French cuff shirt troubles

[David Host]

I'm not sure this is the right section on the forum, but I need some advice on an upcoming gala. I love wearing French cuff shirts, and I want to get a plain white one for an upcoming gala at my school (will not be wearing black tie, so no need for a formal shirt). I have one from Charles Tyrwhitt that I love to death, but the problem with all OTR French cuff shirts that I have seen is that the cuff is too big for my wrist. I know the cuffs are larger than barrel cuffs, but I should not be able to fit my whole hand through them when worn. Does anybody here know of a shirt seller that sells French cuff shirts that fit slimmer in the wrist? I don't want to have to resort to made to measure shirts yet.

Your help is much appreciated.

[KevinKeith]

David,
I'm going to give this my best shot.
First, have a look at your links. If they have a chain or longer shank fastening, they will allow the cuff to open more, falling lower on your hand than you want. A shorter shank and/or what I refer to as a propeller closure will hold the cuff tighter, possibly alleviating some of your issue.
Secondly, has the shirt been laundered at least three times? All cotton (yes, even the ones that say "preshrunk") will draw up a little. Typically, it takes three washings for the shirt to get where its going to be.
Another issue is the construction of the shirt itself. Many shirtmakers use fusing in the collars and cuffs, which increases shrink potential. Generally speaking, this is not a selling point, but it may help you out.
Finally, I would suggest European (particularly Italian) shirtmakers. In my experience, brands such as Lorenzini, Brioni, Zegna, and Canalli tend to run a bit smaller. Part of this is due to the Italian shirtmaking tradition, and part of it is due to the fact that those makers refuse to accept the American "one size fits most" mentality. Having said that, a shirt from one of those is going to cost you at least $250-$300 and for that, you can easily have one made for you by someone like Mitch Gambert in New jersey. I think their shirts have an opening price point around $165 with a 2 shirt minimum.
There's also the option of sleeve garters. It doesn't change the fit of the shirt, but they will keep if from falling over your hands.
Hope that helps, and good luck.
Kevin

[piperdbh]

I'd suggest taking the shirt to an alteration shop and explain the problem. An alterer can take the cuffs off, cut a little off one end, sew it back together, install new buttonholes, repleat the sleeve and reattach the cuffs, which should be no more than an hour's work.

[Dileasgubas]

I have had great success with Maxwell's clothiers. They come to town, measure you and mail the finished shirts from Hing Kong. The price depends on the quality of cotton you select, but the fit is guaranteed. I am not so taken with the suits they make but the shirts are very nice.

[Hopper250]

I have no problems with my french cuffs from Men's Wearhouse. They will measure and order and the shirts and the correct length.

[Highlander31]

Take a look at iTailor. They are a custom shirt company based in the UK. They've been around for more than four decades and are reasonably priced. Their shirt cutters are set up like a production line, allowing them to make a good, quality shirt, quickly and for less than other custom shirt companies. Once your measurements are in their system, they can produce any style shirt use choose, in any of their 200 different materials.

Using their shirt designer, you choose the materials, collar style, type of cuffs, etc. They are also one of the few companies to offer monogramming on the left waist of the shirt (considered by many to be the proper placement for the monogram on a shirt), as well as the cuff or left breast area. Using their most expensive material, a shirt will cost $50.00 plus shipping.

Here's the link to their website:
http://itailor.com/

[Creag]

I have a few French Cuff shirts from Banana Republic that fit nicely, including at the wrists, and I am a 'petite' gentleman. The fabric is substantial, soft, drapes well, and really is non-iron.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...&pid=710406042

[Highlander31]

I have a few French Cuff shirts from Banana Republic that fit nicely, including at the wrists, and I am a 'petite' gentleman. The fabric is substantial, soft, drapes well, and really is non-iron.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...&pid=710406042

I used to shop in the old Banana Republic stores before they were acquired by the parent company of The Gap (if I remember correctly.)

In those days, they specialized in adventure and travel gear. ith:

The front of their stores had an old jeep partially through the glass. The founders were travelers and their product line was based on their experiences. Their clothes wore like iron and didn't wrinkle in your bag.

[GrainReaper]

Take a look at iTailor. They are a custom shirt company based in the UK. They've been around for more than four decades and are reasonably priced. Their shirt cutters are set up like a production line, allowing them to make a good, quality shirt, quickly and for less than other custom shirt companies. Once your measurements are in their system, they can produce any style shirt use choose, in any of their 200 different materials.

Using their shirt designer, you choose the materials, collar style, type of cuffs, etc. They are also one of the few companies to offer monogramming on the left waist of the shirt (considered by many to be the proper placement for the monogram on a shirt), as well as the cuff or left breast area. Using their most expensive material, a shirt will cost $50.00 plus shipping.

Here's the link to their website:
http://itailor.com/

Saved that link, I love French cuffs, and the price for a tailored shirt simply floors me, time to measure up!

[Highlander31]

Saved that link, I love French cuffs, and the price for a tailored shirt simply floors me, time to measure up!

I was surprised at the number of options they offer on their shirts.