Men’s shirts have existed for many centuries, however: They were invisible for a long time: They were hidden underneath men’s top clothing, and therefore they were not more than just underwear. It wasn’t until the 19th century that shirts came out into the light: Promoted from underwear to men’s shirts they started a fast career. Their importance increased, more and more men’s fashion focused on them. Stiff collars and cuffs became additional highlights. An impressive men’s shirt was very much admired in the world of the upper class.
The collars kept growing until they almost touched men’s ears. In 1871, a clever tailor invented the button placket, so that it was no longer necessary to pull men’s shirts over one’s head. Until the end of the 19th century, white men´s shirts were a sign of wealth. They indicated that the gentleman did not have to do work where he got dirty - that is, if he had to work at all. A white men’s shirt remains the absolute classic today. When men’s waistcoats became increasingly less important as a must-have part of men’s suits, men’s shirts featured a breast pocket. However, this is not the case with white men’s shirts.
According to experts this is the collar which adds a special character to men’s shirts. The most popular collars are:
During hot days short-sleeved shirts are a more formal alternative to a t-shirt. However, they should not be worn at the office. The only exception: The casual Friday. Leisure time men’s t-shirts are best combined with jeans and chinos and worn above the waistband. The men’s shirts are rounded at the bottom and are tight fitting, also the sleeves have become shorter these days and are often already rolled up. In delicate chequer pattern or with flashy stripes: The patterns vary from season to season, more subtle and plain-coloured models are always timeless.