These are examples of what Japan can do when it takes a classic style like chambray and dials every component way up with true craft. It starts with yarn. You rarely see this level of slubbiness in shirting fabric. The wonderful irregularity in yarn thickness creates incredible gain that's almost like the surface of wood. It's the perfect way to allow the contrasting warp and weft to play off each other. Next comes the yarn composition itself. These styles blend cotton and hemp. You get the instant comfort from cotton with the unique fibrous and flowing texture of the hemp. Hemp is also prized for strength and durability. Best of all is dye itself. Each styles uses natural and incredibly rare dyes. This version uses natural plant dye indigo to create true blue indigo color in the warp. As you can see, the resulting color is worth the work. Finally, we incorporate the selvedge edge of the fabric into the yoke and front placket. Welcome back selvedge shirting with some of the most beautifully rare styles. 

This shirt is sewn up in our Classic Style. We spent the most time really making a true improvement to fit. The best way to put it is that our updated fit simply feels more organic. There is a much more sophisticated and natural shape to the entire body, from shoulders to chest to waist that better matches the natural curve of the the human form. We’ve better aligned shoulder and chest widths and given the bottom hem only a subtle curve, striking an improved balance between tucking and untucking ability. The improved fit is something you notice the instant you put this new shirt on. It just flows with the body better and feels better on. We also believe this fit is more universal. It’s taking the place of slim and classic fits . . . this is now our best fit.

We made two key upgrades to the details while preserving the classic style we all love. The first is button placement on the placket. Most people are wearing these shirts without ties and now opening that top button leaves the ideal shape. Second is a gently rounded chest pocket shape to provide a softer, more organic look. Of course, we’ve kept all the intricate construction details from the single needle work to locker loop to box pleat.

Buttons downs that are made in the USA using our quality of material and construction are typically priced at $175 to $300. The Gustin model, with your support, lets us do much better.