BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
Navigating the world of the online custom shirt maker can often feel like a gamble, especially when seeking that elusive combination of style, comfort, and the perfect fit. Enter Proper Cloth shirts, one of the clear winners in my quest for the best-fitting shirt. Since my time selling custom fit dress shirts, the customization options offered on the Proper Cloth website were a pleasant surprise. Rather than settle for a standard size dress shirt, I had a fantastic experience utilizing their “Smart Size” approach. As a first-time user, you’re asked simple questions about size, body type, and age. I found this to be a seamless experience and a quick transaction. I’ll get into the details of how it works in a bit.
To best evaluate this growing online trend, I ordered custom dress shirts from five online shirt makers in the past year. Proper Cloth is my FIRST of the five reviews. As always, I order one shirt the first time to make sure I have the proper fit and that the style is up to par with the online photos and description. Proper Cloth and others like Tailor Store, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Paul Frederick offer a free remake option for about any reason with their perfect fit guarantee.
Embarking online for the ideal dress shirt often presents a maze of measurements and uncertainties. However, my experience with Proper Cloth dismantled these barriers with an ingenious, user-friendly approach to custom fitting. Their process and amazing shirt options turned a tedious task into an engaging exploration of personal style and precise sizing. By answering a series of straightforward questions, I was crafting the blueprint for my next custom dress shirt—right from the first attempt.
My first shirt from Proper Cloth is a beautiful Non-Iron Stretch Light Blue Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt.
Non-Iron Light Blue Bengal Stripe
The fabric of this particular shirt is rather opaque but also soft. It is genuinely wrinkle-resistant and incredibly stylish. This shirt started at $109. The shirt prices range from $85 to $365, depending on style and fabric selection. If you are new to custom-made dress shirts, these may not seem like reasonable prices. $365 is quite steep, but these are their specialty “Thomas Mason” designs made from expensive “140s” thread count. The higher the thread count, the smoother and silkier the feel of the shirt. The Non-Iron fabric I chose as my first Proper Fit design has a 100s thread count and feels fantastic, starting at $125.
Once you select a shirt, you can change features like collar design. I chose their favored “Presidential Spread” for my first shirts but have moved toward their “Franklin Spread” as I don’t wear ties often. The Franklin Spread holds a litter closer to the neck when unbuttoned. You can opt for a button-down collar, which I occasionally use when purchasing custom dress shirts. You can add collar or cuff accents and even a monogram for an extra charge. All of their dress shirts default to a “split yoke” style for the upper back and shoulders. I recommend keeping this for a clean, timeless look.
Before checking out, you can slightly adjust any of the Smart Sizes. For me, it was sleeve length. Most rack shirts and standard-size dress shirts offer too long sleeves when paired with my neck measurement of 17 inches. I adjust my custom dress shirts to a 34-inch sleeve length instead of the standard 35 to 35.5-inch
Note: Any customization you choose will be stored for future use in your registered account using your email address. Also, Proper Cloth offers a 24/7 live chat to provide fit advice or answer questions. They will discuss your issue and provide a free “remake” with the new measurements and style changes if necessary. Of the many custom shirt retailers I will review, Proper Cloth is the only one with 24/7 live chat, including weekends.
When it was time for checkout, I was tempted to add one more shirt for free shipping. Instead, I stuck with ordering only one to start with any brand of made-to-measure shirt. The total for my shirt was $135 (I added my initials as a monogram for $10). By any standard, this is an excellent price for a custom-fit, high-quality dress shirt. Of course, I hadn’t received the shirt, and having paid twice that for custom shirts at my favorite Las Vegas tailor, I was excited to see what Proper Cloth designed for me.
As the package from Proper Cloth arrived, anticipation gave way to immediate appreciation for the soft feel and superior quality.
The shirt’s fabric, a light blue Bengal stripe, perfectly balanced softness, and durability, evidencing the brand’s choice of excellent materials. This remarkable fabric, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, showcases the company’s commitment to providing good and fantastic garments against the skin.
The shirt’s non-iron feature presented a practical solution to my busy lifestyle, allowing me to maintain a polished look with minimal effort—especially while traveling overseas. Its resistance to wrinkles ensures that I remain sharp and professional throughout the day. The standout “President Collar” further enhanced the shirt’s elegance, offering a versatile option that complements a variety of suits and sports jackets. This level of customization, including the choice of such a distinctive collar style, underscores Proper Cloth’s personalization potential.
Fit, often the most critical aspect of any garment, was impeccable.
The meticulous attention to detail during the online customization process translated into an accurate fit for my body. The precision in measurements ensured a flattering silhouette. A classic Oxford fit with a modern twist. This exceptional fit elevated my confidence and solidified the shirt as a cornerstone in my wardrobe. The blue stripes on white deliver a versatile transition through various settings without compromising style or comfort.
The advantages of the Proper Cloth Custom-Fit Non-Iron Stretch Light Blue Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt extend beyond its immediate appeal. It offers an unprecedented blend of elegance and practicality that addresses the core needs of anyone striving for a professional and polished appearance. The fabric’s softness and durability stand out as a clear benefit, offering comfort and longevity in a single garment. The non-iron quality further simplifies life for the busy professional, ensuring the shirt remains wrinkle-free and presentation-ready with minimal effort.
Equally noteworthy is the shirt’s adaptability; it gracefully accompanies a wide range of formal and semi-formal ensembles, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The inclusion of the President’s Collar adds a touch of distinction, allowing for an array of style options that can elevate any look.
I also ordered and received the William Blue Tattersall, which pairs well with my navy and grey suits and slacks. This is “non-iron” unless you travel, where you might need a light iron after you unpack (I always iron my shirts when I have to pack them for a trip).
William Blue Tattersall “Check”
Sky Fine Bengal Stripe
Often uncertain, Proper Cloth’s intuitive fit guide streamlines achieving a custom fit online. This approach guarantees a flattering silhouette and eliminates the common apprehension of ordering custom clothing online. The quick turnaround and easy maintenance—machine washable (always cold, lightly dry in the washing machine, then hang) without losing shape or quality—underscore the brand’s understanding of the modern professional’s demands.
In addressing the challenges of maintaining a refined wardrobe, Proper Cloth’s offerings emerge as a solution that does not compromise style, quality, or convenience. Therefore, these shirts are offered at more than reasonable prices. Value is king, and I received more than I could expect for my $135. Without a doubt, the Proper Cloth customer experience is world-class.
Wrapping up the experience with Proper Cloth’s Custom-Fit Non-Iron Stretch Light Blue Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt, it’s evident that the brand meets and exceeds expectations. With a stellar rating of 5 stars, this shirt epitomizes the brand’s dedication to merging sophistication with functionality. It embodies the essential qualities that a discerning professional values: unparalleled fit, superior fabric quality, and the convenience of customization and care. The shirt is a paragon of how traditional tailoring can harmoniously coexist with contemporary needs, offering a timeless and modern garment.
I have ordered more of their dress shirts and will update my experience via Instagram (www.instagram.com/theprimedude). I picked the Amalfi Blue Stripe Stretch Pique ($160) and The Japanese Light Blue Performance Pique, a wonderful fabric with a silky soft feel ($130). These are different, softer fabrics than the “Non-Iron” 100s weave of my first Proper Cloth Shirt. The Amalfi is thicker, almost like a light towel, and has an elegant feel for a versatile, business casual dress shirt.
*** Online Custom-Made Dress Shirts are an investment, but certainly not necessary, to build a stylish, versatile business wardrobe. Check out this article I wrote, in which I evaluated over 30 dress shirts available online and picked The Best and Most Affordable Online Dress Shirts for 2024.
As a former shirt maker, Proper Cloth is a great company offering a great product. Their comprehensive approach to fabric and fit is attainable through a user-friendly online system. This dress shirt is a benchmark for custom clothing, promising satisfaction and a significant upgrade to the professional wardrobe. It makes it a worthwhile investment for those aiming to project confidence and elegance in every facet of their professional lives.