How to Design Your Own Button Up Shirt

Custom button up shirts can be extremely comfortable while maintaining a very sharp profile.

Most men dread dressing up. The clothes are uncomfortable. The collars scratch, the cuffs chafe and the cloth is so starched and heavy as to be nearly untenable. Why not fix these problems by designing your own button up shirt? Then, you will always have the perfect fit and the perfect look when you have to dress up.

Instructions

1. Take some notes on what you want in your shirt. Make a list of the things that are important to you. These may be things like style, comfort, unique design or your own personal take on cuff links. Whatever you think will make the shirt the best fit and feel for you, write down. These notes will help you select a pattern and a cloth, and they will help your tailor make the shirt perfectly for you.

2. Pick some cloth options. You will need to work with your tailor to determine what cloth you ultimately use for your shirt. However, you can help guide the process by bringing in some of your favorite patterns and materials. Most fabric shops will give you free swatches or scraps if you ask nicely. Pick a variety of fabrics (three to seven) that you think you would like for your shirt.

3. 

   Select several looks. Use the internet to find pictures of men wearing shirts that make them look the way that you want to look. Try to think as little as possible about the man's body, and focus on the attitude that the clothes help convey. You can print or email these pictures to your tailor.

4. Settle on a pattern. Work with your tailor to determine what pattern of button up shirt is best for your wants and needs. You may need to try on some samples to get an idea of what will work for you.

5. Customize your design. Using your notes, work with your tailor to make all the minor changes to your button up shirt that will make it comfortable and classically you while maintaining a sense of decorum and remaining appropriate for the workplace. In the end, you will have a shirt that meets all your desires and soon becomes the closet star.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to "dream big" when designing your shirt. Custom shirt tailors and designers can do surprising things with unlikely fabrics, and it never hurts to ask.

• Get a quote on your shirt before commissioning it. Tailor-made clothes are usually the finest quality, and they tend to cost more than other similar retail items.

Resources

• Learn more about custom shirt design here.