Anyone try buying custom dress shirts online?

Adding to the collection of information available on this forum, here's a random question for the community.

I was browsing online and came across http://www.bestcustomshirt.com/ and was wondering if anyone here had ever tried ordering custom tailored stuff online. It seems counter-intuitive, but I'm willing to drop a reasonable amount of money on something that will actually fit really well and last - particularly if I can get a sizing down and just get a few more just like it.

Anyone ever tried this particular site, or something like it? Impressions?

It depends on how much you are willing to drop on a shirt.

Hamilton

I had a robe custom made for me for Halloween through Garb the World and it fits great. Granted, there's a lot more leeway in how a robe fits versus how a dress shirt fits, but so long as you get good measurements you should be fine. I measured my self / looked at sizing information on clothes I already owned that fit really well. My only problem was that I didn't really believe them when they said their normal hoods were oversized and got a bigger one thinking that the regular size wouldn't accomodate my mask.

-Edit- Fixed the link.

Check out styleforum.net. There are several threads there about a Chinese tailor (mainland I think) that's very good. Main problem is a bit of a waiting list. I've not read the site regularly for a couple of years, so things migh have changed.

Quicksilver wrote:

It depends on how much you are willing to drop on a shirt.

Hamilton

That's a good question - my personal philosophy is that I'd rather spend $100 on a good shirt that fits and lasts then spend it on five $20 Target shirts which fit so-so and don't make it six months. However, the Hamilton shirts are probably a little more then I'd be willing to spend without every trying an online purchase before. Has Grump used that site before, with good results?

1Dgaf wrote:

Check out styleforum.net. There are several threads there about a Chinese tailor (mainland I think) that's very good. Main problem is a bit of a waiting list. I've not read the site regularly for a couple of years, so things migh have changed.

I gotta say, a group that talks designer brand wedding bands is probably a group that's a bit too hardcore for me...also, Folded Shirt pr0n (SFW)

Drunken,

Give Styleforum a bit more of a chance. The people there know what they're talking about they like bargains (as relative as that may be), so that's a good combination.

Plus if you want to buy made-to-measure or bespoke clothes, you need to be as clued in as possible. In that sense StyleForum is the perfect place to be, since it's full of knowledgeable people who aren't swayed by brands, but by quality. You'll get an idea of what to expect in the very best, then be able to work backwards.

I'd think it would be hard to separate extra money you are paying for marketing from extra money you are paying for quality in an online purchase. My own approach is to buy the store brand at a place like Nordstrom. Not a $20 shirt (more like $40), but I've never had one do anything that surprised me, i.e. not in the same universe as stuff from The Gap. And you can find out what your proper size is right there.

http://styleforum.pbwiki.com/Jantzen

The place I was thinking of. Never used them, but if I were to buy a custom shirt I'd give them a shot.

I used to make clothes and do costuming, so I would occasionally order tailored stuff to save me time and energy. I have found if you are good at measuring and the place actually follows what you order, it is well worth the money you are going to spend. You should also check out a return/refund policy the first time you order and get a minimal amount until you decide if you really like it or not.

I can only add 2 things to the discussion:

1. Knowing 1D personally, I can attest that he's a is a man of style and sophistication. I'd listen to his advice on such matters.

2. Myself, though, I've been getting my shirts for many years only from Land's End. Their "trim" fit works perfectly for me, and the made-to-measure sizing is always made impeccably spot-on. Material and stitching are excellent. The overall look is OK enough to appear in front of our senior IT execs.

I'll have to try these out. I've never found good fitting shirts for my size. It's always too short on the sleeves, big necks, and too short in length.

Wow. They have an entire page dedicated to IT pros.

http://www.bestcustomshirt.com/Custo...

DrunkenSleipnir wrote:
Quicksilver wrote:

It depends on how much you are willing to drop on a shirt.

Hamilton

That's a good question - my personal philosophy is that I'd rather spend $100 on a good shirt that fits and lasts then spend it on five $20 Target shirts which fit so-so and don't make it six months. However, the Hamilton shirts are probably a little more then I'd be willing to spend without every trying an online purchase before. Has Grump used that site before, with good results?

The Grump hasn't ordered a shirt from Hamilton. His mommy still buys his shirts. The woman has impeccable taste. And who am I to come between a man and his mother?

I read about the Hamilton's in an article recently, in my quest to become a better Texan. Texas really is quite serious about itself. Between Houston and Dallas, I've never lived anywhere so fashion conscious. Except Milan, and it's more fashion self-conscious. Your mileage may vary.

A nice thing about Hamilton is that you can go into a retailer (Barney's in NYC or George Bass in NOLA are probably most convenient for you) to check out the goods and get professionally measured for your order. The shirts are very pricey and I have no personal experience with Hamilton. They just left an impression on me. And you were looking for options. :>

I've not used them myself, but a friend of mine swears by http://www.mycustomtailor.com for all of his custom tailoring needs. The stuff is tailored and made in Thailand and shipped over to you. In addition to entering your sixpack/keg size online, (they tell you how to enter them with little moves and such) they also have roadshow days where they tour the UK and you can go along and have your measurements done and they get uploaded to your online profile. He goes along to it once a year and then orders all of his stuff from them. I think he said they start at 20-25 quid for a shirt and start at about £110 for a suit, which isn't bad for a fully tailored suit.

FYI, that link that DS posted is running a promo if you sign up.

In appreciation of your business, we're offering this very attractive offer of holiday gift certificate for you, your friends and family.

* 50% off on first Shirt
* Free Shipping
* Free Matching Tie
* Free Monogram

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note the offer is limited to one order per person and is applied to the FIRST shirt ONLY on a multiple shirt order. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Please click below to order your custom shirts now.

Wait, a spambot dug up a thread I'm interested in.

I am right between sizes.
I need an odd number waist size.
I can't get arms long enough with a collar small enough, in a shirt; and big and tall is too big and tall.

I'm about to rent an office, and I'll need to refresh my wardrobe. No more worn out jeans in the basement office. I expect to go drop a fair chunk of change on clothes.

So, local tailor? Online? Local seems like a better idea. Why not a men's store / suit specialty store?

I also have a problem with jeans. All of the styles are silm, slouch, skinny. I have fairly developed quads and glutes, which makes almost all jeans fit way too tight across my hip joint. The skinny phenomenon just doesn't work for me. Flat front pants, end up with the pockets making strange bunny ears.

I'm almost relegated to suit pants. When I buy suit pants, the tailor usualy says to get a size too big, then alters the waist down for me. I'd like some jeans which fit, and are current enough style to wear with a blazer and shirt, or blazer and T.

Custom dress shirts are not just for formal black tie tuxedo events, nor are they limited to dark suits and corporate executives. A dress shirt can be a class look for every occasion even casual dress. It just takes the right colors, styles and a little imagination to look your best in a custom dress shirt. http://www.sexylingeriecouture.com/p...

Why does that link text make me thing we're not really[i] talking about dress shirts.

It's all connected, really. It shares a common ... thread?

Wow, it's getting spammy in here.

In the event the hubs needs dress shirts we usually go pick them up at Express. Actually, for our wedding, his entire outfit was from there. And they have sweet ties.

So much can be said for going to a local tailor. You may be surprised- pricing may not be that outrageous. You'll have something that fits YOU, expert advice (usually) and can build a relationship with a shop or individual that is part of your community.

I've been tempted into those etsy listings for lovely, diaphanous dresses for really decent prices. But they're not handmade by one person-- they're mass produced overseas. They're nothing unique, someone didn't put their heart into making it something special.

But, I digress. It wouldn't hurt to check out some local places and see what the deal is with either having shirts made or just having them tailored to fit you, especially if you find mass market shirts you would love but they just need some tweaking.

Unless your build readily fits most off the rack clothing at their advertised sizes, I don't suggest online anything for clothing unless it's a from a tailor or seamstress who has directly fitted you before AND knows the details about your build.

Proper measurements do not equal exceptionally good looking "custom" clothing.

Yes, you could look good with just proper measures, but if you want that stunning "fits like a glove" look that can only come from properly fitted and tailored clothes, you have to do it the old fashioned way in my experience.

Also, if you are going to pay for "custom" then make it truly custom and get fitted.

Hope it helps ^^
/ESA

This thread is where all the cool kids talk about custom shirts.