I really like that they take your measurements and store them in their computer system so you can walk into almost any BB and instantly get the correct size(s) and get out.
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Finding a Men's Dress Shirt that fits
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I really like that they take your measurements and store them in their computer system so you can walk into almost any BB and instantly get the correct size(s) and get out.
Try J.CREW men's dress shirts. They have such nice clothes for men and women. Something for everyone.
I have at least 100 fitted dress shirts. About 75% of them are off-the-rack. They range from regular store brands up to high-end, designer brands. They all fit well, I don't have any problems with them. But only eight of them fit great. Not even perfect, but just "better-than-good" great.
The other 25% of my shirts are made-to-measure (which others in this thread have mentioned), and they're all a perfect fit. The problem with OTR shirts is that they're mass produced to a mathematical average size (even fitted shirts). So it's up to the consumer to figure out which size they're closest to. The MTM shirts are going to be the best fit because they are your own measurements. I probably won't buy any more OTR shirts. The quality can be just as good, if not better. The prices can be the same, if not cheaper. And you can't beat the fit. Given the advantages, I'd rather not waste money on OTR shirts, especially when some of these companies guarantee the fit or your money back.
There are many, many MTM shirt companies now, and the list seems to be growing. Some stores have a "test shirt" that new customers can buy for $20 USD. The prices and quality vary just as much regular stores, but if you look there are shirts for every budget. Some of the well-known stores are:
Indochino
Black Lapel
Blank Label
Alton Lane
Proper Cloth
Modern Tailor
iTailor
The other 25% of my shirts are made-to-measure (which others in this thread have mentioned), and they're all a perfect fit. The problem with OTR shirts is that they're mass produced to a mathematical average size (even fitted shirts). So it's up to the consumer to figure out which size they're closest to. The MTM shirts are going to be the best fit because they are your own measurements. I probably won't buy any more OTR shirts. The quality can be just as good, if not better. The prices can be the same, if not cheaper. And you can't beat the fit. Given the advantages, I'd rather not waste money on OTR shirts, especially when some of these companies guarantee the fit or your money back.
There are many, many MTM shirt companies now, and the list seems to be growing. Some stores have a "test shirt" that new customers can buy for $20 USD. The prices and quality vary just as much regular stores, but if you look there are shirts for every budget. Some of the well-known stores are:
Indochino
Black Lapel
Blank Label
Alton Lane
Proper Cloth
Modern Tailor
iTailor
The only part that sucks about Made-to-Measure shirt companies is the beginning process (i.e. your 1st order with them), which means your first few shirt orders may suck. They'll probably remake your shirt for free, but it's still time-consuming to get right, even if the measurements you provide seem 100% correct to you.
I use Indochino, and even now, after ~4 years, the fit of their shirts can be quite variable. The 1st thing you need to do is send them your measurements, and then they'll make you a shirt. If you are ordering from a made-to-measure (MTM) online shop like Indochino, DO NOT ORDER MORE THAN ONE SHIRT!!! I can't stress this enough. It's your 1st order, so use it as a trial run. Indochino allows for shirts to be remade if you don't like the fit when they arrive, which is great. It's free, but you need to do it within a reasonable time-frame (e.g. within 2 weeks after your order arrives).
In theory, once you're 100% satisfied with the shirts you're getting, AND your body shape/size hasn't change since your previous order, you can use the same measurements again in the future. Your measurements are saved on their website. If you use the same measurements as before, all new shirts they send you will/should fit the same (i.e. as perfectly) as your previous Indochino shirts. In other words, "remakes" were probably only intended for your first few orders, since you should have nailed your measurements after your 1st shirt order.
In practice, that is not the case. I order ~3 shirts from Indochino every 6 months, so that's around 6 shirts a year. I figure that every one of my shirts should be replaced every 2 years max (some earlier than others). Even after 4 years of being a customer, I swear that I need to ask for a re-make every 2nd or 3rd order. I don't know if it's because their tailors tweak the way they interpret body measurements, or if it's because they change factories. All I know is that it's annoying to have 3 shirts remade because Indochino is inconsistent.
And just FYI, I'm not being overly picky about my shirts. They don't need to fit me absolutely perfectly in order for them to look nice. However, as they are MTM, they SHOULD fit better than off-the-rack shirts. Sometimes, they don't.
I ordered some new shirts in March of this year, and all 3 shirts came out really baggy. If we were talking about pants, it felt like I received size 36 pants when I'm normally a 31. I may as well have bought $99 shirts at K-Mart.
But I sent them a photo (which they suggest when you ask for a remake), and received 3 perfectly remade shirts that fit very well.
Quite honestly, if the beginning of the process (i.e. the 1st order) wasn't such a pain in the ass, I probably would have tried another MTM company by now. What keeps me going back to Indochino is:
The only reason it's a pain to ask for a remake is because I work, and can't sit around at home to wait for the FedEx delivery. I can only pick up packages on Saturdays, or if I leave work really early.
I use Indochino, and even now, after ~4 years, the fit of their shirts can be quite variable. The 1st thing you need to do is send them your measurements, and then they'll make you a shirt. If you are ordering from a made-to-measure (MTM) online shop like Indochino, DO NOT ORDER MORE THAN ONE SHIRT!!! I can't stress this enough. It's your 1st order, so use it as a trial run. Indochino allows for shirts to be remade if you don't like the fit when they arrive, which is great. It's free, but you need to do it within a reasonable time-frame (e.g. within 2 weeks after your order arrives).
In theory, once you're 100% satisfied with the shirts you're getting, AND your body shape/size hasn't change since your previous order, you can use the same measurements again in the future. Your measurements are saved on their website. If you use the same measurements as before, all new shirts they send you will/should fit the same (i.e. as perfectly) as your previous Indochino shirts. In other words, "remakes" were probably only intended for your first few orders, since you should have nailed your measurements after your 1st shirt order.
In practice, that is not the case. I order ~3 shirts from Indochino every 6 months, so that's around 6 shirts a year. I figure that every one of my shirts should be replaced every 2 years max (some earlier than others). Even after 4 years of being a customer, I swear that I need to ask for a re-make every 2nd or 3rd order. I don't know if it's because their tailors tweak the way they interpret body measurements, or if it's because they change factories. All I know is that it's annoying to have 3 shirts remade because Indochino is inconsistent.
And just FYI, I'm not being overly picky about my shirts. They don't need to fit me absolutely perfectly in order for them to look nice. However, as they are MTM, they SHOULD fit better than off-the-rack shirts. Sometimes, they don't.
I ordered some new shirts in March of this year, and all 3 shirts came out really baggy. If we were talking about pants, it felt like I received size 36 pants when I'm normally a 31. I may as well have bought $99 shirts at K-Mart.
But I sent them a photo (which they suggest when you ask for a remake), and received 3 perfectly remade shirts that fit very well.
Quite honestly, if the beginning of the process (i.e. the 1st order) wasn't such a pain in the ass, I probably would have tried another MTM company by now. What keeps me going back to Indochino is:
1) Laziness.
2) Their great post-purchase service. I never need to beg for a remake, or justify it to them. They're very accommodating, although it is their fault if they make a crappy shirt for me.
The only reason it's a pain to ask for a remake is because I work, and can't sit around at home to wait for the FedEx delivery. I can only pick up packages on Saturdays, or if I leave work really early.
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Indochino huh? I like their suits, but I find the shirts from Blank Label to be higher quality and a more consistent fit.
If you are not standard you will have to get your clothes to a tailor if you want the best fit. Maybe try a Big & Tall store, they could have some non-standard clothes or a tailor on hand at the store to adjust it? (basing this on what I have seen of B&T stores on TV).
Finding a Perfect fitting has been a big problem for men. It is very tough to find a mens shirt that fits completely fine. You can try proper cloth if you are looking for the perfect fit.
Express 1MX shirts fit very well for me. But they wrinkle like no other though.
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Indochino shirts are crap. After a few washes, they fade and look distressed.
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Indochino shirts are crap. After a few washes, they fade and look distressed.
I like them too on appearance, but I agree... the wrinkling is awful. The colors are great, and the body fits well, but unfortunately, for me, the sleeves are way too short, so they're a no go for me.
Ahhh, does remind me, I need to scope out a sale from my tailor and get new shirts....
Fit, design and quality fabric are the most important aspects for a perfect shirt. Armani and Van Heusen shirts are known for the best fit ever.
And for me short sleeves are great! But I have an unusual body type, having (apparently) a thick neck, but short arms. (Geez. I sound like a troll or something.) I like the Express shirts, but their dimensions make it difficult for me to use their shirts with a tie. So back to Paul Fredrick it is!
Obviously, fitted shirts give a good and unique look to the men so You can surely try this type of clothing.
Bought a few shirts online from TM Lewin, they are great. In fact i have one on right now!
Otherwise, i have no problem with shirts from Banana Republic, Express, and random Italian names from local stores that are inexpensive. I always go for a slim or trim fit and make sure they fit before I buy.
I want to thank Trauma1 for noting those online MTM tailors. I will definitely check them out. I did see itailor before, but thought $45 per shirt sight unseen was a bit steep. If they had a test shirt they send out i would definitely go for that.
Otherwise, i have no problem with shirts from Banana Republic, Express, and random Italian names from local stores that are inexpensive. I always go for a slim or trim fit and make sure they fit before I buy.
I want to thank Trauma1 for noting those online MTM tailors. I will definitely check them out. I did see itailor before, but thought $45 per shirt sight unseen was a bit steep. If they had a test shirt they send out i would definitely go for that.
I love tailored made Italian shirts, I do really appreciate travel shirts as quite often I really don't have time to iron shirts
Anybody know a good place for dress shirts for very slim men? Everytime I go shopping everything is so big.
I have nothing to add, but I'd like to check in and take credit as the OP of a thread that was started almost five years ago and necroposted nine times!
The standard range of Paul Fredrick (the online dress shirt retailer I'm most familiar with) only goes down to 14.5" neck sizes, but their Custom Dress Shirts option goes down to 14". Almost there!
I think Nordstrom stores include an onsite tailor who will fit you for custom Nordstrom-brand dress shirts if you ask.
I would look at the following styles also:
Slim Fit
Fitted
Modern Fit
Classic Fit
Each one fits the body differently. It all depends on what you like. Go to men's dress store and ask to try on a few different fit styles to see which style of fit you like.
And these fit style can differ based on the shirt company. So if you find a company or companies you like, you will know how they run and will be able to purchase them without having to try them on every time.
Slim Fit
Fitted
Modern Fit
Classic Fit
Each one fits the body differently. It all depends on what you like. Go to men's dress store and ask to try on a few different fit styles to see which style of fit you like.
And these fit style can differ based on the shirt company. So if you find a company or companies you like, you will know how they run and will be able to purchase them without having to try them on every time.
That's what I do and I don't have a problem.
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How much are the MTM shirts?
Ok, I’ll post then too.
Buying shirts has always been a challenge. Polos/short sleeves are too tight or short in the sleeves, and dress shirts are too short in the arms (so I roll them a time or two) or it looks like I’m wearing a parachute tucked in. I don’t tailor my shirts....too lazy.
I’ve had good luck with dress shirts at Brook Brothers. I can’t button the top button so I have this casual loose tie look going on when I do.
Buying shirts has always been a challenge. Polos/short sleeves are too tight or short in the sleeves, and dress shirts are too short in the arms (so I roll them a time or two) or it looks like I’m wearing a parachute tucked in. I don’t tailor my shirts....too lazy.
I’ve had good luck with dress shirts at Brook Brothers. I can’t button the top button so I have this casual loose tie look going on when I do.