Ah, the perfect dress shirt. It's the white whale of men's fashion. When it comes to buying dress shirts, men basically have three options:
- Buy off the rack (OTR) from a department store or boutique
- Have shirts custom made for you by a local tailor
- Order Made-to-Measure shirts from an online retailer
Stay away from the first option. Department stores are overpriced, and most guys – especially short men – don't have an “off the rack” body type (if there even is such a thing).
The second alternative is great if you live near a good tailor, but it is generally the most expensive option. Bespoke shirts will probably run you at least $150 a piece. Of course, you will get measured, in person, by professional, so the shirt will fit perfectly.
The third option is the one we're going to talk about today. Online MTM “tailors” have been popping up left and right over the past few years. Some are better than others, but they are pretty much all cheaper than going to a local brick and mortar shop. Also, the shirts will definitely fit better than anything you find at the mall.
The big downfall of these online services is the measurement system. And by measurement system, I mean you, because you're required to give these stores your measurements. Since most of us don't even own the right kind of measuring tape and have no idea how to get the proper measurements, this can be problematic.
Note: I recommend either ordering tailor's tape from Amazon.
That said, all of these services have great, detailed, visual tutorials on how to get each measurement. If you have a friend that can help measure you, you will probably get more accurate numbers. Alternatively, most of these companies let you send in your favorite shirt for them to measure and copy.
Finally, don't worry to much about messing up your measurements by a half inch here or there. These online custom clothing sites have great refund and remake policies. You can always order one of their cheaper shirts to start out with, send it back until it's perfect, then update your measurement for future use.
Here are my favorite online made to measure clothiers, along with their price ranges:
- Modern Tailor – $59 to $79 (best prices, most options…review coming up soon)
- Blank Label – $75 to $145 (read my review of this shirt maker right here)
- Black Lapel – $99 to $179 (if you're in the NYC area, be sure to visit their showroom)
Do you have any experience with any of the above clothiers? Please share your experiences in the comments section so your fellow modest men know where to buy from and what to avoid.
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RatioClothing.com should be in the top 3 of any custom shirt list!
Actually not too familiar with them, but I’ll check them out. Thanks for the tip!
-B
You should definitely try J.Hilburn custom shirts. A style consultant comes to your door, takes all of your measurements in about 10 minutes and then you design the shirt that is perfect for you. Italian fabrics with contrasting collars or interior plackets, you choose the collar and cuff type. Pricing ranges from $89-$159 and you won’t get a better fit or a more pleasant non-shopping experience. http://www.jhilburn.com
Kristie,
Thanks for the recommendation. The only potentially “bad” thing I’ve heard about J. Hilburn is that the people doing the measuring are freelancers, so it’s possible to get someone who might not have very much experience.
But I’ll definitely check them out!
-B
I have used Indochino, Black Lapel, and JHilburn. Even though the JHilburn reps are style advisors that are not tailors, the shirts I have through them are the best fitting that I have. My advisor stayed with me through the whole first experience and would have continued if I needed alterations or a remake, but the fit was spot on when she first delivered my first shirt. The fabric selection is not the greatest but the fit is.
I can only echo the positive comments about J.Hilburn. I do know the stylists are trained to measure properly, and my stylist has been great (and I know it’s the first time doing this for her.) The shirt I got from them is amazing – the fit is incredible. I am ruined now wearing any other shirt, because nothing fits like this shirt.
I also just got a pair of fine italian wool pants – also amazing – also fit perfectly. I did not have a good experience with Modern Tailor. The fit was not great, the material of the shirt was poor and the construction was just average. I donated the shirt, I couldn’t wear it.
I also feel like the style of clothing J. Hilburn has is superior to a lot of the other options out there. If I had the means, I would be buying everything there.
I think with any company like JH that uses individual stylists, it’s all about who you get. Glad to hear you’ve got a talented stylist!
And what do you think of jhilburn.com? Should it be omitted from your list?
Australia is bit behind the 8 ball, but online MTM outfits such as George & King are slowing growing in popularity from down under.
I have used the custom suits services of Indochino last year, on my Birthday I have ordered a suit to Indochino and I like their services and their suit fittings are best & recently I have used services of Modish Fit – Custom Clothiers from Canada. They are reasonable also with best services regarding on time delivery or suit fittings. I really recommend their services.
Modish Fit Website – http://modishfit.com/
Thanks for this list! I personally love Blank Label, but I’m looking forward to trying some of these new brands (I had never heard of Paper Cloth, so thanks for that). I have struggled to get a good fit with Indochino, but they are very good when it comes to accepting returns. Thanks again!
Hiya Brock! I noticed that you don’t have Trumaker on your list. Trumaker is a startup in San Francisco that offers a great range of fabrics with outfitters that come right to your door to take all the hassle out of measuring yourself. Outfitters are carefully chosen and trained, and most of them have strong tailoring and fashion design backgrounds. Similar to J. Hilburn, but a bit more stylish and definitely easier to wear (especially for those that favor the casual look). Trumaker also fuses technology with design to create shirts that don’t include shirt fat, collars that don’t curl after washing, and customization points on every aspect of the shirt. Also, customers get package incentives and $20 credit for every referral!
Lili,
Never heard of them but will check them out. Thanks!
-B
Atailor online MTM store should be added to the list. I myself purchased a few shirts in a variety of designs and even added different colours to my collar and didn’t even charge me! They don’t disappoint http://www.atailor.com.au
You had Deo Veritas listed as one of your favorites in a newer review. Would you favor them over Modern Tailor or Blank Label?
Stantt Custom Shirts has poor customer service and very slow shipping. It is over three weeks and I have not received my expensive Order, and they don’t give a [crap].
*Edited by Admin for language
Combatant Gentleman (www.combatgent.com) has a nice selection of seasonally-varied shirts that start around $40, and although they’re not tailored, they do offer high-quality tailored suits at very affordable prices.
The thing I love about CG is that the clothes are so affordable, it’s not too painful to pay for alterations. Reviewed a few items here – http://www.themodestman.com/combat-gent-review/
I have had pretty good luck with Proper Cloth. They get the shirt to you in 15 to 20 days and have a pretty good selection of fabrics.
Had a bad experience with proper cloth. They couldn’t get the shirt to fit correctly, even after going to the store to get measured. Off the rack shirts fit better. I will definitely try JH.