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J. Hilburn - The Ultimate in Off-Course Shirt Customization


SPY ZINGER

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J. Hilburn

 

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If you talk to anyone at Ping Golf headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, they'll tell you that every club they build is a custom order.  Sure, there are retailers that order Ping product to stock on the store racks, but every order is built to spec off an order sheet.  To Ping, there is no “standard” or “stock” specifications.  In fact, if they had it their way, every one of their customers would have their golf clubs fit and customized to exacting specifications.  No, this article is not about Ping.  It's about a clothing company with a similar philosophy.

 

J. Hiburn is a “made-to-measure” clothing company that specializes in custom clothes tailor made to each one of their customers.  They have an interesting business model too.  They deploy a cadre of fitting specialists or “Independent Style Consultants” throughout the country providing one on one personalized service.  The style consultants are product and fitting experts that not only sell custom product, they sell a custom experience where total satisfaction is their only priority. 

 

Over the past year and a half, I have had the chance to preview a wide range of clothing options specifically marketed to the golf world.  I have gravitated to boutique companies that offer product different from those found in big box retailers.  So I thought to myself, if I spend this much time detailing my apparel selections for something I do six hours per week (during the golf season,) why I am buying off the rack apparel for every other aspect of life?

 

I was introduced to Suzi Koemptgen, Style Consultant, for J. Hilburn in the Twin Cities metro area.  Like everyone else I meet, I introduced myself with my formal title, The Best Looking Man in Golf.  I told Suzi that I was interested in ordering a properly fit dress/casual button down shirt.  I say properly fit because so many of the dress shirts I purchase do not fit properly.  Sizing is often based on two measurements: neck and arm length.  Based upon the size of your neck and the length of your arms, shirt manufacturers believe they can come pretty close to your chest, shoulder, waist, and length measurements too.  Time and again, they fail.

 

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DESIGNING THE SHIRT - THE J. HILBURN EXPERIENCE

 

Suzi arrived at my home and we started the design process.  I explained how I thought the perfect dress shirt should be designed, and showed her some aspects from shirts in my closet that I really liked.  I also pointed out details of my current shirts that I didn't like.  She took several of my measurements and showed me the various fabric selections using actual swatches I could touch and feel.  She reviewed all of the design elements available on a J. Hilburn shirt and was versed in the latest trends, ultimately pointing out what would look good on me (most everything does).

 

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image3.jpg (Suzi's favorite part)

 

Together, Suzi and I developed what I believe to be the perfectly fit and designed dress shirt which included:

 

                                                      -A collar that sits high on the neck

                                                      -Shoulders that actually end where your shoulders end and arms begin

                                                      -Arm hole circumference that is not too large with unnecessary material

                                                      -Wrist circumference that can accommodate a larger-faced watch

                 -Contrasting fabric on the inside of the cuffs for appearance when the cuffs are unbuttoned and rolled back

                             -A shirt length that is no longer than the top of the crotch region

                             -A straight-cut bottom all the way around the shirt

                             -Shirt width from back to front that is minimal

                 -Contracting fabric on the inside of the collar that is noticeable when the neck in unbuttoned

                              -Colored button thread that matches one of the colors in the shirt itself

                              -Premium fabric with some weight to the shirt

 

These are what I believe to be critical design elements in a dress shirt, and I've never found all of them contained in one shirt that I've purchased off the rack. 

Once we finalized the measurements, design elements, and fabric selections, Suzi submitted my order.  About one month later, the shirt arrived and she delivered it to my home.  It's critical to get this first shirt exactly right so it can be used as a model for future purchases.  She instructed me to be critical of the fit and we went over some minor adjustments.  If there is anything I am good at, it's spending some time in front of a mirror.  About two weeks later, the final product arrived.  The perfect dress shirt was born.

 

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A term often thrown around in the golf equipment review world is the “honeymoon” period.  It's usually a place in time where a golfer has done an extensive amount of research, and made an expensive purchase.  It's new, it shines, and can do no wrong.  Just like on your marital honeymoon, you've got a permanent smile on your face and an unwavering will for the product to succeed. 

 

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Interestingly, with a J. Hilburn shirt, this period of anticipatory euphoria and wonder is confirmed immediately upon receipt of your shirt.  There is no “trial” or “get to know you” period.  The shirt arrives with the absolute perfect design, fit, and ultimately, function that you've always desired in a shirt.  It's literally the perfect dress shirt, because from top to bottom, you've designed it as such.  Exactly how you want it in every way.  Ironically, this did not come as a surprise to me, because I expected nothing less based on the fitting and design process.

 

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J. Hilburn shirts are a premium product priced as such, starting at around $80 and potentially heading north of $180 per shirt, depending on your specs.  Factoring into this price point, naturally, is the detail that this is basically a one-off product designed and fit just for you.  We're also talking about premium Italian fabrics.  Additionally, you're not only purchasing a product, you are paying for a premium product and service.  Basically, the J. Hilburn experience. 

 

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This is not going to be for everyone based on price alone.  But, having been through the experience as a customer, I feel the end result is something I am willing to splurge on simply because it's just how I want it.  I also really appreciated the interaction and personalized attention I received from the style consultant, Suzi.  Here we are in 2014 – with what other product, in any market, can you receive this level of detailed personalization and interaction?  I found that not only is this a premium product that I am really happy with, the process is just plain fun.  The question is not will you like the product, it's are you willing to pay for the experience.  If the answer is “yes,” even if you buy only one, you will be left impressed.

 

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Looked it over Zinger. Nice stuff and there's a sales person in my town. I found some pants I liked and a crock belt too. Might give them a try. Thanks for the tip.

(Yesterday I played and it was mostly sunny 69-70 degrees. Today? Freezing and snow. Go figure)

My Sun Mountain bag currently includes:   TWGTLogo2.png.06c802075f4d211691d88895b3f34b75.png 771CSI 5i - PW and TWGTLogo2.png.06c802075f4d211691d88895b3f34b75.png PFC Micro Tour-c 52°, 56°, 60 wedges

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Anyone else see that first picture and think:

 

'she's getting close to my shaft'

 

 

or

 

 

'you mad bro?'

 

These shirts look legit. thanks for posting.

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