Shirts: The Best Investment in the Business World
Shirts are undoubtedly the most worthwhile investment in the business world. Not just for men, but for women like me who have a sharp style (masculine look), a shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up with a suit jacket for formal occasions or paired with jeans for a business casual look.
As a staple item, the fit is crucial, but finding shirts that suit me has been quite challenging. My shoulders are broader, and my arms are longer, so European sizes often end up too loose, while Japanese and Korean sizes tend to be too short. Plus, after gaining weight in the last two years, it has become even harder to find a shirt that fits comfortably.
Another small issue for women is the placement of buttons. A shirt that doesn’t fit well not only has the second button positioned awkwardly (leading to either too much exposure or feeling constricted), but also the button on the chest can easily lead to wardrobe malfunctions if placed poorly.
I want to thank Leader Tailor’s second-generation owner, Lin Man-Ya (Heidi), for the opportunity to experience their custom shirt service. Li Der translates to "Leader" in English, symbolizing the charm of leadership. Established in 1978 at the Hua Kuo Hotel, Leader Tailor started serving European and American business clients. By 1981, it had moved to the Lai Lai Hotel (now the Sheraton), and founder James has over 55 years of experience in custom tailoring. At 72, James still wears a formal suit daily at the store, exemplifying the elegance of a true gentleman.
What Feeling Do You Want to Convey?
As I often remind everyone, when assuming any role, it's essential to consider what impression you want to convey to others. Heidi quickly took my measurements while also asking about the feeling I wanted to project and my dressing habits. For example, I don’t like rolling up my sleeves; instead, I prefer to pull them up directly. Ultimately, Heidi designed a chic contrasting color scheme, where my collar and cuffs are entirely white with a stiff design, distinct from the striped theme of the shirt.
Additionally, because I wanted to project a sharp yet feminine vibe, I chose a burgundy striped cotton fabric. It's soft with just the right amount of structure, and the satin finish on the burgundy stripes adds a touch of luxurious sheen.
Why Custom Shirts?
Upon examining custom shirts closely, you’ll notice that what appears to be a simple shirt is actually crafted from fabric that is cut into sections and then pieced together, creating a 3D fit that conforms to your body shape. The piecing process also requires attention to symmetry and stripe alignment to maintain the shirt's elegant appearance.
At Leader Tailor,custom shirts start at NT$2,500, depending on your fabric choice. Plus, if you gain or lose weight, you can return for adjustments, which adds lifetime value compared to ready-to-wear shirts.
Why Choose Leader Tailor?
In the startup world, we place great importance on the founder's initial intention and passion. Uncle James continues to uphold the spirit of courtesy and ethics in service. From welcoming communication and precise measurements to fabric selection, tailored cutting, and professional sewing, every step is meticulously crafted to ensure each customer becomes a Leader upon wearing their custom suit. The tailors in the shop are almost all national treasures, having worked alongside the owner for 50 years. The tailor who crafted our women’s shirts even once made garments for Soong Mei-ling.
Just as in brand management, it's vital to understand the feeling you want to convey before expressing it through external attitude and presentation. Clothing is part of that external attitude. As the new year begins, take a moment to consider what impression you want to leave on others and experience the charm of custom tailoring!