Turnbull & Asser, a paragon of sartorial excellence, has been crafting shirts for the discerning gentleman since 1885.
With a clientele that has included Sir Winston Churchill, Prince Charles, and even James Bond himself, the brand’s pedigree is undeniable.
But in an age where fast fashion dominates and high street brands offer seemingly comparable options, one must ask: are Turnbull & Asser shirts truly worth their hefty price tag?
Let’s delve into the world of these legendary shirts and uncover the truth behind their enduring appeal.
The Hallmarks of a Turnbull & Asser Shirt
The Quality of Fabrics
At the heart of every Turnbull & Asser shirt lies fabric of exceptional quality.
The brand primarily uses 100% Egyptian cotton, renowned for its long fibres that result in a softer, more durable fabric.
Their Sea Island cotton, with fibres reaching up to 37mm in length, creates a fabric that’s remarkably soft yet durable.
These fabrics are sourced from the finest mills in Italy, ensuring a level of quality that surpasses most off-the-rack options.
The shirts are known for their smooth texture, vibrant colours, and a distinctive rustle when handled – a subtle yet unmistakable sign of quality.
Turnbull & Asser’s Craftsmanship
Turnbull & Asser shirts are not merely sewn; they are meticulously crafted in their Gloucester factory.
Each shirt comprises 33 individual pieces, expertly assembled with precision and care.
The single-needle stitching, with 16 stitches per inch, ensures seam strength and longevity.
Hand-sewn buttons are attached using a unique method that melts and seals the thread, ensuring they stay firmly in place.
The brand’s signature three-button cuff, with its distinctive askew cut, is not just a stylistic choice but a functional one, allowing for a more comfortable fit around the wrist.
Distinctive Design Elements
Turnbull & Asser’s designs are a blend of timeless elegance and subtle innovation.
The brand’s Classic collar, with its unique outward flare, is instantly recognisable to those in the know.
Unfused collars and cuffs, a rarity in today’s shirt market, provide a distinctive look and feel that improves with wear.
The higher armhole and smaller armhole cut allow for greater freedom of movement, a subtle but significant comfort feature.
Pattern matching, particularly on striped and checked shirts, is executed with precision, showcasing the brand’s commitment to aesthetic perfection.
The Price Point
A Turnbull & Asser shirt typically retails for around £195, a price that can induce sticker shock for the uninitiated.
This positioning places them firmly in the luxury segment, competing with brands like Charvet and Kiton.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this price reflects not just the physical product, but a century of expertise and uncompromising quality.
When compared to fast fashion alternatives, the price difference is stark, but so too is the gulf in quality, durability, and prestige.
Comparing Turnbull & Asser to Other Luxury Shirt Makers
In the realm of luxury shirts, Turnbull & Asser holds its own against esteemed competitors.
While Charvet offers over 400 shades of white alone, Turnbull & Asser focuses on a curated selection of classic and seasonal colours.
Kiton may boast of entirely hand-sewn construction, but Turnbull & Asser strikes a balance between traditional techniques and modern efficiency.
Their shirts are luxurious without being ostentatious, refined without being precious.
Unlike some high-end brands that focus solely on bespoke offerings, Turnbull & Asser provides ready-to-wear and made-to-measure options, making their products more accessible to a broader audience.
Turnbull & Asser’s Old Money Aesthetic
In a world increasingly dominated by nouveau riche aesthetics and flashy displays of wealth, Turnbull & Asser represents something altogether more refined.
Their shirts embody the old money aesthetic – understated, timeless, and exuding quiet confidence.
Wearing a Turnbull & Asser shirt is a subtle signal to those in the know, a nod to shared values of tradition, quality, and understated elegance.
It’s not about showing off; it’s about knowing the difference and appreciating the finer things in life.
This alignment with old money values makes Turnbull & Asser particularly appealing to those seeking to project an image of established success and refined taste.
Are Turnbull & Asser Shirts Worth It? – The Verdict
Quality and Longevity
The question of worth is inherently subjective, but when it comes to quality and longevity, Turnbull & Asser shirts undeniably deliver.
The superior fabrics and construction techniques result in shirts that not only last longer but improve with age.
Many owners report their Turnbull & Asser shirts lasting for decades, a stark contrast to the disposable nature of fast fashion.
When considered on a cost-per-wear basis, the initial investment begins to look increasingly reasonable.
The brand’s commitment to quality control means consistency – each shirt meets the same exacting standards, whether it’s your first purchase or your fiftieth.
Status and Prestige
For those seeking to project an image of success and refinement, Turnbull & Asser offers undeniable cachet.
The brand’s illustrious client list lends an air of exclusivity and prestige.
Wearing a Turnbull & Asser shirt in certain circles can open doors and create connections, serving as a sartorial shorthand for taste and success.
However, it’s worth noting that this prestige is subtle – these are not shirts that scream their brand name, but rather whisper it to those who understand.
This understated elegance aligns perfectly with the old money aesthetic, where true luxury is recognised without needing to announce itself.
The Experience of Owning a Turnbull & Asser Shirt
Beyond the tangible qualities, there’s an intangible aspect to owning a Turnbull & Asser shirt.
It’s the satisfaction of wearing a piece of sartorial history, knowing that you’re participating in a tradition that spans centuries.
It’s the confidence that comes from wearing something that fits impeccably and feels luxurious against the skin.
For many, it’s also about the experience of purchasing – whether that’s being fitted in their historic Jermyn Street store or selecting from their ready-to-wear range.
These experiential factors contribute significantly to the perceived value of Turnbull & Asser shirts.
How to Style Your Turnbull & Asser Shirt
A Turnbull & Asser shirt is a versatile piece that can elevate any outfit, but styling it correctly is key to maximising its impact.
For a classic look, pair a white Turnbull & Asser shirt with a bespoke suit – the shirt’s quality will complement the suit’s tailoring perfectly.
Their signature ‘Prince of Wales’ check shirt pairs exceptionally well with a navy worsted wool suit for a sophisticated business look.
For a more casual approach, try wearing an open-collared Turnbull & Asser shirt with tailored chinos and a sports jacket.
Remember, the key to the old money aesthetic is understated elegance – let the quality of the shirt speak for itself without overaccessorising.
Styling Beyond Turnbull & Asser
Wearing luxury shirts like Turnbull & Asser is a small step towards dressing like a confident gentleman.
However, to dress like a wealthy and successful gentleman, you must know your body type and unique seasonal colour palette, to select clothes for your specific body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Find Your Body Type
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Once you know your unique body type, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
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