We're getting hotter and hotter as we have stretched our style all the way to the West Coast.  Click here to see the video news segment of 2010 Fashion Trends from KCAL9/CBS Los Angeles.  How exciting!  Thank you CBS Los Angeles! Follow up article:  Finding The Best And Coolest Clothes For 2010: Click here to read the article on www.cbs2.com.

What a tremendous response we have received from our customers!  Our bins are overflowing with clothing for those affected in Haiti by the recent earthquakes. We have decided to extend the clothing drive until the end of this month.  All those who donate will be entitled to a credit to their next Alexander West purchase. Keep the donations coming and thank you!

Volume 5: January 20, 2010

Happy New Year!

Since our new e-makeover we have made significant progress in the bespoke world.  We have more gifts ideas, fabrics, promos and great deals than ever before!

Our hearts and prayers are with the earthquake victims/survivors of Haiti.  Alexander West will be sponsoring a local clothing drive for men, women and children.  Each article of clothing donated gets you a credit with us towards your next custom shirt purchase. We encourage all to come forward to help us show support to those in need. Click here for details. New edition of the AW Style Guide has been published.  It reviews what you should consider when picking out patterns. We have received national and local press coverage including CNNmoney, Gear Patrol, Nylon Guys, Details Magazine and many more. Special Note: We apologize for those of you who experienced longer than normal delivery times with your holiday order.  We strive for continuing improvements as we grow.

Alexander West custom shirts will be included in the Men's Gift Bag at the Golden Globe Awards Ceremony this year!

The show will be airing Sunday, January 17, 2010.  These goody bags are a high dollar door prize for all male guests.

Women will receive their own bag designed just for them.

Click here to see the coverage of the 1st look at the Golden Globes on www.peoplestylewatch.com.

Click here to check us out on Pynk Celebrity!

Click here to see us on Contactmusic.com!

Click here to see us on bagbunch.com!

Click here to see us on Gossip Aggregator!

Click here to see us on truebloodnet.com!

Click here to see us on marieclaire.co.uk!

Click here to see us on babble.com!

Click here to see us on imnotobsessed.com!

Click here to see us on thenextreporter.com!

Click here to see us on livejournal.com!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="576" caption="Donate used clothing for credit towards AW Shirts "][/caption] Click here to see the coverage.  Click here for the Haiti Clothing Drive information. Alexander West and Brooklyn's Bird are focused on getting relief to Haiti as quickly and efficiently as possible.  A local NYC blog about shopping, neighborhood stores  and retail, www.racked.com, has covered AW's intentions of getting our customers to donate their gently used unwanted clothing to the Alexander West/Haiti Relief Effort. Each article of clothing is worth credit towards your next Alexander West purchase.  A win/win situation for all.

We were covered on "the cut" section of New York Magazine Online.    If you donate used clothing to our cause, we've got your back.   Or at least we'll put a custom dress shirt on your back.   $100 in credit toward a custom-made Alexander West dress shirt when donating gently used clothing for men, women and kids. Click here for details.

Click here to see us on www.thechoosybeggar.com!

Click here to see us on www.usatoday.com!

Pictured above: Mathew Hoffman caught wearing an Alexander West custom dress shirt on the set of Hollyscoop's broadcast show.    Hoffman is part of the Hollyscoop cast, an online magazine focused on fashion and up-to-minute entertainment news.   Our celebrity client list is growing by leaps and bounds!

We need your help in sending essential clothing to Haiti.  Alexander West will be providing AW credits for donations.  Details are below. 1. Clothing Items accepted – Women, Men and Children’s a.Shirts b.T-shirts c.Long Pants d.Shoes e.Cash donations 2.Following Alexander West Credits will be given - All items need to be clean and in good condition a.Shirts ($AW 4.00) b.T-shirts ($AW 1.50) c.Long Pants ($AW 4.00) d.Shoes ($AW 6.00) Must be clean and wearable. e.Maximum credit for individual - $AW 100.00 3.Please send your goods or drop off at: Alexander West Attn: Haiti Earthquake Clothing Drive 45-50 30th Street, Suite 12 Long Island City, New York, 11101 (Located inside LaGuardia Community College. Cross Street 30th Street and 47th Avenue) Please Call 866-647-1740 and we can arrange a time. 4.Your Alexander West credits will be sent to you within 20 days of receiving your donations. a.Donations need to be received by January 31, 2010 b.Alexander West Credits will expire June 30, 2010 c.Alexander West credits will not be transferable between individuals

You have now officially been elected the President of the  AlexanderWest "Shirt of the Month Club".....Well, actually Selectism-  A Men's Online Daily Magazine for Fashion, Footwear, Lifestyle and Design Culture has just elected you. The fashion tab of the Titel Media Sites, Selectism, regarded the suave membership benefits of being a member of our club.   The bottom line?  12 CUSTOM shirts per year.  Click here to view the "Shirt of the Month" page. Each custom quality dress shirt knocking on your door giving you new style and fit confidence each month.  Click here to see the article. Put on your shirt in the morning as a VIP member of our Shirt of the Month Club here at Alexander West.  Only smart, savvy, fashion forward men need apply.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="560" caption="Alexander West Custom Dress Shirts"][/caption]

 SwipeLife

If finding a great fitting dress shirt consists of more drama than a daytime soap, then boy are you lucky you found us.  If you have a big neck or big guns, our custom fit contours your shape with sleek, slimming lines and a collar that frames your face to priceless perfection.  We're getting more play by the day, like from "SwipeLife"- A Men's Lifestyle Magazine for fashion, gadgets, cars, gears, design and culture.   Alexander West was featured as the "best fitting dress shirt" by the SwipeLife Staff and Crew.   Click here to view the article.  Hey thanks guys--it's our duty to keep you at the top of your game.

Last week Details.com was hot on the street doing "tweak" make-overs.   "Sunday" was seriously hooked up from shirt to shoe by Details; with yours truly, Alexander West featured as the the shirt upgrade.  Check it out here. Out with the vintage print tee and in with the Alexander West dress shirt under the blazer.  A minor tweak for you could be a something as subtle as a vintage belt buckle, a new bag or stylish new eyeglass frames. Being that we all need some minor adjustments in our overall day to day look, you won't have to look far with Details and Alexander West on your side.   Think of yourself or someone you know as the star that  needs a minor polishing.  Before you know it; you're outshining everyone else.

  Alexander West was recently in the spotlight on Gear Patrol-The definitive resource for the ever-evolving man. This online magazine features tips and tools of the trade for the hip, sophisticated man of the 21st century.  The Gear Guys quizzed us last month on what separates us  from all the rest.   They came to their initial measurement consultation with with their shoulders back, arms out and a skeptical eye ready to be measured.  Floating in the bespoke sea of custom dress shirts, they fished us out with an outstanding review for quality, style and affordable pricing.  Click here to see our Gear Guy review on Gear Patrol. Alexander West: Gear Patrol officially approved AW in its "hot list" of all things manly.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570" caption="AW Shirt featured on Gear Patrol"][/caption]

Brian Corsetti is an Alexander West Fan! On the set of Hollyscoop's news show set, Corsetti sported an Alexander West shirt. Corsetti is part of the Hollyscoop cast, an online magazine focused on fashion and up-to-minute entertainment news.

Check out NYLON Guys Magazine January 2010 issue! In it NYLON mentions new clothing available on its nylonguysmag.com website; including Alexander West shirts! NYLON Guys Magazine focuses on the new trends and new technology; click here to check it out!

Originating from the 1920's, pattern and design of a shirt plays a key role in having great style and sending out the right message. Shirts have different patterns, such as solids, stripes and checks. An idea to keep in mind is that the shirt pattern will enhance the wearers look.

• Solids are the classic multi-purpose shirts which can be worn in both formal and casual settings. Depending on its color it can be worn in a board room or a club.

• Stripes, which came into fashion towards the end of the nineteenth century, are less formal than solids but more formal than checks. A key idea to keep in mind is the thickness of the stripes and the spacing between them. Thinner stripes are more formal than thicker stripes. This is because the thinner the stripes, the more solid they appear, and solids are most formal. Shirt A has thinner stripes, and therefore looks more formal than Shirt B, with its thicker, bolder stripes.

                                                    Shirt A                                    Shirt B

Shirts are also more formal if the spacing between each stripe is acute. A tip on wearing stripes is  that they generally make a heavy-set person look thinner therefore, stripes are recommended for heavy-set people. Stripes also allow for distinction and urbanity.

• Checks are generally more casual, but the size of the checks can determine if it can be worn in a business or casual setting. Smaller checks are more formal than big checks. Big checked shirts will make the person appear bigger, thus heavy-set individuals should avoid these. Shirt C is more formal than Shirt D.

   Shirt C                                   Shirt D Some types of checks include: glen plaid, mini-check, and windowpane checks. Glen plaids have the appearance of a solid shirt, therefore it is much formal than windowpane checks, which are harder to coordinate with ties and suits.

• Darker colors are generally more casual than lighter colors. The number of colors on a shirt is also very important because it distinguishes whether the shirt is formal or casual. If a shirt has 3 or more colors it is less formal than a solid or a shirt with 2 different colors. The key idea to have in mind is that solids are most formal. The more solid a shirt appears the more formal it can be. The more colors a shirt has, the less solid it appears. The less solid it appears, the less formal it is. Shirt E is more casual than Shirt F, because of the difference of color quantities.

    Shirt E                               Shirt F Written by Giselle Diaz

JessicaShops, the radio segment on the #1 Top 40 Station, Q100 - The Bert Show, in Atlanta, GA, is known for introducing shopping tips that will save you money. The Top 20 Holiday Shopping Spots in NYC, mentioned Alexander West as the perfect Custom Fitting Shirt experts, whom make sure its customers find their perfect match. It is "the luxury experience for the well-deserving man who demands style perfection." - JessicaShops To view JessicaSpots Top 20 Holiday Shopping Spots in NYC blog, click here.

Great news for those who are in New York City this weekend, The POP-UP Flea is back! Make sure to stop by and take advantage of the handsome menswear goods, including Billykirk, Alexander West, Michael Andrews Bespoke, Gitman Brothers Vintage, Schott NYC, Epaulet, C'H'C'M', the ATL Shop, plus many more surprises. There will also be a variety of vintage clothing, furniture and ephemera. Curators: Randy Goldberg (Urban Daddy) and Michael Williams (A Continous Lean) Friday, November 20th, 3pm to 9pm Saturday, November 21st, 11am to 7pm Sunday, November 22nd, 11am to 6pm Location: OpenHouse Gallery at 201 Mulberry Street (Between Spring and Kenmare)

The idea of wrinkle-free/ wrinkle-resistant cotton rings a bell to those who hate ironing those shirts all the time. After all, if cotton shirts can be made to resist those unwanted creases and wrinkles then why even bother with regular cotton? This is the very idea that early researchers and garment manufacturers were tinkering with when synthetic fabrics such as nylon were beginning to replace cotton. Cotton manufacturers had to find a way to market cotton as the favorable choice of fabric. During the 1950s and 60s, a chemist and researcher named Ruth Benerito, made notable accomplishments in producing easy-care cotton fabrics.  The good news was that garments made by this new process were wrinkle-resistant- it did not have to be ironed. The bad news was that this process required the use of formaldehyde- a harsh chemical often used for preserving dead animals and body parts and classified by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen. There are generally five different methods used to produce wrinkle-free cotton: pre-cured fabric, post-cured fabric, dip-spin, spray method, and vapor phase. While we can get into a detailed explanation of how all of these methods work, the main goal is to artificially swell the fabric by applying formaldehyde and heat so that instead of curling, the diameter of the fiber increases and makes it straight. While many of the issues associated with the use of formaldehyde in treating fabrics have been corrected through research during the past few years, and while the use of formaldehyde has been reduced, it has yet to be eliminated. Even the most popularly used resin, DMDHEU, which was meant to reduce the concentration of formaldehyde, is nevertheless a type of formaldehyde. In addition, wrinkle-free fabric has a reputation of being stiff and uncomfortable to wear. Many people also find that wrinkle-free garments still require some ironing due to the creases that form in some areas.

Many consumers fail to realize or simply do not care of the harsh and toxic chemicals that are being used in the products they use every day and researchers are still in the process of studying the long term health risks associated with being exposed to such chemicals. While society moved on to the 21^st century, everything was manufactured and marketed to be fast and less time consuming. However, this sort of mindset comes with costs. While wrinkle-free means no more ironing, it also means a higher risk of health hazards associated with the toxins being used. Until researchers come up with more health-and-environmentally-friendly methods for producing wrinkle-free cotton, taking some time to iron those shirts don’t sound so bad after all.

Written by Christina Lee

Carolyn Bigda, "The Frugal Connoisseur" of CNNmoney, is known for reporting ways to spend your money more economically and "how to get the good life for good value." She is the expert when it comes to savings and has written countless reports from buying a great bottle of wine for an affordable price to knowing how to cut down your spending.

In one of her recent reports, she mentions Alexander West having "nice mens dress shirts for good value."

In the video, AW mentions several simple ways to identify a high quality shirt; which includes checking removable-collar stays, stitches-per-inch and pattern matching.  A removable-collar stay is important to consider because it keeps the collar looking straight. Stitches-per-inch can be identified by the fineness of the stitching.  The closer the stitch, the finer it is compared to most off-the-rack shirts. Pattern matching, mainly on the shoulders/sleeves and sleeve placket, is also important when selecting a dress shirt. It gives it a much cleaner look. You can learn more about finding the perfect dress shirt for yourself at AW Style Guide Website.

To watch another video by "The Frugal Connoisseur," click here.

It turns out that the New York Post is a big fan of Alexander West. AW gets mentioned in the Post's Haute List, an informative guide for those who are on the lookout out for new and exciting shopping ventures. Click on the image to read the whole article on the New York Post website.

Made to Measure's Dennis Cahlo gave Alexander West a very fine review this week- "As first experiences go, I am very pleased with the quality and service that Alexander West offers. I urge my readers to purchase at least one shirt from them.Even if it’s the one custom shirt you own, you will be happy you do." - Dennis Cahlo

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="285" caption="Dennis in his new AW tuxedo Shirt"][/caption] In this two-part review, Cahlo describes the whole Alexander West experience and exhibits his new AW tuxedo shirt with a clean and classy look. Check out Parts I and II of Cahlo's review as well the rest of his excellent blog.

Shirt Pattern List

CHECKS

Gingham- Gingham usually comes in a checkered pattern and is distinguished by white and colored, even-sized checks. This pattern is formed by horizontal and vertical stripes (usually of the same color) that cross each other on a white background to form even checks.  Gingham originated as a striped pattern when it was first imported in the 17^th century and had become woven into a check pattern during the mid-18^th century, with blue and white being the most popular choice in color.

Madras- Madras is a pattern that originated in a city in East India, formerly named Madras. This summer fabric style is distinguished by a pattern of colorful checks and stripes. The stripes of a madras check or plaid consist of different colored stripes that cross each other to form uneven checks. Madras has become a popular “preppy” pattern for shorts and casual shirts.

Tartan Plaid- Tartan plaid is the pattern that is most often found on Scottish kilts. This plaid consists of vertical and horizontal or diagonal stripes that cross each other to form different sized checks. This pattern is often done in a twill-weave and should only be used as a casual shirt.

Shepherd’s check- This pattern is a twill-weave of small, even-sized, colored and white checks. While this check often resembles the gingham check, the visible twill weave is what distinguishes the shepherd’s check from gingham. The name derives from the plaid worn by shepherds in the hills of the Scottish borders. The hounds tooth pattern originated from the Shepherd’s check.

Houndstooth- The houndstooth pattern has a similar pattern  featured in the Shepherd's check and Glen plaid. The checks that make up the houndstooth are broken/uneven and pointy-shaped (like a hound's tooth). The houndstooth pattern is traditionally black and white but can be found in a variety of colors and on a variety of garments and accessories nowadays. 

 

Glen Plaid/Prince of Wales Check- Glen plaid, also known as the Prince of Wales check, is a pattern most commonly found in suits. It is woven in a twill pattern and consists of broken checks where a conglomerate of alternating dark stripes and light stripes cross each other to create a pattern of small and large checks. This pattern is usually done in a muted color with white.

Windowpane Check- The windowpane check is a pattern that resembles the pattern of panes on a window. The stripes that cross to form windowpane checks are often thicker and farther apart than the pattern found in graph checks.

Graph Check- This is a check pattern that resembles the crossing lines of graph paper. The graph check pattern is characterized by solid, thin, single-colored stripes that cross each other to form even and small-sized checks. The stripes that create a graph check are thinner than the stripes in a windowpane check.

Tattersall- Tatersall is a check pattern that consists of thin, regularly spaced stripes in alternating colors that are repeated both horizontally and vertically. The stripes that create the tatersall pattern often come in two different colors and are usually darker than the background color.

Mini-check- This is a pattern consisting of very small and even sized checks. It usually consists of one color with white and often resembles the gingham check-except that it’s a lot smaller. This pattern is more casual than stripes, but dressier than larger checks.

Pin check- This is a pattern created by pin sized stripes (about 1 yarn thick) that cross to form tiny checks that look like dots to the human eye. This pattern often consists of one color with white. This small check effect gives the shirt a textured solid effect.

STRIPE

Awning Stripe- Awning stripes are the widest sized stripes that can be found on shirts. These vertical and even stripes are often wider than ¼” and usually consist of solid colored stripes on white. The name derives from the wide stripe pattern found on awning fabrics. Wider stripes tend to be used mostly for casual shirts.

Bengal- Bengal stripes vertical stripes that are narrower than awning stripes but wider than candy stripes (approximately ¼” in width). Bengal stripes usually consist of solid colored stripes on white.

Candy Stripe- Candy stripes are vertical and even stripes that are wider than pencil stripes but thinner than Bengal stripes. Candy stripes are usually about 1/8” in width and are characterized by solid, bold stripes on white. The name derives from the stripe pattern found on stick candy.

Pencil Stripe- Pencil stripes, also referred to as dress stripes, are often thinner than candy stripes but wider than pinstripes. The width between the stripes varies from shirt to shirt and the stripes are almost always uneven (more white than color).

Pin stripe- Pin stripes are thin, vertical stripes that are narrower than pencil stripes. Pin stripes are usually one to two yarns thick and are sometimes broken. The widths between the stripes vary but are always wider apart than hairline stripes.

Hairline Stripe- Hairline stripes are thin stripes that are about the width of a hair. Hairline stripes are spaced very close together which gives the shirt a textured solid effect. This effect makes this a flexible pattern for shirts.

Bar Code Stripe- The bar code stripe pattern consists of different sized stripes that are closely spaced together. This pattern resembles the lines on a bar code-hence its name. Bar code stripes usually consist of 2 colors or varied tones of one color.

Shadow Stripe- Shadow stripes consist of vertical stripes with another stripe directly adjacent to it or bordering it- creating a shadow effect. Shadow stripes generally vary in width and usually consist of two or three different colors.

Special thanks to Nicole Kabbaz for working with us on putting this list together. Researched and written by Christina Lee

Weekly NY Japion, a Japanese newspaper based in New York, featured Alexander West in the Beauty, Health, and Living section of  their July 24 issue.

 

Translation- "Alexander West is a new clothier specializing in the finest custom-tailored shirts. The company has a lineup of over 1,000 high-quality materials from Italy and Switzerland, and mainly makes custom shirts for the U.S. market. While the company has a high-profile clientele including Will Smith, Steve Forbes, and Eric Trump, its price range is reasonable at $105-$150 per shirt. Showrooms are open until 9 PM (by appointment only) to cater to the hectic schedules of working professionals.  Alexander West recommends the classic blue shirt as the ideal look for a business setting.  A selection of various styles of sleeves, collars, buttons, and personal monogramming are offered."

Selectism, an online fashion magazine that brings you innovative fashion, explores the inner-workings of the Alexander West experience. The article gives a step-by-step description of the whole measuring and fabric choosing process. Alexander West is all about instructing the client in order to provide him with the perfect custom shirt experience. Check out the Selectism article here. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Choosing fabrics and taking measurements"][/caption]

Prepidemic Magazine, a cool online blog run by a few Ivy League fashion enthusiasts, features an interview with Alexander West. Prepidemic Magazine is all about the "cosmopolitan prep." It features everything from stylish fashion finds to fine scotch and cigars.  Prepidemic Magazine has recently featured Alexander West as a young and successful company with "uniquely affordable custom." The two part interview  reveals interesting facts about the company such as the birth of AW, the inner-workings of tailoring bespoke shirts, and the philosophy and thinking behind the founder, Alex C. Yoo. To find out more interesting information on Alexander West, check out  Prepidemic Magazine and both Parts I and  II of the  interview. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Check out Prepidemic Magazine's Interview with Alexander West"][/caption]

Our specially designed Alexander West collar stays received special attention by Racked at the menswear pop up flea that was featured on A Continous Lean. Whoever picks up this card will find themselves pleasantly surprised with a sturdy and stylish pair of Alexander West collar stays enclosed.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Alexander West business card."][/caption]

Alexander West Tuxedo shirts were mentioned on Selectism- an online fashion magazine that focuses on up-and-coming labels.

Read the article by Selectism

Alexander West has standard tuxedo styles which vary by fabric, collar, front body, placket and monogram placement options (cuff or sleeve placket).  For those who want the groom and groomsmen to be as striking as the bride we offer the opportunity to design your own Tuxedo Shirt Style with non-standard fabrics and design details with one of our design tailors. Get one custom tuxedo shirt for $175 or if you're buying for a group event such as a wedding, you can get four or more shirts starting from $620. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="192" caption="Modern Classic"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="192" caption="White Tie Affair "][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="192" caption="Progressive Modern II"][/caption]

Check out the rest of the Alexander West tuxedo line on our website.

If you are in or around New York City this weekend, stop by The Pop Up Flea for all sorts of cool menswear goodness from Billykirk, Mark McNairy, Hattan, Alexander West, One Trip Pass, Alexander Olch, Aether, Aprix, 3Sixteen, Gitman Brothers Vintage, C’H'C’M and a few surprises. Food will be on offer from the fine folks at Cafe Select. You can also get a wet shave and an old school cut from Tommy Guns. Curators: Randy Goldberg (Urban Daddy) and Michael Williams (A Continuous Lean) Location: OpenHouse Gallery at 201 Mulberry St. Time: Friday 4-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11-7p ALEXANDER WEST WILL OFFER 20% OFF ALL MERCHANDISE The fashion blogs are excited about this event.  Read what the following fashion blogs are saying: Men Style, A Continuous Lean, Get Kempt, Jake Davis, Racked, Secret Forts, The Scout Mag [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="475" caption="Get Handsome at the Pop Up Flea"][/caption]

Of all the shirting fabrics that are used in the world, the mighty cotton is King. Cotton is most commonly used because of its breathability, texture, absorbency, and durability. Breathability makes it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It is soft and feels nice against the skin. It holds its color and is strong to last through the years. So it is an easy decision when choosing a dress shirt fabric: choose 100% cotton. Unfortunately your decisions are not simple. There are several kinds of cotton, each serving a distinct purpose in your closet. Here are a few descriptions and recommendations to help you make your choice. COTTON TERMS Long Staple – Staple refers to the length of cotton fiber. Long staple fiber ranges between 1 ¼” and 2 ¼” and they are stronger, more expensive and luxurious than shorter staple cottons. Egyptian, Sea Island and Pima cottons are known for their long staples. Egyptian Cotton - Usually used in ultrafine broadcloth shirts (in addition to bed sheets). Egyptian cotton was originally grown along the Nile River due to its ideal climate, but the Egyptian cotton is now grown in other parts of the world. Egyptian cottons fibers are long (1 ¾”) and they can be spun thinner creating a softer feel and higher thread count per inch. Pima Cotton - Grown in Pima County, Arizona, it rivals the Egyptian version, and is considered by some to be finer (1 ½” staple length). Sea Island Cotton – It is the most expensive cotton due to its long staple (1 ½” to 2 ¼”) and it is found in top-quality shirting fabrics. Sea Island is originally from islands along Georgia and South Carolina coast, but it is now grown in other parts of the world. It is woven with a high number of threads per inch and it is sometimes mistaken for silk due to its fine, silky nature. BASIC WEAVE TYPES Broadcloth - A general term used to describe smooth cotton, used for both dress and casual shirts. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="142" caption="Chambray"][/caption] Chambray - Strong fabric with a smooth surface, designed with a tight plain weave. The material is soft and comfortable and has a slight luster. Chambray has very soft coloring, which causes it to appear with a faded look. Downside of chambray is that it wrinkles easily. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="105" caption="Poplin"][/caption] Poplin (aka Tabinet) - Tightly-woven plain weave. It has a fine hand and is the ideal conservative business dress shirt – probably the most common weave in Fortune 500 executive board rooms. The common complaint is that undershirts show and it tends to wrinkle easily. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="105" caption="End-on-end"][/caption] End-on-End - If you're tired of wearing solid shirts, but still need to wear a tie, end-on-end fabric allows for a little more texture in the appearance, without a thicker fabric that will add weight. It is loosely woven fabric with alternating fine colored yarn and a white yarn creating a micro check effect with a smooth texture. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="105" caption="Oxford"][/caption] Oxford - Is a coarser weave where dyed and undyed threads are combined together to give the fabric a subtle basketweave appearance. This heavy cotton is able to take more abuse than finer weaves and will get softer as it gets more use. Due to its heavy weight and texture, this is a casual fabric, usually paired with a button-down collar and should not be worn with a tie. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="105" caption="Pinpoint"][/caption] Pinpoint - Is a mix between poplin and oxford. Pinpoint is dressier than oxford but not as formal as poplin. It can be worn in business settings, but not in high-ego meetings. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="120" caption="Pique"][/caption] Pique - Raised weave design resulting in square or other geometric shapes – think of Belgium waffles. Pique is used widely for white tie events and holds more starch than other weaves, so it provides a stiffer shirt. A tuxedo shirt bib will usually have a layer of pique fabric. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="105" caption="Twill"][/caption] Twill - Easy-iron fabric is woven on the bias (45 degrees), for a smooth and elegant feel. The nature of a twill fabric allows it to hang well, and hides both stains and wrinkles better than other weaves, making it the standard in business shirts. This is the easy everyday, go-to fabric choice. Twill fabric translates well between business meetings and casual occasions. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="105" caption="Chevron"][/caption] Chevron (aka Herringbone) - Threads are woven to form a diagonal structure.  The direction of the diagonals is changed at set intervals to create a zigzag pattern. Chevron fabrics are usually silky and smooth, and give the shirt texture and depth. Small chevron patterns can be worn in business settings but as they get bigger, they become more casual. You will not always like the most expensive fabric. If you like a crisp shirt, the more expensive and easily wrinkled Sea Island Cotton will not please you. An oxford is the least see through, but also much less formal. In short, you need not only consider what looks good, but what feels good, and what message you want to send. Go forth, and pick your weaves!

Happy Flag Day! Happy Father's Day! Summer is officially knocking on your door. AW encourages you to embrace the humidity and enjoy your 4th of July.  Bespoke Dress Up, the Alexander West Newsletter, has great news -  we have added new cuff links and linen fabrics for the summer, and our tuxedo shirt debuted at Cannes.  We also have another issue of our Style Guide entitled "Know Your Fabric Weaves" and an excellent gift idea from John Allan's for Father's Day. New:Cuff Links and Summer Linen Fabrics Alexander West is offering a new selection of cuff links and linen fabrics for Summer 2009.  The beautiful glass, semi-precious stones and distinctive metal finishes make this new cuff link  collection is the most beautiful we have had at Alexander West. Our Kaleidoscope cuff links are made of Dichroic "Firestone" Glass, which combines luminous colors and otherworldly textures into a landscape of unexpected mystery.Our new linen collection has 41 beautiful fabrics in checks, stripes and solids.  True linen has always been a labor intensive fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is a staple in hot climates because of its exceptional cool and fresh effect.  Now it is a staple at Alexander West. Alexander West Style Guide: Know Your Fabric Weaves Of all the shirting fabrics that are used in the world, the mighty cotton is King.  Cotton is most commonly used because of its breathability, texture, absorbency, and durability but not all cotton fabrics are the same.  The appearance and feel of fabric is affected by the quality of the cotton as well as the weave. Do you know the difference between a poplin and a twill weave?  For descriptions and recommendations to help you navigate your choices, click on the image. Alexander West's Latest Celebrity Sighting In May 2009, actor BJ Novak, aka Ryan from "The Office", wore an Alexander West Tuxedo Shirt to the premier of his new movie "Inglourious Basterds" at the Cannes International Film Festival. Happy Father's Day- Celebrate at John Allan's Celebrate Father's Day with their signature "Full Service"  treatment from John Allan's, an exclusive men's salon in New York City and Chicago.  Both of you can go and have a scalp massaging shampoo, conditioning treatment, hot towel, haircut, manicure, shoe shine and a beverage.  Friends of Alexander West will receive the "Full Service" package for a special introductory rate of $38, regularly $65.  Click on  the image to read more about John Allan's. Alexander West Gift Cards are also great gift ideas. As summer swings into gear do not forget that you need to dress to impress at all the barbecues (and weddings) of your friends, family and frenemies alike. Once again you will be the best dressed guy and the most knowledgeable on random bits of shirt trivia.  All we ask is that you restrain yourself from approaching others to discuss the superiority of your shirt to his. Humility is best! Sincerely, Keisha Alexander West LLC

May 2009, Cannes Film Festival- Ryan, our favorite temp from "The Office" aka Actor BJ Novak wears an Alexander West Bespoke Tuxedo shirt on the red carpet for the premiere of his new movie, "Inglorious Basterds." Playing the character of Private Utivich in Tarantino's new WWII film, the quirky actor and comedian seems to be at ease next to Brad Pitt and the gang.  Check out our selection of Alexander West Custom Tuxedo Shirts. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Inglorious Basterds Cast (BJ Novak- third from the right)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="333" caption="BJ Novak looking good in Alexander West Bespoke Tuxedo Shirt"][/caption]