OCBDs

[thedrake]

So where can I get a decent casual OCBDs these days without breaking the bank? I was all set to buy some at Lands End, but it looks like their OCBDs have stretch fabric now. Spier & Mackay don't have my size. Anywhere else I should check?

[alexd3]

This is a subject near and dear to my heart, but I do wish there were better answers. I'm tall (6'3") and relatively slim (~195-200) so my answers might be slightly biased because of that. (I'm putting all slim fit ones in here, but every branch I mention makes a regular fit one if that's you're thing)

My first answer would be the Amazon Goodthreads. The slim is slim enough, not too long, decent enough weight. They're only ~$25 so it won't be the nicest shirt ever, but I find their fit better than almost everyone else.

Number 2 would be the Everlane slim ones. They have a lightweight one and a more normal one. These would just be a next level of nice, fit is good, and they have some cool colors. Is $60 frugal enough? Up to you, and the 'normal' colors will probably never go on sale.

Number 3 is probably the J Crew ones, but with a caveat. In almost every shirt, I'm a large slim. The large slim in these (and almost every other J crew shirt) is just way too blousy and long, and the medium is way too tight in the shoulders. For some reason the slim untucked fits way better and seems like maybe a half inch shorter in the hem with the sleeves being almost identical to the regular slim from what I can tell.
It also says stretch in the title, but it's 100% cotton and doesn't really feel stretchy in the way you would think too if that's a concern.

Number 4 would be the Ralph Lauren ones with caveat that it has a logo and that could be an immediate deal breaker. The material is pretty nice and they generally go on sale for an extra 30-40% off. They have nice fabric and a nice drape, but again the logo...

So my favorite (and most expensive (and most weird?)) are the Bonobos stretch oxfords https://bonobos.com/products/stretch...irt?color=blue
They are definitely a more casual shirt and have a slightly weird material, but it drapes and feels really nice. Their collar is also a concealed button down which is kind of weird since almost every other casual OCBD has a regular button down collar. My guess is this is not what you are looking for, but I needed to mention it.

One obvious one I'm not including is Uniqlo. In the past, they've had nice ones, but the current iterations are just way way too long. If you have a really long torso or want to tuck them in all the time, definitely take a look.

[JBarwick]

So where can I get a decent casual OCBDs these days without breaking the bank? I was all set to buy some at Lands End, but it looks like their OCBDs have stretch fabric now. Spier & Mackay don't have my size. Anywhere else I should check?

What is your size at S&M? The reason I ask is that I used to buy my neck size in contemporary then wash on cold and hang dry. This recently changed where I go up a neck size and in slim fix then wash on whatever and dry in the dryer. This breaks in the shirt well and leaves them less stiff. Some complain about the slightly bigger body which I have not noticed as the dryer helps out.

I know the dryer may prematurely age clothes but how long are people wanting a shirt to last? I have some a few years old without issues.

[mochi123]

I recently got 100% OCBD from Banana Republic and I like it. It has a slight stretch due to the nature of the fiber, but nothing like a spandex mix.

[MediumTex]

I've had luck on eBay. There's a metric ton of Brooks Brothers OCBDs out there, seemingly in every size combination. I've seen fewer O'Connell's's's's and Kamakura, but there are a few lurking around.

[Slubby Linen]

My first answer would be the Amazon Goodthreads. The slim is slim enough, not too long, decent enough weight. They're only ~$25 so it won't be the nicest shirt ever, but I find their fit better than almost everyone else.

These look interesting. What size are you in the Goodthreads OCBD? J Crews fits me about like you describe, with M a smidge tight in the shoulders and L needing tailoring to pull in the waist. Wondering how the Goodthreads sizing compares. -thx

[DocDave]

A couple of links from searching the forums.

https://threads.dappered.com/showthr...highlight=ocbd

https://threads.dappered.com/showthr...highlight=ocbd

Hope they help.

[alexd3]

These look interesting. What size are you in the Goodthreads OCBD? J Crews fits me about like you describe, with M a smidge tight in the shoulders and L needing tailoring to pull in the waist. Wondering how the Goodthreads sizing compares. -thx

I would think the Goodthreads one would fit perfectly then, it will skim your sides and has a nice natural taper to it. It's a surprisingly good shirt from Amazon.

The downside is that is not quite as nice as some of the more expensive options and they have limited colors, but you can get them without pockets which is a plus to me.

[thedrake]

Thanks for the suggestions all.

[MIS997]

Kamakura makes the best for the money in my opinion...they aren’t cheap by any means, but they aren’t going to break the bank.

The materials are great, and if you buy the “sport” version, the cuffs and collars are non-fused. The collar is long enough to make a great roll.

This is the OCBD that you’re looking for...Treat yoself

[Loafer28]

Kamakura makes the best for the money in my opinion...they aren’t cheap by any means, but they aren’t going to break the bank.

The materials are great, and if you buy the “sport” version, the cuffs and collars are non-fused. The collar is long enough to make a great roll.

This is the OCBD that you’re looking for...Treat yoself

+1. They really are that good!

[Hebrew Barrister]

For those who don't mind a stiffer collar and who are reasonably fit, the Nordstrom trim fit house brand is excellent. The 15.5 trim fit is perfect on me. With JCrew, the medium slim is right in the waist but too tight across the shoulders.

I wouldn't wear one casually due to the collar, but for wearing one under a sport coat (or under a sweater at the office), they're great.

[the passenger]

I also love Kamakura shirts (I have two OCBDs), but if you don't want to spend $90-100 a shirt, take a look at Uniqlo's.

[Hebrew Barrister]

How is the fit on those Kamakura?

I'm a medium slim in JCrew, medium in BR as well.

[the passenger]

How is the fit on those Kamakura?

I'm a medium slim in JCrew, medium in BR as well.

Rather confusing! They have FOUR fits: New York Classic, New York Slim, Tokyo Classic, and Tokyo Slim. And, because the sizes are converted from metric, the various fits are not available in all the standard US shirt neck/sleeve sizes. I think you can generalize to say that New York vs. Tokyo is about basic body type, and then Classic vs. Slim within each is more about how you prefer your clothing to fit. They also have some "Vintage Ivy" shirts that are alpha sized.

However, I did not buy anything from them until I was in New York and could go to their store to try things on. It took me probably 20 minutes in a fitting room, with a staff person bringing me various fits, and various sizes within them, to finally figure out what fit me best. I am on the larger side (6', 200 lbs); I typically wear a 16 neck and a 44 jacket size. I ended up going with the New York Classic in 16/35.5, which is a bit longer sleeve than I usually get, but it wasn't too long. My other Kamakura shirt is from the Vintage Ivy collection (beautiful denim fabric), and in that the XL fits great. (For comparison, I wear XL in J. Crew, and can wear either their slim or classic fit).

I'll also add that if you do have the opportunity to visit their NYC store, everyone is extremely pleasant and helpful. It seems to be a hallmark of how they run the place. Sadly the downtown store at Brookfield Place just closed, but the midtown store (400 Madison) remains open.