Cynthia Cheng 

A few weeks ago, Prospere Magazine posted an article about James VII and its custom-made dress shirts.  Prospere Magazine offered a chance for people to get a free made-to-measure shirt by sending in e-mails stating why they’re considered hard-to-fit, and a name was picked from there. Recently, the winner, Sherry, went into the James VII studio in Toronto to be measured and Prospere Magazine was there to observe. 

Before Sherry was measured, we were told by James VII owner, Mike Davie about the differences between women’s shirts and men’s.  James VII, which had been producing men’s shirts for a while, recently debuted a women’s service.  Women’s shirts, according to Mike, are much more complicated.  For example, men only have nine measurements to consider, while women have 22.  For that reason, women’s shirts currently cannot be ordered online.  Another difference is that men get their fitting correct the first round at 98% of the time. Women, on the other hand, generally have to have two fittings.  Mike also explained the difference between made-to-measure and bespoke.  A made-to-measure shirt is based on a template, while bespoke starts from scratch. 

After Sherry was measured, she chose a fabric for her shirt.  There were many colours and fabrics to choose from!  Sherry even commented on how it was like “being a kid in a candy store.”  However, things weren’t done, even after the fabric was chosen.  It was then time to choose a style.  Not only was there a type of fit (slim, “classic” or a “baggier” fit), but also sleeve length and collar type.  The difference between a woman’s collar and man’s is that women tend to have a more “open” look in addition to soft collars  – a more starched collar for men makes their ties look better.

James VII shirts are all produced in India and Sherry’s will be ready in about three weeks.  Stay tuned to future issues to hear about updates!