Saint James at Signet

There are striped shirts and then there are Saint James shirts. Let's make a distinction here, heehee.

Saint James was founded in 1889 in Lower Normandy, in the commune of Saint-James, close to Mont Saint-Michel. Its fame is based upon a cult item of clothing "the genuine pure new knitted woolen Breton seaman's sweater", which was originally intended for deep sea fishermen, then adopted by known seafarers, and yachtsmen.

In short, they made striped shirts happen. They're all about THE Striped Shirt.

Before I got hooked on Saint James, I had Petit Bateau shirts. While both are built to last, nothing beats the boxy shape of Saint James shirts. Even Goop swears by it: 

Ang chica diba?

The first Saint James shirt I bought was the Naval II, this one on the left. What makes this different from most striped shirts is that the stripes start at the boob area.

It's a men's shirt really, and because I was unfamiliar with Saint James sizing then, I ended up buying an S, which is still so many sizes too big for me. They're so comfy though, I could even wear it up until my 39th week of pregnancy, for all three pregnancies.

My second shirt is the Meridien II, the one on the right. I bought it at the J. Crew store in Time Warner Center. They're perfect for Spring and Fall and it happens to be my favorite piece.

I've been wearing it ever since Berry was a baby and wear it so often that the signature Saint James tag on the sleeve fell off (and of course I sewed it back, lolololz).

My third shirt, the red one in the middle, is Saint James x crewcuts. Yes, it's for kids. Heeheehee. 

I have since added two more to my collection, and I got it right here in Manila, at Signet, the men's specialty store in Makati. Because where else can we find the best tomboy style but in a men's shop, right?

I got the Guildo in red stripes.

The Guildo is made from heavyweight carded cotton, just like the Meridien except it has a shorter body. 

I also got another Naval II, this time in my size, but with blue and white stripes (my first one is navy and white).

So you see, contrary to my husband's opinion, not all striped shirts are made alike, ahihihi.

My next target is that Guildo in navy and ecru one up front. Plus the Levant - a short sleeved t-shirt, in navy and white.

All these shirts have recently been restocked at Signet in Legaspi Village. So if you work or live in Makati, you better visit now. 

Might as well bring the style-challenged guys in your life here for an education. It's a fashion man's cave. They have all the dapper men essentials, from English umbrellas...

Neckties, pocket squares, socks (they have Happy Socks), shoe accessories...

Spanish loafers, Farfalla slippers...

Brogues...

Japanese raw selvedge denim...

Even horn collar stays...

And Italian and Japanese suiting. Once every quarter, they even invite Neapolitan tailors to come and measure their clients so they can order custom made suits. Fancy.

Thanks so much Kevin for telling me about Saint James at Signet. 

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing though. Dear readers, do me a favor. You better go before I beat you to it. Ahihihi.

Signet SA Jayson Ebido and Store Manager Kevin Yapjoco

Signet
Unit 102C Windsor Tower
163 Legazpi St., Legazpi Village
Makati City
Phone: +63 2 894 3934
Mobile: +63 918 985 2895
Facebook: The Signet Store
Instagram: @thesignetstore