Steven Alan Reverse Seam Shirts

When I first moved to New York I was excited about getting access to some of the smaller designers that make great menswear.  At the top of that list is Mr. Steven Alan who is leading the plaid comeback that most guys are wearing lately (and something I so affectionately missed from early 1990 grunge days).  Steve’s got lots of great stuff besides plaid shirts but he is especially known for reverse seam shirts. They are just that – reversed so the seams are on the outside of the shirt along the sides and the collar.  The buttons are of course on the correct side of the shirt but since the collar seam is reversed you won’t be able to button them up to the top.  Sorry 9 to 5 types, no ties here.  I’d actually recommend starting with one of his reverse seam shirts in black, navy or blue.  Putting them on with jeans, a blazer and some nice leather shoes is a great way to have a night out.

The thing that really makes the shirts worth their price though ($100-$150 usually) is the fit.  I use to get shirts brought in on the sides at a tailor since my shoulders are wider than my waist – a problem most guys have.  If you get a shirt that fits your waist its too tight for your shoulders, get good shoulder fit and you need the sides brought in.  But these shirts cut inwards after your shoulder so no tailoring needed which puts them at the cost of a normal shirt tailored to fit your body correctly.  They tend to run a little big so as a 6 foot tall guy it’s bizarre for me to wear a size small but with the trim cut and classic styles I highly recommend picking a few up.  Go-to shirts like these are the staple of a good wardrobe.