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 lessor 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.
There is a difference between them and there are
things you need to know before going down this path.
"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 lesser 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 4+ 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.
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.
