Good men's work shirts

eviltimeban

OK, here's the challenge: I'd like a good, traditional spread collar men's work shirt (either single or double cuff), either slim fit or tailored fit, good soft material and very washable.

I used to buy in Thomas Pink all the time but the budget isn't what it used to be; Zara used to have decent work shirts but their style now isn't great and the collars are all quiet small. Rule out Next, River Island, Topman etc.

I got a TM Lewin shirt a while back and had to return it as it was hard as a rock, horrible material, unwearable.

I know there's also Henry Jermyn but their shirts are only OK for the price you pay (and they are very baggy).

Ideally I'd like to go slightly cheaper and pay about 40 - 60 for one, as I need to get about 4 new shirts in one go. I know TM Lewin have deals on multiple shirts but I've been put off them from the last purchase.

number10a

If you're comfortable buying clothes online, iTailor looks really good for when you have specifics in mind. Never tried it myself, but can't wait to when I have a few spare euro in my pocket!

kellso81

I like the fit in Reiss shirts, always good quality although a bit expensive. I usually get ones in the January sale to do me the year!

Sugar Free

M&S seems to fit your description perfectly. Their Auto graph and Sartorial ranges are between 35 to 55e, gently fitted (in my case anyway), come in a range of single/double cuff and several collar styles including spread and cutaway. They're good quality and hold their shape well, even after plenty of washes.

Usually a buy one get one half price deal on their Sartorial shirts too.

Pythia

Boyf just picked up a slim fit, double cuff shirt today from M&S Satorial range. Cost is 54 each but they are still buy one, get the second half price.

eviltimeban

OK, yes I had looked at M&S before, and thought their higher end ones were quite nice actually. Thanks for the tip.

Tefral

I get the M&S ones also because I have really long arms and they do the range with the 2" extra sleeve length.

OldGoat

OP, Lewins do a range of different fabrics. Do you know what fabric you got that you didn't like?
Brief rundown on some common shirt fabrics here http://www.holl.it/eng/FABRICS.asp

D'Agger

OP by work shirt are you talking about shirt and tie or smart casual i.e. you could wear the shirt under a v-neck jumper.

I've picked up one or two shirts from H&M which I've worn when dressing smart casual and thought looked very smart.

They're quite cheap, slim fit and could be worn on their own on nights out also - for the price I'm very happy with them.

eviltimeban

PaulieC wrote: »

OP by work shirt are you talking about shirt and tie or smart casual i.e. you could wear the shirt under a v-neck jumper.

I've picked up one or two shirts from H&M which I've worn when dressing smart casual and thought looked very smart.

They're quite cheap, slim fit and could be worn on their own on nights out also - for the price I'm very happy with them.

Shirt with tie. No, I don't like the H&M ones, they are not really suitable for wearing with a tie, unless you are a kid. :-) The collars are too small and not wide enough. I'm sure they fine under a jumper though! ;-)

nc6000

The M&S Ultimate Non-Iron shirts are great, they don't crease at all during the day. You could sleep in one and it would be OK to wear the next day.

D'Agger

eviltimeban wrote: »

Shirt with tie. No, I don't like the H&M ones, they are not really suitable for wearing with a tie, unless you are a kid. :-) The collars are too small and not wide enough. I'm sure they fine under a jumper though! ;-)

Yea you're right they don't look right with a tie atall

they're nice on their own or under a jumper.

Debenhams often have offers on their Thomas Nash shirts if you want to look there - decent quality.

eviltimeban

PaulieC wrote: »

Yea you're right they don't look right with a tie atall

they're nice on their own or under a jumper.

Debenhams often have offers on their Thomas Nash shirts if you want to look there - decent quality.

You know I never thought of Debenhams tbh. Good tip.

nc6000, my experience with the "non iron" shirts from M&S is that they are like wearing bags. Unless they have a slim fit non iron one, I'll be staying away! :-)

dingbat

OldGoat wrote: »

OP, Lewins do a range of different fabrics. Do you know what fabric you got that you didn't like?
Brief rundown on some common shirt fabrics here http://www.holl.it/eng/FABRICS.asp

I was about to post the exact same thing.

TM Lewin do poplins (plain, "flat" looking cotton which I think you're talking about), twill, herringbone twill, small twill, oxford and they all have very different handles.

I recommend that you should buy shirts in a few different materials from their website, wearing them for a month or so and returning the ones you don't like for a refund. Very, very cost-effective way of trying stuff out.

Pythia

You can return stuff you've worn for a month for a refund?!