When I brought my shirt from Simone Abbarchi back to him in June (or rather his assistant, Gianluca) we ended up making quite a few changes. This may be a cause for concern, though I will reserve judgment. 

I had had one fitting originally, in a trial shirt, before having this final grey one made. And as I said in the post on that completed shirt, the shoulders were noticeably too tight while the body was a bit too big. 

Neither were big problems, but they certainly needed to change for the next shirt, so I went in while at Pitti in June to have a few changes made to the pattern. Gianluca took quite a lot in at the waist, lengthened the sleeves slightly, and widened the shoulders. In retrospect, they were quite substantial alterations. 
  

  
Why is this important? Because the aim of anyone seeing a shirt maker should be to perfect a pattern – usually after two or even three shirts, rarely after one – and then be able to order consistently and with confidence.

Shirts should be a relatively inexpensive purchase, compared to suits or shoes, and they will need replacing more frequently. You are also much less likely to need or want different styles, again unlike suits or shoes. So one good shirtmaker with a great pattern is a lovely thing. 

Of course, being me I actually use three shirtmakers (D’Avino, Luca Avitabile and Abbarchi) depending on how flush I am feeling at the time. They all offer good value for what they do, and each will suit a different pocket. [See this post for more details.]

Simone comes to London and New York twice a year, and both trips are coming up. He is London next week – September 15 and 16 – at 35-36 St James’s Place. And in New York from October 7th to 15th at the Michelangelo Hotel (152 W 51st St). Email [email protected] for appointments.
  

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Oliver

Does the shirt look noticeably more blue in the reflection in the mirror in the final picture, or is it just me?

Anonymous

The benefit of bespoke is the unique pattern and construction (jackets = canvasing etc.) but given the simplicity of shirts and the relatively high quality of RTW shirts do you really find a large difference in fit between the two (accepting that bespoke shirts offer excellent comparitive value and can cost lest than fashion RTW examples). I ask this as modern RTW sees a more fitted, slimmer pattern than in previous periods. For readers could you also elucidate on some of the more minor advantages that a bespoke shirt brings in addition to the general fit (collar choice etc.?).

Adam Jones

Does Simone actually do bespoke for London only clients? I have an appointment on this visit, but the push seems to be MTM. Reading a few other reviews I found it would seem bespoke is only available if you have made a trip to Florence at least once.

I also met Luca the other day who is making me a shirt, obviously a fitting is not going to be a concern with that one but it is not really a good comparison if one is MTM without a fitting and one is bespoke

Anonymous

Simon,

Are you now happy with the shirt from Simone?

Matt

Off-topic slightly but any idea how much the bespoke shirt service at Ede & Ravenscroft costs? I’ve seen various prices, ranging from £150 to £300, bandied around on the internet and I’m not sure which is accurate.

Any thoughts on how this service is likely to compare with that of any of the Italian makers that visit the UK?

Winot

I believe E&R bespoke shirts are closer to the upper figure. I had some made years ago at the Chancery Lane shop and they lasted a long time and were a very good fit. Switched to Sean O’Flynn as he was a bit cheaper.

BespokeNYC

Hi Simon, slightly off topic but was curious about your opinion on Dainite soles? I have them on a pair of Vass chukkas and find myself wearing them any time it might rain (which is more often than you might think!) I would imagine it is even more frequent in London but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen pictures of you wearing them. Do you own any? I’m debating having a pair of monk straps made with them, for a bit more variety, but am worried they might be a bit too chunky for the style.

Nick Inkster

I am not sure I would go with Dainite on a formal shoe. Perfect for a suede chukka though.

Adam Jones

The more i look at gianlucas outfit the more I love it as a casual outfit. That shirt he is wearing is it a navy or a dark chambray? (If you can remember that far back!)

Joel

I have been getting shirts from Simone for ten years, really good value. Happy to hear your shirt fit. I recently got a few sea island shirts from him, they are very nice.
Any thought to getting a suit or sweater from Simone?

Antonio

Nice article as usual, can I please ask you Simon and others nice shirt brands that cost less than 75 pounds.
Also I can’t really find a nice white shirt that it is not a bit transparent I really don’t like that, unfortunately I don’t like oxford fabric that much, any suggestions?

Antonio

thanks Simon, can you don’t reccomend your best brands with a good quality price/ratio? If they are nice I don’t mind paying, especially I really need a nice white shirt that it is not transparent.

C Neville

Dear Simon

When you have a moment, I have a query regarding shirt collars (I have had a trawl through the site but I can’t find a specific answer to my question), I am currently having some shirts made and from an anatomical point of view I am blessed (cursed?) with a long thin neck. My instinct says I need a higher collar on the shirt to achieve the most flattering fit and balance for my physique, would you agree? If so, I assume that it is the collar band of the shirt that needs to be wider to achieve this. Do you have any thoughts on this question and on how wide might the collar band could be constructed before it looks odd or affects the collar part of the shirt adversely?

Many thanks

C Neville

Anonymous

Hi Simon

If you don’t mind me asking, is your Abbarchi shirt sleeve seam in line with the side seam? Or is it off set?

Thanks.

Jack

Hi Simon, what would you personally recommend from Simone regarding cloth and collar? Other than white, blue, blue striped oxford as I am already satisfied with the one I have for these.

Many thanks,
Jack

Jack

Thanks, Simon. If PS oxford’s collar suits me well, which collar would you recommend from the photo below?