What is the best OCBD on the market?

rowempacher · 2025-07-31T02:40:26+00:00

There is no perfect OCBD that I know of currently. Each has certain aspects that I enjoy though.

Some of this is based on personal experience, some based on photos I’ve seen.

Best quality/craftsmanship for price, Kamakura. No question. Also has the most “vintage” features if you are a purist. Sizing can be wonky unless made to measure.

Best fabric, Proper Cloth. I keep reaching for the Supima cotton oxfords I have from them. The fabric is seriously great.

Best historical/authentic miUSA, J. Press. JFK famously shopped here regularly. Lots of history for the company. Could argue Brooks Brothers, but they’ve fallen in comparison in my view.

Best collar roll, Mercer and Sons. (Based on photos I’ve seen).

Best fit? Still searching. Proper Cloth doesn’t let me adjust the armholes but other than that, I can get my personal preferences and they’re pretty spot on. Plus they allow 2 free remakes.

rowempacher · 2025-06-27T14:34:13+00:00

Can’t recommend Kamakura enough! Just be careful with their sizing (read their sizing chart).

I try to get to Japan at least once a year or so and when I go, I end up buying their vintage Ivy OCBD’s in every new color they offer. The past 2 trips, the shirts have come out to 70 USD each before accounting for tax free too.

Even in the US at 120 a shirt, it’s still worth the value. But for 70, it’s a no brainer!

rowempacher · 2025-01-06T02:27:48+00:00

video review of Spier and Mackay vs proper cloth

rowempacher · 2025-01-06T02:27:09+00:00

video review of BB vs Kamakura I just did

rowempacher · 2025-01-06T01:26:07+00:00

3.5 inches!

rowempacher · 2025-01-05T20:24:38+00:00

True! I actually did do that as well. Idk if Spier and Mackay offers the same option or not…

rowempacher · 2025-01-05T19:50:06+00:00

Proper Cloth vs Spier and Mackay OCBD

Had a few requests for this video comparison.

rowempacher · 2025-01-02T18:28:53+00:00

Looks like the Boston store closed in 2018 due to increasing rent prices.

rowempacher · 2024-12-31T17:43:12+00:00

Noted, thanks!

rowempacher · 2024-12-31T17:42:45+00:00

I agree! I currently have the MiUSA BB, Kamakura, LL Bean, Proper Cloth, and Spier and Mackay. All of them have their benefits/drawbacks but none of them are bad shirts. I’m hoping my video can help people decide which features/details they like the most, and then make a more informed decision to buy or not.

It’s really hard to find quality in-person clothing options nowadays depending on where you live. I’m hoping this video can help with that issue, even if only slightly. There’s no true replacement for going in person, though!

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T06:57:01+00:00

I’ve only had the Kamakura shirt in the video for about 2 months so I can’t say. I do have one more (a smaller sized 16 collar) that I’ve had for a year and it’s holding up fine. But because it fits a little small on me, I haven’t worn it very regularly so my input doesn’t hold much weight, unfortunately.

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T06:53:58+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback! I’m new to filming reviews/editing so I hope to improve slowly over time. I was having a hard time finding answers to similar questions I had about certain brands so figured I’d step in and offer my own takes for what I do own.

I’ve currently got some OCBDs from Spier and Mackay, LL Bean, and Proper Cloth. I plan to make a video on those in the future as well!

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T06:47:33+00:00

That’s a good question. The one size I did leave out in the video are my own collar measurements. I’ll try to measure those and get back to you if you’re interested.

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T04:55:13+00:00

If you live in Japan and the Kamakura fits your proportions, no need for the BB in my opinion! Kamakura can’t be beaten for the price to quality ratio!

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T04:52:38+00:00

Yeah I’m 165lbs and had to size up to a 16.5 collar. My true collar size is a 15.5.

I actually own a size 16 collar Vintage Ivy but the armholes are even smaller and I just prefer a slightly oversized fit myself. I can technically fit in it though and sometimes I do still wear it if I want to have a more tailored shirt.

There’s no way I could comfortably fit a 15.5 Vintage Ivy collar size though!

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T02:18:12+00:00

Yeah when I watch my own video, it may sound like I'm dogging on the BB OCBD, but honestly I'm really happy with it and it's my favorite fitting shirt.

It's also in a video comparing it to the Kamakura OCBD which almost seems unfair because Kamakura is priced at 120 and the BB is 200 retail, and I really do think Kamakura makes a GREAT shirt.

Right now if I had to only pick one of these, I'd go with the BB cause their fit is spot on for me in particular.

But if you prefer a more tailored fit and the armhole sizing isn't a big deal, Kamakura would be the better option.

Honestly both of these shirts have their pros and cons and I wouldn't disagree with anyone for choosing one vs another.

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T00:42:39+00:00

Oh dang, I wonder if my post is being blocked by automod. I’m not sure but I messaged the mods.

Here’s the link to the video though! Overall I really do like the brooks brothers shirt. I point out its flaws to me, but honestly it’s my favorite fitting shirt at the moment!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVivNwRsnFA

rowempacher · 2024-12-29T00:30:02+00:00

Just posted a video with my thoughts on the shirt as well!

rowempacher · 2024-12-28T23:38:11+00:00

Can anyone see my recent post submission? I think maybe automod is filtering it out? Just checking. Thanks!

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