The Oxford Shirt – History of a Timeless Classic

The History of the Oxford Shirt

The Oxford shirt, with its rich history and long evolution, has become a symbol of timeless style and practicality. Named after the fabric it is made from—Oxford cloth—the shirt has grown beyond its origins to become a wardrobe staple for men around the world. Over the years, it has kept its status not just because of its unique fabric but also because of its versatile design and lasting appeal. Therefore, the Oxford shirt continues to be a favorite, smoothly blending tradition with modern fashion.

Oxford cloth, the cornerstone of the shirt’s identity, owes its name to Oxford College, even though the institution had no role in its creation. In the late 19th century, a Scottish textile mill sought to capitalize on the prestige of famous universities by naming various weaves after them. As a result, Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Harvard weaves emerged. However, only Oxford cloth stood the test of time and gained lasting popularity.

From Sportswear to Wardrobe Essential

Originally conceived as sportswear in the late 19th century, Oxford shirts gained popularity among British polo players. The fabric’s comfort, durability, and breathability made it a preferred choice, especially in the warm climates of British India. However, the shirts, featuring pointed collars, became an issue during active polo matches—the unfastened collars of Oxford shirts posed a challenge as they would flop around the players’ faces, causing distraction. To address this, players began attaching buttons to fasten the collar points—a practical innovation that soon became a stylish addition.

The story takes an interesting turn when an American named John E. Brooks, of Brooks Brothers, observed this during a polo match in England. Captivated by the practical yet stylish solution, Brooks introduced button-down Oxford shirts to the American market, forever changing the course of men’s fashion. Consequently, this simple yet ingenious adaptation not only solved a practical problem but also laid the foundation for a timeless classic in men’s wardrobes worldwide.

Princeton 1950’s students (credit)

The Ivy League

Fast forward a couple of decades to the 1950s, when Ivy League students adopted the OCBD (Oxford cloth button-down) and made it part of their uniform. College campuses were full of students wearing tweed jackets, Oxford cloth button-down shirts, regimental ties, flannel trousers, and penny loafers.

Inspired by the East Coast elite, prominent actors, politicians, and entrepreneurs embraced this new way of dressing and elevated it to a new height of cool. It became the style of the new American generation, and its popularity really took off.

The Oxford Weave

The distinct basket weave pattern of Oxford cloth, made with an equal number of vertical and horizontal threads, sets it apart. This weaving technique gives the fabric a unique mix of softness and durability. The threads are usually one color mixed with white, creating the fabric’s unique checkerboard look. The result is a fabric that is not only breathable but also naturally wrinkle-resistant, making Oxford shirts perfect for many occasions.

Colours

We are adding four colorways to our American Oxford collection – Peach Striped, Light Pink Striped, Dark Blue Striped, Brown Striped. The newly added colors complement our range consisting of off-white, light blue, and light blue striped. Our American Oxford line offers a varied selection, accommodating different styles and preferences. Discover our collection below:

Styling Options

The Oxford shirt is a versatile wardrobe essential. It complements nearly every outfit you put together, especially casual combinations like jeans, chinos, or flannel.

You can wear it with a suit, as showcased by Andreas in the featured images in this post. In many business or business casual settings, an Oxford shirt provides a comfortable and stylish alternative to the more formal dress shirt.

Pairing your Oxford shirt with your favorite knitwear adds an interesting dimension to your look by blending various structures and textures. On more casual office days, wearing it with separates or a combination of jeans and a sports jacket can elevate your overall look.

Questions about the The Oxford Shirt