Men’s shirts have been around for a long time, however, before the eighteenth century men’s shirts were only worn under outer clothing. The fact that these folks were seen as items of underclothing explains why it is seen as a fake pas for a man to remove his suit jacket uninvited. In 1871 Brown, Davis and Co. introduced the world to the first people’s shirt with buttons all the way down leading. Today, these have evolved to become the formal and casual men’s shirts and ladies shirts we know today.
Men’s and ladies: fabric weaves and washes
The finest men’s shirts are 100% cotton which ensures they are soft, breathable and durable. Here are some of the dashiki shirt mens cotton fabric weaves, washes and styles you’ll find in formal and casual shirts that are available today.
Poplin Crisp, cool and comfortable, poplin is the classic cotton shirt fabric that is ideal all year round, for many occasions.
Oxford
A shirt with an Oxford weave is generally a little heavier and warmer over a cotton poplin weave that makes it ideal in the cooler autumn and wintertime. Oxford cloth usually contains a combination of dyed and undyed strings to give a more relaxed casual shirt.
Pinpoint
The pinpoint weave is a combination of both cotton poplin and Oxford. It is woven using long staple cotton (for extra softness) and, as with the Oxford shirt weave, only the warp yarn is dyed.
Herringbone and twill
These are uneven men’s weaves that produce a diagonal structure and gives the shirts interesting features. Both weaves are warmer than classic poplin so are favoured in the wintry conditions.
Peach finish
A shirt with a peach finish has usually undergone a process in which the fabric has been very lightly distressed – this gives it an extra soft feel. Men’s and ladies shirts with a peach or carbon finish are usually casual shirts.
Vintage wash
Vintage wash men’s and women’s clothing are akin to especially those with peach finishes. They are exceptionally soft to the touch and have a ‘worn-in’ look which is very comfortable, warm and relaxed.
Men’s and ladies shirts: how to crease a shirt correctly
Ideally, men’s and ladies shirts should be kept on hangers in the wardrobe, but there are occasions when shirts need to be creased. There is a knack to flip-style folding both smart and casual shirts that will ensure they will stay smooth and wrinkle-free. Lay the shirt face down with the buttons fastened, then crease one side over until about halfway along the shoulder. Crease the rest of the sleeve over itself so it lies flat in a straight line parallel to the side of the shirt. Repeat for the other side so the shirt forms a rectangle. Then crease the shirt in half so the bottom hem splashes the dog collar.
Men’s shirts
Men’s shirts: how to find the right shirt for your build
Tall
If you are tall and lean choose a garment with cutaway collars, or spread collars, to help you look broader. If you are tall and muscular, a fitted shirt can help you look more powerful.
Fit build
Fit builds can pull off fitted or semi-fitted men’s clothes rather well. Choose small collars (like cutaway collars) if you have a short neck.
Short build
Short and lean men should wear fitted or semi-fitted shirts as classic fit men’s shirts will only drown them. Bigger men look best in classic fit shirts with vertical stripes to help slim the frame.
Rotund build
Wide builds should choose classic fit shirts with pleats, ideally with vertical stripes. Also opt for classic collars which are large enough to draw attention away from the washboard tummy.
Why every man should own a white shirt
Before the end of the nineteenth century the white top was a proof of wealth because very man with enough money could afford to have his washing done frequently – and white looks dirty the speediest. Today, men’s formal white shirts are still viewed as an elegant option. Not only does a white shirt suit every man, it is easy to wear a people’s white shirt as it can be with almost anything and be befitting many occasions.
Ladies shirts
Ladies shirts: a history
It is thought that women first begun to wear shirts around 1890 when freedom fighters donned red made of wool shirts under the charismatic Giuseppe Garibaldi. Today, ladies shirts have evolved into many different styles including blouses, sleeveless shirts, casual shirts and more, in several fabrics. As with men’s shirts, the most popular choice are women’s shirts in 100% cotton as they’re soft, durable and can be easily dressed up for work or dressed down for the weekend.
Ladies shirts: why women’s shirts button up the opposite side to a people’s shirt
Since it became normal for girls to wear shirts in the early twentieth century, the buttons on women’s shirts have been attached to the contrary side to those of a people’s shirt. There are a few possibilities that may explain this. One is that this made it easier for maids to dress them, whereas men maintained to dress themselves.