One for the boys: Matching collars and cuffs

An ill-fitting shirt on a man is a real bugbear of mine (I have many, relating to both men and to clothes, often both). What I’ve realised is, that a man can’t necessarily see that there’s anything amiss with his shirt until he sees how good he looks in one that really fits.

Of all the items of clothing that make a difference - shoes don’t count because they are an accessory, otherwise they’d be the thing that makes the biggest difference - the shirt is it. A bespoke shirt, by Emma Willis shirtmaker, makes an excellent gift that will raise someones sartorial game and bring joy for many months and years to come. Not just for Christmas, as can so often be the case.

Emma and her team can talk you through the myriad options…single or double (French) cuff, rounded, angled or squared corners, the fit and the cloth. It all depends on whether you’re a watch-wearer (watches need a certain mm of clearance on the watch-wearing wrist), what your body shape is and ultimately, your personal style. If a bespoke shirt exceeds budget, a gift voucher for one of their off-the-peg shirts feels special too. The shop is gorgeous and the advice is solid.

National treasure Hugh Grant is partial to an Emma Willis shirt and was pictured in one for Vanity Fair, with someone commenting on an instagram post ‘I’ll have two of these if they come with Hugh Grant’. I’m not claiming that the recipient of this fine gift will instantly turn into Hugh Grant, but if Colin Firth and King Charles are also fans, we can be assured it’s a gift fit for a King.

Bespoke shirts by Emma Wills start at £380, initial minimum order 4 shirts. Ready-to-wear shirts start at £260.

66 Jermyn Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6NY

www.emmawillis.com