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Custom Shirts for the Well-Dressed Man
by
Dennis Dann
Dann Men's Clothing
Certainly the
gentleman who cares about his appearance and his dress and sport
clothing, is interested in how his shirts fit him. Its the very lucky
man who is a great easy-to-find size. This results in great
selection everywhere for him. Not only can terrific basics be easily
found in his size....so can special seasonal offerings and there are
usually a few great shirts on the sale rack as well ! He is lucky
indeed.Now enters "the not so lucky in size" man. He is a TALL (or REALLY TALL)....he is a BIG guy (and sometimes tall too !) ............or he is a PORTLY (big thru the mid section)...........or he is a SMALL (sometimes small AND portly). Not so easy to find ANYTHING....at all..........in basics, patterns, etc.
Now enters the man who just loves French Cuff Shirts. What a dashing dresser ! You have to appreciate the man who will go to the extra trouble of collecting interesting cuff links and usually wears a new set daily. French Cuff selection in "off the rack" is simply not what it used to be.
As a general rule......when the economy shakes the way it has the past few years---the manufacturers have simply cut back every way they can. Certain sizes are produced in lesser quantity (if at all) and the more unique---such a dressy French Cuff---are also a fatality.
The option of Custom and Customized Shirts will put the shirt you are seeking into your hands.
"Custom" is true Custom. Many different measurements will be taken of you and the shirt will be made exactly to those measurements. If you are between sizes.....have different length arms.....have a large neck with a small body....or vice versa.....really a "Portly" with a large tummy......or a very athletic cut. "Off the Rack" rarely fits you the way you may be happy with and or satisfy you.
"Customized" is a newer concept of true Custom. The manufacturer works off their main patterns for off the rack but then cuts the shirt just for you....It is a less expensive way to obtain the shirt you need ---French Cuff....Tall....Big.....hard to find sizes in a vast selection of collars, colors, fabrics, patterns. The body pattern is off of Regular, Big (3" fuller thru the body than Regular), or Tall (3" longer thru the body than Regular). Your neck measurements and your arm measurements are taken. The shirts can be monogrammed for an additional fee for an added special touch. White Collar ? White French Cuffs ? Any collar style you want.....all can be obtained.
As with ANY Custom, Customized or Special order..........patience is needed. This is the #1 requirement in today's wildly busy and fast paced world. Plan on at least 3+ weeks for delivery --and longer if it is anywhere near the crazy Holiday season or during the summer vacation schedule. These are shirts that are made up just for you so generally there are cancellation and a no-return policy and they are more expensive, overall, than off the rack shirts. But this is such a wonderful option to obtain just what YOU need and want. Manufacturers are simply "stocking" fewer and fewer choices.....and usually now in just the basics.
Once one successful shirt is made.....you have hit "easy street" and many many more can be produced just like this one.....just for you. Your days of searching the racks in hopes of the right fit are truly over. It is a great option. You just need some patience for the wait.....know to plan ahead of the upcoming season.....and be a decision maker. Picking from all of the swatches and not looking at a finished garment---just as your clothier does for his store---requires a little fashion vision. Therefore----this is truly not for everyone. If you must see a finished garment before making a decision and must have it on the spot---than "off the rack" is still the option for you.
Most who embrace "Custom" (or its other versions) love the idea that this garment is very special.....to their specifications and requests......and that good things take time. For the fashionable guy who loves his shirts.....this opens up a whole new world.
Dennis Dann has been a Retailer for over 40 years. He is the owner of Dann Clothing www.Dann-Online.com He can be reached via dann@dann-online.com
