Tootal Shirts

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing the Iconic British Shirt Brand

Tootal shirts are a heritage British shirt brand with a long and illustrious history spanning over 100 years. Known for their high quality fabrics and impeccable tailoring, Tootal shirts are a wardrobe staple for any discerning gentleman.

But with so many styles, fits, and designs available, it can be tricky knowing where to start when buying your first Tootal shirt. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide covering everything you need to know before purchasing these iconic shirts.

A Brief History of Tootal

Tootal was founded in Manchester in 1799 as a fabric merchant specializing in madras fabrics and handkerchiefs. They quickly became renowned for their distinctive bold check patterns and innovative textile designs which were prized around the world.

By the early 1900s, Tootal had begun making shirts from their signature fabrics. They introduced the ‘Viyella’ fabric in 1893 – a luxurious blend of 55% merino wool and 45% cotton which made them perfect for golf and other sports. Their shirts were championed by discerning celebrities and trendsetters of the era like Winston Churchill.

Even today, Tootal remains dedicated to crafting high quality garments from the finest fabrics at their historic Lancashire factory. They are purveyors of well-made classic menswear with timeless appeal.

Are Tootal Shirts Made from Quality Materials?

Yes, Tootal shirts are made from premium quality fabrics. Most are cut from 100% cotton with luxury Superfine Poplin being their signature cotton weave.

Some collections like the Tootal Traveler shirts use custom-developed fabrics which blend cotton with 3% elastane to allow for stretch and ease of movement.

The cotton used in Tootal shirts is locally sourced from the company’s own mills in Lancashire. The materials are breathable, durable and designed to soften and improve with wear over time. So you can be assured of their top-notch quality.

Styles of Tootal Shirts Available

Tootal offers a wide range of styles catering to both formal and casual needs:

Formal Shirts

• Classic Regular Fit – Timeless, refined aesthetic perfect for office wear or formal occasions
• Slim Fit – More tailored, body-skimming cut if a sharper silhouette is desired
• Double Cuff – Crisp shirts with double cuffs ideal for wearing with cufflinks
• Cutaway Collar – Elegant without being stuffy, perfect for black tie events

Casual Shirts

• Button Down Collar – Relaxed shirts featuring button-down collars and patch pockets
• Short Sleeve – Keep cool in summer with short sleeve styles in fun prints and checks
• Polos and Knitwear – Great for weekends and leisure, available in cotton, merino and cashmere

Whatever your style, there’s a Tootal shirt to match ranging from classic whites and blues to bolder stripes, checks and paisleys.

Where to Buy Tootal Shirts

Tootal shirts can be purchased directly through the company’s website which offers global shipping. Select styles and fits are also stocked by high-end department stores and specialist menswear retailers like Harrods and Selfridges in the UK.

In the US, you can find Tootal at luxury retailers including Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

For the widest selection, check the stockists list on the Tootal website. Many provide international delivery for a flat shipping fee so you can get the shirts delivered straight to you.

How Much Do Tootal Shirts Cost?

As a premium British shirt maker, Tootal sits at the luxury end of the market. Expect to pay $120 – $240 for one of their high quality shirts.

Their formal cotton poplin shirts start around $120 – $180. Luxury fabrics like Sea Island Cotton or limited edition runs can go up to $240+

Casual shirts made from wool blends tend to cost between $150 – $200.

While not cheap, paying for a Tootal shirt gets you superb British craftsmanship from centuries-old mills and long-lasting quality. As investment pieces, they deliver excellent cost per wear over time.

Are Tootal Shirts Suitable for Formal Occasions?

Yes, Tootal’s pedigree as a heritage English shirtmaker means their formal shirts are perfectly suited for more formal business or black tie events.

Look to their classic Regular Fit Cotton Poplin shirts with double cuffs to complement a well-cut suit. Or don the immaculate Cutaway Collar shirt when it’s time to break out that tuxedo.

The brand’s legacy of dressing British royalty and gentry ensures their shirts will allow you to look refined and elegant for any special occasion.

Do Tootal Offer Different Fits?

One of the strengths of Tootal is the variety of cuts and fits they offer to suit different body shapes and styles.

For a contemporary slim silhouette, go for their Slim Fit shirts featuring neat, tapered bodies and higher armholes.

Prefer a classic full-bodied cut? The Regular Fit offers an easy, roomy fit through the chest and waist.

Alternatively, select styles like the button-downs are offered in a more relaxed Modern Fit with comfortable ease through the waist.

There are also Plus Fit shirts in expanded sizes to accommodate bigger builds. Tootal can even make custom shirts tailored specifically to your measurements.

What Sizes Are Available?

Tootal shirts come in the following standard UK sizes:

• Collar sizes from 14 to 19 inches
• Sleeve lengths from 32 to 37 inches
• Body/chest sizing – XS to 4XL

As long as you know your neck, sleeve length and chest size, you can easily match a Tootal shirt to your dimensions even if you need a more generous or tailored fit.

Helpful sizing guides are provided on their website to assist you in finding the right match for your build. And as mentioned, fully custom shirts are an option too.

Are Tootal Shirts Still Made in Britain?

Yes, even after over 220 years, Tootal shirts continue to be made in Britain at the company’s original Lancashire factory using local mills and craftspeople.

This ensures the heritage quality and attention to detail Tootal is renowned for. Production remains in Great Britain from sourcing of cloths to final garment assembly.

What Fabrics Are Used?

Tootal has access to some of the world’s finest cotton cloths through their longstanding British textile partnerships.

Luxury fabrics found in their shirts include:

• Egyptian Cotton – Prized for its softness, extra-long staple length and sheer quality
• Sea Island Cotton – Rare extra-long staple cotton revered as the pinnacle of quality
• English Poplin – Beautiful soft lightweight weave perfect for formal and business shirts
• English Twill – Provides elevated structure and durability
• Oxford Cloth – Versatile, comfortable weave ideal for casual button-down shirts
• Merino Wool Blends – Blended with cotton or cashmere for luxe cold weather shirts

Are the Shirts Wrinkle-Resistant?

The breathable all-cotton fabrics lend themselves more to a refined wrinkled-in look rather than a permanent press finish. Expect a relaxed broken-in feel rather than a crisp starchiness.

That said, incorporate good shirt care to minimize serious wrinkling:

• Fold rather than bunch shirts when storing
• Steam or gently iron when needed
• Wash in cool water and hang dry to preserve the cotton fabrics

With proper care, Tootal’s quality cottons develop a vintage softness over time for comfort and character.

Are Tootal Shirts Machine Washable?

Yes, Tootal shirts are machine washable making their care and upkeep simple. Just be sure to follow the label instructions:

• Wash in cool water below 30°C to protect the dyes and fabric integrity
• Use a mild detergent without harsh chemicals that may damage fibers
• Never use fabric softeners or conditioners as they affect breathability
• Hang dry rather than machine drying to prevent shrinking
• Iron while still slightly damp if needed to remove wrinkles

By washing gently and line drying, you can enjoy your Tootal shirts for many years to come.

Tootal Shirt Reviews

The classic styling, tailored fit and premium fabrics of Tootal shirts have earned them outstanding reviews and high satisfaction ratings from buyers.

Here are just a few examples of positive feedback:

“The quality of the fabric is second to none. Lightweight, soft with a beautiful subtle sheen – it drapes beautifully.”

“One of the best fitting casual shirts I’ve found. Perfectly tailored through the body and sleeves.”

“The buttons are firm and well-sewn, the stitching is superb. You can tell it’s built to last.”

“I get compliments whenever I wear this out. The slim fit is so flattering.”

The consensus is that Tootal shirts live up to their pedigree, with many satisfied customers becoming loyal return buyers. The perfect balance of traditional appeal and modern cuts ensure lasting customer appreciation.

How Do They Compare to Other Luxury Brands?

In the realm of premium British shirt makers, Tootal holds its own against esteemed labels like Charles Tyrwhitt, Emma Willis and Turnbull & Asser.

Key advantages of Tootal include:

• High quality local materials from their own Lancashire mills
• Diverse range of fits beyond just the regular cut
• Capability for bespoke custom shirts in addition to ready-to-wear
• Competitive pricing between the $100 – $200 range on par with other luxury names
• Two centuries of heritage craftsmanship and expertise

You get excellent value from Tootal considering the quality fabrics, English craftsmanship and thoughtful details included. They are leaders in the upper tier of British shirt-making.

Style and Design Options

When it comes to style, Tootal offers both classic understated looks alongside playful patterns and colors:

Solids – Crisp whites, light blues and subtle tonal stripes make up their core formal shirting range.

Checks and Tartans – For bolder flashes of color, checks and plaid fabrics add flair.

Textured Fabrics – Herringbone, birdseye and pique weaves provide depth.

Prints – Vintage archival prints inspired by Tootal’s long history feature fun conversational motifs.

Seasonal Collections – Look for special limited edition seasonal offerings with unique fabrics and designs.

Whether you prefer sophisticated solids or eye-catching checks, Tootal caters to diverse tastes with their ever-evolving shirt selection.

Are Tootal Shirts Good for Hot Weather?

Yes, Tootal shirts made from lightweight breathable cotton poplins are ideal for staying polished yet cool in warm summer weather.

Look for:

• Short sleeve styles
• Light hues to deflect heat
• Lightweight open weaves that allow airflow
• Moisture-wicking or performance fabrics in blends
• Relaxed unlined collars that won’t wilt

With their array of tropical weights and knits too, Tootal offers plenty of hot weather options for those humid summer days and nights.

Can You Order Custom-Made Shirts?

A standout service offered by Tootal is their bespoke shirt program that allows you to create fully customized shirts made just for you.

You can select from over 200 premium fabrics and customize every detail:

• Collar style
• Cuff style
• Pocket style
• Back pleats
• Front placket
• Button style
• Monogram or contrast stitching

Tailor the shirt to your exact measurements for the perfect fit. All bespoke shirts are handmade in Lancashire to your specifications.

Pricing starts around $240 for your first custom shirt. Well worth it to own a luxury shirt crafted just for you by Tootal’s experts.

Are There Women’s Styles Too?

Yes! Tootal also crafts a range of women’s shirts in fitted and relaxed cuts showcasing their colorful fabrics.

Choose from:

• Blouses with feminine neckties and ruffle details
• Smart fitted poplin shirts ideal for the office
• Relaxed oversized cuts for off-duty wear
• Pretty prints and florals perfect for summer
• Plaids, checks and stripes with a defined waist

Shop styles specially designed to flatter a woman’s figure while still staying true to Tootal’s DNA of quality tailoring.

Can You Get Tootal Shirts on Sale?

Tootal does run occasional sales and special offers that let you score discounts on select shirts.

Here are some tips for snagging bargains:

• Check the Sale section of their website – old season colors get reduced
• Sign up for email alerts to get notices of private sales and promo codes
• Look for discounts around holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• Check retailer sales for price-cuts on stocked Tootal shirts
• Buy bundled multi-packs for a lower per-shirt cost

With some strategic shopping, you can invest in Tootal’s luxury shirts at friendlier price points to build your wardrobe.

The Heritage of Tootal – Over 220 Years of Quality British Shirts

Tootal’s rich heritage spans over two centuries of shirt making excellence. Some key historic highlights:

1799 – Founded as a textile merchant in Manchester supplying colorful handkerchiefs and madras fabrics beloved by the British East India Company

1893 – Created the first Viyella wool/cotton fabric that became a golfing staple, later worn by icons like Sean Connery’s James Bond

1900s – Transitioned to manufacturing its own shirts and ties from distinctive woven fabrics

1920s – Known as a bold trendsetting brand worn by royalty and celebrity trendsetters like Edward, the Prince of Wales

1940s – Provided shirting during wartime including ghost camouflage fabrics for stealth missions

1960s – Sponsored British racing and supplied vibrant shirts worn by drivers like Stirling Moss

Today – Continues a legacy of quality craftsmanship from their Lancashire factory using time-honored techniques

Owning a Tootal shirt allows you to add a piece of enduring British fashion history to your wardrobe.

Conclusion

With a broad selection of styles, signature fabrics and custom options, Tootal delivers timeless luxury shirts for discerning gentlemen. Made in Britain since 1799 using local mills and craftspeople, these iconic shirts are investments guaranteed to provide enduring quality and character.

Whether you are dressing for the office, formal events or easy weekends, Tootal’s array of superfine poplins, wool blends and distinguished prints offers versatile choices to fit any occasion. By following this guide, you can shop with confidence and find the perfect Tootal shirt to begin your collection.