Discovering the Surprisingly High Quality of Goodfellow & Co. Shirts
As someone who works in a business casual office, finding well-fitting, comfortable, and affordable button-down shirts can be a challenge. Most shirts I find are either too expensive for everyday wear or lacking in quality and durability. So when I first stumbled upon the Goodfellow And Co. brand at Target, I was intrigued but skeptical. Could these affordable basic shirts measure up in terms of fit, feel and construction? I decided to take the plunge and try a few myself – and I’m so glad I did.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences testing out numerous styles and fits of Goodfellow button-downs over the past few months. I’ll provide a detailed review of the key factors I look for in an everyday shirt – from available sizes, price points, fabrics and colors to overall quality, durability and fit. Read on for the inside scoop on how Goodfellow shirts have become my new go-to for office and weekend wear!
Sizing and Price Range
Goodfellow & Co. offers an extensive range of standard and fitted sizes in their button-down shirts. I tend to fluctuate between a medium and large, so I tested both sizes in several styles. Here’s a quick overview of the available sizes:
- Neck sizes range from 14″ up to 20″ in half inch increments
- Standard shirt sizes go from small to XXL
- Fitted (“athletic fit”) options are available from medium to XXL
One of the most appealing aspects of Goodfellow shirts is the very reasonable price point, especially when compared to similar quality brands. The classic button-downs typically range from $17.99 to $24.99 – quite affordable for shirts that can easily pass for higher-end names!
Styles and Fabric Options
With a dozen or more style options, Goodfellow provides an array of button-down designs suitable for business or pleasure. I particularly like their heathered cotton-linen blends that add depth and visual interest to solids and patterns alike. They also offer shirts in performance fabrics like moisture-wicking synthetic blends if you prefer technical shirts for travel or outdoor activities.
The cotton oxfords have a substantial weight and density that feels higher end. I’m also a fan of their flannels and ** Tattersall** check patterns for cool weather layering. And most styles are available in short and long sleeve versions, providing year-round wardrobe options.
Fit, Feel and Construction
It’s clear from the first wear that these are no cheap, flimsy shirts. The tailored fit through the shoulders and torso coupled with the smooth, substantial cotton fabrics give Goodfellow shirts a quality feel and drape.
Elements like cleanly stitched seams, full button plackets, and firm, well-attached buttons further reinforce the durable construction. And the rounded hem with side vents allows greater ease of movement – no pulling or untucking.
For my body type, I found the athletic fit medium to be ideal – trim but not tight through the shoulders, chest and arms with enough room in the body for tucked or untucked wear. The non-fitted larges were also comfortable but run generically boxy in the torso.
Color and Pattern Selection
With around a dozen colorways in most styles, Goodfellow provides a spectrum of conservative and fashion-forward shades and patterns. For professional settings, you can’t go wrong with their crisp whites, heather greys and solid blues.
Personally, I gravitate toward their more unique washed out palettes and micro prints. A pale glen plaid or double stripe in muted mauves and blues adds refined style without looking loud or distracting.
And their casual weekend options like washed denims, brushed flannels and airy linens inject some personality into any wardrobe. The colors stay modern and vivid wash after wash.
Care and Durability Factors
To really test the mettle of these shirts, I’ve run them through the ringer – so far, they’re passing with flying colors! Here are some care and durability observations:
- The 100% cotton styles can be machine washed and dried without shrinking or losing color.
- Stains like coffee and ketchup come out easily in the wash. Collars and cuffs remain crisp after repeat cleaning.
- The fabrics show minimal pilling or fraying even after extended wear and machine drying. Seams, buttons and stitching are holding up nicely.
- The tailored fit has retained its shape, not stretching or distorting over time.
- For deeper cleaning, dry cleaning is a safe bet to extend the life of these shirts.
For the price, these are clearly built to last – no fast fashion disposability here! I’m confident my Goodfellow button-downs will maintain their integrity for many wears to come.
How Do They Stack Up?
After testing many comparable men’s basic button-downs in this price tier, I’m comfortable saying Goodfellow & Co. provides one of the best quality-to-value ratios out there.
In feel, construction and durability, they are nearly indistinguishable from my shirts that cost two or three times more from brands like Banana Republic, J.Crew or Everlane. I honestly prefer the fit and feel of Goodfellow over the slimmer, thinner Mossimo tees I used to buy at Target.
The only downside is limited colorways and patterns compared to the wider selections at mall brands. But for essential, high-quality wardrobe basics, Goodfellow definitely holds its own against the big names.
Conclusion: My New Go-To Button-Down
After months of wear testing, I can confidently promote Goodfellow & Co. shirts as my new favorite button-down for daily office and weekend wear. The ample sizing options provide a consistent, tailored fit that moves with me. The fabrics feel substantial on the body but breathe easy, and they’ve proven highly durable over repeat washes and long hours of wear.
Whether it’s their super soft washed cotton oxfords, versatile heathered blends, rugged flannels or laidback linens, these shirts just work – looking sharp and keeping me comfortable throughout my busy days. Considering the outstanding quality and price point, I won’t hesitate to stock up on Goodfellow button-downs in multiple colors and patterns. They’ve earned a permanent place in my closet!