Bespoke shirts have arrived, kinda

The bespoke shirts I ordered from Michael Sahi are finally in my possession again. The shirts were  actually finished back in early December, but I placed them under the tree, rather than wear them  immediately as was my initial impulse. Since the shirts were my main Christmas present along with a surprise bookcase, they tantalizing sat under the tree for a month.

I acted surprised when I opened them up and immediately took them to be laundered. They are freshly pressed and ready to be worn. Just in time, as I have a client visit this week which will require a suit and tie, perfect occasion for shirts that are meant to be donned for such events.

The shirts are a combination of button down collars, regular spread collars and full spread collars. They all have great bespoke details like my initials, MTP, embroidered on the sleeves in a bold  complimenting color and mother of pearl buttons. I choose barrel cuffs for versatility as these shirts are meant to be worn with and without a jacket and for everyday use.  French cuffs are saved for shirt only worn with ties and a suit. All of the shirts fit perfectly, no blousing at the waist and no extra fabric on the sleeves. I had the arm holes raised to give them a slimmer more modern fit.

Finally, I have my bespoke shirts and I feel dapper because of it.

Pop Yo Collar

The Dos & Don'ts of Collar Popping -

Don'ts:

Hopefully these fashion faux pas are quite evident.

Polos & Shirts - Don't pop the collar on a polo shirt, button down shirt or rugby shirt. At no time, ever, ever, ever.  A collared shirt should not have an erected collar, unless you are at a costume party or you have a nickname that starts with "The" and ends with "Situation".  Keep the collars down and keep the compliments up.

Jacket - Sport coats & suit jackets should have the collars down, creating a sleek, slim look. Only in extreme weather should the collar be popped and only to keep yourself warm, not as a fashion statement.  Otherwise you will look like your hanging with Crockett & Tubbs, which is no bueno.  And please for the love of all that is stylish, do not push up the sleeves of your jacket.  Don't even think about it, it's just wrong.

Dos:

Overcoats & Trench coats - With as much passion as I beg and plead you keep the collars down on your shirts and polos, I beg and plead that you to keep the collars of your overcoats up. Overcoats & Trench coats are meant to have popped collars.

Peacoats - the naval Peacoat has to have the collar popped, it is the only proper way to wear the coat.  Without the collar standing at attention, the jacket looks boring and quite mundane.  Keep it cool and keep the collar popped at all times.