Margaret Howell Maxi Tartan Button Down Shirt

Thicker shirting may become more widely available during the winter but regular options shouldn't be overlooked. They still have an important part to play in layering and that's always worth considering during the colder months. Whether it's under a piece of knitwear, a jacket or even another shirt, a good selection can be useful all year round. At first glance this might seem like a routine choice but as with all Margaret Howell products, the appeal is in the overall quality and attention to detail. First and foremost, the colours are particularly good. There's certainly similar options available but a lot of them fall into the same trap - choosing a fabric with too many colours or ill-suited combinations. In this instance, however, the grey, red and yellow sit perfectly together. Combine that with a neat button down collar and a classic cut, and what appears to be a fairly simple shirt, will quietly outshine other versions every time.

Comments

[Daniel]

Hi Simon,

can you give me an info about the sizing of MHL? I heard the stuff fits at least one size bigger?

Thanks

Dan

[Patrick]

This is why I wish Margaret Howell made pieces in XS -- and slim fit as well, even though I know that goes against their aesthetic. I received their Pioneer Jacket in the post yesterday and I can say it definitely fit about a size bigger. I returned it today.

It's unfortunate that they're one of my favourite brands, but only in theory since I can't wear any of their clothes.

[Simon]

@ Daniel... On the whole, Margaret Howell mainline is cut on quite a classic block and MHL often has a more boxy workwear shape. Both lines are intentionally cut in this way - neither collection has ever been overly fitted.

That said, it's definitely worth looking at the individual size guides for each garment. The sizing does vary between pieces based on an intended silhouette and there are some slimmer fitting garments in the MHL collection.

Overall, I suppose it depends how fitted you want it to be. Personally, I like the fit of both collections but I guess it depends what you're comparing it to.

Sizing down will work unless like Patrick you run out of sizes to play with. As a general rule though, I would never expect any Margaret Howell or MHL products to be super fitted. They will always have a fairly relaxed shape.