I recently learned about a new clothing line called Arbitrage. It's based out of New York City and is the brainchild of three fresh upstarts who were tired of baggy, boxy, dress shirts that were also too long to wear un-tucked (i.e. after work). Arbitrage dress shirts are designed to offer men an off the rack, tailored fit. Their shirts are made from 100% cotton, but boast a luxurious jacquard look and feel (silky smooth without looking "silky"). Lastly, they are designed to appeal to the modern man's style; he wants something he can wear to work, then un-tuck, roll the sleeves up and go out after work-without having to go home and change first. They say it's well worth the price of $148 a shirt.
After seeing one of these shirts up close and personal (on my dear husband); I had to agree with their claims. The shirt was indeed everything they said. My husband is 6'5" without shoes and has a 32" waist. Basically, he has alien proportions. Finding shirts for him that are both long enough in the arms and torso, but fitted enough for his narrow frame is next to impossible. Even most slim fit options are quite baggy on him. Did I mention he eats a pint of ice cream a night? Yes, you may get the voo doo doll ready!
The Arbitrage shirt fit him better than any shirt he owned. The shirt is long enough for him to tuck in comfortably, but short and straight enough for him to wear un-tucked. The look and feel are wonderful and the shirt has been quite forgiving with my absent-minded laundry techniques.
What appealed to me as a Trunk Club Expert were the three different fit options, and the unique patterns and details that would fit the bill for many of my TC members. A common request I hear is for a better fitting dress shirt with an interesting look.
First, let's talk about the fit. For the slender man, they offer a "Slim Fit" which is very narrow through the torso and arms. Let me clarify here when I say narrow, I don't mean tight, just narrow so it actually offers a tailored fit for the Slim Jim's out there.
For men with broader shoulders, larger chests and bigger biceps, they offer a "Tailored Fit" which offers a bit more room in these areas but still tapers in at the waist to give them a comfortably tailored fit.
Lastly, they have a "Classic Fit" which is the widest and boxiest fit they offer; but by no means the typical Classic Fit (a.k.a. Monsieur Box). The Arbitrage Classic Fit offers moderately larger men the option of a tailored fit dress shirt. It's actually quite slimming and once the men get accustomed to the feel of a tailored fit shirt, they feel great in it (I am sure the compliments help!).
Arbitrage dress shirts come in French Cuff and Barrel Cuff options but I've noticed their barrel cuffs are actually a chic hybrid between the french and barrel. The cuffs button together, however they do it in the traditional kissing method typically used in french cuffs. Men love the look of them and I think they are a fabulous detail. Unlike true french cuffs, its quick and easy to roll the cuffs up for a casual look.
Another detail that men (and women) appreciate is the fabric. It's luxuriously soft to the touch, and I've had quite a few "complaints" lately from men saying women can't stop touching their shirt. (Ladies, I don't think they are truly complaining ;). I say it's a pettable shirt if I dare label it as such.
Not only is the fabric soft to the touch, but many of their patterns and colors are appealing to the eye and not your average run of the mill solids and vertical stripes.
My husband, a man of few words when it comes to clothing, recently said out of the blue to me; "My Arbitrage shirt is my favorite shirt." Choking back shock at his fashion revelation, I said "Hmmm, tell me why?" His reply was quick and to the point "I like the fit. It's a good looking shirt."
Recently, a Trunk Club member who gave me his permission to tell his story in this article, told me he's received quite a few compliments and comments about his new Arbitrage shirt. MC, is a man who works in the financial industry, which by nature is a sea of suits, dress shirts and slacks. To receive compliments about your dress shirt in this environment is quite a plus! He sent me a direct tweet yesterday saying "chalk up another compliment for the Arbitrage shirt!"
I think the shirts offer a great option for an off the rack, tailored fit. Clothing that fits better, looks better.
Arbitrage also offers ties, cuff links and some funky, hooded dress shirts that I was skeptical about until I saw MC try one on. He looked awesome in it and I think it's a great option for hip, casual wear.
NOTE: While I am a true fan of the shirts, I am not a huge fan of their website. I don't think it does their product justice and most of the shirts I have seen on Trunk Club members are not even shown on the website. Such is the problem with on-line shopping. You often see items that are out of date and in photos that don't accurately represent the merchandise you are buying. Arbitrage shirts are sold in a few stores, but in limited runs. You really need to see, touch and try on these shirts to appreciate them and determine if they are right for you.
If you are interested in trying some Arbitrage shirts on but don't have time or interest in shopping (which shirt? which fit? which color/pattern?), I invite you to try out the Trunk Club. We help men buy clothing the way they always wanted to; easy, efficient and fun! It's free to join. Members only pay for the retail price of the clothing they keep.
-Lisa Bruckner Trunk Club Expert
