This is a nice update that I’d only recently noticed: ProperCloth, which does custom-fit washed denim and chambray shirts in batches every couple months, now allows you to create and order those shirts all the time. At checkout, they let you know what the additional waiting time for the shirt will be. Their typical shirt turnaround is an astonishing 2 weeks.
[Suggested reading: My Guide to Denim and Chambray Shirts]
I just created a custom size and ordered a washed chambray for my wife, who is hoping to recreate a perfect old J.Crew washed chambray popover. It was the perfect shirt with the perfect design, which she wore to shreds. I kept trying to repair it, resewing it at the seams around the pockets and sleeves, but it was eventually too far gone.
Proper Cloth is mens-oriented, but they’ve really expanded their ability to cut women’s shirts. A year or two ago, I’d tried creating a custom size for her, and I couldn’t make the neck size small enough. That’s no longer an issue, and I think they posted on an Instagram post at some point their female sales associates all wear custom shirts so they’ve shored up their abilities there.
However there are still limitations to their pattern making abilities. For instance, I wasn’t able to make the shoulders quite as narrow as I wanted given the chest measurement. But it was close enough—and matched a shirt of hers she owns that fits relatively well—that I think it’ll be OK. I ordered it mid-April, and they estimated it would be delivered mid-May. Still not a bad timeframe.
[Suggested reading: How to Make the Most of Your ProperCloth Purchase]
I’ll report back with the results, assuming they turn out well, for anybody else looking to get their wife/girlfriend a custom shirt too.
Mr. Moss, as someone who has multiple PC shirts with their soft roma collar, how do you get them to sit up so well? Is it because you wear a jacket? Also, with your Ivy origin, did it feel “off” to wear a stiff (ie non button down) collar casually without a jacket? I’ve been exclusively a button down guy, but you’ve got me thinking.
I have been asked this before and I’m not entirely sure why my collars stay up pretty well while for others they don’t. However one thing that might be making a difference is that many of my sport coats are mostly unlined, so instead of a slippery satin or similar lining against the shirt, the jacket fabric itself is which usually has more friction. That might help keep the shirt in place when standing up.
As for the button down question, one of the things I always liked about the Italian mode of dressing are their spread collars. In fact a big spread collar is my favorite type to wear, jacket or no. I have a ton of OCBDs that I wear and they have their own charm; I think of them as comfortable old friends; but when I want to dress to feel cool, I go spread collar.
Looking to pick one of these up – which wash type/style did you go with? Picture looks great but they have some many denim/chambray options! Cheers
This is the light wash slub indigo chambray. One of their cheaper fabrics, surprisingly! Here’s the link: https://propercloth.com/fabrics/light-wash-slub-indigo-chambray-4516.html