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Hamilton Shirts

Established in 1883, when two brothers opened a dry-goods store downtown and began outfitting Houston's emerging upper class of cattlemen and cotton merchants, this enduring family operation has been producing fine bespoke shirts longer than London's Turnbull & Asser. Hamilton's reputation extends far beyond its hometown, with devotees such as Congressman Charlie Wilson and Simon Doonan, the creative director of Barneys New York. Originally headquartered in a downtown landmark building, Hamilton Shirts is now incongruously located on a gaudy commercial strip near the suburbs, but it's worth the drive. A new generation of Hamiltons welcomes you into the clubby, dark-paneled showroom and windowed workshop, where you can watch the goods being made piece by piece, from pattern cutting to collar-rolling and the final inspection. Floor-to-ceiling shelves groan with bolts of fine Italian and Swiss fabrics from the likes of Testa, Alumo, and Albini, and come in every weave, color, and pattern imaginable. Only one fitting is required, so even those who are in town only for a weekend can still indulge in a custom-made shirt.

Tip: For the perfect gift, pick up a pair of luxurious boxers, which the tailors make using the best scrap fabric.