Today, freed from the removable collar for a fixed collar, gone from thick cotton fabrics to materials such as linen, silk or poplin, the shirt is available for all occasions.
Every man will find what he is looking for in Paris , which remains the favorite capital of master costume tailors , guardians of the history of clothing. They are able, through their stylistic knowledge, to create a tailor-made shirt of the highest quality, with the utmost respect for the customer’s body shape.
THE PROCESS OF MAKING A CUSTOM SHIRT IN PARIS
In tailor-made, we include the large measure which is handmade , in the Parisian workshop , using a unique and reusable pattern only for the man who places the order.
We also include the half-measure which is a shirt made to the customer’s measurements , but with predefined and reusable patterns. The shirt can be sewn in foreign workshops: some workshops are renowned for the quality of their finishes but others carry out factory work which can be compared to the rendering of low-end ready-to-wear shirts. So be careful with the fashion designer network.
In any case, when it comes to a tailor-made shirt or suit , you must be able to personalize even the smallest detail: the fabric, the buttons, the type of collar and the general style. For a perfect creation, the tailor must offer numerous fabrics in the store to touch them and observe their behavior when worn. He must also advise on personalization , the choices to be made regarding the use of the shirt.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SHIRT TAILOR IN A CITY LIKE PARIS?
In Paris, one should expect an experience of excellence. The tailoring tradition is renowned worldwide. For an occasion such as your wedding , a trip to Paris to have your formal suit or simply an exceptional shirt tailored will certainly take time, but will not necessarily cost you more than buying a ready-to-wear suit in a specialized store. Moreover, it is better for the future husband to create his complete suit, rather than risk mismatching the shirt. Men appreciate finishes such as matching embroidery on the jacket and shirt for example.
Women do not hesitate to come to the French capital to find their wedding dress.
THINGS TO KNOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH A GOOD TAILOR
It is in Paris that the heritage of Haute Couture is best expressed. Select your tailor based on these criteria:
- Its age : old does not mean obsolete. On the contrary, the artisans who resist the longest are those who constantly adapt and innovate. Some Parisian addresses have existed for more than a century. And they are the most prestigious.
- Its network of sewing workshops : find out in advance to find out where the shirts are sewn and whether the sewing is mechanical or by hand . Very often, shirts and suits are sent to a tailoring workshop in Portugal. But others choose less ethical destinations. If you are sold 100% French and handmade manufacturing , then check the complete production chain. Otherwise what’s the point?
- The choice of fabrics : a master tailor must offer a wide variety of fabrics. Some offer up to 400, including shirts. Brands like Loro Piana must be included.
- The attention paid to details and finishes, in particular reinforcements and hems for the durability of your shirt: these elements must be conveyed to you during your first interview with your tailor. He must explain to you the different sewing points , how to attach the collar, how to work on the buttonholes, what style does he use for assembling the sleeves, and what style of cuff can he offer you? Get him to talk about his tailoring culture and advise.
BECOME A FASHION PRO AND MASTER THE VOCABULARY OF LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED SHIRTS
You know your build and are used to a particular cut. But a specialist could give you a whole new experience by reinventing your line and offering you an unusual creation. Here is a brief summary of the terms used to make a custom shirt, to understand what it is all about:
- Back yoke : this is the piece of fabric that will define the cut of the shirt. For more elasticity, it should be cut at an angle, and the inner piece should be the same size as the outer piece.
- The buttonhole will serve as a clasp for the buttons: it is more luxurious when it is full.
- The number of stitching points must be at least 6. The higher it is, the better the quality.
- Pleating and gathering: on the back, sleeves, cuffs, is this done by hand?
- Hems : the finer they are, the more delicate the work.
THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESSES TO HAVE YOUR CUSTOM SHIRT MADE IN PARIS
Depending on your budget and your agenda, here are the most famous addresses in the capital, largely in the Haute Couture tradition.
THE CHARVET HOUSE: SHIRT SPECIALIST
Charvet has existed since 1838 . A family story since the founder was the son of a linen worker and a curator of the Napoleonic wardrobe. Upon his death, Charles de Gaulle himself intervened to keep this flagship of French fashion in France even though it was going to be sold to the Americans. The buyer is an importer of French fabrics who then develops shirting with a range of ties and bow ties , ideally completing the offering.
The biggest names, kings and diplomats, actors and financiers, not only have their shirts made in large quantities at Charvet, but they also have them washed and ironed there.
This temple of sartorialism, this icon of masculine elegance is located on Place Vendôme.
MAISON COURTOT: SHIRT SPECIALIST
Since 1962 , on rue de Rennes, near the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Cydonia Courtot has been one of the last Parisian bespokes.
As a true local artisan, you must allow a certain amount of time for the making, or even for ordering certain fabrics. On the other hand, it is perfect for a first custom shirt because it is financially accessible. Without compromising on the most demanding sartorial standards. There are many shapes of collars and cuffs allowing excellent customization of the shirt.
THE ARTLING HOUSE: TAILOR-MADE SUITS AND SHIRTS
Artling puts its image consultant at your disposal to advise you on your style and the choice of your cut. Artling has modernized its classic collection with a casual and sartorial collection : you can have a Portofino shirt made for summer or an Oxford shirt for winter. The house is bringing armbands back into fashion , an accessory that allows you to hold the sleeves so that your wrists are not damaged due to friction on a desk or computer keyboard. Not French but so British! We’re betting it’s going to be a hit!
On average, for a very good quality, tailor-made shirt in one of these stores, count on a minimum of €250.
CREATE YOUR SHIRT IN PARIS, LAND OF FASHION
You have all the cards in hand: the average price, fabric standards, the recognized lexicon to be able to communicate easily with your tailor. It’s time to make an appointment, don’t you think?
