If you’re in the market for a new dress shirt, you may be wondering how much it will cost you. Dress shirts can range in price from around $30 to $200 or more, depending on the brand and quality. So what factors into the cost of a dress shirt? Let’s take a look.
The Cost of Fabric
A small percentage of the cost of a dress shirt is determined by the quality and type of fabric. Higher-priced dress shirts tend to be made from higher-quality, long-lasting fabrics that are more resistant to stains and wrinkles. They also have very fine detailing in the stitching, buttonholes, and general tailoring.
Cost of Manufacture
The cost of manufacturing is another factor. High-end designer dress shirts are often handmade by skilled craftsmen, which can be very time-consuming and labor intensive. Even if they are not manufactured by hand, the higher quality materials (and therefore greater expense) often mean more careful construction and less wasted fabric during production. A dress shirt that is well-made, with careful detailing and stitching, will not only be more durable but also look more refined.
Designer Dress Shirts vs Retail Store Dress Shirts
On the other end of the spectrum, retail store shirts that mimic designer styles also affect the price tag on dress shirts. The difference between these two types of shirts can be seen in their labels or interior tags – “Made in China” versus “Made in Italy”, for example. These lower priced options seem like a bargain until you factor in the lower quality of the materials used, poor construction and lack of durability.
The Price of Branding
Some dress shirts are sold more for their designer label than their actual features or construction; this is why you may pay $200 or more for a dress shirt that doesn’t even have real mother of pearl buttons! If you’re paying top dollar for something with no substantial value, just remember that you can often find higher quality items elsewhere with better design and construction at a lower price point.
The Confusing World of Dress Shirt Sizing
Finally, the sizing and fit of dress shirts also affect their price. Since most people prefer to wear clothing that fits them well – even if it costs more – shirt manufacturers have adjusted the fit to help sell them at higher prices. A “small”, for example, may actually be larger than a store’s regular small, but it will probably shrink after washing so that it fits closer to your frame.
“Slim Fit” is another trick used by manufacturers to make you feel like you’re getting a tailored garment when in fact they are simply using smaller measurements. This can be achieved by removing excess cloth around the seams or collar throughout the body of the shirt or reducing sleeve widths. Whatever the manufacturer’s trick, it affects the cost of dress shirts.
The Bottom Line
Dress shirts are one of the most costly components in a man’s professional wardrobe – second only to suits and sport coats. Understanding what determines their price will help you find value when shopping for new dress shirts, rather than overpaying for branding alone! Finally, buying from affordable retailers that offer sales or clearances on higher volume items can lower the overall cost of your purchases by selling name-brand clothing at discounted prices.
Conclusion: The cost of a dress shirt is not just the price tag. Your investment includes the garment’s fabric, manufacture costs and design elements such as branding or sizing that can affect your bottom line. Understanding these components will help you make an informed decision about where to purchase your next dress shirt–whether it’s from a designer store or retail outlet.
