in search of the perfect chambray shirt

cinnamon fern

Can anyone offer suggestions? So far I've tried the J Crew and Old Navy versions. Both were good in the abstract (ON surprisingly good), but they didn't fit right - if the shoulders/upper back fit, there was a ridiculous amount of fabric around the waist.

Both were awfully long too (I'm 5' 4"), but the sleeves on petite shirts are usually too short.

I would really appreciate any other possibilities! I think a chambray shirt would be great under one of my ten blazers, to dress them down a bit.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....C71484.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../15008.jsp

14 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Kappy

Anonymous

I'm hunting for one too. I used to steal them from my brother/dad when I had more of a stick figure as a teenager, and I was thinking about buying a men's shirt and getting it tailored.

14 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I keep going back and forth about buying one from L.L. Bean. I have a gift certificate. It's hard to find a tailored shirt that fits just right.

14 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I tried on a few before buying one at Levis. It's a little on the pricey side but seems well-made, and it fits me perfectly.

ETA the link. I think this is it:
http://us.levi.com/product/ind.....2.11936692

14 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I have a different one from J Crew and I really like it. I wasn't sure about the weathering, but it's not as obvious in person. I've been amazed at how often I've worn it since I bought it; I think it's going to be a very versatile piece in my wardrobe.

I posted a picture a couple of days ago of a chambray shirt "dressed up" with a blazer and heels, and I love that look:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....mboy-looks

14 years ago

Stephanie

Veteran

I bought one at Target last spring (Merona brand). I never buy clothes at Target, but I was pleased with the quality, especially for the price, and especially pleased that it came in an XS. I will try to post a picture later. I have no idea whether it is still available.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Boo on the Old Navy one I bought last week. You're right, it does fit small in the shoulders and is long and boxy around the waist. I'm ok with the "new style", the length covers more of my bum in skinny jeans, but the fabric is so thinand soft--which I liked-- that it had "pulled" a little bit on one of the seams. Noticiing this at checkout (it was the last in my size) I got a 25% damage discount. I can't return it, but I figured it would be an easy fix on my sewing machine.

Well guess what? The first trip through the washer, a two-inch section of the sleeve pulled completely out of the cuff! This was not where I spotted the original damage. I paid $20 for the shirt, but I'm afraid the quality is very poor. My original plan was to look for a chambray shirt with stretch. If this one had some spandex, this might not have happened.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Fern, have you tried the "Keeper" chambray shirt from J. Crew yet? The one you posted runs about a whole size big (I have the short sleeved version in small and I usually wear medium at J. Crew). I think the keeper one has a more traditional fit. I'd post a link but I'm on my phone right now.

14 years ago

keruchina

Active Member

I tried on the Levi's shirt at Urban. I didn't buy it, but I can second that it is really nicely fitted.

14 years ago

Charmian

Veteran

If everything except for the waist fits, have you considered taking it to a (trusted!) tailor?

I have the J. Crew shirt that you rejected; you can definitely tell that J. Crew designs for rectangles (I have hourglass tendencies and sorta give up on a fitted waist with J. Crew). I'm considering tailoring, but also playing around with the idea of a more relaxed (and waist-surrendering) look too.

14 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Thanks guys! Levi's and the other J Crew shirts are definitely worth checking out. Parsley, your shirt and blazer is exactly what I have in mind!

14 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I actually bought one from Lucky Jeans last year. I had never bought anything from Lucky before....I don't know what made me think of them, but I love mine.

Good Luck !!!

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try Old Navy too. I saw three styles there yesterday.

14 years ago

Kappy

Veteran

Ralph Lauren has some too (good sales too):

http://www.ralphlauren.com/sea.....%2F1760782

14 years ago

Category