Business Shirts - Where do you buy them from?

NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 11:01

This discussion is for those people that work full time who have to wear a shirt (M-F).

Curious to know where you buy your shirts from?

I mean, yes I see TM Lewin deals here every week and own a few myself, but lbh, they aren't the best, not saying they are bad either.
They are definitely good for what they are worth(always paid around $35-$50)

I have few MJ Bale shirts which are alright but nothing beats the HerringBone ones that I have.
Sadly they have closed down and I am yet to explore/buy something similar to that level.
If you are not aware, they used to be around mid $200 mark but with a discount came to under $100 which for me was a steal.

Where else do you buy your work shirts from, GOOD work shirts?
I have come to a point in my career where I rather have few good shirts then have 15 shitty/average shirts that tend to die after few months of washing.

Let me know gentz!

Cheers and Happy New Year, stay safe.

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • kahn on 29/12/2017 - 11:10
    +6

    If you are concerned with having a good fit, then I'd suggest getting one made to your measurements like from Modern Tailor. If you're happy with an off-the-rack type shirt, then there are many options available from UK sites. Some of my bookmarks are: Harvie and Hudson, Hawes and Curtis, Thin Red Line, and Hilditch and Key.

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 12:03
      +2

      I am not rich enough to go tailored unfortunately…
      With online and shirts, I just never had any luck so I prefer buying from stores, yes old fashioned.
      Any AUS stores, Melb area?

      • original15 on 29/12/2017 - 13:10

        you can get made to measure shirts for around $100 from a lot of places

        • Powershopz on 31/12/2017 - 01:30
          +6

          In Vietnam - $20 a shirt.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2018 - 08:07
          -1

          @Powershopz: In Lowes, when on special, 2 for $20 and comes with a tie.

      • ChunkyToast on 29/12/2017 - 13:29
        +6

        I buy them on sale from Charles Tyrwhitt and then take it to a local tailor to make any adjustments like the sleeve tightness or tucking a bit more in on the sides. Ends up being a total cost of about 50 per shirt and looks great.

        • Excelsior on 30/12/2017 - 14:13

          How much does it generally cost per shirt for these sort of standard alterations?

        • ChunkyToast on 30/12/2017 - 14:31

          @excelsior:

          10-20 (per shirt) depending on where you go I guess. Ends up fitting like a gem.

        • dimitryp on 31/12/2017 - 09:58
          +1

          Same here, i've got about 8 Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, and i get them to take up the sleeves for me before shipping. Pretty decent quality for around $40/shirt. They snail-mail you promos monthly though, which tends to get a bit annoying :)

        • Gina Rinehart on 01/01/2018 - 06:52
          +2

          @dimitryp: just click the unsubscribe button on the bottom of the envelope, and put it back in your mailbox.

      • skywards on 30/12/2017 - 14:18
        -1

        My boss gets his work shirts tailor made for $70 each.

        • ChunkyToast on 30/12/2017 - 14:30
          +1

          Where from?

        • skywards on 30/12/2017 - 18:52

          @RainDrop: Brisbane city, some tailor guy rents out a space in one of those hotels, probably the Hilton?

        • montorola on 31/12/2017 - 17:48

          @skywards:

          Sounds dodgy lol

        • ialam99 on 02/01/2018 - 06:56
          +2

          @montorola: yea I think the tailor provides other services too…the shirt is just what he tells his wife

      • matt1234 on 02/01/2018 - 01:38

        Take a holiday overseas to somewhere reasonably close like Thailand or other counties in Asia and while you are there grab some business shirts and trousers custom tailor made for cheap - they are still high quality and nice and cheap, plus there is really something awesome about wearing perfect fit clothing.
        I get mine in Thailand when i go over and have had no issues.

  • R-Man on 29/12/2017 - 11:22
    +14

    Here's my thoughts but if you don't like TM Lewin I'm not sure what you're after

    Charles Tyrwhitt for me every time. Their 6 month refund policy should give you comfort (pun intended) to at least try a few out and send em back if you don't like.

    Great fit and selection, last long, nice fabric and non-iron is pretty good. I admit I still need to quickly iron them though.

    My go to is 3 for $99 free delivery (it's not expired, ignore that)

    I think they are similar to TM Lewin though so can't say whether you'll like them.

    • Sweet3st on 29/12/2017 - 11:59
      +3

      I second Charles Tyrwhitt. Great quality, especially the fabrics. Lots and lots of wear in these shirts and they still look great. Sizing runs large though, so err on the smaller side.

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 12:05

      I thought they were on line with each other, even below TM Lewin.
      Like i said, I am happy to have one shirt for $100 rather than 3 for $99 but guess could give it a try.

      Do they have a store in Melb?

      • R-Man on 29/12/2017 - 12:41
        +6

        No it's online only for Australia.

        What is a $100 shirt though? and what makes it better than a $33 CT or TM Lewin shirt? what is it about these brands you dont like? Im only asking because so many people have good comments about them both on ozb.

        Better fabric? Both brands have 100% cotton shirts. CT has egyptian cotton you could try out. I have one and personally hate how long it takes to dampen then iron and how it immediately looks creased after I sit on the train anyway.

        Better build quality? Many people here agree CT shirts do last long and don't shrink so what more would you be looking for?

        At the moment I can't really imagine how a shirt could be better than what CT and TM Lewin have to offer but I would like to be proven wrong and learn more! cheers :)

        • TheOneWhoGotAway on 02/01/2018 - 10:09

          For CT shirts, do they also have the very obvious seam stitching along the shoulder connection as well down the buttons? I have white TM Lewin shirts and it's quite obvious, I see guys all the time wearing just the white shirt so I guess it's considered ok…

        • billbro on 02/01/2018 - 14:40

          I wear CT shirts, but there is plenty of difference between shirts of different price ranges.

          Just because both fabrics are 100% cotton doesn't mean they are of the same quality, nor is Egyptian cotton automatically superior. If I could afford it, I would much rather have all my shirting using Thomas Mason 2-ply. Even across the CT range, you can feel the difference between their fabrics.

          Also, I'm yet to see MOP buttons on an OTR shirt, though I doubt many people care. Nor will any collar roll from CT or TM Lewin match my trusty go-to button down. However, CT shirts are great because of their price point and accessibility (also, some CT fabrics do seem really good, but it feels a bit like pot luck).

    • mingofmongo on 30/12/2017 - 09:48
      +1

      Oh hell yes.

      I third Charles tyrwhitt, such good quality and look good. Especially for $40 a shirt.

      Their suits are good too, as is their returns policy / process for wrong sizes.

      • Hunter14 on 02/01/2018 - 14:15

        What's a good price for their suits during a sale? Do they do fitting?

        • mingofmongo on 02/01/2018 - 20:14

          I picked up two 3 piece suits for $800 delivered last year, so probably around $300-400 per suit for their 'luxury' range. You buy the size you think fits, and post it back (free) if it doesn't for replacement.

        • Hunter14 on 03/01/2018 - 12:20

          Thanks!

  • smuggler on 29/12/2017 - 11:56
    +1

    Charles Tyrwhitt are better for formal business shirts. They go well with suits.

    Tm Lewin is slightly more casual with its collar construction.

    Charles Tyrwhitt use a semi fused collar, meaning that the interlining (a stiffener inserted into the collar), is fused to the front of the collar. That makes the collar stiffer and slightly more formal compared to TM Lewin, who don't fuse their collars. The TM Lewin collar is less stiff and more relaxed than the Charles Tyrwhitt collar

    Try ANthony Squires. THey do pretty good shirts and suits.

  • Skramit on 29/12/2017 - 12:00
    +2

    Charles Tyrwhitr have the best quality and best fit for the best price IMO …. of the major names. I have bought over 30 CT shirts over the years and have never had any quality issu3s and the material is always soft and lasts a long time. The fit it also longer with 8 buttons instead of other brands which only do 7 so they don’t come untucked as easily.

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 12:10

      Might have to give it a go, I like the fact that they are 8 buttons and I agree, tucked in proper is always good!

    • original15 on 29/12/2017 - 13:50

      Hey mate thanks for the tip, am going to try a few CT, based on their size guide i fall into a super slim fit, do the sizes on the site align with what you have received?

      • mingofmongo on 30/12/2017 - 09:50

        Yep. I'm a slim fit according to them, which surprised me I'm probably 5-10kg over my ideal weight, but the shirts fit perfectly.

      • R-Man on 30/12/2017 - 12:14

        Order a couple of sizes and fits and return the unwanted. I have returned heaps to CT using free parcel point or the included Auspost label with absolutely no hassle. (I guess it does take a couple of weeks to see the $33 again but that's all)

  • Islund on 29/12/2017 - 12:15
    +1

    Happy with my Ben Shermans

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 14:27

      I thought they were more for the casual/smart-casual look rather than business

      • Islund on 29/12/2017 - 15:38

        they have 50% off sale right now. I never buy their casual shirts - check it out and you may be pleasantly surprised

  • rockman117 on 29/12/2017 - 12:57

    I buy ganton shirts from the Shirt Bar. Pretty pricey at around $100+ per shirt but they usually have 30%off a few times a year.

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 14:27

      They seem to have a pretty decent range of shirts ticking all occassions, how are their material and fit?
      I am 5.11 and 90Kgs bulky

      • rockman117 on 29/12/2017 - 21:41

        I buy the swiss coto shirts coz they don't really need ironing and they breathe very well for me. they have three fits (city, slim and another one I cant rmb). might be worth trying in store.

  • jellykingdom on 29/12/2017 - 13:49

    I have a bunch of Brooksfield, because i find the style and fit work well for me. But i'm surprised you say that that TM Lewin's quality isn't great, i've been pretty happy so far.

    • NEVERfullprice on 29/12/2017 - 14:24

      Na def not Brooksfield, would rather go TM Lewin.
      I am not saying they are bad, I am just looking for something one up that level and happy to pay extra dough.

      • jellykingdom on 29/12/2017 - 15:16

        I suppose I don't wear them for work, just casual or events (so longevity doesn't really bother me too much)

        Why dno't you get some tailored shirts? If you're happy to pay, you'll get them for $100

  • Quantumcat on 29/12/2017 - 15:23
    +5

    I don't need business shirts being female, but my father gets most of his from Costco

    • BestofOZB on 31/12/2017 - 13:41
      +1

      Costco has good quality CK and nautica shirts for around $30 each.

      I also buy lots of shirts if I am in Malaysia or Dubai, top quality with half aussie prices.

      • ItsMeAgro on 02/01/2018 - 12:33

        The CK shirts from Costco look very nice and fit me well, but aren't looking as "crisp" as when they were new, after about 50 times wearing it.

        And the main problem is they definitely still need ironing after coming out of the dryer. With the time it costs me, it's way cheaper to buy a $100 shirt if there really is one that truly doesn't need ironing…?

        The Kirkland brand ones are cheaper, but are definitely built for large and/or overweight Americans - even the smallest is too bulky for me, and I'm 180cm and of average build (67kg). (Also need ironing).

      • mousie on 02/01/2018 - 16:11

        CK ones from Costco suited me to the ground. 5ft11 95kg

  • pasey25 on 29/12/2017 - 17:06

    I used to buy made to measure and bespoke shirts. I lost 15kgs and rebuilt my wardrobe around CT and Lewin shirts. Through their various ranges, easily the best fit for me, fabric and construction and detailing is on the Lewin “John Francomb “ line such as this one:

    https://www.tmlewin.co.uk/shirts/fitted-shirts/fitted-plain-…

  • orbitalpaul on 30/12/2017 - 08:41

    You can't beat Tailor Store (https://www.tailorstore.com.au/). I have first hand experience of their guaranteed fit (they refunded an entire suit so that I could get it remade in a slightly different size) and they have a shirt sale on at the moment. $60 - $70 for a fully tailored shirt (some designs only)

  • Mr Amayzing on 30/12/2017 - 09:28
    -5

    Every department store sells them from K-mart to David Jones. Then you have mens clothing stores such as lowes. All are similar quality made in China so I just go for the cheapest.
    The only exceptions are the expensive ones sold in David Jones which use a better grade of cotton and probably more stylish.

    • BestofOZB on 31/12/2017 - 17:32
      +1

      You are not so amayzing, Mister!

  • Hammando on 30/12/2017 - 11:45

    Farage for me. Really good quality and often do sales.

  • Plug on 30/12/2017 - 13:04

    Marks and Spencer

  • dpark88 on 30/12/2017 - 14:08
    +3

    Rhodes and Beckett - only if on sale. RRP starts around $200

    I'm very much a traditional when it comes to suiting. Always pure wool, no skinny trousers, thick lapels on the jackets, no single button closures.

    I like the R&B as they're bang for buck IMO. Made from Egyptian cotton, and most importantly (for me), collars are thick and stay high, even without starch.

    • buckster on 30/12/2017 - 21:16

      When did you last buy them? If recent has quality changed since they went into administration?

      • dpark88 on 30/12/2017 - 22:40

        Quality is still there and so it should be - it's their only selling point

    • ihbh on 31/12/2017 - 16:03
      +1

      Rhodes & Beckett were my best shirts too - 2 ply Egyptian cotton (not sure if the Egyptian part made a difference, but the 2 ply lasts forever). Best buys were the warehouse sales - similar prices to CT shirts, etc., but much better quality.

      Note that Herringbone was in the same stable after it went bust (at the hands of the MJ Bale founder) and will be resurrected again as well.

      Van Laack will probably supply both again (after being the majority s/hr previously), so not sure of the quality, but as dpark88 comments above, appears to still be there.

  • PoorStudent on 30/12/2017 - 14:14

    I bought a handful of Herringbone shirts but it takes 20 minutes to iron a shirt which is just too time consuming. I just wear CT/TM shirts now because it only takes 5 minutes to iron one.

    What's your secret to ironing your Herringbone shirts?

    • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2017 - 19:40

      I prefer snug fitting suits myself not into baggy 😀

    • Powershopz on 31/12/2017 - 01:32

      Don't be ashamed to google some videos on how to iron shirts. It should only take you 90s max per shirt.

    • Mr Amayzing on 01/01/2018 - 12:19

      Steam

    • NEVERfullprice on 05/01/2018 - 09:16

      I know what you mean, I have one shirt that takes forever to iron and wrinkles very fast as well.
      Its just what it is with that one.

      Apart from that, the other 3/4 shirts i have are great and going strong pass 2 years considering I wash them every two weeks.

  • Tuftsdude on 30/12/2017 - 17:24
    -4

    Van Heusen

  • wog_ta on 30/12/2017 - 19:37

    In terms of best fit for my body shape (large chest, small-ish waist) TM Lewin slim fit are best. Although unless you get the 'premium' range the material is not that nice, seem to wrinkle very quickly.

  • dsgfh on 30/12/2017 - 20:44
    +1

    Take a holiday to Vietnam & visit Hoi An. My favourite shirts came from A dong silk.
    With the suits I got it's honestly cheaper than buying local even with flights :-)

  • this is us on 30/12/2017 - 21:00
    +1

    Bell Barnett, frequently offering very nice deals. After discovering the right size for you, you can buy online when deals are on.
    I tried CT but had to send back as even the slim fit were very large. Very happy with Bell& Barnett. I know my number so last time I bought seven shirts, including some that are more expensive, and paid 396.00 with 50% OFF deal.

  • xorprime on 30/12/2017 - 22:59

    Try this one when on sale https://www.institchu.com/shop/products/shirt
    Made to measure is always the best fit.

    • MrBigglesworth on 01/01/2018 - 02:06

      Yeah, second this. Once you factor in the price for tailoring to a fit, the price is hard to beat.

    • zhenjie on 01/01/2018 - 14:39

      Bespoke is always the best fit. MTM would be second to that.

  • Jaskie on 30/12/2017 - 23:13
    +2

    I highly recommend Brooks Brothers. At DFO you can generally get them heavily reduced around the $50 mark. Great quality and a nice cut too.

    • ImPB on 02/01/2018 - 13:42

      While the shirts at Brooks Brothers outlets are alright quality in itself, it should be said that 90% of the stock at these outlets isn't actually "true" BB - it's usually a "made-for-outlet" line. The biggest giveaway is the "346" on the tags on the shirts - this line is made entirely for outlets and never hits actual BB stores. Not insinuating that they're not nice shirts, I've bought a couple and they're quite serviceable - but their quality is more close to Van Heusen or a department store brand - the main BB lines have a reputation for being really durable with quality cuts & buttons that still looks really good for years, which the 346/outlet lines just don't have.

      My recommendation is to avoid the BB outlets and check out a flagship David Jones - most of them have a BB store-within-a-store and unlike actual BB company stores, they go on sale from 30%+ quite frequently (bought a couple of shirts at 50% last week in fact). $70-80 for a high-end, very long-lasting shirt that does 1-up Charles Tyrwhitt et al. is a steal IMO.

  • SuperFly 420 on 30/12/2017 - 23:24
    +1

    Does anyone know where can I try Charles Tyrwhitt shirts?

    Looking for a shop in Sydney, preferably near CBD.

    Cheers

    • Coatesy on 31/12/2017 - 11:13
      +1

      They are online only. Best thing to do is to order a few different sizes and just return the ones that dont fit ideally. They actually recommend you to do this. Their 6 month return policy for any reason is really great!!

      • NEVERfullprice on 05/01/2018 - 09:18

        Do they have free returns by any chance ?

        • Coatesy on 05/01/2018 - 13:35
          +1

          Yup free returns for 6 months for any reason. They give you a sticker to put on the box to return them. Obviously they cut you off if you abuse the policy, because you can wear a shirt for 3 months and still make a return no questions asked.

  • amipatil on 31/12/2017 - 00:30
    +2

    I found van heusen non iron business shirts to be the most cost effective ones. They are under 40$ each when on discount ( usually every alternate month these days in Myer) . Other than that CT is good too and I have 4 of them however they are about 45$ each when ordered online. I found few Brooksfield shirts of very good quality and cost effective too ( 50$ when on discount in Myer ) . David Jones have a few different brands which have Italian Cotton or made in Italy type of shirts which are usually costly - I had used one of them but couldn’t maintain it withought properly ironing it as it wasn’t as iron free as the cheaper ones I bought .

    • R-Man on 31/12/2017 - 02:22

      Do you reckon your Van Heusen shirts shrink?

      Until last year I had only Van Huesen shirts then I realised they were starting to strangle me (my neck size had not changed, i measured it again to be sure).

      Then I tried Charles Tyrwhitt. It's been a year now and I have bought at least 10, not a single one has shrunk!

      Also you can get them as part of a 3 for $99 free delivery deal which should price them same or better than Van Huesen.

      • jace88 on 02/01/2018 - 00:45

        I've had good success with VH. They seem to fit me really well and the neck doesn't strangle me (yet). At <$30 a shirt when on sale, I find them ridiculously good value compared to others. I have had custom tailored shirts in Asia before but they aren't that cheap and I actually find the VH ones preferable… or maybe I just have cheap taste.

      • amipatil on 04/01/2018 - 23:45

        Sorry for the late reply.
        My non iron VH shirts have shrunk little bit but they still fit me better than the CT shirts I have.The CT shirts have not shrunk at all and they are going well too.Thanks for sharing the deal if CT - Due to my current employer not mandating the use of business ware I have stopped using business shirts apart from the customer meeting days so no need to buy any more business shirts as of now :-)

  • JuicyMelons on 31/12/2017 - 01:08
    +1

    Without a doubt I would recommend Rhodes & Beckett. They closed down recently but just relaunched onto the market. The quality of their shirts are sublime.

  • sushirais on 31/12/2017 - 01:28
    +1

    For me a perfect shirt fit is Bell & Barnett, and shirts go for $10-30 on ozsale. Pick up one in store to try out a size first though

  • Tidy on 31/12/2017 - 03:04
    +1

    Calvin Klein is a bit more expensive (2 for $140) but fits me perfectly and the quality is amazing. Highly recommend trying it out.

    • BestofOZB on 31/12/2017 - 17:34
      +3

      Costco sometimes has them for $30-40.

  • strikerzebra on 31/12/2017 - 03:10
    -2

    Bought 4 van heusen for $100 on boxing day with free delivery, always a good deal for that price.

    • smuggler on 01/01/2018 - 22:51
      +1

      Bought 8 for $120 in May 2017. lOl

      Rubbish shirts

      • strikerzebra on 02/01/2018 - 08:37

        WHat is better value than 8 for $120?

        • manshrew on 02/01/2018 - 10:51
          +1

          9 for $120?

  • ozzpete on 31/12/2017 - 04:35
    +3

    Op shops, is where I picked up most of my business attire. Can find great clothes, at amazing prices, plus your helping recycle/reuse and helping out a charity financially :)
    It does take time and persistence in searching through op shop clothes to find something great, but the hunt can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience (both financially is $$ saved, and also a rewarding feeling also) .

    • Quantumcat on 31/12/2017 - 14:11

      I love searching for bargains in op shops also. Helps to have a list of the quality brands so you can zip through and pull out all the ones that are your size and one of the good brands. I have found 3 or 4 items over the last few years that would have been $200+ new gotten for less than $30 each. One still with tags (I think shops donate their end of season stuff that didn't sell).

      • ozzpete on 31/12/2017 - 20:31
        +1

        Yes, sometimes shops donate brand new end of season items, or items from closed bussiness.
        Also I think many of the brand new items are unwanted gifts also. Always better to donate rather than throw stuff away

  • Dmzm on 31/12/2017 - 07:12

    I get all my suits and shirts made by Impressions Tailors, http://www.impressionstailor.com. Very good quality and my guy comes to Sydney every 6 months or so to do measurements - email Pete off the website and he'll tell you next time he's coming and a price list. Get measured, arrive in the post a month later. Can't recommend them enough.

  • Gteam on 31/12/2017 - 10:27

    LL Bean Oxford non-iron
    http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/ironing-out-the-p…

  • lmabzo on 31/12/2017 - 11:29

    Pink when DJ has its mid/year end sales

  • fillit on 31/12/2017 - 12:46
    +1

    Hey mate, try institchu on Lonsdale Street. I have my suits and shirts made there, little price for shirts but below $100 fit is perfect. Otherwise I used to get shirts from sale from Rhodes and Beckett Dfo. Good quality but never fit 100%

  • congo on 31/12/2017 - 12:59

    TM Lewin $35-$40 delivered.
    R&B during the sale. Ralph Polo during the sale.
    Boss are the best, only good if you get them on sale when in the US. I find them to be durable (don’t fade or peel) and comfortable.

    • citybargainhunter on 31/12/2017 - 15:21

      +1 on the Hugo Boss shirts, I had one, and it lasted me a few years, can't say the same about their suits/trousers though.

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