My Tailor Shirt Review

My Tailor Shirt Review

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A few months back when I first met with Joe Hemrajani at MyTailor we agreed that it would be best that I review both a suit and shirt from his company.  When I got my first shirt back from MyTailor (which was provided as a courtesy by MyTailor) I was so happy with it that I proceeded to order three more (which I paid for, shirt prices range from $90-300 I believe, the shirts pictured were both $90).  That’s really all I need to say, right?

But I suppose I should carry on…

Anyway, the process is quite simple.  Meet with one of MyTailor’s traveling tailors, get measured and pick out your shirt fabric.  Once they have your measurements, shirts can be ordered at any time, just like with their suits.  Unlike other made to measure/custom shirteries that I have dealt with (which have mostly been online), there are really no restrictions at MyTailor.  To the point where I would almost call them a bespoke shirt maker.  I was able to alter every detail I wanted, collar spread, collar height, collar tip length as well as every body measurement necessary to make a properly fitting shirt.  The only downside in dealing with MyTailor, which is consistent with their suits, is that the delivery time can reach 6-8 weeks.  So appropriate planning is needed when placing orders.

I would like to highlight one detail in particular, that being the buttons.  You will notice in the above picture of the lavender gingham shirt the button is a thick mother of pearl.  Compare that with the linen/cotton shirt button below, which is thinner and less formal.  The thicker button would not look right on the linen/cotton shirt, it is too heavy for the lighter weight fabric.  It is the attention to details like this that I believe really set MyTailor apart.

The construction of the shirts is on par, if not slightly superior to other custom shirts I have seen at this price point.  I do think the button holes could be cleaned up slightly.  But that is noticeable really only when the shirts are not being worn.  To the outside observer the button holes look fine.  All of the stitching along the body, arms, collar and cuffs is clean and even with a high number of stitches per inch (I’m not in the mood to go and count the actual number).  The split yoke is matched up well on the gingham shirt.  My biggest, and pretty much only, criticism I have on the construction of the shirts is the button down collar.  I prefer my button downs to have a bit of a roll (one of the few things Brooks Brothers is good for) instead of the  I have washed each of the shirts a few times and have noted no deterioration of the fabric or stitching, which should be the case.  Ideally I will get years of wear out of each shirt.

Most importantly, the fit of the shirts is very good.  Both in appearance and feel (see pictures below).  The body of the shirt sits close to the skin which minimizes the amount of spillover around the waist and lower back (see last picture).  And the armholes are high enough to allow for proper movement.  The arms are slim enough so as to not look baggy and remain in proportion to the body of the shirt.  In short, they are probably the best fitting shirts I have.

Upon reflection and in conclusion I give a strong recommendation for MyTailor shirts.  The only downside is the time it takes to get the shirts made and the initial fitting appoint, the availability of which can vary depending on your location.  But in the scheme of things, as extra week or two here and there is nothing in comparison to the years of use the shirts should provide.  Aside from that, the price, quality and fit of the shirts far outweigh the timing issues.  MyTailor is due in NYC September 28 & 29 and October 1-5.  I plan to meet with MyTailor once or twice during that time period, if you are interested in consultation (free of charge), let me know and we can try to set a time agreeable to all three parties.  If you have any questions or comments of your own, sound off below.

Cheers,

JLJ

 

5 COMMENTS

  1. The shirts look well made Justin, but my question relates to longevity . How long do you think is a reasonable life for a shirt? My experience with some made to measure shirts from Hong Kong is that they seem to perish prematurely around the collar ( within 3-4 years ) I have also found this to be the case with some more expensive off the rack shirts eg Herringbone (Australian brand) retails for $170 + Italian fabric but made in China but also have found the same problem with Richard James and Hilditch & Key. Interestly have not had the same problem with the cheaper English brands such as T.M.Lewin, Charles Tyrwhitt, Hawes&Curtis or Harvie & Hudson. From these shirts I seem to get 5-10 years before the collars start to fray badly. I know other factors come into play such as frequency of laundering, type of laundering, ironing the collar folded etc. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

    • Geoff,

      As you note there are many factors at play that determine the longevity of a shirt. To be quite honest, I am no expert on this. But another key factor is the frequency of wear. The fraying around the collar is more of a fabric, rather than construction issue; I believe. If you wear a shirt once a week as opposed to once a month it will wear out much quicker. The shirts I have had made in Hong Kong (mytailor and others in asia) have yet to fail me, but then again I have not been wearing them that long. Shirts that are lasting 5-10 years (I do as well) are hard to complain about. 3-4 years is not ideal, but then again, if you wear them often, the circumstances are different.

      JLJ

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