Personal shopper

Photos: Donna Rickles

Can you recommend a custom shirt shop in the city? The cost of standard off-the-rack shirts at department stores have become astronomically expensive. Why should I pay $150 for a nice shirt that only kind of fits?—Don C.
We totally agree. If you’re going to spend that much money on a shirt, you might as well purchase one made especially for you. Richard Bennett Custom Tailors (pictured; 208 S LaSalle St, 312-332-3016) has been a Chicago staple since 1929, so the store has experience on its side. An exclusively custom shop, it offers a thousand different fabric choices. Shirts range from $110 to $150 (a Swiss cotton upgrade costs more). If you’re indecisive and need fewer options, Nicholas Joseph (21 W Elm St, 312-286-9448) narrows it down with 300 kinds of fabrics crafted into slightly cheaper shirts. Ponying up $99 will garner you a classic style, while exotic Egyptian cotton will run around $149. Balani Custom Clothiers (10 S LaSalle St, 312-345-1535) offers a wide range of prices (from $85 all the way up to $250), but you’re paying for quality here. You’ll find numerous cuts, monograms, removable collar stays, and pocket or no-pocket styles, which will amp up the cost—as well as your fashion quotient.

Have a shopping conundrum? E-mail us at personalshopper@timeoutchicago.com.