The Oxford shirt, a wardrobe staple that transcends time and trends, has earned its place as a beloved garment among many. Its classic style and versatility have made it a go-to choice for individuals seeking both polish and practicality. In this article, we delve into the world of the Oxford shirt, exploring its history, fabric, and various styles to uncover the essence of its enduring appeal.
- History
・The Birth of Oxford Fabric
・The Reason for the Button-Down Collar
・Fashionable Evolution -
Diverse Styles and Coordination
・Casual Style
・Formal Style
・Layered Style - The Modern Allure of Oxford Shirts
- WASEW's Oxford Shirts
・Only 15 meters of fabric can be woven in a day
・Fusion of Roots and Modernity
1. History
The Birth of Oxford Fabric
An Oxford shirt is a dress shirt made from fabric invented in the 19th century by Scottish textile mills.
Originally, as part of a marketing strategy, the fabric company created four types of fabrics named after prestigious universities: Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge. However, the name "Harvard shirt" is no longer heard of today, and only the "Oxford shirt" has remained.
The Reason for the Button-Down Collar
This fabric was made using a plain weave called Panama weave, which was uncommon at the time. It was slightly thicker and more durable than general shirt fabrics, and it also had excellent breathability. As a result, it began to gain popularity among polo players in England, known as the gentlemen's sport.
To prevent the collars from flapping up during play, the players began sewing on buttons. This idea caught the attention of John E. Brooks of Brooks Brothers, a visitor from America, and is said to be the reason for the birth of the button-down shirt.
Fashionable Evolution
Due to its practicality, the Oxford shirt was adopted not only for polo but also for other sports such as golf and tennis. These sports were also popular among Ivy League students, and the Oxford shirt gained popularity on the East Coast of the United States because it could be worn with a jacket and tie, and it still looked elegant even during sports.
Eventually, screen icons like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman also adopted this new style, and it matured into an enduring fashion item that continues to this day./p>
2. Diverse Styles and Coordination
As its history has shown, the Oxford shirt's versatility is its greatest appeal, stemming from the fabric's functionality and tailoring. It can be worn for a variety of occasions, from casual everyday wear to sportswear and even formal settings.
Casual Style
You can enjoy a relaxed casual style by pairing Oxfordshirt with jeans or chinos. The comfort of the Oxford fabric is particularly notable.
Formal Style
Paired with a jacket, it creates a business casual look. It can also be worn with a tie for the office or business meetings.
Layered Style
By layering it with sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans, and other layering items, you can wear it comfortably even in cold weather.
3. The Modern Allure of Oxford Shirts
Modern Oxford shirts have evolved into forms that suit modern fashion by incorporating new arrangements into their traditional designs. There are various types, such as those with changes in fabric, silhouette, and design. Just as the Oxford shirt itself has done, it may be the joy of fashion's diversity that it changes to meet the needs of the times.
4. WASEW's Oxford Shirts
The exquisite combination of traditional design and modern style, crafted with the meticulous skill of Japanese craftsman, is the defining essence of WASEW.
Embodying these defining characteristics is WASEW's crafted "B.D. ONE OXFORD SHIRT."
Only 15 meters of fabric can be woven in a day
Crafted from WASEW's original Oxford fabric, woven on an antique loom called "Schonherr" operating since before the WW2 in Aichi, Japan. Only about 15 meters of this fabric can be produced per day, and it is very important in creating the authentic vintage feel that WASEW was looking for.
Fusion of Roots and Modernity
The B.D. ONE OXFORD SHIRT embodies WASEW's philosophy of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Designed for effortless style and comfort, this shirt seamlessly integrates into the wardrobes of contemporary individuals. Its true essence lies in the meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the fabric's selection and production.
