It is easy to agree that not all people look the same, but manufacturers would have us believe that we all can be grouped into a few key shirt sizes. This leaves many men always feeling slightly misrepresented by their clothes because their proportions do not happen to match the exact dimensions of some faceless production standard. Another consequence of the generalisation of ready to wear shirts is the plain uncomfortably of it or low quality of mass produced garments. Before one quickly discounts the alternative of tailored shirts, a comparison of custom made shirts versus off the rack shirts will yield some surprising results and cost benefits.

The first obvious comparison between a custom made shirt and a ready to wear shirt is in regard to fit. One should be familiar with how standard men's shirt sizes are determined. Shirt size is based on the combination of a measurement for the neck and the arm length, which are then displayed on the package or tag as the key measurements for determining the size of the entire upper body. This would be a perfect way of determining shirt sizes if all men were only the composition of a neck and arms.

Already, it is easy to see where the trouble lies in ready to wear shirts. What if one has a large neck and a large chest but is relatively short? The options become either big ballooning sleeves of extra cloth or a shirt that cannot be closed comfortably at the top. Or perhaps a gentleman is very tall and slender? The result will be a shirt with excessive bunching fabric in the torso area and a possibility of sleeves sitting too high above the wrist. With a custom made shirt, a tailor will specifically measure and fit one's body with a shirt produced in accordance and respect for one's individual shape. Custom made shirts free one from having to make compromises for size averages or settle for looking misrepresented.

It is easy for most men to agree that a well fitting shirt will look and feel better, but there is always the concern for cost. Most people stray from tailored clothing because of a fear of cost. If a consumer feels they can buy two or three shirts from their favourite department store for the cost of one custom made shirt, then how can there be a cost advantage to buying tailored? The answer lies in the priority of quality versus quantity. In a free market, it will always be possible to purchase a variety of mass produced products at a fraction of the cost of purchasing hand crafted custom products from skilled craftsmen. However, this savings is not without its sacrifices.

There is the obvious sacrifice of perfect fit when purchasing mass produced shirts, but what about quality differences? When purchasing a custom made shirt, one has the opportunity to interact with a skilled craftsman that will produce the finished garment. An opportunity exists to select one's favourite colours or to be enlightened about the advantages of one fabric over another. The tailor can take the time to address an individual's needs and wants while offering experience based advice on the best solutions. Most will also agree that a uniquely crafted shirt by a skilled professional will outlast any factory produced garment hands-down. The purchase of a custom made shirt becomes more than just something to cover one's self with. It becomes an opportunity to highlight the qualities of the individual in a comfortable and long lasting way.

Perhaps, one already has a closet full of shirts and is not ready to throw them all away and invest in high quality custom made shirts. A sensible way to begin an introduction to the world of excellent fitting shirts is to purchase them for key outfits. Often men will purchase beautifully tailor made suits, then use low quality shirts underneath because of the idea that it is hardly seen beneath the jacket. Honestly, a well made shirt is a great addition to a fine suit because it creates comfort and confidence that one can feel, and which everyone will see.