My Journey with Natty Shirts: A Decade of Custom Shirt Experience
About ten years ago, I stumbled upon a post on Style Forum about a shirt maker called Natty Shirts. The author had ordered a few shirts and was generally pleased with the quality, though he shared some complaints, mostly about sizing, along with photos.
After reading it, I suspected the issue stemmed from inaccurate self-measurements. Most online menswear retailers provide detailed measuring guides, and in my experience, they’re usually reliable.
My Shirt Sources Over the Years
Back then, my wardrobe was built from a mix of made-to-measure and ready-to-wear shirts from:
- Brooks Brothers
- Charles Tyrwhitt
- Royce Redding (Atlanta-based bespoke suit maker)
- The Shirt Store (a beloved made-to-measure shop on 42nd & Vanderbilt, now closed)
- Paul Stuart
Royce Redding is a small operation, but the shirts are well-constructed. Their shirts took about two months to arrive, but they were worth the wait—I still wear them today. Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt remain staples in my rotation, offering both ready-to-wear and made-to-measure options, and their shirts are also well-constructed, and I do like Tyrwhitt’s brass collar stays.
The Shirt Store was my go-to for years. They had a wide range of collar styles, fabrics, and customization options—like a more affordable version of Thomas Pink. It was a hidden gem for business professionals in NYC.
Bespoke Dreams vs. Budget Reality
Eventually, I ventured into bespoke territory. I invested in 20 custom shirts, which cost a small fortune. While I loved them, I quickly realized my budget couldn’t sustain that level of indulgence. That’s when I decided to give Natty Shirts a try.
My first order was promising, though I had mismeasured my sleeves. I contacted them, sent them photos, and within a day, they responded with a simple fix; they had me deduct a few inches from the sleeves using their measuring guide They remade the shirts at no cost, and the replacements were perfect.
Natty Shirts: The Pros
After nearly a decade and 40–50 shirts later, here’s what I love about Natty Shirts:
- Solid quality at a great price (thanks to their labor cost)
- Extensive customization: monograms, collars, cuffs, buttons, cuts—use their “Design Shirt” feature
- Reasonable delivery time: 15–20 days via DHL
- Fabric and weaves: cotton, linen, silk, broadcloth, twill, and blends
- Free remakes if they make a mistake (you can donate the originals)
- Easy-to-follow measuring guide (I have attached it here as a link)
⚠️ Natty Shirts: The Cons
- Limited fabric selection
- Not on par with premium brands like Paul Stuart, Brooks Brothers, or bespoke makers—but you’re not paying those prices either
- International shipping can be slower due to global logistics
My Verdict
Natty Shirts hit the sweet spot between quality and affordability. I’ve owned shirts that cost $175+ and didn’t hold up as well as some of my Natty Shirts. I wear them with my bespoke and made-to-measure suits, and they still look sharp after years of use.
If you’re style-conscious but budget-minded, Natty Shirts offer a great way to look polished without breaking the bank. Their measuring guide is accurate, and I rarely encounter issues with fit.
Pro Tip
Order three shirts at a time to take advantage of free shipping. A single shirt costs $65, but shipping adds $15—making it $80. Buying three helps offset that cost.
See for Yourself
I’ve included images of my Natty Shirts below – some on hangers, some on me. By the way, my favorite collars are the Londoner, President cutaway, and Soft President cutaway; the Roma is great as well. You be the judge!
Sincerely, Eric
