Custom Shirts – Italian Tailored Shirt by Kristiaan Esch

A shirt is the most worn garment in the wardrobe and at the same time the most underestimated. It is worn directly against the skin and determines comfort throughout the day. That’s why every shirt at Kristiaan Esch starts not with the collar or fit, but with the fabric. We exclusively work with leading Italian shirting mills that are recognized worldwide as references in luxury tailoring. Fabrics that not only look refined but also remain sustainable, breathable, and comfortable — even with intensive use.

Design Your Custom Shirt

Custom Shirts – Italian Tailored Shirt by Kristiaan Esch

Why Kristiaan Esch Chooses Italian Shirting Fabrics

Italy has been the center of the world’s best shirting fabrics for decades. The combination of:

  • Long cotton fibers
  • Controlled weaving processes
  • Natural finishing
  • Exceptional color consistency ensures fabrics maintain their quality, even after intensive wear and washing

Kristiaan Esch selects these fabrics because they:

  • Feel more comfortable against the skin
  • Fall more beautifully in tailoring
  • Maintain their shape and color longer
  • Combine better with tailoring and outerwear

Loro Piana – World of Shirts (Bunch 722)

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Loro Piana is globally renowned for its exceptional textile quality and brings this expertise together in World of Shirts – Bunch 722: a collection that represents the absolute top segment in shirting.

Composition

  • 100% very fine combed cotton
  • Cotton-silk blends
  • Ultrafine yarns with natural softness

What Distinguishes These Fabrics

  • Unmatched softness
  • Excellent breathability
  • Luxurious, calm appearance
  • Subtle natural stretch without synthetic fibers

Colors & Patterns

  • Bright white, ivory
  • Light blue and pastel tones
  • Micro designs
  • Elegant stripes and checks

Ideal For

  • Formal dress shirts
  • Luxury business shirts
  • Refined daily shirts

Albini – Italian Finesse with Excellent Balance

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Albini is one of the oldest and most respected shirting mills in Italy and is known for its consistently high quality and wide applicability.


Features

  • High-quality cotton yarns
  • Strong color fastness
  • Suitable for intensive daily use

Thomas Mason – Classic Look with Character

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Thomas Mason combines British shirting tradition with Italian production. The fabrics have more structure and a more pronounced character than classic Italian shirting.


Features

  • A bit more body
  • Distinctive weave structures
  • Very suitable for business and statement shirts

What Makes Solbiati Unique

  • Business shirts
  • Striped & patterned dress shirts

Mileta – Modern Comfort and Wearability

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Mileta is known for modern, highly wearable shirting fabrics that prioritize comfort without compromising on appearance.


Features

  • Soft cotton qualities
  • Excellent shape retention
  • Comfortable for daily and business use

Solbiati – The Best Linen in the World

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Solbiati is a subsidiary of Loro Piana and is internationally regarded as the absolute reference in linen. Kristiaan Esch is one of the few tailors that offers Solbiati within custom shirts.

Composition

  • 100% premium linen
  • Extra long linen fibers
  • Natural yarns without synthetic additives

What Makes Solbiati Unique

  • Unmatched breathability
  • Soft, smooth handfeel (not stiff)
  • Beautiful natural aging process
  • Luxurious appearance, even with casual styling

Colors

  • Natural and off-white
  • Sand, beige
  • Light and pastel blue

Ideal For

  • Summer shirts
  • Resort Wear
  • Casual chic outfits

Custom Shirts: Models and Applications

Dress & Business Shirts

  • Tightly woven cotton fabrics
  • Suitable for formal settings
  • Perfect under tailored suits

Casual Shirts

  • Softer fabrics
  • A bit more texture
  • Ideal for light tailoring or denim

Linen & Summer Shirts

  • Solbiati linen
  • Maximum ventilation
  • Relaxed luxurious appearance

Overshirts

  • Heavier shirting fabrics
  • Worn as a light jacket
  • Excellent to combine with knitwear and jeans

From Fabric to Perfect Custom Shirt.

All mentioned fabrics are directly available within our online configurator. At Kristiaan Esch, you don’t buy a standard shirt, but a custom shirt. You choose a world-class fabric, translated into a shirt that offers comfort day in and day out and remains elegant for years. At Kristiaan Esch, you don’t buy a standard shirt, but a custom shirt.

Tailoring the Essence of Luxury

From Fabric to Perfect Custom Shirt. Design Your Shirt

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Shirts

What is the difference between a custom shirt and a standard shirt?

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A custom shirt is fully designed based on your body measurements, posture, and personal preferences. Unlike standard ready-to-wear, every detail is tailored: from shoulder width and sleeve length to collar shape, cuff, and tapering. The result is a shirt that drapes more smoothly, feels more comfortable, and looks more refined — especially in the long term.

What fabrics are used for custom shirts?

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For our custom shirts, we exclusively work with world-class Italian shirting fabrics, including Loro Piana, Albini, Thomas Mason, Mileta and Solbiati. These fabrics are known for their breathability, durability, color fastness and wearing comfort. Depending on the season and use, you can choose from cotton, linen, blends, or luxury summer qualities.

When do I choose which fabric?

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The right fabric depends on how and when you wear the shirt:

  • Business & Formal: finely woven cotton fabrics from Albini or Thomas Mason.
  • Daily & Casual: more comfortable fabrics with a softer handfeel.
  • Summer & Vacation: linen or light Solbiati qualities.

During the design process, we personally advise you on the best choice for your lifestyle.

How long does a custom shirt last?

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A well-cared-for custom shirt lasts significantly longer than ready-to-wear. Due to high-quality fabrics and a better fit, there is less stress on seams and buttons. With normal use and proper washing, a custom shirt often lasts for several years, maintaining its shape and appearance.

Can I reorder my shirt?

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Yes. Once your size profile is established, you can easily reorder a previously designed custom shirt — possibly with small adjustments in fabric, collar, or cuffs. Ideal when you want to replenish a favorite shirt or vary in color.

Is a custom shirt also suitable for casual or overshirts?

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Certainly. In addition to business shirts, we also design casual shirts and overshirts tailored, made from heavier fabrics or softer denim and flannel materials. These are perfect to combine with tailored trousers, jeans or knitwear.

How does the process of a custom shirt work?

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The process starts with choosing the fabric, followed by determining the model and details. Then your measurements are accurately recorded. The shirt is then specially made for you. Every component — from collar to button — is a conscious choice, aiming for a shirt that fits perfectly and can be worn for years.

What is the cost of a custom shirt at Kristiaan Esch?

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Our custom shirts are available starting from a premium entry price of €199. The final price depends on the chosen Italian fabric and model. Included are personalization, personal advice, accurate measurements, and a shirt that is specifically made for you.