Are Coles' shirts hand made?

All of our shirts are workroom made, using the same single needle sewing machines that we have always used and as you would use at home. The shirts are also finished by hand. For our ladies’ shirts sewing types will vary according to the design.

What type of cotton is used to make Coles’ shirts?

The majority of Coles’ shirts are made from 2-fold 100% cotton poplin with 100’s thread count. All Coles' poplin cotton fabric is made from two fold both warp and weft. POPLIN - The “Stock in Trade” of quality English shirtmaking. Poplin describes a smooth finished weave that is both comfortable and durable. This weave tends to gives the surface colours prominence, making poplin excellent for the sharp checks, stripes and end on ends in which we specialize. A plain weave, but a coarser weft than warp gives pronounced rib. TWO FOLD - Mainly relates to poplin whereby two yarns are twisted (folded) together to give added durability. A single piece of string can be broken but two pieces platted together cannot. This principle allows the yarns to be spun much more finely coupling quality with strength. END ON END - A weave whereby the Warp yarn is one colour and the Weft another. When a colour is mixed with white the effect is of a subtle plain colour. When two different colours are mixed a strong vibrant plain colour is produced. HERRINGBONE – A Twill weave normally made using a softer yarn that runs in lines of opposing direction giving a zigzag effect. Yarns lay on the surface giving this fabric a particularly lustrous look. Reputedly so named because it resembles the varying diagonals of a fish’s backbone. OXFORD - a plain, relatively open weave which is semi-formal. This is a slightly thicker fabric than poplin.

Why do plain shirts cost less than patterned shirts?

All Coles’ patterned shirts have designs that match at all points of contact. This means that a greater amount of time is spent on each shirt as all fabrics must be precisely cut by hand, and simply more fabric need to be used to ensure that patterns match. This is not required when producing plain coloured shirts.

How do I care for my Coles' shirt?

Remove collar stiffeners before washing. Machine wash your Coles' shirt at no more than 40 degrees Celsius to keep your shirt in optimal condition. Coles' shirts can either be spun or rung dry, but not tumble-dried. It is preferable to iron your shirt whilst slightly damp, as this makes ironing easier. Moisten with a water spray if ironing your shirt from dry. Do not starch cuffs or collars as this will reduce your shirt's lifespan. Don't forget to replace your collar stiffeners to keep your shirt looking its best.

Will my new shirt shrink at all?

All our fabrics are pre-shrunk. Coles allow approximately one centimetre extra in the collar and the sleeves for further settling of the fabric that may occur. How long are the points on Coles’ shirt collars? Cutaway collar has point of 2 5/8" Classic collar has point of 2 7/8" Button Down collar has point of 3"

How do I best tie a Coles’ tie?

‘4 in Hand’ knot Coles recommends this knot as it can be used with Classic, Button Down and Cutaway Collars to give a professional and sophisticated look. ‘Full Windsor’ knot Coles recommends this knot be worn with a Cutaway Collar. ‘Half Windsor’ This knot can be used with the Classic or Button Down Collar but is best suited to the Cutaway Collar.

Why are Coles' ties so special?

All of our ties are made out of 100% Pure Silk which is woven in England. The quality of the silk is exceptional. The reason we stress 100% Pure Silk is that many woven silks from Italy, which are used by many people, are known as "Weighted Silk". What they do is coat the silk with a metal to give it the impression of being heavier than it actually is. In our case, there is no weighting of the silk used. It is the real thing. To ensure our ties are the best we also hand make each tie in England.

How long are Coles' ties?

Coles' ties are cut to a minimum length of 58" (147cms).

Can I pay by telephone?

Yes, by using the number located in the contact section, you may pay by debit or credit card over the telephone or Fax.