In the spring of 2008, three twentysomethings sharing an apartment at the corner of Taylor and Clay streets in San Francisco set out to create the best custom shirt possible.
The trio, Michael Armenta, Barrett Purdum, and Michael Maher, partnered with a family business that's been making custom shirts in the US for the past 85 years. Their first collection of button-up shirts featured modernized details; and, as is typical of most small businesses finding their footing, Taylor Stitch hosted pop-up shops throughout San Francisco before setting up a more permanent spot on Valencia Street (right next to the cultish Four Barrel coffee).
In addition to their own line of menswear (and now womenswear), Taylor Stitch have partnered with master suit maker Southwick to produce custom tailored suiting (they'll even do house and office calls for fittings) and Rancourt and Company for a made-to-order shoe program. For more information, go to Taylor Stitch.
Photography by Anthony Masters for Taylor Stitch (unless otherwise noted).
Above: The Black Formal Wool Bow Tie or the Midnight Flannel Wool Bow Tie, $65 each.
Above: The Flint and Indigo Pinpoint Oxford Jack is made of a single needle construction with French seams in San Francisco; $125 each. Also available in Navy, Nautical Blue, and Sky.
Above: A station for custom shirt making equipped with fabric swatches in a variety of colors and patterns. Photograph from Two Inch Cuffs.
Above: The Merino Crewneck Sweater is knit in Hanwick, Scotland, for Taylor Stitch; currently available in a light ash gray and marina blue, the lambswool sweaters are $158.
Above: A navy Scottish lambswool sweater and the Cognac Oval Buckle Belt, made in San Francisco from vegetable tanned American steer leather and brass; $76.
Above: Shoes, socks, and other accessories at the Valencia Street store. Photograph from Two Inch Cuffs.
Above: The Olive Pinwale Five Pocket Cord is made in California and garment dyed and pre-washed; $128.
Above: Shirts in a row; photograph from Two Inch Cuffs.
Above: The Navy and Red Tattersall English Shirt is made in San Francisco; $125 each. The Arabica Flannel Wool Tie is handmade in New York City from Holland & Sherry British wool; $72 each.
Above: Visit Taylor Stitch's brick and mortar shop to learn more about custom shirting, raw denim, the difference between pinpoint and poplin, and more, at 383 Valencia Street in San Francisco.
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