Little disappointed with steven alan shirts

I was just in the store yesterday: they have a cardigan from You Must Create made of 75% cotton and 25% steel. it was incredible, a great feel and texture, if i had a slightly more disheveled style i would be wearing that right now...(it looks a little "crinkly" in its default state, even though it's soft).

Originally Posted by Bona Drag

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I've seen SA shirts up close, and to my untrained eye the quality is pretty fantastic; I really like some of the cool little touches they add (reverse seams, etc.).

However, I just don't throw down that kind of cash on OTR shirts as a matter of principle, and I think anyone complaining about fit is sort of missing the point. No matter how democratic, or universally flattering, or whatver they make their stuff those shirts are only going to look really good on a limited number of builds; if you're one of them, congratulations. If you're not, go check out MC for some recos of online tailors and get a shirt that will be almost as well made and fit just how you want for a little over half the price.

I don't think anyone's advocating buying these at full retail. I paid about $50 apiece for my two SA shirts at Coop on clearance. Not too bad IMO.

I was a hater for a while. Their old fit never fit me well. I think last year they changed their sizing around and now a L fits me fine.

I always thought the reverse seam thing was kinda stupid--just another superflous detail. But then I realized that these details emphasize a casual relaxed look, since unless you really pay attention you can't really notice the details when someone is wearing it.

I think talking about construction of most of these brands is a moot point, I'd put my money on a Jcrew shirt any day. Most of the construction defects I've had in clothes come from higher end brands anyways. (one of them from CDG Shirt BTW (all of the buttons fell off after wearing it a couple times (no washing)).

Now fabric is another thing. Steven Alan's fabrics are okay. Better than the mall brands, but not as nice as say Band of Outsiders. One day at a store they had Steven alan shirts and BoO shirts on two adjacent racks, and you can really tell the difference when you compare them.

So I agree with everyone that they're overpriced. I think the 100-125$ range would be more appropriate. (For 160-170$ I'd want some mother of pearl buttons at least.) However, I do think that they fill their niche nicely, there's not much else out there in the upper mid level quality (and price) range besides APC and some others.

So I recently have come around and picked up a Steven Alan shirt last time I was in NY. And I like it a lot. Probably should have waited for a sale, but oh well.

someone was asking about fit for the reverse seam shirt:

I'm a large (fits loosely on me) a M is definately too small. My chest is 42"

Originally Posted by soultek

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I was a hater for a while. Their old fit never fit me well. I think last year they changed their sizing around and now a L fits me fine.

I always thought the reverse seam thing was kinda stupid--just another superflous detail. But then I realized that these details emphasize a casual relaxed look, since unless you really pay attention you can't really notice the details when someone is wearing it.

I think talking about construction of most of these brands is a moot point, I'd put my money on a Jcrew shirt any day. Most of the construction defects I've had in clothes come from higher end brands anyways. (one of them from CDG Shirt BTW (all of the buttons fell off after wearing it a couple times (no washing)).

Now fabric is another thing. Steven Alan's fabrics are okay. Better than the mall brands, but not as nice as say Band of Outsiders. One day at a store they had Steven alan shirts and BoO shirts on two adjacent racks, and you can really tell the difference when you compare them.

So I agree with everyone that they're overpriced. I think the 100-125$ range would be more appropriate. (For 160-170$ I'd want some mother of pearl buttons at least.) However, I do think that they fill their niche nicely, there's not much else out there in the upper mid level quality (and price) range besides APC and some others.

So I recently have come around and picked up a Steven Alan shirt last time I was in NY. And I like it a lot. Probably should have waited for a sale, but oh well.

someone was asking about fit for the reverse seam shirt:

I'm a large (fits loosely on me) a M is definately too small. My chest is 42"


My Steven Alan shirts both have MOP buttons...

Really, drizz? Where'd you buy them? Mine have plastic...

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

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Really, drizz? Where'd you buy them? Mine have plastic...

I got one from the Coop warehouse sale and one from ebay. I'm not sure if they're from previous seasons or what.

Originally Posted by jet

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The large fit me perfectly but the length in back was too long even though the front length was just right.

I totally agree with you here, the only reason i've never picked up an Alan shirt is because of the length.
I'll buy a shirt and have it shortened but only if i really MUST have the shirt.

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

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I don't think anyone's advocating buying these at full retail. I paid about $50 apiece for my two SA shirts at Coop on clearance. Not too bad IMO.

No, def a good buy if you like the fit. I forget I'm surrounded by expert bargain-hunters. I always get caught sleeping on good stuff - you'd think I would have learned from hanging out here...

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

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Really, drizz? Where'd you buy them? Mine have plastic...

ditto.

Originally Posted by kiya

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I totally agree with you here, the only reason i've never picked up an Alan shirt is because of the length.
I'll buy a shirt and have it shortened but only if i really MUST have the shirt.

get me a loopwheeler koskesh

Originally Posted by jet

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get me a loopwheeler koskesh

What size pedar-sag?

I'll take a L (seriously).. thaaaanks.

khafe sho antar

Originally Posted by kiya

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What size pedar-sag?



khoshor mekham, not the slim one though but I don't know about this damn weather getting warmer

For those of you wearing a L, how tall are you? I'm 6'2 - 6'3 and am worried the sleeve length might be too short. Unfortunately I don't live in an area where I can try them on.

i am of no help to you, but for others:

i am 6'0" 155lbs
and a medium fits me
i am a 38R

i love the cut of steven alan shirts, for the record
but i agree, i would never pay full retail for 'em