The Hunters Shirt is where it all began for Ball and Buck. The original shirts were released six years ago, and it’s been a great journey since then. The Hunters Shirt is one of my favorite pieces in the menswear arena. For me, it’s traditional enough with the oxford cloth and the soft collar design, it’s a superb fit right off the rack, and it has a some toughness with the elbow patches and the tonal reinforced shooting shoulder. The logo is great too – not too ‘country club’, and also not a cartoon fish.
I own a dozen of these shirts, and wear them frequently, either untucked with shorts, or with jeans and a sport coat. I also wear these in the field quite a bit. This shirt is made to be worn, and it can do it all.
In talking with Ball and Buck’s founder, Mark Bollman, he shared his thoughts about the Hunters Shirt:
What’s the history of the Hunters Shirt? Initially designed 6 years ago, and launched on Kickstarter, the Hunters Shirt became the foundation for many of the products Ball and Buck has ever made. Rooted in the desire for quality and functionality the Hunters Shirt. We did a couple videos…check them out here and here.
What makes the Hunters Shirt special? It’s less of individual aspects that make it special but the cumulation of all the details and aspects that make this shirt one of the hardest working shirts in the world. We spared nothing when it comes to the details. Double-needle stitching at 14 stitches per inch throughout the garment ensures that even if you snag the shirt on a briar it won’t tear up on you on the spot. Reinforced shooting shoulder and elbow patches provide that extra layer of protection from the fabric wearing out in high stress areas. Stay strong collar makes sure that your collar stays upright and looking good. The box pleat gives full range of motion when in the field or shooting. Each shirt is handsewn in Boston, MA.
What is the inspiration behind the shirt? We had a mission. Make the best shirt in the world… In America. The Hunter’s Shirt has taken many colors, patterns and plaids over the years. From our Field Grade Hunters Shirt, Upland Edition to classic summer styles the Hunters Shirt has been at the core of Ball and Buck through out the years.
Now, what’s new? A new design of the Hunters Shirt, exactly how I would design it: oxford blue with the Ball and Buck original camo detailing on the elbows and shoulder.
On this version of the Hunters Shirt, they’ve added an Original Camo detail on the shooting shoulder and elbow patches. It features their trademarked, Tech-Vent. Which is a mesh insert, under the arm to allow for breathability and comfort. 150g oxford, is flexible, comfortable but super durable.
And the good news? They are available to order NOW. Click here to get yours, and be sure to use code RCSPEAK for 10% off (through 5/31/19). I’m super pumped about this one, I hope you are, too.
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Somebody send the poser in the camo shirt to a firearms safety class. It’s hard for me to take these guys seriously.