It was recently brought to my attention that Charvet shirts may not be exactly an Old Money wardrobe staple. This may be true in the United States, but it is probably less true in Europe.
While it is difficult to justify the price of a Charvet shirt, it is impossible to argue with the quality or the durability. High quality men’s dress shirts, when properly cared for and not worn too often, will last years if not decades. The collars and cuffs can be replaced, buttons secured or replaced. When not worn playing rugby, they can go the distance.
The nature of Charet dress shirts is that they will never go ‘out of style’ and will consistently make a subtle but impressive statement to others. I own a few, and for someone who cares about shirts as much as I do, they are a joy.
However, I think it is essential to put Charvet, or any luxury, in context. First, I do not own a lot of clothes. A quick mental inventory reads like this:
Two blue blazers, a Ralph Lauren single-breasted from 20 years ago, and a double-breasted hand-me-down from a local aristocrat whose husband had died (a little tailoring was required).
two wool jackets,
three merino wool sweaters,
twelve dress shirts,
four neckties (two inherited from my father),
five pair of corduroys (they were on sale),
two pair of cotton pants,
two pair of wool pants, and
about twelve pairs of dress shoes purchased over the last 30 years. (many of these are Allen Edmonds, recrafted and resoled numerous times.)
three wool overcoats, and a cashmere overcoat which is 35 years old.
All of my sartorial possessions would probably fit in three large suitcases. I’m fairly confident about this arithmetic because that’s what I travelled with in 2016 when I left the US for Europe.
Whenever I acquire a new garment, an old garment usually gets tossed or donated. It’s not a rule; I just seem to have a self-limiting mechanism, an aversion to surplus, and an allergy to waste.
If I’m not using it, I’m losing it.
In contrast with many Americans who have a closet or two full of clothes, I consider myself a minimalist of sorts. Unlike many minimalists who sport the black t-shirt/black jeans ensemble, my daily wear revolves around the dress shirt/grey slacks/blue blazer trifecta.
My take on minimalism may not be quite as economical as the definitive minimalist. I’m more of a luxury minimalist: a few high-quality, elegant, durable, and versatile pieces that always work well together and are appropriate for almost any occasion.
Like any kind of minimalism, this option removes a lot of the mental work involved in assembling a wardrobe (they fit into the formula or they don’t); it makes the wardrobe economical (it doesn’t require a lot of garments); and it’s quick and easy to look in the closet, grab almost any jacket/slacks/shirt combo, and know that you’re done with putting an outfit together.
So, in summary, yes, Charvet shirts are an extravagant luxury…and a good investment. They are, however, not something I recommend. For most people, spending 750 euros on a shirt is not a wise use of money. I’m only investing in them now after a lifetime of mostly smart financial decisions and a measure of success in my profession.
They work for me on a daily basis, which might not be the case for others. And other people might not care as much about the craftsmanship and fabrics, or the experience of having a shirt made in Paris. It’s a niche addiction: you can’t convert people. It is a dangerous habit: once you enjoy the fit and feel of a world-class shirt, you won’t want to settle for anything less. Best to avoid it.
In the words of so many parents throughout the ages, this is your Uncle Byron, a walking warning, saying…
Do as I say, not as I do.
Ha.
- BGT
Well done.
Correct me if I am wrong but you do not have children? I think when ones posterity does not include lineal descendants, the relative weight of current vs. future consumption tilts more towards current. Personally, I would feel less obligation to preserve capital for distant relatives or charities than for my children and grandchildren (someday, hopefully). A value judgment, but a common one, I would think.
Hi Karl, you are correct. No children, so, yes, less obligation, and yes, a value judgment. Good call. – BGT
Thank you for the clarification. As I’m sure you know, the standard OMG shirt for men and women in the states is the somewhat boxy OCBD with button down collar and soft collar roll. I for one would have no objection to American OMGs dressing up a little more on a regular basis, and Charvet shirts would be a welcome addition.
Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
“If I’m not using it, I’m losing it.” This will be my motto when I start cleaning out closets and drawers!
Well said. Well sold. I will be saving up for my first Charvet shirt.
All this talk about what is old money and not…
I totally agree with you, better to spend more on a few quality garments. No logos on Charvet shirts, so no one will know. What is expensive to others may not be the case for others like you. If you are financial free, a new Charvet shirt every second or third year, is that really expensive? I don’t think so….What is really expensive is to pay EUR 800 on a car lease and EUR 800 on restaurants and nightclubs every month when you’re not financial free (as many do).
If you want to try an Italian bespoke shirtmaker, take a look at Luca Avitabile. Very nice shirts as well.
Impressive minimal wardrobe!