Introduction

If you’re a working professional who wears dress shirts five days a week, you know the difference between a shirt that just works and one that fits like it was made for you. For guys in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—especially those in white-collar roles—a shirt isn’t just part of the uniform. It’s a daily expression of polish, professionalism, and comfort.

That’s why so many turn to well-known brands like Proper Cloth and Charles Tyrwhitt when shopping for quality dress shirts. They’re established, accessible, and trusted. But here’s the real issue: most of these brands try to cater to everyone—and in doing so, they often fail to serve men with slimmer builds.

If you’ve ever bought a "slim fit" shirt only to find extra fabric ballooning around your waist or sleeves that sag, you already know the frustration. It’s not just about size—it’s about proportion. And that’s exactly why Nimble Made exists. Our boutique brand is built specifically for slim guys who want a shirt that fits clean, sharp, and tailored—right off the rack.

So if you’re comparing Proper Cloth vs Charles Tyrwhitt, we’ve got the full breakdown below. And at the end, we’ll show you why Nimble Made is worth a serious look if you’re ready to stop compromising on fit.

 

Brand Overviews

Proper Cloth’s Approach to Custom Dress Shirts

Proper Cloth launched in 2008 as a modern answer to the age-old custom shirt. It brought innovation to the traditional tailoring space with its online shirt builder and “Smart Size” algorithm, allowing customers to create custom shirts without ever visiting a tailor.

You can choose from dozens of fabric options, collar types, cuff styles, placket designs, and monogram placements—all from the comfort of your home. Once you input your measurements (or let the algorithm estimate them), the brand produces a made-to-order shirt, shipped directly to you.

It’s a sleek process, and the result is highly personalized. But while Proper Cloth offers impressive flexibility, its sizing system is built to fit a wide range of male body types.

That means their definition of “slim fit” dress shirtsmay still not be slim enough—especially for naturally lean or shorter men. Custom does not always equal perfect, especially when the base measurements are generalized.

Still, Proper Cloth is one of the most respected names in custom shirting, especially for professionals who value high-quality fabric, design control, and digital convenience.

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Classic British Brand

Charles Tyrwhitt is a name that’s become synonymous with polished, affordable menswear—particularly dress shirts. Founded in 1986 in the UK, the brand built its reputation on offering office-ready essentials like button-downs, chinos, and suits that look high-end but are priced to move.

Their appeal is clear: reliable quality, a broad fit range, and constant promotions (think 4 shirts for $199 deals). Charles Tyrwhitt shirts cater to a traditional British aesthetic—neatly structured and decent quality dress shirts in whites, blues, subtle checks, and business-friendly stripes.

But while their dress shirts typically offer multiple fit types (Classic, Slim or Modern Fit, Extra Slim, and Super Slim), the reality is that even their slimmest cuts don’t always satisfy men with leaner builds. The dress shirts are cut to appeal to the average office worker, not the guy who needs precision tapering from chest to waist.

If you’re tall and slim or shorter with a narrow frame, Charles Tyrwhitt may leave you feeling like you’re wearing someone else’s shirt—one that almost fits, but not quite.

 

Product Range and Aesthetic

Proper Cloth’s Modern Custom Styles

Proper Cloth offers a clean, sophisticated look that leans into classic and contemporary design. You can build everything from a traditional spread-collar white dress shirt to something more fashion-forward with contrast cuffs or a club collar.

Most of their dress shirts are well-suited for business professional, casual Friday, or even semi-formal attire, depending on fabric and styling. They’ve also expanded into soft knit polos, outerwear, and even tailored face masks during the pandemic—a testament to their agile, design-forward mindset.

The main appeal here is that you get a shirt that matches your taste exactly, because you choose every detail. But if what you’re after is simply a perfect slim fit without diving into 20 customization options, this flexibility may be more overwhelming than helpful.

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Traditional Style Palette

(Tom Page, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Charles Tyrwhitt is much more plug-and-play. Their dress shirts are pre-designed, ready to ship, and rooted in a traditional business wardrobe.

Solid colors, micro-checks, herringbone weaves, and subtle patterns dominate the selection. These are formal shirts that fit seamlessly into law offices, finance roles, or corporate settings where dressing down means a button undone, not a hoodie.

Their British heritage runs through every collection. The styling is conservative, the collars are classic (spread, button-down, and cutaway), and the palette skews professional rather than trendy.

It’s reliable, but not bold. Safe, but not particularly fashion-forward. And if your goal is to stand out subtly with a tailored, body-conscious fit, Charles Tyrwhitt may not quite get you there without post-purchase tailoring.

 

Fit and Sizing Comparison

Proper Cloth’s Fit Experience

Proper Cloth gives you a choice: either use their algorithm-generated “Smart Size” system or enter detailed measurements manually (from a well-fitting shirt or your own body).

From there, you can tweak fit preferences, choosing between Slim, Extra Slim, or Custom builds. The upside is you get a shirt that matches your measurements more closely than anything off the rack. The downside? If you’re naturally slim, even custom shirts based on average proportions might still leave extra room in the midsection or sleeves.

Many slim men find that even after customizing, they need to make fit adjustments in future orders to truly dial it in. The process can be trial-and-error—which isn’t ideal if you want a shirt that fits right the first time.

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Fit Options

Charles Tyrwhitt shirts offers multiple fits:

• Classic Fit (generous and roomy)

• Slim Fit (slightly tailored)

• Extra Slim Fit (closer cut)

• Super Slim Fit (offered in limited styles)

But even their Extra or Super Slim fits are designed with a wide audience in mind. For naturally lean guys, these dress shirts often still need tapering at the waist or sleeve shortening, adding extra time and cost after purchase.

They rely on vanity sizing, which may feel good psychologically, but doesn’t help when you want a shirt that actually follows the lines of your frame.

Nimble Made’s Precision Slim Fit Approach

Here’s where Nimble Made makes a real difference. Unlike most brands that try to serve everyone, we design our dress shirts specifically for slimmer men who want a tailored fit without the hassle of tailoring. Check out our fit guide.

We size by height and weight, not neck and sleeve length, which allows us to create a more accurate, body-specific fit. We offer six proprietary sizes—unique to Nimble Made—that eliminate the excess fabric and poor proportions that plague “slim fit” dress shirts from broader brands.

No tailoring required. Just a sharp, minimalist silhouette built for lean guys who are tired of settling. So say goodbye to baggy dress shirts.

 

Fabric and Quality

Proper Cloth Fabrics and Craftsmanship

One of the key selling points for Proper Cloth is its broad selection of fabrics. They offer hundreds of options across various categories—Egyptian cotton, Japanese denim, wrinkle-resistant poplins, brushed oxfords, and high-end Italian mill fabrics. You can filter by weave, thread count, and even country of origin, giving you a luxury-level fabric experience.

Each shirt is made to order, and Proper Cloth has solid quality control, with well-finished seams and decent collar stiffness. Dress shirts in the $140–$200 range feel premium, especially when paired with tasteful detailing like mother-of-pearl buttons or hand-stitched plackets.

However, the experience and quality depend on how much you're willing to spend. Their more affordable dress shirts (under $100) may use thinner fabrics or less luxurious finishes, which won’t hold up as well over time if worn and washed weekly.

The trade-off for full customization is that customers have to navigate quality tiers without always seeing the fabric in person first.

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Materials

Charles Tyrwhitt sticks with more familiar territory. Most of their dress shirts are made from 100% cotton, and they offer a range of weaves—poplin, twill, and herringbone being the most common. They’re well-known for their non-iron shirts, which have wrinkle resistance for practical office workers who don’t want to fuss with ironing every morning.

The quality is solid for the price, especially in the $60–$100 range. You get durable buttons, well-stitched seams, and fabrics that are relatively breathable and long-lasting with proper dress shirt care. But the construction feels very mass-market, and while suitable for daily wear, it lacks the refined feel and drape of boutique or luxury dress shirts.

Also, like many brands with frequent sales and large-scale production, Charles Tyrwhitt shirts sometimes suffer from slight inconsistencies between shirt batches. A dress shirt in one pattern might feel slightly different in fit or weight compared to the same size in a different fabric.

Nimble Made’s Boutique Fabric Focus

At Nimble Made, fabric selection is focused, not overloaded. We offer a curated collection of 100% cotton slim fit dress shirts made with high-quality weaves that are designed to be breathable, structured, and long-lasting. Every dress shirt is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals and safe on skin, especially important for all-day office wear.

We don’t offer 100+ fabric options—and that’s intentional. Instead of giving you an endless list to sort through, we’ve hand-picked fabrics that check all the boxes: durable, sharp-looking, soft to the touch, and ideal for a slim-fitting cut.

Unlike the big brands, we focus on small-batch production, which means tighter quality control and more attention to detail in every piece. Stitching is clean, buttons stay put, and each shirt is tested for real-life wear, not just style shoots.

 

Price Point and Value

Proper Cloth Pricing Overview

Proper Cloth dress shirts range from $95 to $200+, with the average custom shirt costing around $140. The higher price is tied directly to fabric quality and customization level. Want Italian cotton and mother-of-pearl buttons? Expect to pay closer to the high end price point. Opt for basic broadcloth? You might get in just under $100.

The value proposition is strongest for those who already know what they want: specific collar type, monogram placement, or unique fit tweaks. But if you’re just looking for a clean, fitted dress shirt, the price—and the complexity—can feel excessive.

You’re not just paying for the dress shirt. You’re paying for the customization tech, the logistics, and the sheer range of options. If you don’t need that, there are better-fit-for-price ratios elsewhere.

Charles Tyrwhitt Pricing Overview

Charles Tyrwhitt is known for its sales. While the retail price point hovers between $90 and $120, few people ever pay full price thanks to constant promotions like “4 shirts for $199.”

This makes the brand a go-to for guys looking to stock up for less. If you want a rotation of dependable shirts and aren’t laser-focused on getting the perfect fit or high-end fabric, the value is strong.

However, the cost-saving strategy comes at a price—namely, fit. If you’re slim and need alterations, the real price of ownership increases when you factor in tailoring or returns. And while the dress shirts are good quality, they don’t offer the refined craftsmanship you’d expect at higher price points.

Nimble Made’s Honest Pricing Model

At $78–$88, Nimble Made dress shirts hit the sweet spot: boutique quality without boutique markup. There are no seasonal sales, promo tricks, or "bundle discounts" hiding the real cost. What you see is what you pay—because the value is already built in.

We focus on fit-first design, premium construction, and ethical manufacturing. Every shirt is made to last, and most importantly, made to fit slim men without needing tailoring.

So while Proper Cloth offers customization at a higher price and Charles Tyrwhitt offers mass-market affordability, Nimble Made dress shirts deliver true slim-fit value with no compromises.

 

Customer Experience and Brand Image

Proper Cloth’s Digital-First Model

Proper Cloth’s online platform is one of the best in the industry. You can build a shirt from scratch, adjust fit preferences, and explore dozens of fabrics with detailed descriptions and high-resolution photos. The checkout process is smooth, and shipping times are reasonable for a custom product.

Returns and remakes are offered if your first shirt doesn’t fit, though it can be time-consuming. Reviews are generally positive, especially from those who enjoy the precision and control the platform provides.

The brand image is modern, tech-driven, and professional—appealing to detail-oriented buyers who enjoy having a hand in the creative process.

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Retail and Online Presence

Charles Tyrwhitt balances online convenience with in-store shopping, especially in major cities. Their website is clear, well-organized, and packed with promotional offers. You can easily browse by fit, color, or occasion.

Their customer service is solid, though not boutique-level. Returns are allowed within 6 months, and many buyers appreciate the no-hassle policy. However, some customers feel overwhelmed by the constant promotions and upselling.

Brand-wise, it positions itself as a value-driven professional standard, but not necessarily as a go-to for those who care deeply about the finer details of shirt construction or silhouette.

Nimble Made’s Curated Experience for Slim Men

From our guided Fit Quiz to real model photos and humanized customer service, Nimble Made offers a small-brand experience with a personal touch. You won’t find endless fabric filters or confusing jargon—just clear product descriptions, true-to-life sizing guides, and support from people who actually understand what it's like to shop slim.

Our mission has always been to serve slim guys who’ve been overlooked by traditional sizing models. If you’re lean, narrow in the shoulders, or shorter than average, we’re not trying to guess your fit—we’ve built it around you with the perfect shirt.

 

When a Boutique Slim-Fit Shirt Brand Is the Better Choice

Why Slim Fit Guys Need Specialized Brands

Most big shirt brands like Brooks Brothers, Eton shirts, or CT Shirts, even those that offer "slim" or "extra slim" fits, aren’t truly designed with leaner builds in mind. They tweak their standard patterns but still base them on average or broad measurements.

So if you’re naturally slim or a skinny guy, what you often get is a shirt that kind of fits—until you move your arms or sit down and realize it still pools around the waist or shoulders.

 

That’s where traditional sizing models fall apart. And while custom dress shirt brands like Proper Cloth offer some flexibility, they still start with general templates that may not work for narrower body types. It’s the age-old issue: slim fit on paper doesn’t always mean slim fit on the body.

If you’re someone who regularly wears dress shirts and wants them to look sharp and effortless—without needing alterations or settling for “almost right”—then it’s time to consider a shirt built from the ground up for your body type.

 

Nimble Made: Built for Those Who Are Overlooked

At Nimble Made, we’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re here for the slim guys who are tired of rolling up sleeves that are too long, tucking in extra fabric at the waist, or paying for tailoring on a brand-new dress shirt.

We offer six proprietary sizes, each crafted to deliver a clean, tailored silhouette without extra effort. Whether you’re 5’2” and lean or 6’1” with a narrow frame, we’ve built an Actually Slim Fit shirt that actually fits.

Co-founder Wesley Kang started Nimble Made in 2018 after struggling to find a quality and slim-fitting dress shirt off-the-rack as a slimmer immigrant working in finance in New York City.

We may not offer 100 fabrics or every customization option under the sun—but we do offer something most brands don’t: a dress shirt that fits right the first time. And when you’ve already spent time and money curating your wardrobe, that kind of peace of mind is worth every penny.

 

Proper Cloth vs Charles Tyrwhitt vs Nimble Made

Category	Proper Cloth	Charles Tyrwhitt	Nimble Made
Founded	2008, USA	1986, UK	2018, USA
Product Type	Custom dress shirts	Off-the-rack dress shirts	Slim-fit boutique dress shirts
Fit Options	Customizable by measurement	Classic, Slim, Extra Slim, Super Slim	6 unique slim sizes (height & weight based)
Best For	Custom-fit enthusiasts	Professionals seeking value bundles	Slim men wanting perfect fit off the rack
Fabric Selection	Hundreds of fabrics from various mills	Egyptian cotton, non-iron options	Curated, breathable 100% cotton
Shirt Price Range	$95–$200+	$60–$100 (with promos)	$78–$88
Production Model	Made-to-order	Mass-produced	Small-batch, ethically made
Return Policy	Remakes or credit if not satisfied	6-month return window	Free U.S. returns + fit guarantee
Customer Focus	Fit customization and style control	Wide audience, traditional aesthetic	Lean professionals looking for quality and fit

 

 

Final Verdict: Which Shirt Brand Fits Your Needs Best?

If you're a man in your 30s to 50s working a professional job, your shirt is more than just a uniform—it's part of your daily office wear and brand. So, which one of these should be your go-to?

• Choose Proper Cloth if you enjoy custom shirts and selecting every detail, have a hard-to-fit body type, not necessarily slim, and don’t mind the trial-and-error of made-to-order.

• Choose Charles Tyrwhitt if you want affordable dress shirts for bulk office wear and are okay with making slight tailoring adjustments for a better fit.

• Choose Nimble Made if you're slim, want a sharp, modern look straight out of the package, and don’t want to mess with returns or tailoring. It’s the best off-the-rack option for slim guys who have been underserved by traditional sizing.

At the end of the day, the best dress shirt is one you don’t have to think about—because it fits so well, you forget it’s even there. That’s what Nimble Made delivers.

FAQs

Who makes the best quality men's shirts?

For high-end craftsmanship and top-tier materials, brands like Proper Cloth (with Italian and Egyptian cotton options) and boutique labels like Nimble Made lead the pack.

Proper Cloth excels in customization, while Nimble Made offers unbeatable fit and finish for slim men. Charles Tyrwhitt is solid for value, but doesn’t match the detailing of smaller or higher-end brands.

Read our other comparison guides like Brooks Brothers vs Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, Jos A Banks vs Men's Wearhouse, Indochino vs Suitsupply, and J.Crew vs Banana Republic.

Which is better, Hawes and Curtis or Charles Tyrwhitt?

Both are British menswear staples, but Charles Tyrwhitt tends to have wider availability in the U.S. and more modern fit options. Hawes and Curtis offers good quality and traditional British style but may feel more limited in fit and fabric options for American buyers.

Is Proper Cloth a US company?

Yes, Proper Cloth is based in New York, USA. The brand focuses on made-to-order dress shirts and ships globally, with a strong reputation for digital customization and smart sizing tools.

Is Charles Tyrwhitt a Chinese company?

No, Charles Tyrwhitt is a British company founded in London. While some of their products are manufactured overseas, including in Asia, the brand is headquartered in the UK and maintains its British identity and styling.