If you ask people who makes the absolute finest shirting material, one name keeps coming up: Thomas Mason. Their fabric is simply stunning. It takes the quintessential Italian fabric personality to the highest form — an indescribably soft and luxurious feel combined with spot on shade and pattern. We think you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value on an all-American sewn version than what we’re bringing you today.

This style uses cotton flannel cloth from Thomas Mason out of Italy. Thomas Mason is widely considered one of the highest quality shirting lines in world. Originating in England, the brand has been milling fine shirting since 1796, with production now done in Italy. We knew we had to go classic for our launch and this fabric takes it to the highest level. It starts with the feel. We use a lot of great shirting, but we can safely say that none feels this luxuriously soft. The instant we brought this sample back to the office we started fighting over who would get to keep it. It just feels amazing. The lightly brushed surface makes for an even softer feel. All this translates into a shirt that contours to your body and fits superbly. You really don't want to take it off and you'll find yourself reaching for it first in your closet. Next comes the pattern -- the perfect plaid. The grid pattern hits the sweet spot on size, not too broad and not too tight. It fits perfectly with the casual refinement of the material. The pattern is filled with amazing shade that work perfectly together. Reds, bright blues and blacks combine to create a stunning look. We've never received so many early comments of "I want this shirt." You might think you're buying this shirt for special occasions, but once you get it, you'll be wearing it everyday.

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 also took this opportunity to make 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.