by SF standards), which is strange because you would think it would actually be MORE economical to produce shirts with LESS excess fabric and ballooning. But that would drive sales down, I suppose. To make a long story short, if you really like a particular pattern or style, I'd suggest bringing the shirt to a tailor. That would still probably run you way less than many options advocated here.

 

[habanos]

The long sleeve pinpoint shirts are pretty good. I wear them out and buy some more. A decent product for the money.

 

[parc]

Thanks for all the input! I've had a few dress & uniforms tailored before but never thought about having it done on my casual wear, so I'll start implementing that.

Also I want to build my wardrobe with clothing that will last. I'm not looking to retire articles after a school year, but want to be able to wear them year after year (are the JcPenney shirts that durable)?

 

[dkoernert]

Some of mine have worn very quickly, and others have been okay. In my experience it really seems to be hit and miss. You probably will want to spend a little more if you want new shirts that will really last.

This is why I buy shirts at thrift/consignment now. That way if the shirt wears out, I can get rid of it knowing I only paid around 6 bucks for it. Take a look at the thrift store/discount bragging thread. Sometimes you can find some really great stuff that will last quite some time.

 

[JG000]

Originally Posted by parc

Also I want to build my wardrobe with clothing that will last. I'm not looking to retire articles after a school year, but want to be able to wear them year after year (are the JcPenney shirts that durable)?
They ought to keep fine as long as you handle them properly. If you treat them like junk you will notice they fall apart much faster (self-fulfilling prophecy I suppose)

 

[JGloger]

They're not bad for the price. As many others have said, they could do with a bit of tailoring, but that's true of most shirts under a certain price point.