Are those Rails plaid shirts really all that? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are those Rails plaid shirts really all that?

Peri

Veteran

$100 for a plaid shirt?? All the comments are that they are the softest, but how are they otherwise?

I've tried a lot of plaid flannel shirts while hunting for the right one for me. I usually reject them for being too rugged outdoorsy for my style. Are these any different? I think I'd be looking for something a little more refined and blouse-y than typical for the style. I don't know why, but the average plaid shirt reads more RATE on me than I want. I usually don't think that when I see them on other women. Maybe it's my IT shape and refuse to tuck attitude.

Hunter Plaid Shirt

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Nicky1234

Laura J

I didn't try one on, but I felt them and they are very soft and the material seemed much less stiff than normal flannel.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

They are nice. Top pick. Very nice drape and feel.

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smittie

Veteran

No. They seemed alright, but I would expect a thicker flannel for the price.

Anonymous

No. I’ve had two : one shirt and one dress. Got sucked up into the initial hoo-ha around this brand and really was mad at myself afterward . Very drapey and soft , but construction and finishing weren’t on par with the pricing . I gave away both pieces after a few wears . Cdn pricing is much higher too .

greycat6

Veteran

The Rails shirts are soft, drapey and a little slouchy. Refined, not rugged. No flannel involved whatsoever, LL Bean this is NOT. More of a fashion vibe than a work vibe, if that makes sense. Sleeves stay put when the cuffs are rolled up despite the soft fabric.

I have two in my closet and am thinking about this one. Nordstrom web site says it runs small and I would agree. The ones in my closet are XS and I liked the fit of the small at NAS. Please excuse my not so great photo below - posture not the best so it doesn't show the shirt at its best but it will give you an idea. Now that I'm looking at the photo, I'm wondering if I need to size up? I'll try for a better pic tomorrow.

I'm happy to answer any other questions you have. Hope this helps.

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Anonymous

Agree with fitting a little small .

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My impression is that the ones at the NAS this year do not run small. My size US8-10 client with a larger bust wore a Medium really well, if that helps.

I think these shirts need the right care, though. Have to press after laundry - or take to the cleaners.

greycat6, that looks great.

julesegr

Yes, they are all that. Agree with those who say it's more refined, softer, and has better drape than the average plaid shirt. I size up and it fits perfectly. A real "go-to" in my closet. Some of the plaids have a little shimmer thread running through them, so be aware of that and choose accordingly. I bought the Midnight White one during this sale.

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Preppy Pear

Veteran

I had one from a previous NAS and I dry cleaned it - I believe they are rayon or rayon blend, and I have never been able to wash rayon at home without shrinkage, even without the dryer. Are there any good tricks?
I’m thinking about a new one. It does seem a little fragile for the price but I really do like the soft feel and the drape.

greycat6

Veteran

Both dry cleaning or laundering/hang dry/light pressing have worked for me. I have been known to forgo that if I’m layering underneath a sweater...sometimes life is too short for ironing!

christy

Veteran

I love my Rails denim shirt - really soft and great drape. I’ve had it for 2 years now (I think?) and it’s still in great shape but it’s not something I wear (and subsequently launder) frequently.

Anonymous

I love my Rails shirt a lot, and I always get compliments on it. I hand wash it and iron it, and it's good to go. Mine is white with blue stripes, not plaid. The drape is beautiful, and I love the fabric. No regrets on splashing out for it.

Anonymous

I’m sorry for contradicting what Angie said - I don’t like to do that . hadn’t read all the replies first . But a flannel shirt it is not - it’s a rayon blend . I am very particular about fabric and construction and their pieces are simply just not me . Wrong vibe , and that’s probably why I didn’t like them .

Aquamarine

Veteran

I’ve wondered about them too. Not a tucker so I’ve worried they’d look too sloppy or casual untucked.

julesegr

I'm not a tucker either, Aquamarine, and these are perfect for that. Because of their drape, they lie closer to the body than other button-up shirts, so the overall appearance is more trim.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks julesegr...good to know!

Peri

Veteran

Thank you for all the answers! They sound great, but maybe not for me. I was already on the fence about the plaid shirt vibe, but they do sound a little high maintenance in the laundry department. I guess with the price, the need for careful handling, and the doubts I have about the look on me (love it on many others) I could probably use my money on something else.

Anonymous

I too have wondered about Rails shirts. This post was packed with useful information. Thank you.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I don't have a flannel version but I do own one Rails shirt and I like it quite a lot and have worn it enough to justify the price over the past couple of years. It's a short sleeved plaid that I wash on delicate and hang to dry. I don't iron it, I just make sure I straighten out all the seams and such while it's wet. But I don't work in an office or need to dress up.

Kyle

Veteran

Love mine. Not only the softness, but the cut and drape. Not boxy or masculine, but tailored and feminine.

Susie

Veteran

The only one I've tried on definitely ran small but that was a year or so ago. The quality seemed nice but not what I'd rave about.

Thistle

Veteran

I guess when I think flannel, I think they should be easy care. Like wash and dry easy care.

Maybe it's more fluid and drapey that traditional flannel with the look of flannel?

Still, for the price, you might want to check Land's End first. I have two flannel shirts from there in pretty colors that I wear as loungewear in the winter. Both hold up well and they wash and wear. But they are traditional flannel.

Anonymous

These are not flannel . They are drapey rayon

LaPed

Veteran

Huh, I see Rails shirts quite often in secondhand stores and never would've guessed they were this pricey at retail. Definitely more of a smooth, thin rayon/tencel feel, and *not* flannel. Could see how they'd appeal if you want something less structured/masculine/RATE than flannel.

Beth0707

I look at them so often but I cannot bring myself to pay that much for a flannel shirt. They are super cute!

Style Fan

Veteran

I have looked at Rails denim shirts before. I like the look of them but the price puts me off. I have heard people rave about the plaid ones. There is a Nordstrom label plaid one (Gibson maybe) that Firecracker got last year that is the same idea. Really nice but not so expensive.

Ginger

Veteran

Aha, it just clicked - thanks, lisa p! These are plaid blouses in a smooth material. They are not flannel shirts. Flannel is a dense fabric with a brushed surface, meaning it's fuzzy and soft (and prone to pilling). These are plaid blouses, cut like traditional plaid flannel shirts, but they are not actually flannel. So. Anyone trying them out, adjust your expectations!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

If anyone wants to try something similar at a lower price point, Maurice's always carries a lot of drapey-fabric-but-looks-flannel-ish shirts in the fall.

elpgal

Veteran

I found them disappointing. They are flimsy.

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