What’s it like to have a shirt custom made for you? That’s the question I had answered working with Budd Shirtmakers. The UK company travels to the US several times a year bringing their expertise across the pond to fit discerning gentleman in bespoke and made to measure shirting.
Recently, I had the opportunity to get fitted for shirts by Budd Shirtmakers. Let me say I loved the experience. My shirts were not fitted by some random clerk in a store. No, I was measured and walked through the entire process by one of Budd’s own shirt cutters, James Macauslan. This was not done as a special accommodation for me; this is how the clothier treats all of its customers.
I got fitted through their made to measure program. The shirts are based off of 3 models: custom, tailored and slim. Once James took my measurements, I tried on the different models and based on my measurements and my likes and preferences, the shirts were adjusted for the perfect fit. I opted for the tailored fit.
Once the shirts were sized, next came picking out the collar and cuff. Budd Shirtmakers offers a variety of both collar and cuff styles. The collars range from a simple neckband to a variety of styles ranging from to the traditional to the more modern. Since I was going to be receiving several shirts, I wanted to try different collars on each shirt. I picked the Tab, Bank and Washington collars. The Tab and Bank collars are typical British style collars while the Washington collar is an American favorite.
Next came the cuffs. The choices stem from 1, 2 and 3 button collars to 2 types of double cuff collars (also known as French cuffs). However one of my favorites was the cocktail cuff. This cuff is one that was popularized by the James Bond franchise. Oh and it looks super cool.
Finally it was fabric choice. The quality of the fabrics is outstanding. One of the best features is that the same choices of cloths are available for the made to measure shirts as are available for their bespoke customers. I chose the Budd stripe shirt, which was from their original 1920’s design . I also selected a seerluxe stripe in white, and a superpoplin fine check in red.
Budd Shirtmakers has been around since 1910 crafting exquisite shirting made of some of the finest fabrics. It is this heritage and passion for craftsmanship that made me very excited to try out their shirts. I was impressed to learn that they make all of their shirts by hand at their UK workshop in Andover.
Fortunately for those of us on this side of the Atlantic we don’t have to travel to England to snag some of these shirts. The company’s team travels to the states a few times a year making stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, New York and here in Washington, DC. In DC, they’ve partnered with Sterling and Burke, in Georgetown. In the past, Budd’s offerings were limited to their custom business. However, they’ve recently expanded their relationship with Sterling and Burke to also carry their line of ready to wear offerings. This includes shirts, ties and nightwear.
Sterling and Burke carries a curated collection of USA and UK brands, specializing in bespoke production, business bags, accessories, travel goods, fine art and patriotic items for men and women.
1 comment
Sounds like an awesome experience. Plus, you look great!
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