[peterc]

There are very few sizes/colors left on line to buy. The 17.5/33 pocket version Madison ones I bought last summer were actually 1" shorter in the arm than my prior traditional cut 17.5/33. I don't really want, and probably no longer can, return these Madison ones, and aside from the too short sleeves, I really like these shirts. The lighter weight fabric is perfect for my geographic area.

I talked to BB and was informed they will be re-stocked, but somehow I doubt it.

Does anyone know for certain, one way or the other?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rl1856]

Good question. These shirts were made in their Garland NC shirt factory, which closed just before the sale of the company. So the new BB would have to find another manufacturing source. BB promoted this line of shirts as "Made in the USA". If they want to continue in the same way, then they would have to find a shirt maker with an open US factory.

 

[peterc]

Thank you.

As an aside, I find it perplexing why the Madison is, literally, one inch shorter in the sleeve. I measured AND laid the Madison on top of the Traditional. No question about it - the sleeves are 1 inch shorter.

 

[drpeter]

Thank you.

As an aside, I find it perplexing why the Madison is, literally, one inch shorter in the sleeve. I measured AND laid the Madison on top of the Traditional. No question about it - the sleeves are 1 inch shorter.

Well, suit jackets have become shorter in length and tighter overall in the last few years, so maybe they are shortening the sleeve lengths as well to match! I'm saying this only half in jest. Maybe the solution is to order shirts that measure 17.5 / 34 this time, and see if that will actually be correct for you.

The other possibility that occurred to me is shrinkage. Did you observe the shortened length after laundering thes Madison shirts, or did you notice it right out of the parcel when the shirts arrived?

 

[peterc]

I measured after the first washing and wearing. But, my trad. fit ones still fit properly in the sleeve after washing.

 

[andrewdc]

Mercer & Sons and Michael Spencer are the way to go for oxfords with unlined collars, plackets, cuffs these days if you want something akin to Brooks’ ‘original polo.’ Do your homework - they are both made to measure, so getting the fit right takes some thought. Michael Spencer’s website has better guidance. For a less expensive option that is very good but not quite at the same level (shorter button down collar ends, oxford fabric is very robust & takes longer to wear in), Proper Cloth‘s basic oxfords are a bargain for made-to-measure. Proper Cloth’s selection of fabrics is tremendous.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Mercer & Sons and Michael Spencer are the way to go for oxfords with unlined collars, plackets, cuffs these days if you want something akin to Brooks' 'original polo.' Do your homework - they are both made to measure, so getting the fit right takes some thought. Michael Spencer's website has better guidance. For a less expensive option that is very good but not quite at the same level (shorter button down collar ends, oxford fabric is very robust & takes longer to wear in), Proper Cloth's basic oxfords are a bargain for made-to-measure. Proper Cloth's selection of fabrics is tremendous.

I would add O'Connell's to the list. I believe their unlined, unfused OCBDs are Gitman. The quality is excellent. One aspect of note, the blue of BB of old and Mercer has a definitely grey tone. The O'Connell's are more of a true, clear blue. They seem to go on sale a couple of times a year.

 

[peterc]

I would like to order from Mercer, but despite my many inquiries to them and here, I have yet to receive a clear and definitive answer on the height of the collar band, i.e., the piece of fabric that is attached between the back yolk and the actual collar. I have a short neck and cannot wear shirts with a collar band height more than 1.5" and I prefer 1.25". The Mercer shirts look like the collar height there is 2". I have asked folks here for their input and I do not believe I have had a clear answer. If someone knows, please share.

 

[peterc]

BB, under their sale section, has 3 of the shirts I wanted in an 18-34 and 1 in an 18-35. So, I bought them. I seriously think that these shirts, USA-made, for this price, are not going to see the light of day again at BB. The 17.5 was a bit tight in the neck anyway,

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I would like to order from Mercer, but despite my many inquiries to them and here, I have yet to receive a clear and definitive answer on the height of the collar band, i.e., the piece of fabric that is attached between the back yolk and the actual collar. I have a short neck and cannot wear shirts with a collar band height more than 1.5" and I prefer 1.25". The Mercer shirts look like the collar height there is 2". I have asked folks here for their input and I do not believe I have had a clear answer. If someone knows, please share.

I checked the collar band in the unlined and unfused OCBDs from O'Connell's, and they are 1 1/2".

 

[peterc]

Yes, I know that, but thank you anyway.

Still waiting for a clear answer re: Mercer.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Yes, I know that, but thank you anyway.

Still waiting for a clear answer re: Mercer.

I posed the question on SWNE and was advised 43mm at the back center.

 

[peterc]

I don't know what SWNE is, but thanks - 43 mm is about 1.7 inches. Too high for me. This is Orvis and Talbott territory....

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I don't know what SWNE is, but thanks - 43 mm is about 1.7 inches. Too high for me. This is Orvis and Talbott territory....

SWNE is Salt Water New England, a lovely blog loaded with beautiful photography of New England interspersed with features on clothing from places you would like (Cordings, Bosie, Jack Donnelly, Leather Man, Mercer, etc.) and discussions of topics ranging all over the place.

 

[peterc]

Many thanks. I went to school in New England and wish I had explored more there; instead, I spent too much time in NYC, fun as that was.

 

[drpeter]

SWNE is Salt Water New England, a lovely blog loaded with beautiful photography of New England interspersed with features on clothing from places you would like (Cordings, Bosie, Jack Donnelly, Leather Man, Mercer, etc.) and discussions of topics ranging all over the place.

Indeed. I have also endorsed this blog before. Muffy Aldrich, its owner, has delightful photographs, especially the homes and landscapes of New England, lots of water and boats. Also photos of Yale and other colleges. It used to be called The Daily Prep some time ago.

 

[YukonCornelius21]

I would add O'Connell's to the list. I believe their unlined, unfused OCBDs are Gitman. The quality is excellent. One aspect of note, the blue of BB of old and Mercer has a definitely grey tone. The O'Connell's are more of a true, clear blue. They seem to go on sale a couple of times a year.

+1 on this. I'm not someone who obsesses over every small detail but I think these are terrific. Hands down the favorites in my closet (not counting a few OC Albini cloth shirts but those are just a different category). And with regular sales throughout the year, they represent a terrific value and supporting great companies (OC and Gitman). OC also has been slowly adding colors and patterns to these shirts.

 

[peterc]

Love both Gitman and OC.

 

[YukonCornelius21]

OC just added some items to their just in section...believe that lighter yellow is a new color.

https://oconnellsclothing.com/just-in/mens-just-in.html

 

[ran23]

As a retired Asian Man, I like that mellow yellow.