Review: Deo Veritas Custom Dress Shirts

It's hard to find a dress shirt that fits well off the rack. Unless you're quite muscular or portly, a good deal of them are going to be very baggy on you

Chicago, IL (prHWY.com) November 24, 2012 - It's hard to find a dress shirt that fits well off the rack. Unless you're quite muscular or portly, a good deal of them are going to be very baggy on you, especially if you're a slender fellow like myself. For many, even the "slim fit" options aren't that slim. Even if you have no problem with fit, the fabrics and details can be quite limited for "RTW" (ready to wear). So then maybe you want to go the custom route. Fitted armholes for more movement. Long enough tails. Collar, cuff, pocket, and back pleat options. Great choice, but a lot of shirtmakers are going to set you back a couple hundred or more.

Enter online tailoring. Controversial with some of the sartorialists, it is rightfully so -- many of the inexpensive Asian tailors can be quite disappointing in quality and have trouble executing your special requests. Add to that, you are measuring yourself so there's a pretty small margin for error. I will start off by saying that while the company itself is based in Chicago, Illinois the shirts are made by tailors in Hong Kong. The website doesn't try to hide that fact, as it's right there in the FAQ section. The shirt is pretty well made. I'd compare it to a Luxury Brooks Brothers shirt (although the starting price costs less than their basic shirts). I chose a simple point collar double cuff with no back pleats or sleeve placket buttons. The "point collar" shown on the website is not too accurate. In person, it's actually more of a modest semi-spread with 2.75" points and 3.75" spread width. Suitable for wear with a tie or without.

Some have complained about the lack of broadcloth or poplin in the fabric selection. I selected the "Castigilia - White" and while it is listed as a pinpoint weave, the fabric more closely resembles broadcloth in its feel and fineness. It is also a bit transparent, so you absolutely NEED an undershirt.

I asked them to use sewn interlinings instead of fused, which is $9 extra. The collar and cuffs are good. The placket seems fused to me, however. The interlining itself is not overly stiff, but may not be soft enough for some tastes. I also had some trouble trying to remove the collar stays since there is barely anything to grab when they are fully inserted. Removable collar stays are $4 extra, though I'm not exactly sure why. Here's a look at the shirt on me. The fit chosen was "Athletic."

The armholes are nice and snug, which allows for more movement and less untucking during the day.

Some might criticise the slight blousing of fabric in back and suggest darting, taking it in more, etc. I think it is just fine. Shirts should fit, not look painted on or constrict breathing. What might be more controversial is the company's decision to stitch "bespoke tailored by Deo Veritas" on the inside of every shirt. There's been a lot of debate as to what makes proper bespoke on clothing forums. I would classify this more as a made-to-measure shirt, myself. All in all, it's really not a bad shirt for the price, especially considering shipping is included.

Website: http://www.deoveritas.com/

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Tag Words: custom fitted dress shirt, club collar dress shirt, dress shirt design, custom dress shirts

Categories: Apparel

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Deo Veritas, Inc.
2141 N. Point St. #2F
Chicago, IL - USA
60647
800-525-0301

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