My Mom was a seamstress and (being a guy)I have actually done some sewing myself and assisted her some when I was younger. Which brings me to my question and concern.

I bought a $100, tailored dress shirt and the first time I put it on and flexed my arms, stretching the fabric across my pects (chest), it tore. I feel I did not stress it that much and also don't think the shirt fits too tightly (though it is form-fitting). It tore the fabric vertically from one side of the button hole; opposite of the side the button would be pulling against. This was the second from the top button hole. The button hole itself is intact. I am 60 and this has NEVER happened to me before. The only thing I can say is that the button hole, which is a typical, simple, vertical style, stitching seems very dense, with no space at all between stitches and the fabric is a fairly fine, tight weave (not a heavy-weight shirt). My impression is that the stitching is too tight and the repeated stitching in a small area could have weakened the fabric. The only other thing I can think of is that the material was weakened from a flaw or a nick, if they slipped, when they were cutting out the button hole fabric, though that seems unlikely.

Any experience with this (tearing around button holes happening or other ideas why it would tear so easily? This is not a cheap shirt and I am worried that the retailer may not replace it and I want a good rationalle before I confront him. Thanks!