Charles Tyrwhitt

So here's the thing about Charles Tyrwhitt-it's one of those brands that kind of sneaks up on you. You might've seen their ads plastered across Manhattan or gotten one of their endless catalog mailings, but there's actually a pretty interesting story behind all those dress shirts.

Back in 1986, some Bristol University student named Nicholas Wheeler decided he could make better shirts than anyone else. Bold claim, right? But instead of just complaining about it, he actually started the company from his dorm room using his middle names (because apparently "Nick Wheeler Shirts" didn't have the same ring to it). Fast forward to 1997, and they opened their flagship store on London's famous Jermyn Street-basically the Mecca of British shirtmaking. That's like getting your food truck a spot at the best corner in town.

What's interesting is how they've managed to scale without losing that British charm thing they're going for. They've got stores across the US, UK, Europe, and Australia now, plus a massive distribution center in Milton Keynes that processes over 2 million orders a year. And they're not just about shirts anymore-though that's still their bread and butter. These days you can get suits, casual wear, shoes, the whole nine yards.

The company's known for their "no-quibble" 6-month guarantee, which is basically unheard of in retail. You can return stuff for any reason within six months, even if you've worn it. They deduct $9.95 for return shipping, but still-six months. Most places give you like 30 days if you're lucky. They also do this thing where they're always running promotions (you know, the "4 shirts for $199" deals), which some people love and others find a bit gimmicky since nothing's ever really full price.

Here's something you don't hear much about: they won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2016 and have consistently ranked high for customer service. Their contact center operates 24/7, and they've won awards for their web chat and e-retail customer service. So when they say "award-winning customer service," they're not just making it up.

The fit thing is worth mentioning too. They offer multiple fits-classic, slim, extra slim-and a bunch of collar styles. If you're the type who knows the difference between a cutaway collar and a spread collar, you'll appreciate the options. And if you're not, well, their staff can usually help you figure it out. They also do custom shirts and alterations, though those obviously can't be returned.