Tailored shirts? How much?

[pin]

Hello people.

OK, so I need to buy some shirts. Last time I got some tailored shirts was several years ago.

Can I ask what the going rate for reasonably quality tailored shirts are these days? Is HK$400 considered reasonable? Or is that too low / high?

Ideally would like a tailor on HK Island (presume that would mean they may be more expensive than a tailor on the Dark Side?)

Any suggestions / recommendations?

[gunsnroses]

I got my shirts made as part of the suit deal, not sure how much they charge individually for shirts, but it's definitely under HKD 400, and I am very happy with the cut & cloth. It's in central, you can give them a ring AT Boutique - 2526 4433.

[jgl]

Regarding creases, I've found that it's worth just going the big branded route.

Any cotton that I've had from a tailor for up to 500 creases badly inside the elbows. I've gone up to 900 and creasing gets better but still happens.

I've found that just going with Brooks Brothers shirts at the end of the day my shirts still look freshly ironed (and have had comments from others to that effect).

So if you can find a standard brand that does a 'non-iron' fabric that fits, IMO it's worth ditching the tailored route.

[threelittlepigs]

My tailor charges $400 for 100% cotton shirt all the way up to about $750 for fine cotton (very thin but wrinkles like heck). For thick cotton (ie oxford cloth) $400 is fair price to pay. This would be considered medium of the range. They also do poly-cotton for $250 or so for people that like non-wrinkled shirts. For top of the range then you can go to Ascot Chang whose shirts start at $1000 and go from there. Ascot's shirts are true bespoke though as each customer gets their own paper pattern. I will pm my tailor details to you separately.

[amitsingh_hk]

Hello people.

OK, so I need to buy some shirts. Last time I got some tailored shirts was several years ago.

Can I ask what the going rate for reasonably quality tailored shirts are these days? Is HK$400 considered reasonable? Or is that too low / high?

Ideally would like a tailor on HK Island (presume that would mean they may be more expensive than a tailor on the Dark Side?)

Any suggestions / recommendations?

Go to Jantzen in Central. They charge $350-$400 and thats good quality stuff. Very big range too.
Go to http://www.jantzentailor.com/

[jgl]

My tailor charges $400 for 100% cotton shirt all the way up to about $750 for fine cotton (very thin but wrinkles like heck). For thick cotton (ie oxford cloth) $400 is fair price to pay. This would be considered medium of the range. They also do poly-cotton for $250 or so for people that like non-wrinkled shirts. For top of the range then you can go to Ascot Chang whose shirts start at $1000 and go from there. Ascot's shirts are true bespoke though as each customer gets their own paper pattern. I will pm my tailor details to you separately.

Gah, avoid poly cotton- that stuff looks horrible if you sweat.

Ascot starts at 1000? That is surprising cheap given their target market, location and reputation.

[threelittlepigs]

Ascot Chang - have not gone lately but have read their prices now start at $1150. Personally I think you are paying their high rents.

Disclaimer - I own ZERO poly-cotton shirt, only natural fabrics for me. I also own ZERO non-iron shirts, personal preference as I have issue with all the chemicals they apply to the fabric.

I only wear cotton or linen shirts. I find they retain less heat than any blends. If I want to remain crisp all day, then I wear a cotton undershirt. The elbows and shoulders will wrinkle but that to me is normal. I find the weaves (slightly thicker) are less prone to wrinkles, but are not as crisp.

The biggest advantage of tailored shirts is you can get a high arm scye (armhole) which means there is less bunching of material underneath arms, a more tailored fit, and can get exactly what you want in terms of collar, sleeves, pockets (or none). I also get a slightly longer body so the shirt stays tucked, 8 buttons in front so less unflatttering exposure, a slightly larger left wrist so it covers the watch, and real pearl buttons for the added touch of luxury. You can also specify a different material to line the interior surfaces whcih show when the top button is undone or the sleeves are rolled up. Call me a shirt snob.

[jw1701]

for perspective - my kowloon tailor is about $120 per shirt for good quality cotton

[Mat]

I pay between 225 and 350 HKD at 3 different tailors (one in HK Island / 2 in Kowloon).Can PM the details if you want.Shirts last about 3 years I'd say, which is fine by me.

[threelittlepigs]

What do you do to your shirts? Mine lasts easily over 5 years, as I have a lot so can rotate. I buy new shirts not because they wear out but because I just want a change. No dryer for me and no external laundry. Just cold wash, hang dry, iron with steam and spray before it gets completely dry, and store on hangers. No starch, no bleach. Fortunate to have a helper to do this, but before I would iron my own shirts.