Custom or Semi Custom shirts

[TheSauceBoss]

Hi,

I am getting tired of wearing off the rack dress shirts that always compromise in one way or another. Neck too big or tight, sleeve length etc..

I am thinking of trying custom made shirts. Here in NYC a google search turns up a ton of tailors. Prices range from $120 and up (way up).

I am not looking to spend a ton on this so I am asking to see if anyone has experience in this area. Are they worth it?

Plus if a forum member has a lead on a place in NYC (or nearby) let me know.

Thanks,

Bobby A

 

[davecmu]

Admittedly, I'm no use for finding a local shop in NYC, but I know there are guys on this board who have had great success ordering them online. Here are some recent threads about some online shops:

End-on-End - post #4 has a link to lots of custom shirt online shops

This one mentions a couple of sites, with some testimonials for Ravi's shirts

I think even Lands End or LL Bean does custom shirt ordering for about $49/shirt.

Good luck in your search!

 

[doublebucklemonk]

Never used him myself as I am in the midwest, but this guy gets big praise on Styleforum.

http://www.cego.com/store/

 

[ShaveDave]

You should check out Joe Hemrajani at mytailor.com

He comes to NY a couple of times a year. Usually he'll take a suite at the Hilton on 6th Ave or the Marriott downtown. You make an appointment for a measuring with his office and go to the hotel. He'll have book after book of different cloth samples and patterns.

I've been getting shirts and trousers from him for years. A few of my uncles have been using him for 20+ years. His shop made the suit I got married in.

His shirts and suits are top notch quality at whatever price point you are comfortable with.

Actually i just checked and he'll be at the Marriot on west street on Dec 9 & 10th, at Short Hills for the 11-12th, and the Hilton on 6th ave 13th-16th.

 

[PaulG]

Not anyone in the states, but I swear by Emporium Tailors in Thailand. They're great if you can make it to the city itself, but assuming you can't, they will custom make clothes for you from a sample, so what you could do is go to a local tailor, get one shirt made that fits you perfectly. You then post it off to Emporium, and they'll make as many shirts as you like that fit the same way. You can also submit your measurements, but I'm not sure how well that would work (as I've never done it myself!)

I'm currently awaiting an order of 6 shirts, which are costing me approx $60 each for some ridiculously high thread count cotton shirts.

 

[Veritas II]

Stop by Michael Andrews Bespoke, near 3rd & Broadway. I've known the owner for many years. He will treat you right.

 

[TheSauceBoss]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I have checked out the recommended internet sites and will be taking a trip to the Marriott in December and Micheal Andrews next week.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again,

Bobby A

 

[Sparafucile]

I've been using this guy for years; he's in Thailand, and quite reasonable. Shirts are high quality. He comes to NYC regularly.

http://www.onlinesuits.com/

 

[J2010]

I'm happy with my first custom shirts from Brooks Brothers. They offer 20% off if you buy 3. You can use the on-line for half-inch or if you want it down to quarter inch go to one of their stores that do shirts.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/specialorder/availability.tem


Thanks to Danny who worked with me at the Galleria!

 

[knlgskr]

See Mortimer Levitt (Custom Shop Clothiers).

 

[Mohillian]

SF Based but last I remember...he travels to you, may want to contact and just ask...he is great!

http://dougpetercustomclothier.com/1801.html

 

[Veritas II]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I have checked out the recommended internet sites and will be taking a trip to the Marriott in December and Micheal Andrews next week.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again,

Bobby A

Let me know how it goes at MAB.

 

[cthip]

Hi,

I am getting tired of wearing off the rack dress shirts that always compromise in one way or another. Neck too big or tight, sleeve length etc..

I am thinking of trying custom made shirts. Here in NYC a google search turns up a ton of tailors. Prices range from $120 and up (way up).

I am not looking to spend a ton on this so I am asking to see if anyone has experience in this area. Are they worth it?

Plus if a forum member has a lead on a place in NYC (or nearby) let me know.

Thanks,

Bobby A

custom is definitely nice, and there are lots of good recommendations in this thread, but is there a specific reason you can't have off-the-rack shirts tailored to fit you appropriately? it just might be a more cost-effective solution, especially if you need a full wardrobe.

 

[cbird]

Check out Individualized Shirts. I have ordered a few and they compare well with OTR shirts that cost almost twice as much(Truzzi, Loro Piana, etc). Also, they are made in USA (New Jersey, I believe).

 

[TheSauceBoss]

Hi guys,

I took a short walk to Brooks Brothers across from the WTC site. I was introduced to 'Alex' who was in charge of MTM shirts.

After speaking with him and looking at swatches of fabric I decided to have one shirt made for me to see how well it would fit etc.

He offered me 25% off the regular price and it came out to about $110. Not cheap but in about 4 weeks it should be ready.

I will post a follow up when its ready and possible take some pics.

Bobby A

 

[xjrob85]

Another vote for Joe Hemrajani at www.mytailor.com. I have several shirts from him and they are excellent!

 

[StylinLA]

Don't know New York area shirt makers per se. But years back I used the Custom Shop, which I believe still has a store or stores in NY. Very good shirts, but pretty pricey. Very much worth it. I believe they are pricier because their entire operation is US based.

I have also dabbled with a shirt maker here in Los Angeles that gets their shirt made in Hong Kong. Prices were more reasonable than Custom Shop. I don't think overall quality was as good.

Hard to beat the fit of a shirt designed for you in every way. Feels good putting it on for sure. I ticked off that the Custom Shop dialed back the number of locations so drastically after Mortimer Levitt died.

Toughest part of ordering shirts is the longgggg wait. But it's worth it.