The Inside Story - Sandra

2026-04-29 by Mafalda

A ShirtbyHand acredita que fazer uma camisa é, acima de tudo, um acto humano, making shirts personal não é apenas um statement, é a forma como a marca existe todos os dias. Sandra, Operations Manager em Amesterdão há 7,5 anos, é prova disso. Do cliente que finalmente percebe o que é um fit perfeito, à equipa que cuida de cada detalhe desde o atelier até à porta de casa: há uma ligação real em cada passo. Nesta entrevista, Sandra partilha o que a move e o que torna esta marca verdadeiramente especial.

Sandra, tell us a little about yourself — who are you and how did you find your way to ShirtbyHand?
I am Sandra and I have been working with ShirtbyHand for 7,5 years right now. I’ve always been drawn to craftsmanship and personal service. Before joining ShirtbyHand, I worked in roles where customer experience was key, but I was missing that deeper connection with the product itself. When I discovered ShirtbyHand, it just clicked, combining personal styling, precision, and a product that truly makes a difference in how someone feels.
Alongside working directly with clients, I also lead projects to continuously improve and streamline our website and back-end processes, making the entire customer journey as smooth as possible. In addition, I manage the logistics flow from our atelier all the way to our clients, ensuring every shirt arrives exactly as intended.

What made you want to work for a made-to-measure shirt brand for men?
Because it’s never just “a shirt.” It’s confidence, comfort, and identity in one piece. I love that we don’t sell something off the rack, we create something that’s entirely personal. That level of detail and impact is what makes it special.

What does a typical day look like for you working in ShirtbyHand Amsterdam?
No day is the same, which I love. In my role as Operations Manager, I focus on optimizing and scaling our processes across the business. I work closely with different teams to improve the customer journey, from the website experience to back-end operations, and ensure everything runs efficiently from order to delivery. Alongside that, I manage product development and prioritization, coordinate with our atelier in Vietnam, and oversee the full logistics flow to make sure every shirt reaches the client seamlessly and at the highest quality.

What do clients value most when they come to you for the first time?
It’s really the personal attention that stands out. A lot of clients are surprised by how detailed the process is, but at the same time how easy and relaxed it feels. And the moment they try on a shirt that actually fits the way it should, you can see it click.

Is there a moment with a client you'll never forget, something you'd like to share?
I once had a client who told me he had never really felt comfortable in a shirt before. After receiving his first ShirtbyHand piece, he messaged me saying he finally understood what a “perfect fit” actually feels like. That kind of feedback really stays with me, it’s exactly why I love doing this.

What makes a truly well-made shirt for you, what can never be compromised?
For me, it always starts with the fit, that has to be right. But what really makes a shirt stand out are the details: the quality of the fabric, the stitching, the finishing. Those are the things you might not always see at first glance, but you definitely feel them. And if they’re not right, you notice it straight away.

Do you think men are changing the way they relate to clothes? What do you notice on the ground?
Definitely. I really notice that men are becoming more aware of what they wear. It’s less about following trends and more about investing in quality, a good fit, and pieces that actually work in different situations. I often hear clients say they’d rather have a few shirts that are perfect, than a wardrobe full of options that never quite feel right.

What sets ShirtbyHand apart from other brands you've worked with or come across?
The balance between craftsmanship and convenience. We bring the tailor to you, but without ever cutting corners on quality. I like that everything is done with real attention, from the first measurement all the way to the final shirt. You can feel that care in the end result, and I think that’s what truly sets us apart.

If you had to describe ShirtbyHand to someone who had never heard of it, what would you say?
ShirtbyHand is about making custom shirts accessible and straightforward. We offer high-quality, made-to-measure shirts that are tailored to you, but without the hassle you might expect. It’s personal, it’s precise, and the whole process just feels easy.

What's the next step you'd love to see the brand take?
I hope that ShirtbyHand will keep on continuing to improve the overall experience, not just growing in number of clients, but creating more moments where we can genuinely surprise people. That can be through new products, but also in how personal and smooth we make the journey. And if I’m honest, I think there’s also a great opportunity to refresh and elevate the website, so it better reflects the quality and experience we offer offline.

What makes Amsterdam special for someone visiting for the first time?
You have to visit Amsterdam at least one time in your life. To check our history, the creativity, and that relaxed atmosphere all in one place. You can walk along the canals, pass these beautiful old buildings, and at the same time discover new spots, cafés, and little boutiques around every corner. It never feels overwhelming, even though there’s always something going on. It’s quite an intimate city, and that’s what makes it so easy to enjoy.

Do you have a favourite spot in the city, like a café, a street, a neighbourhood you'd recommend to anyone?
I always tell people to just take a walk through the Jordaan, it’s one of those areas where you don’t really need a plan. Just wander through the small streets, along the canals, and you’ll naturally come across nice little cafés and boutiques. For a relaxed coffee, I personally like stopping by Pluk Amsterdam, this one is an easy, cozy spot to take a break. Also Amsterdam North is getting very cosy as well with a lot of nice cafés and restaurants where you can eat and drink.

To finish: if a ShirtbyHand client comes to Amsterdam, what is the one thing they absolutely cannot miss?
Getting on a small boat and cruising through the canals, especially in the summer. You see the city from a completely different perspective, the houses, the bridges, people along the water. It just feels very relaxed and typisch Amsterdam. It’s one of those things that sounds simple, but once you do it, you really get why everyone loves it.