Modern Tailor - Initial Impressions
I came across the link for Modern Tailor through the forum and read a few reviews, including Andy's, so thought i would give them a try. Since I've gotten so much information from others who have taken the time to post similar "reviews", i figured that I would pass on my experiences.
I originally started with a fabric swatch purchase. The web-site indicated that shirt and suit swatches were available and I requested both. Unfortunately, they only sent the shirts and forgot to send the suit swatches! I went ahead and chose a fabric for a shirt order and they indicated that they would include the suit swatches with the order. However, as of today the shirt arrived and still no swatches!? Of course this is a minor issue and I'm sure a fast e-mail will rectify it. One last swatch comment - about thirty percent of the swatches had no label/ reference to style, number, thread, etc. - essentially unknowns - Only approximately twenty-five percent of the fabrics were confirmable/ available on the web-site. Obviously, fabric supplies come and go and it is not reasonable to believe all can be maintained on hand, but ultimately such a small percentage did not justify the swatch purchase.
Processing and shipping of my shirt, as well as communication, was incredible! I placed the order approx. 4p.m. Jan.12 and received it Jan.20. I did pay an extra $5 for expedited production but it was well worth it for a custom shirt. I actually requested a late change for shoulder pleats from a plain back after I placed the order and Modern Tailor accommodated it!
I chose to measure a shirt instead of taking body measurements. (I copied a Lands End Custom shirt)
Fabric - 90038, Fine Blue Twill, Non-iron (I generally do not have good luck with twill, but wanted a non-iron fabric and this was one of the only "plain" non-iron choices). The fabric is actually quite nice with a tight weave. I'm not quite sure how this is considered "non-iron" as after one washing (cold water, delicate, hanger dry) it has stayed incredibly wrinkled! There is nothing non-iron about it!
The details seem nice - good stitching, nice buttons (i only requested plain), a few loose threads here and there but overall as good as many of the other shirts I own (BB, Lewin, RL, etc.)
There were a couple of things to be desired. A few of the measurements were "off" - it should be noted that the differences were within the stated tolerances that the web-site indicates - unfortunately, since this shirt is MTM and I chose "slim fit" , the measurements that were "short" (yoke 1", sleeve length .5", chest 1") give the shirt a slightly tight feel (pre-shrinking!?) Additionally, the cuff was large by about .25".
The only detail that I would say is an "issue" for me is the collar. The height is good. The points measured 3.5" - which for my taste is too long. Unfortunately, there is no option given - but, I have updated my shirt profile and requested in the notes that the collar be shortened - so we'll see. Additionally, the web-site indicates that the cutaway collar is similar to a Windsor collar - I would say it was similar to a CT classic, Lewin Prince of Wales, or even JAB's spreads - the spread is definitely not as cutaway as the Windsors on my other shirts.
This being the first shirt, fine tuning is to be expected. A question that i will have to pose to Modern Tailor is how to adjust for the "tightness"? - Do I make additions to my measurements or assume that the next shirt will feel less tight if it is brought up to the actual measurements?
Overall, I am pleased with the first shirt and with Modern Tailor. The process is smooth and easy with a lot of customization available (especially their accommodation of individual notes, etc.) and with the speed of production and delivery I will most likely order a couple more shirts.
