Why Mercer&Sons™?

Why do Mercer&Sons™ shirts have such a distinctive look?

Our SoftCollars™ are without peer, immediately recognizable by traditionalists and aficionados. Why? Our button-down collars are unlined, and our straight collars are only lightly lined and unfused. As a result, the entire roll of our button-down and the relaxed look of our soft, refined, and modified spread collars will not be mistaken, offering a truly distinctive, sophisticated look ideally suited for both dress and casual wear.

Only an unlined neckband and hand-turned collar can match the individual contours of each person's neck, thereby producing the comfort and look of our SoftCollars™ for which we are famous. Our skilled shirt makers artfully create the Mercer&Sons™ collar, providing years of comfort and wear thoroughly appreciated by our discerning customers.

"Absolutely love your oxford button down. Best shirt, ever. So comfortable. I read some comments online that your shirts were overly big, but I'm slender, like a good fit, did a taper at the waist, as you suggested, and it’s perfect. I love the cut, and I don't want the shirt ever to wear out. My wife loves it, too. P.S. The collar is fabulous. Our favorite shirt."

-Nicholas N., New York 

Mercer&Sons™ traditional cut shirt is consistent with the roots of the classic American Ivy Style. Our pattern allows for the give and take of everyday wear, providing exceptional comfort, unrivaled longevity, and value. With less stress on seams and materials, our shirt will last you many times longer than others while providing the finest in classic style and good taste. The single-needle stitching and attention to detail will be evident to you and others at first glance—the true original - without peer and made for you, as ordered.

Our trademark six-button front placket is also distinctive. Again, form follows function, and our button spacing, unlike others, is the gentleman's choice, providing just the suitable natural drape, unbuttoned, and enabling even our dressier shirts to be worn casually, by themselves, or with a sports coat.

Also distinctive is the slightly offset button placement on our barrel cuffs. In days past, cuffs were often rolled over to prevent the cuff edges from the dirt and grime of offices a century ago. It's not an issue today, but it's a detail that does offer a bit more room for the broader watch cases of today.

Mercer&Sons™ shirts are individually hand cut, not computer generated, and computer cut. Hand cut and handcrafted because making a good shirt is an art, not a science. Given varying tastes and shapes, we can accommodate modifications to our fit, but we will not compromise our basic style, which is distinctive and immediately recognized worldwide.

Why do Mercer&Sons™ shirts last twice as long as the finest British, Italian, and other specialty store shirts?

Our shirts remain impeccable after 150+ launderings because, unlike others, ours are designed and constructed to withstand the stress of daily wear and repeated launderings, maintaining their crisp look as the fabric softens. 

Why are your shirts such a good investment?

Short-sighted economics is not an issue for us. Good taste, maximum comfort, honest value, and long-term customer satisfaction demand special cutting procedures without shortcuts or skimping on materials or labor. Only our unique patterns and experienced cutters can guarantee you the degree of comfort you deserve, making you a Mercer&Sons™ customer for life.

What are some of the other details which make Mercer&Sons™ shirts stand out?

Our pima cotton oxford cloth is two-ply and yarn-dyed. Rather than dyeing many pieces of goods, our yarns are individually dyed before the fabric is woven, ensuring the distinctive look and long-lasting qualities we require of our shirts. It’s well worth our extra cost and effort. Our ultra pima two-ply oxford cloth is heavier, has a higher count, and is the most durable dress shirting fabric. Rather than wearing out or pilling, our oxford cloth shirts only improve over time, aging well.

You use the finest oxford (and other Italian and English broadcloth fabrics) available. What are some of your construction secrets?

First, highly skilled and dedicated sewers can use the specialized techniques of fine custom tailoring, particularly those details that create exquisite appearance and long-lasting qualities. For example, each shirt is made with single-needle craftsmanship throughout, including side seams.

Why does Mercer&Sons™ use single needle stitching exclusively?

Single-needle stitching offers a neater appearance (it never puckers or suffers from cockling), strength, and durability; it is, however, a much more expensive operation. Double-needle stitching is a one-part operation requiring little skill. Single-needle stitching, especially on the side seams, requires not only the experience of highly skilled custom shirt makers but twice as much time, as single-needle stitching is, in fact, a two-step, laborious procedure. Our handmade shirts cannot be compared to those of double-needle shirt factories.

What other details help to distinguish Mercer&Sons™ shirts?

Twenty stitches per inch top stitching, excellent, 1/32 inch edge stitching, "pearl edge" cross-stitched buttonholes with 164 stitches, and our signature "v" turn up at the bottom of the front center placket are some of the details that make a noticeable difference in the final product.

You and your small company take real pride in Mercer&Sons™ shirts.

Each shirt is essential to us, as we know it will be to you. We take tremendous pride in offering our customers a hand-crafted, American-made shirt at a reasonable price. Made in the USA works for us and will work for you.