The Secret Life of Shirts

The garment industry is an amazing way for designers to perfect their craft. However, for many large name makers, it is also a way to stick it to the customer. The time has come to unveil the secret life of shirts...
Ready to wear, or bulk made shirts cost on average, $5 to $7 to make, excluding fabric. The shirts are created with one style and 10 sizes ranging in neck and sleeve length. Gobillions of shirts are made at the same time using dye-cut techniques and automated machine sewing. It will take between 11 to 14 months for the shirt to get from the design house to the marketplace f0r purchase by the consumer. The shirt that was made for less than $20 will be marked up to very high levels that will sell in few numbers. After several months, the overpriced garments will be marked down to levels that will entice buyers to purchase even if it is a poor fit. Excess inventory finds its way to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and the outlet centers. Generally these shirts will be the styles and fabrics from 16 to 24 months ago.

The secret life of a custom shirt from J. Hilburn is much more exciting!

J. Hilburn delivers a better product in half the time. Our current delivery time from the client's order is three weeks and this is how we do it:

Pre-production (5 days) - this is to check inventory for fabric and prepare the work order
Pattern Making (1 day) - each shirt requires a custom pattern for fit and style
Fabric Cutting (1 day) - each shirt requires a single person to hand cut each piece of fabric
Sewing (4-5 days) - all shirts are hand sewn by a master tailor.
Inspection & Packaging (1-2 days) - quality control on each piece, hand ironing and folding for shipping
Delivery to Dallas (4-5 days) - packages are sent from Hong Kong to Dallas via overnight carrier, but customs can take an extra day or so
Packaging to Client (1 day) - The J. Hilburn team in Dallas examines the pieces and ships to either the Style Advisor or Client

The difference in quality of workmanship and price is quite amazing.
As of this post, there is an Armani Collezioni Twill Dress Shirt on the Saks website for $315! The exact same fabric and options are available for $99 from J. Hilburn and ours it is a CUSTOM FIT.

J.Hilburn is giving men the ability to have the finest handmade luxury clothing for prices that are unbeatable.