[12gofas]

I would like to get the opinions of some of the members here on what they think are a good shirt for the price. I will start with my own preferences and feelings.

In the under $50 range, I have had very good luck with Alfani. The Alfani Red twill in white is my favorite as I have 6. All have been worn over 25 times and laundered the same. Only one button lost from a sleeve placket.

Between $60 to $100, I like Tiglio, Sorrani, and Matteo Di Rota. I know these are not household names, but I love the way they feel and the color of the cotton twill really pops against a suit or sportcoat.

Above $100, I really don't have much experience because I can't seem to justify paying a third of a car note on a shirt.

Also for clarification, the prices above are the actual normal prices paid, not the as we know inflated retail price.

I must admit that I was on the hunt for a couple of Canali shirts, but after stopping in Nordstrom today, I am glad I hadn't taken the plunge. I admit that while they are well made, I was not impressed with the cloth. It felt like it would need a few launderings before it would be a pleasure to wear. Nowhere close to the fit and feel of their suits and sportcoats, and trousers.

Looking forward to some other opinions and insights toward new shirts to try. :icon_smile_big:

 

[Liquidus]

I think you need to add the English clothiers that I find talked about the most on these forums like Charles Tyrwhitt, TW Lewin, Harvie & Hudson, Hilditch & Key, and Turnbull & Asser.

 

[Mathguy]

Hilditch and Key. I think they are wonderful. On their "Sale by Mail" they are almost reasonably priced. I can't imagine what I would get by paying more.

 

[12gofas]

You're right.

I just don't have any experience with those shirtmakers. I like to see and feel the shirt before spending my money, so I have only bought shirts in a store or when I have ordered online, it has been from a US based seller and I had researched the brand extensively before purchase. I didn't mean to exclude anyone intentionally. Thanks.

 

[hellomarty]

Nordstrom

I ordered several JW Nordstrom MTM shirts, in basic white, Allegro model. It's about $140 each? Anyway, super soft shirt, vs. one I tried Custom shirts at Brooks Brothers, $165, came out like thin twill. Never leaving Nordstrom again!

 

[ToryBoy]

Where is Charvet on that list. We cannot can talk about the best RTW shirts and not talk about the best RTW shirtmaker and arguably the best MTM and bespoke shirtmaker.

 

[ilikeyourstyle]

I can't find any RTW shirt I like in North American stores. I order online from the UK, or I go the MTM route from Hong Kong. This strategy has worked very well for me, and even saved me money.

 

[PJC in NoVa]

Lewin & CT are easy British brands for a Yank to try b/c their return process is so easy w/ their prepaid USPS Priority Mail return labels in each shipment.

Shipping shirts back to H&K or H&H will cost a lot more, so they are riskier to try. They make DC-area visits twice yearly (or at least H&H does), however, and even if you're not there to order custom shirts, I can't imagine they'd mind a possible future customer dropping by to get a firsthand look at their fabrics, feel the handle of the cottons, etc.

Also, anyone in the DC area who wants to inspect some RTW H&K shirts can find a selection at Wm. Fox & Co. downtown. They used to also be sold at Saks, but not for a few years now I think.

Lately I've been buying up BB Luxury and slimfit RTW shirts b/c the prices are so good w/ all the sales they're having.

 

[Preu Pummel]

For under $50--Tyhrwitt. No doubt. When you get a good sale with 4 for $199, it's an excellent value for fit and feel.

 

[Mithras]

Charvet and Turnbull & Asser make IMHO the best RTW shirts.

Harvie & Hudson make IMHO the best reasonably priced RTW shirts.

Some small manufacturers like Emma Wills also make extremely fine shirts, but their prices make me gag.

 

[JibranK]

This, more or less.

 

[rgrossicone]

Wouldn't it really depend on your frame. I'm sure a stocky man isn't going to think as highly of a slimmmer cut OTR.

I'm slim, and for my OTR the Versace Classic shirts (when i can fond them on sale) are great. I have a few that I picked up at discount stores for around $100 (regularly they are over 3 times that).

Also, BB Slim Fit are a good shirt...picked up quite a few over the winter sale and have worn them to hell and back, and the fit is superb, the styling is classic, and the price, when on sale, was right.

Honestly though, my bespoke guy can do a shirt with entry level fabric (which is just as good as most RTW) for $135...can't beat that with a bat.

 

[12gofas]

I agree that a custom shirt is usually the best value.

But let's talk about what you can go get on Saturday morning, iron in the afternoon, and wear it that night. That is what ready to wear is in my book. And i did not exclude any brands on purpose, I just don't have the first hand knowledge to sing their praises or curses.

 

[Tonyp]

I agree. If you are dying to buy a shirt to wear that night then go out and shop around. I just had 5 bespoke shirts made in all the basic colors; white FC, blue end on end FC, light blue, mid blue and eggshell with custom cuffs and collars for less than $200 each and the cotton is beautiful. it takes about 10 days to make the shirts. Once you have the measurements you can call in the fabrics.

 

[HvonM]

Another fantastic shirt missing from the list is Eton (of Sweden). Available in three fits, the shape is great, colours, cuffs and collars are fantastic and the wrinkle resistance lasts a long time. The downsides are that the sleeves are often too long without being tailored and the fusing in the cuffs can bubble after a while.

 

[thefancyman]

My shirtmaker of choice is usually Turnbull & Asser, which I'm surprised is not one of the choices in the poll. However, I choose BB rather than obscure brands, because I think their Golden Fleece shirts are superbly made and probably one of the best American made shirts.

 

[Texan]

Brooks Luxury--great shirt for $135 or 2 for $199 when on sale. Have 10 or so.

Brooks Golden Fleece is awesome if you can find them on sale. Too expensive at full price for a rack shirt.

FM Allen makes their shirts in England and fabric and construction is awesome. AT $170, they are higher but on par with any rack shirt in England and easier to get. Perfect collar.

I like purple label when I can get them on sale.

 

[Guy Redux]

Brooks Luxury--great shirt for $135 or 2 for $199 when on sale. Have 10 or so.

Brooks Golden Fleece is awesome if you can find them on sale. Too expensive at full price for a rack shirt.

Just pulled the trigger on a couple of BB Golden Fleece shirts on sale (no shipping = no risk). I'll post impressions when they arrive.

 

[Monorailcat]

I recently bought a french blue royal oxford cloth Golden Fleece shirt on sale. It is now one of my favorite shirts. Easy to dress up(has spread collar, french cuff) and down(with chinos and navy blazer and sneakers or loafers). The fabric is soft and terrific and it is one of the few non iron shirts i own and looks good all day.

Most of my shirts are from Ralph Lauren(Polo, Black Black Label, Purple Label) I go nuts in the Ralph Lauren store and website(or a sale at Saks with half off shirts).

I also am a huge fan of Harvie and Hudson and Turnbull and Asser. H&H has great colors and prices and make a fantastic shirt. Best Value of any shirtmaker when on sale,IMO.
My T&A shirt is beautiful and is probably my most formal daytime shirt(white with medium thick dark pink stripes and white collar and cuffs). It feels great on.
I have a few other shirts too and have to say, apart from the fact that RL is my favorite designer, their shirts are top notch and fit great and have wonderful fabrics. BB does good too with the luxury line and Black Fleece collection and the previously mentioned Golden Fleece Line.

 

[Sir Walter]

I think Nordstrom's shirts are a great deal. Especially the shirts with the raised weave. I am able to find really nice shirts on sale either in Nordstrom's Rack or in the main store below $50.00 per shirt. A deal that in my opinion can't be beat.

I worked at Brooks Brothers for a short period and had a chance to really examine their products. I must say I was disappointed in the quality. I do not care for the non-iron shirts, which is all the store where I worked carried.