Since everyone knows what it`s like to buy off the rack, we set up an appointment with their “Personally Pink” made-to-order service. Pink sells luxury shirts in locations around the world, but only seven participate in the program. Thankfully one was in our own backyard. Camera in hand, we headed for Thomas Pink`s Madison Avenue store to see what we could learn about “custom shirting.”
John Liguori (left), General Manager of Thomas Pink's New York Madison Avenue store, welcomes us. Also pictured: Michael Bragg.
Fabric
Once in the store, staff members led us to a back office lined with glass cases full of cuff and collar samples, fancy furniture, and books filled with fabric samples. Playing the role of the customer, Eddie`s first and most important decision was to pick a fabric. What influences the comfort and price of a shirt the most is the material.
Thomas Pink offers a variety of fabrics found within swatch books.
The price difference between the standard 100s dress shirt and a luxurious 200s shirt can be hundreds of dollars, whereas the color and pattern of a shirt have a relatively small effect on price. Eddie ultimately settled on a Super 100s fabric in traditional white – an entry-level $275 model.
