Frequently Asked Questions - Product Information

Do I need to worry about fabric shrinkage?

Most of our shirts are made from 100% cotton, so it is likely they will experience some slight shrinkage during the first few washes. For best results, we recommend washing your shirts in cold water and then hanging them up to dry. If you follow these washing instructions, then the shrinkage should be contained at 1-3% over the first 2-3 washes.
Please note that our tailored clothing (e.g. suits, sport coats, trousers) CANNOT be machine-washed. These garments need to be professionally dry-cleaned.

How do I know my dress shirt will fit?

Our off-the-rack shirts are developed in conjunction with highly skilled master tailors with over 25 years of experience in the clothing industry. We offer our off-the-rack shirts in multiple sizes and body fits that allow us to fit a wide variety of shapes and body types. For customers who have difficulty fitting into our off-the-rack shirts, we also offer an expanded sizing range through our custom shirt program.

I'm not sure what size I wear in your garments. How can I figure out my size/fit before placing an order?

If you would like some advice on size and fit before placing your order, then we recommend booking a phone appointment with one of our knowledgeable Product Specialists, who can use your body measurements to help determine the best size for you in our garments.

Alternatively, if you have any questions you can also email our Customer Service team at info@spierandmackay.com, and they would be happy to assist you.

What does Vanity Sizing mean?

Vanity sizing refers to a common practice in the clothing industry where a garment is cut larger than the size listed on the label, so the customer is able to wear a size that is smaller than their actual measurements. For example, a pair of pants that is labelled as size 32 may have an actual waistband measurement of up to 36”. Unfortunately, this can lead to customers being misled about their sizing and measurements, which can make clothing shopping challenging. Spier & Mackay garments are generally cut true-to-size, so depending on what brands you normally shop from and how they cut their garments, you may have to size up in our products.

What is the difference between Dress, Sport, and Casual shirts?

Our dress shirts and sport shirts are cut almost identically, and are based on your neck measurement for sizing. The only difference between them is that dress shirts have multiple sleeve lengths that you can choose from, but since sport shirts are more casual, they only come in one standard sleeve length per neck size.

Casual shirts use alpha sizing (e.g. Small, Medium, Large) instead of neck sizing, and they are also cut with a shorter length so you can wear them untucked.

What garments are always brought back every season?

Spier & Mackay produces its garments on a seasonal basis, with one collection for Spring/Summer and another one for Fall/Winter. However, there are certain “core products” that we carry all year-round, such as wool suits in staple colours such as navy, gray, and black, white and blue dress shirts, oxford cloth shirts, etc.

How do I make a trouser swap request?

All of our suits are sold as a standard Drop 6, meaning that the size of the jacket minus 6 inches will give you the corresponding trouser size. For example, a size 38 Contemporary suit will come with 32 Contemporary trousers by default. However, if you would like a different trouser size other than the standard drop, please write a note in the comments section of your order telling us which size/fit you would like instead. If we have it available in our stock, then the shipping team will switch them out for you.

Please note that trouser swaps cannot always be accommodated, depending on our current inventory or if certain exclusions apply (e.g. Final Sale or Red Label suits).

What is the difference between Slim and Contemporary in your trousers?

Both our Slim and Contemporary trousers feature a tapered fit, however, the Slim fit has a trimmer cut through the legs and a slightly shorter rise as compared to our Contemporary fit trousers. We generally recommend Contemporary fit trousers for customers with average to slightly larger builds, or those who prefer a roomier fit for their trousers. The Slim fit is usually a better option for those with leaner physiques, or those who prefer a closer-fitting garment.

What is the difference between Extra Slim, Slim, Contemporary, and Classic fit in your dress shirts?

We offer our dress shirts in 4 different body fits to give our customers the ability to choose the best fit for their body type. Our Classic fit is our most relaxed shirt fit and provides generous room throughout the body. Our Contemporary fit has more shape than Classic, but is still considered a "regular" fit, and our Slim and Extra Slim fits have a more tapered shape and sit closer to the body. Choosing your preferred fit is usually a matter of personal taste, as well as your body shape. For a more detailed comparison of our various shirt fits, we recommend referring to our online size chart.

How can I find out my body measurements?

Many body measurements cannot be taken by yourself, so we recommend visiting a local tailor or menswear store to ensure that accurate measurements are taken. We recommend getting measurements for your neck, chest, waist, hips/seat, and thigh so you can compare with our online size charts.

What is the process of garment-dyeing?

For most pieces of clothing, the fabric is dyed before being cut & sewn into the finished product. With garment-dyeing, the item is assembled first from undyed fabric, and then the finished garment itself is dyed. Garment-dyeing typically results in a softer finish to the fabric, as well as a greater depth of colour with subtle variations and highlights. As garment-dyed items are washed and worn, they break in over time with unique fades and wear patterns to create a personalized look. You can find garment-dyed items in our casual clothing such as chinos, shirts, and outerwear.

What suit length should I get based on my height?

Generally speaking, we recommend Short suits & jackets for customers who are 5’8” or shorter. Customers who are 5’9” to 6' tall can usually wear a Regular length jacket. Customers who are 6’1” to 6’3” should try a Long suit. For customers over 6’3”, you will most likely need to order custom/Made-To-Order clothing.

What is the difference between Neo, Regular, and English Cut?

Our Neo Cut suits take inspiration from traditional Italian tailoring. The jacket features a slightly wider cut through the shoulders and a longer length as compared to our regular suits. The shoulders are unpadded with spalla camicia shirring at the sleevehead for softer, more relaxed look. Neo Cut suits boast wide notch lapels, a 3-roll-2 button closure, and slightly more open quarters. The trousers are cut with a high rise, side tabs on the waistband instead of belt loops, and front pleats.

Our Regular Cut suits are designed for a classic and timeless look with lightly padded shoulders to add some structure and a single-breasted 2-button jacket. The trousers are designed with a regular rise and flat front, and usually feature belt loops on the waistband.

Our English Cut suits draw inspiration from elegant British Savile Row tailoring. The jacket is cut with slightly broader shoulders and a more tapered waist compared to our regular suits. The shoulders feature slightly thicker padding and roping for a structured, military-inspired look. There's also a ticket pocket on the jacket for British-inspired style. The trousers are cut with a regular rise and flat front, and either side tab or belt loops on the waistband. English Cut suits can come in a variety of styles, including peak lapel, three-piece, and double-breasted.

What are some details of your Red Label suit?

Our Red Label suits use 100% wool fabrics without any synthetics such as polyester. They also feature a half-canvas construction for a higher-quality garment that lasts longer and molds to your body over time for a personalized fit. Other notable details include sous bras underarm shields, double rear vents on the jacket, and non-functional sleeve buttons that allow for easy alterations at your local tailor.

How do Red Label suits fit?

Our Red Label suits feature a unique “Tailored” fit that is slightly different from our standard Slim & Contemporary fit suits. The jacket fits similarly to our Contemporary fit jackets, and the trousers are between a Slim & Contemporary cut that is designed for a slightly trimmer, more modern style.

*Spier & Mackay reserves the right to update, modify, or cancel these policies at any time without prior notice.

Fruquently Asked Questions - Payment

How can I pay for my order?

We currently accept Visa, and Mastercard through our secured, accredited transaction partner Braintree. In addition, we also accept PayPal and Sezzle as an alternate payment method.

What is Sezzle?

Sezzle is a payment solution that gives you the freedom to buy now and pay later - with no interest! When you complete a purchase with Sezzle, we will process your order just like you paid in full, but you will have only paid a fraction of the cost. 

How does Sezzle work?

When checking out, select Sezzle as your payment method. If you are new to Sezzle, you will have to create a Sezzle account, while if you are a returning Sezzle customer, you would just need to log in. Sezzle will then do a soft credit check for approval of the transaction. Once approved, Sezzle will redirect you to the payment portion of the transaction and as little as 25% will be due at the time of purchase with the remaining amount spread out over equal installments - generally 3 payments two weeks apart. Sezzle will then take the remaining payments automatically through whichever payment used on file. 
Please note: No interest or processing fees are charged to you - as long as you pay everything on time, you only pay for what you ordered!

*Spier & Mackay reserves the right to update, modify, or cancel these policies at any time without prior notice.

Frequently Asked Questions - Returns, Refunds, & Price Adjustments

How do I request for a return?

For a return, please reach out to our returns team at returns@spierandmackay.com where a return representative will verify if your order is eligible for a return and provide you with a return label or return instructions if you are an international customer.

What is the return window?

For items that are purchased on sale or with a discount, the return window is 14 days from the day the order is received by you. For items that are purchased at full price (i.e. no discounts or sale), the return window is 30 days from the day the order is received by you. 

How long does it take for a refund to process?

Once the returning package has been received and our team has inspected the package, refunds can take up to 5-9 business days to show up on your original method of payment.

Are shipping charges refundable?

No, shipping charges are non-refundable.

An item I ordered went on sale, how do I get a price adjustment?

Please reach out to our customer service team at info@spierandmackay.com. One of our customer service members will verify if the item is still available in the same size, fit, and colour at the time of the request. The sale must also be within 14 days from the day the order was placed - after 14 days, the item is no longer eligible for a price adjustment. Please note, we do not offer price adjustments on Flash Sale or Final Sale items. We also cannot retroactively apply coupons or promo codes once the order has already been placed. 

If you receive a price adjustment on an item (as store credit), and then return the item for a refund later on, the initial price adjustment will remain in your account as a credit, and will not be refunded back to your original method of payment.

*Spier & Mackay reserves the right to update, modify, or cancel these policies at any time without prior notice.

Frequently Asked Questions - Custom Shirts

Is every Made-To-Measure pattern unique?

Our Made-To-Order program is based on our off-the-rack stock sizing patterns, so they do not require new or unique patterns to be created by our factory. However, if you choose to order a Made-To-Measure shirt with customized measurements based on your body or a shirt you already own, then a new pattern specific to your measurements will be created by our factory. This is why MTM shirts have a slightly higher price than MTO ones.

What is the difference between Made-To-Order and Made-To-Measure?

While both programs offer a version of custom clothing, Made-To-Order is based on our off-the-rack stock sizing and measurements. The program is designed for customers who have already tried some of our OTR clothing and have determined which size and fit works best for them in our garments. You can select from our wide range of fabrics, collars, cuffs, buttons, and many other style details, as well as your preferred size and fit, to create your own custom shirt. Made-To-Order is a great option for customers who are satisfied with the fit of our off-the-rack shirts, but would like more options in terms of fabrics and/or style details.

In comparison, Made-To-Measure shirts offer a more personalized fit by using custom measurements that can be adjusted from our standard sizing. Alternatively, you can also use your own body measurements that have been taken by a tailor, or measurements taken from a well-fitting shirt that you already own. Made-To-Measure shirts are ideal for customers who have trouble fitting into our stock sizing, or prefer a more personalized fit.

How does your Made-To-Order program work?

In a nutshell, the Made-To-Order program is based on our off-the-rack stock sizing, so we highly recommend trying some of our OTR garments first so you know which size provides the best fit for you. You can select from our wide range of fabrics, collars, cuffs, buttons, and many other style details, as well as your preferred size and fit, to create your own custom shirt. Made-To-Order is a great option for customers who are satisfied with the fit of our off-the-rack shirts, but would like more options in terms of fabrics and/or style details.

How long do custom shirt orders take?

Since Made-To-Order/Made-To-Measure shirts are custom-made for a specific customer, please allow 4-6 weeks for production and shipping.

I don't see the option to change a detail on my order, how would I do this?

At this time, we are only able to accommodate fabrics, style options, and details that are offered as part of our standard custom program.

What are the best fabrics for a formal or dress shirt?

If you're looking to design a custom formal or dress shirt, then we recommend classic, year-round weight fabrics such as poplin, fine twill, royal twill, or Panama weave. Plain white is the most formal colour for shirts, but blues and stripes also offer a timeless look that is appropriate for dressy occasions and business wear.

What are the the best fabrics for casual shirts?

For casual shirts, we offer a wide variety of fabrics suitable for all seasons and climates. For warmer weather, linen, cotton/linen blends, and madras checks offer light weight and breathability. For cooler fall/winter temperatures, we recommend heavier fabrics such as flannel, corduroy, and oxford cloth.

What is oxford cloth?

One of our most popular shirting fabrics, oxford cloth is known for its distinct basketweave texture that is slightly heavier in weight, with a slightly coarser texture. Oxford cloth shirts are a staple of American Ivy League/Prep style, and are usually designed with a button-down collar, button cuffs, and breast pocket. Oxford shirts are quite versatile, and can easily be worn dressed up with a sport coat and trousers, or dressed down with jeans or chinos.

What style options do you recommend for a dress shirt?

For dress shirts, we recommend choosing a spread collar style such as C2 Classic Spread or C7 Classic Full Spread. Button-down collars aren't normally recommended for dressy or formal shirts. For the shirt front, we recommend the PL1 Classic Placket or PL3 French Turn Placket. The PL4 Hidden Placket can also look quite sharp when paired with a bow tie, as the shirt buttons will be concealed behind the placket. Button cuffs will work for most occasions, but French cuffs look quite elegant for formal or evening events. We recommend choosing either B0 (No Pleats) or B2 (Side Shoulder Pleats) for a clean, formal shirt back, and no breast pocket for an elegant look. White is the best colour for a formal shirt, but blue is also quite versatile. Lighter colours such as pink and purple could also work for spring/summer wear. Fabrics well-suited for dress shirts include poplin, twill, end-on-end, and Panama weave.

What style options do your recommend for a casual shirt?

For casual shirts, the typical collar style would be a button-down, such as our C3-K, C3, or C22 versions. However, if you prefer the look of a spread collar, then C2, C4, and C7 are popular choices. Button cuffs are the most appropriate choice for casual shirts, as opposed to French cuffs. For the shirt front, we recommend either the PL1 Classic Placket or PL2 Narrow Placket. For a more unique style, you could also try the PLP Popover Placket. The back pleat style is a matter of personal preference, although the B1L Centre Pleat with Locker Loop is frequently used on more casual shirts such as oxfords. Breast pockets are appropriate on casual shirts, and we offer many different styles to choose from. Of course, you can also forego the pocket if you prefer a cleaner look. Popular fabrics for casual shirts include oxford, linen, flannel, corduroy, denim, and chambray.

What style options do you recommend for a tuxedo shirt?

Tuxedo shirts are only worn for very formal occasions, so they require very particular detailing. For the collar, we recommend options such as our C2 Classic Spread, C7 Classic Full Spread, or C13 Italian Spread. Button-down collars are much too casual for a tuxedo shirt. The cuffs are typically French cuffs, as button cuffs are not formal enough for wearing with tuxedos. As a more unique alternative, our F9 Cocktail Cuffs do not require cufflinks, but can also be worn with formalwear. For the shirt front, we recommend one of our 4 different tuxedo placket styles, which are designed to fasten using studs rather than buttons. If you prefer not to use studs, then our PL4 Hidden Placket shirt is also a smart alternative. We recommend choosing either B0 (No Pleats) or B2 (Side Shoulder Pleats) for a clean, formal shirt back, with no breast pocket on the front. For buttons, white river shell or mother-of-pearl are the best options. Since tuxedo shirts are only worn for formal evening events, white is the most traditional colour choice. We recommend fabrics such as poplin, twill, end-on-end, or Panama weave.

*Spier & Mackay reserves the right to update, modify, or cancel these policies at any time without prior notice.

Frequently Asked Questions - Made-To-Order Tailoring

What is the difference between Made-To-Order and Made-To-Measure?

While both programs offer a version of custom clothing, Made-To-Order is based on our off-the-rack stock sizing and measurements. The program is designed for customers who have already tried some of our OTR clothing and have determined which size and fit works best for them in our garments. You can select from our wide range of fabrics, jacket styles, pockets, linings, buttons, and many other style details, as well as your preferred size and fit, to create your own custom suit. Made-To-Order is a great option for customers who are satisfied with the fit of our off-the-rack suits, but would like more options in terms of fabrics and/or style details.

In comparison, Made-To-Measure suits offer a more personalized fit by using measurements taken from your body to create a unique pattern and fit that are specific to you. However, because Made-To-Measure requires detailed body measurements that are taken in-person, we can only offer this program in-store.

How does your Made-To-Order program work?

In a nutshell, the Made-To-Order program is based on our off-the-rack stock sizing and measurements. The program is designed for customers who have already tried some of our OTR clothing and have determined which size and fit works best for them in our garments. You can select from our wide range of fabrics, jacket styles, pockets, linings, buttons, and many other style details, as well as your preferred size and fit, to create your own custom suit. Made-To-Order is a great option for customers who are satisfied with the fit of our off-the-rack suits, but would like more options in terms of fabrics and/or style details.

How long do custom suit orders take?

Since Made-To-Order suits are custom-made on an individual basis, please allow 6-8 weeks for production and shipping.

I am interested in a fabric or style detail that I don't see listed on your website. Can you accommodate my request?

At this time, we are only able to accommodate fabrics, style options, and details that are offered as part of our standard custom program.

What fabrics would you recommend for a formal or business suit?

For a formal or business suit, we recommend something classic and versatile, such as a year-round weight worsted wool in colours such as navy, gray, charcoal, or black. Solid colours offer the most versatility, but classic patterns such as stripes, birdseye, checks, and sharkskin are also appropriate for most work environments.

What fabrics would you recommend for a more casual suit?

For casual suits, fabrics such as linen, cotton, and seersucker are great choices for spring and summer weather. For cooler temperatures, tweed and flannel are popular fabrics. Casual suits also can come in more unique colours such as brown, green, pink, or burgundy.

Can you tell me more about your different jacket models?

If you're looking for a classic suit to wear for all occasions year-round, our Standard jacket model offers a timeless look. For something a bit more casual, our Normal Sportcoat jacket model features unpadded shoulders for a softer, more relaxed construction. Our popular Neapolitan Cut jacket is inspired by traditional Italian tailoring, and features unique details such as wide notch lapels, a 3-roll-2 button closure, and unpadded shoulders. Likewise, our English Cut jackets are inspired by British Savile Row tailoring, and feature padded, roped shoulders and a trim waist. For formal evening events and Black Tie functions, our Tuxedo jackets feature black satin trim on the lapels for sophisticated style.

What is the significance of jacket canvassing?

Canvassing is sewn inside the front panels of a jacket, and provides structure and drape to the garment. It also molds to your body over time to create a comfortable and personalized fit. The default construction for our jackets is Half-Canvas, which runs from the shoulders down to the waist, and is a great choice for most suit-wearers. For sartorial enthusiasts and those who appreciate fine detailing, we also offer Full-Canvas construction for an additional charge. With this method of construction, the jacket's interior canvassing runs from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the coat, which allows for superior drape, comfort, and longevity. Finally, for casual jackets with softer construction, we also offer the option to have your jacket made with no canvassing for a more relaxed feel that will wear more like a cardigan sweater than a tailored jacket.

*Spier & Mackay reserves the right to update, modify, or cancel these policies at any time without prior notice.