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Custom Shirt Features
As anyone that has ever ordered a custom shirt knows, there're a wide assortment of features that you can have in a custom shirt. I'm interested in what the group feels are the best features to order, what features to avoid, and how that translates regionally (i.e., does someone in TX get the same features are someone in IL)? For instance:
Fabric: Blend (Yes/No), Fabric (broadcloth, twill, herringbone, etc), Stripes OK?, etc.
Collar/Cuff: Same material and stitch as shirt or different?
Collar: Straight, Spread, Classic, Button Down, Tab, etc
Stitch: Edge or 1/4"
Plackett: None, Center, Covered (should certain uses have different plackett designs)
Fit: Normal, Slim, measured over a T-Shirt, or different shirts for different seasons
Back: Plain, Side, Center, Center Box
Cuff: Buttoned, French, One or Two Buttons, Round, Angled, etc
Pocket: Yes/No, One or Two, Shape (Square, Angled, V, etc)
Monogram: Yes/No, Style (Plain, Bold, Italic, etc), Placement (Cuff, Pocket, Chest, etc)
I'll start:
I live in Metro NYC (I work in Manhattan). I enjoy a variety of fabrics (including stripes) but generally like a 100% Egyptian Cotton (no blends) in a quality twill or broadcloth. If the material is 100% cotton, I also like a tone on tone. My collars and cuffs are the same fabric as the shirt (I think white is OK, but dated). I generally get spread collars for custom shirts but sometimes button-down. I think edge stitching is more refined than 1/4" but you give up some longevity as edge stitching is not as strong, IMO. I think a "no plackett," plain back, and "no pocket" are subtle indications of a custom shirt as store-bought shirts with those combined features are rare. I wear french cuffs occasionally but the vast majority of my shirts are 1 or 2 button (I prefer the latter as it holds the cuff better). Monograms, if I get them, are as plain as possible, relatively small (no higher than 1/4"), and generally on my chest (either "European" on my left side or near where my pocket would be).
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ken K. on -
Nice. Thanks for the source. It's amazing how unique buttons can dress up an ordinary shirt.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Splash on -
l think there is , it shows that they have individuality , and that they think outside of the box , as an employer l notice these things , just like l notice when they show no motivation to look good .
There are things people do that l would not do myself , but l can stand back and appreciate the effort !!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Ken K. on
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Hear, hear. We're talking about custom shirts, but you don't have to spend a fortune to show you care about your appearance. Pressed shirt and trousers, polished (and appropriate) footwear, groomed nails and clean hair. As a boss myself, I know that all of my employees represent the company as well as themselves. I appreciate those that do so in a positive way.
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Permalink Reply by Will on -
All righty then.
Anyway: how much do those customizations run you? I buy a shirt off the rack and I'm done.
Although I do hate it when they button down the collar. If there's no tie, it often sits funny. If there is, it's more work.
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Permalink Reply by Ken K. on
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Normally, a custom shirt runs from $125-$250 each but it can go as low as $50 and as high as $500 depending on the fabric and features. A high-end store bought shirt can easily run $125+ if you buy at a premiere brand, so a custom shirt is not crazy. If you are an unusual size or work in a place or with people that recognize good quality, then a custom shirt is worth it. If you don't or aren't, then your money might be better spent elsewhere.
BTW, I was always taught that you shouldn't wear a tie with a button-down, but plenty of people in NYC do so I'd say do what you like.
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Permalink Reply by The Dutch Dastard on -
A tie with a button down shirt is something very American. As i'm writing this that might sound like a judgement, but it isn't. Just an observation. I think it looks great (especially in a more casual environment), but you just can't do it in Europe.
For my own shirts, my personal quirk is the placement on the buttons. Where normally your second button from the top would be, I always request two buttons, about two inches apart. I often where my shirts tieless, and this allows me to control the amount of 'decolletage' better.
I also monogram my shirts, but usually a little above the cuff, so nobody can see it, or completely down the shirt, where it is (supposed to be, and often is) in my pants. This way, the only people that see it, are the people that see me without a jacket on and are therefore close enough to know that I like those little traditional things.
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Permalink Reply by Ken K. on
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That position for a monogram is sometimes called "European" because, along with not wearing ties with button down shirts, it's whee the "across the pond" folks feel it's most appropriate. When I buy shirts in Paris that's where they'll put the monogram unless I tell them otherwise.
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Permalink Reply by The Dutch Dastard on
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Nice! I did not know that!
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Permalink Reply by Brandon Frederick on -
Custom shirts? Custom suits! Check 'em out!
A true staple of fashion from the Great White North, eh.
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Permalink Reply by Native Son on
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Reminds me of pants store in The Color Purple. Was the media type wearing spectator shoes as well?
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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on -
That is truly awful! He's wearing a watch with french cuffs!!!!!
----->Chuck
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Permalink Reply by Native Son on
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If you have very specific desires for the details, custom shirts would definitely be the way to go. While I think some of your wants, if combined on a single shirt will verge on looking eccentric, it's your money.
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