Hello, Fellow Sewists,
I am looking for a source for Ralph Lauren men’s shirting fabric – probably mill ends. Or other designer, or quality men’s shirting fabric. Does anyone know of any place that sells this? I fell in love with a chartreuse striped men’s shirt – but the cost was prohibitive! $130 for one shirt. Well, I love my husband, but I can make it for less . . . if I can find the fabric.
Any leads?
Thanks,
Sewing Queen Kym
Replies
Shirting
I have a note in my files that http://www.philipsboyne.com is a good source for men's shirting fabrics.
Men's shirting
I have had good luck buying from Elfriede's in Boulder, Colorado. She doesn't show her fabrics on line, but if you email she will get in touch and go over what she has. She is a gem to work with. http://www.elfriedesfinefabrics.com/
Another couple places that I had good luck with is Mood Fabrics and Emma One Sock. You can key in their names and get to their site easily. Mood allows you to pick material and designer. They had two shirt fabrics from Ralph Lauren for $14 a yard.
I understand about shirt costs. I now make all my husband's shirt. I use the same pattern over and over only changing the collar and neck band using David Coffin' shirt book for the patterns. Luckily my husband is an engineer and loves all those wonderful wild fabrics so we have a lot of fun with his shirts. He gets stopped almost daily with people offering positive comments. The biggest disapointment. A luxury shirt store in our city loved his shirts and offered me $30 to make shirts for them. I had to furnish the fabric! I asked them if they had been out in the real world lately. They charged over $175 for shirts similar to mine and the designs didn't line up on the front or pocket. Cheapskates!!! Post pictures of you shirts when done. I would love to see them.
RTW vs. Bespoke
They're talking RTW wholesale pricing and you are producing bespoke custom work. Apples and oranges.
Chris
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Apples and Oranges
I understand that making the shirts is a different price structure than selling. However selling a shirt for $175 when you paid $30 for it really is a very steep markup. That was the only point I was making.
Out of curiosity, does anyone really know a good markup for garments or accessories hand made. I am trying to find the price I should charge a store for my items if they wish to sell, but not do consignments. If they plan to sell for $100 for example, my materials were $20 and I put in 5 hours. What would be fair to the store, but also to the person making the item?
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