Introducing: John Francomb Classics

Introducing: John Francomb Classics

September 06, 2010 | By JohnFTML

Are we getting slimmer? We’ve been making slim-fit shirts for over 8 years now and it seems as if we can’t get enough of them – sales keep going up and up.

During that time we’ve also had a nifty little shirt tucked away called the Rovereto which was developed as a fully-fitted fashion shirt with a long pointed collar and usually cut in quite bold stripes and bright colours.  Though popular with our customers (and staff!) they kept asking for this shape and fit in more classic fabrics to wear with their suits for work. 

So, we have responded with our new John Francomb Classics collection which is not only a range of solely classic patterns but we’ve also added an easy care finish that will help with the ironing too!

John Francomb Classics

John Francomb ClassicsAlthough we’ve kept the same fit, we’ve made the side seams a bit longer so they stay tucked in your suit and we’ve made the collar a classic cutaway shape to sit better with a tie (a narrow John Francomb tie of course) and, designers being designers, we couldn’t resist a little extra flourish on a few of the shirts so you may find some extra detailing that’s tucked away discreetly inside (or will only be visible with the collar open).  Even though your colleagues will not see it – it’s enough your knowing it’s there. 

Does this mean we’re all getting slimmer I hear you ask? Or are we now designing shirts for waifs?

Not either necessarily!  It’s just becoming more and more acceptable (if not essential) to wear clothes with a closer fit.  Jackets are becoming slimmer and trousers are narrower and even if you are not personally cut ‘slim fit’ you will be surprised that you can still wear closer cut clothes and feel good.  After all, when we cut a shirt or a jacket for a size 40” a slim-fit will still fit a 40” chest but the amount of ‘ease’ built in will have been reduced to make it fit closer – especially through the waist - and the armholes will be cut slightly higher with a narrower sleeve so as to achieve a more tapered silhouette.

Without getting too technical, there is about half a size difference between the slim-fit and the fully-fitted shape – just enough to suppress the excess fabric around the waist.

John Francomb Classics

To recap, here are some of the features of John Francomb Classics:

- Fully fitted.

- Cutaway collar.

- Double cuff.

- Detailing and contrast fabrics in some styles.

- Easy to iron finish.

- 100% cotton.

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Comments

Stephen Newton
Stephen Newton
08th September 2010
Sounds good and it's really useful to have an explanation of the different styles you offer. (Although I'm a little confused as you seem to have discontinued the Rovereto on which these are based.) It would be useful to have these guides (or direct links to them) on relevant shopping pages of your main site.
SHERWINPEZ
SHERWINPEZ
08th September 2010
Hi John, i know that Winchester shirts seem to go in and out of fashion (and understandably so, as a few ago, it seemed that every colour was being used with a white colar and cuff combo), however do TM Lewin have any plans to start stocking them again? Specifically in a slim fit range? I have a seen a few recent examples at say Pink, etc which use subtle blues and even bengal stripes with a white collar, etc. although i am holding back as prefer the lewin fit. Keep up the good work Regards Sherwin
DanTML
DanTML
09th September 2010

Hi Sherwin,

We have done Winchester (white cuff and collar, contrast body) style shirts quite recently, it was included in our limited edition Sienna launch and in our St James range, and I'm sure you'll see it appearing again in our other ranges before too long.

DanTML
DanTML
09th September 2010

Thanks for the feedback, I'll look at putting a blog together as soon as possible.

Kenneth Chen
Kenneth Chen
08th September 2010
Firstly, I am very excited about these shirts and can't wait to try them out. I am a particular fan of the contrasting fabrics and want to see more of this! But first, a few questions. Are these slimmer than the slim-fit shirts that you have in the Windsor line? But they have the same type of collar? And secondly, are the buttonholes fixed so that the buttons don't just slip off like my two John Francomb shirts do? That is the most annoying thing in the world. Thirdly, are there buttons on the sleeves (by the forearm) or is that area still buttonless? Thanks!
DanTML
DanTML
09th September 2010

Hi Kenneth,

Yep, these are slimmer than the Windsor shirts. The Windsors are slim fit, whereas John Franomb classics are fully fitted. The buttons are fixed, but there are no button above the cuff.

Thanks!
Dan