Spotlight On: The Oxford Shirt
Origin and properties
The Oxford shirt originated in the beginning of the 19th century from a Scottish textile mill, where they created four cloths named after four famous establishments: Yale, Cambridge, Harvard the last being Oxford.
The Oxford cloth was made from cotton threads with a noticeable basket-weave pattern. Its breathability and limited creasing are properties that made it perfect for crafting into a lightweight garment, perfect for everyday casual wear.
Image credits: (Scottish Mill, stplwear), (Basket weave, Woodiesclothing)
Growing popularity
Originally created for Polo players of the British Raj, who needed a piece of clothing that was durable and breathable – the shirt was perfect for battling the heat. Buttons would gradually be sewn onto the ends of the collars ensuring they didn’t curl up during matches. This was how the Oxford Shirt, as we know it today, was born.
Popularity of the shirt spread, becoming increasingly well-loved by Ivy-leaguers, donning the ‘American Prep’ look at big universities in the USA. The likes of star-studded celebrities of the time, such as Paul Newman and Clark Gable, propelled the shirt into further popularity in the 1950s, and thus making its mark on high street fashion.
Image credits: (British Raj Polo Team, stplwear), (Paul Newman, Besnard), (Ivy Leaguers, Alpsandmeters)
