FINE FABRICS

We've imported our fabrics directly from one of the most highly respected Italian fabric mills. These fabrics are - in a word - SUPERB! This extensive range includes the very finest quality superfine pure cotton shirt fabrics, luxurious soft linens, plus wonderful contemporary stretch cotton-based fabrics for tighter fitting styles. Choose from smooth poplins, the finest herringbone weaves, soft subtle twills in a range of plain colours, checks and stripes.

MEASURING UP

Custom made tailoring requires accurate body measurements.

• The NECK is measured exactly. Room is then allowed to ensure comfortable wear. The customer may decide how wide or narrow he wants the collar as well as any other features such as button-down and collar stay guides.
• Next, the tape measure is passed around the CHEST immediately under the armpits. Whether your new hand tailored shirt is to be tight here or not may be decided later when we draw and cut your paper shirt pattern.
• WAIST measurement is taken just above the waistband of the trousers.
• Then the HIPS are measured with the customer standing with legs together to ensure accuracy.
• Both ARMS are measured. Many people have arms of different lengths, so if the difference is significant this can be allowed for when cutting the pattern.
• The SHOULDERS are measured from edge to edge. This measurement is used to set the shoulder seam positions. For a classic or relaxed style the shoulder seams are further apart. For a slim or fitted style the shoulder seams are closer together to create a slimmer, neater shape especially for tall slim men.
• BODY LENGTH measurements determine the total finished length of your shirt. Measurements from the top of the shirt, excluding the collar, to just above the trousers determine how much of the shirt is revealed plus an allowance to be tucked in. If the shirt is to be a contemporary fashion style worn out the shirt tails may be made shorter.

DETAILED CONSULTATION

Our bespoke consultation process ensures that we fully understand your requirements before incorporating your preferred design features into your bespoke shirt pattern. To help with this process, a detailed questionaire is completed including your collar and cuff preferences, cuff edge detailing, breast pockets or not, contrasting collar and/or cuffs, mongrams or anything else that you desire. Once we have assessed all your details, including any special requirements, we will then confirm your order to ensure that we fully understand your preferences before your bespoke shirt pattern is commenced, and then double checked before your first shirt is hand tailored.

PATTERN CUTTING

After the measurements are completed, a draft pattern is drawn up on paper, cut out and then traced onto the fabric. Patterns may be grouped into four (4) general styles. CLASSIC styles are a traditional square cut that suits many body types and are similar to our Edward Stripe signature style. RELAXED styles are contemporary, slightly more tailored and still a comfortable easy fitting. SLIM styles often known as contemporary "European" cut are business shirts tailored with slimmer lines for taller and slim body shapes. FITTED styles are perfect for today's fashion conscious man who likes wearing a shirt that fits firmly across the shoulders and chest. Depending on YOUR body shape, design features from each may be incorporated into your new made to measure, hand tailored shirt.

HAND TAILORED MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Your new BESPOKE by Edward Stripe shirt is hand tailored in Australia by our own qualified garment technicians. When making your bespoke shirt using patterned fabrics (herringbone, some twills, stripes, checks, plaids) the cutting takes note of the pattern so that all lines or repeats are aligned perfectly on your finished shirt.
The fabric is cut out into panels using large shears. Adjustments are made to the yoke which in most cases is made from two pieces cut along the bias so that the pattern looks neater from the front. Straight and covered seams are sewn using sewing machines. Finishing details are completed by hand including fine quality mother-of-pearl buttons sewn with a crossed lockstitch for strength. A set of Edward Stripe removable stainless steel collar stays is included to keep your collars sharp. And each shirt is carefully folded, wrapped in tissue paper and shipped to you in a presentation gift box.