Previously, I shared how Buttons ‘n’ Threads exceeded my expectations with the velvet jacket they made for me. Subsequent to that review Yashas asked me to review one of their dress shirts. Obviously, I obliged. But to be honest, I did not expect much.
Historically, I have found that online suit brands who may make good suits typically do not also make good shirts. I will not bore you with my suspicions as to why this is the case; it is just my observation and experience. An observation (and consequently a set of expectations) that Buttons ‘n’ Threads proves to be an exception to. The shirt they made for me is exceptional.

Before start waxing poetic about the shirt I should note that the shirts are not available for sale yet. In fact, today marks the launch of their Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for shirt production. So yes, the fact that this piece is being published today is not completely random… But anyway, the campaign ends in a few weeks so you can either pre-order a shirt from the Indiegogo or wait until they are available for regular sale.
It’s worth noting that the first 100 shirts will be available at a discount at $99 and $129, as opposed to $129 (2 ply 120s) and $149 (2 ply 140s). The difference in price lies with different fabrics, all of which are Egyptian cotton. Which the marketing folks would have you believe is a sure sign of quality, which is not always the case. Fortunately, the fabric my shirt is made of is the good stuff.
Although I was not able to use the Buttons ‘n’ Threads website to order my shirt (the shirt design site was not ready yet so I had to use the style books to chose the details of my shirt) I was impressed with the variety of details and options that one can choose for their shirt. A variety that rivals Cottonwork and MyTailor, which is a good thing. I also believe that they can accommodate a certain level of special requests, which is also good. For my shirt I chose a hidden button down collar, single button barrel cuffs (more on that below), standard placket and rib cage monogram placement. I opted for a solid white fabric which I have been happy with. But the initial fabric selection is somewhat limited to the basics, so I look forward to them adding more fabrics to the collection going forward. But anyway, let’s take a closer look at the shirt.











If you cannot tell, I am very happy with the shirt Buttons ‘n’ Threads sent me. Upon receiving the shirt I inquired with Yashas about the quality of the shirt, namely the construction. I was curious how they were able to source such a well made shirt yet keep the costs so low. His answer, in short was that the factory that Buttons ‘n’ Threads works with in India modeled itself after the Fray factory in Italy, which makes some of the better ready to wear shirts to come out of that country; at least that’s my understanding. They also used Charvet and Turnbull & Asser shirts as a benchmark for quality. But at the end of the day, quality of construction and materials is not the most important part of custom menswear. The fit is. And as I noted before, I am very happy with the fit of my shirt.
Is the shirt worth $129 or $149? Unequivocally, yes. The quality and fit are certainly both at levels that justify such a price. However, I do understand that some men do not want to spend that much on a shirt, which would mean they would have to look elsewhere (like Luxire and Cottonwork) for shirts. But if your budget permits you to spend this much on your shirts, (and I advise you think about it) I think you will have a very hard time finding nicer shirts for your money. If you have any questions, comments or thoughts please feel free to sound off in the comments.
–JLJ
Note: FYGblog did receive the shirt being reviewed for purposes of review. As always, the utmost care was taken to maintain an unbiased stance on the brand and product at hand.
Hi Justin,
I’ve contacted you before. I was the (West Coast) selling agent for several upscale collections including Fray Shirts, I am now semi-retired and live in the Northern CA wine country.
Do they rotate the shoulder to alleviate the bulk of the seams all converging at the armpit?
Thanks,
rlk
Roger,
Yes, we emailed a few times. Glad to see you are still reading. Sounds like a good way to go about things for ‘semi retirement.’ The do so a little bit. They keep about .75cm between the side body and arm seams. Great point to bring up.
-Justin
Nice review, thanks. I just contributed to their IndieGoGo campaign so I guess I’ll get to see the quality for myself!
Question: You mention that you don’t like darts? I’m relatively new to getting custom clothing, and relatively new to opting for nicer clothing; can you explain why no to darts?
Mike,
I dislike them for a few reasons. First, just the look of them on the back of the shirt, I prefer a plain back shirt. With patterned shirts they can upset the flow of the pattern. Not to mention, if you have a shirt custom made, the need to darts should be little. Additionally, they can be a nuisance to iron around. To be fully honest, a few of my shirts do have darts but those shirts are only worn under jackets. It, like many things, is mostly a matter of personal preference.
-Justin
Justin,
I believe the cuffs are a “convertible cuff” in which they may be worn buttoned; or, may be utilized with cufflinks making use of the hole between the two buttons.
For an illustration, check out – http://www.hughandcrye.com/dress-shirt-cuffs – scroll down to the “convertible cuff”.
Have a great weekend!
-MC-
Justin,
Did you opt for an entirely pleat-less back?
Eric,
Yes, I never get pleats on the backs of my shirts.
-Justin
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I think the odd looking button arrangement on the cuffs is a convertible option – you can actually open them up and close a la French cuff, insert the link and voila! I have a hugh&crye shirt like that.
Best,
m.
Matts,
It is, I am not much a fan of convertible cuffs. If for no other reason than when wearing a cufflink the cuff is a single cuff, not a proper double cuff (which is what a french cuff is). Single cuffs should really be reserved for white tie attire as far as I am concerned. Not to mention you see the buttons on the cuffs when wearing cufflinks which looks out of place. Half measures avail us nothing – type of thing. I have heard Hugh and Crye makes nice shirts, what is your experience with them?
-Justin
Justin,
I have had good luck with Hugh & Crye. Simply put, their shirts fit quite well with no tailoring. I’ve enjoyed owning them, and expect them to last a long time. Compared to the Brooks Brothers slim fit and tailored O’Connell’s shirts that make up the bulk of my closet, Hugh & Crye out does all of them; for quite a low price too!
Now if only they would make a buggy lined blazer that wasn’t 30% poly; how one can survive in DC wearing a 30% poly blazer is beyond me!
Best regards,
Matt
Matt,
Thanks for getting back to me on this. Good to hear about the shirts, unfortunate about the poly jacket though.
-Justin
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Justin,
Have you spoke with Yashas recently from Buttons’n’Threads? I purchased a suit and shirt from them in March. It’s been 4 months and still haven’t received them. I’ve tried to contact Yashas many times and only a few times have gotten a response. It appears that Buttons’n’Threads may no longer be a legitimate option for online MTM clothing. You may want to let your readers know this because I used Buttons’n’Threads based off of your reviews and now I’m out over $500.
Brad,
That is not good to hear. I have not spoken with him recently. Feel free to shoot me an email.
-Justin