We talk quite a bit about dress shirts, solid oxfords, and some U-stripes/Bengal stripes. But I found myself wondering what happened to the world of checked sport shirts. I have a closet-full, but honestly don’t find myself grabbing them that often.
To be honest, I think I need a refresh. A lot of mine have seen better days, both in condition and in style. These shirts won’t maintain their place in the lineup because of a brand tag. A good plaid design will get it plenty of at-bats, but it can’t be tired. Now, some of my checks and plaids are and will remain in the lineup, but I need to do a better job of purging those that may have fallen out of favor. In that vein, here’s what I’m digging these days:
From top left:
1. Original Madras Trading Company X David Coggins Fly Fishing Shirt: Madras seems to be having a resurgence, which is very welcomed by this camp. OMTC is leading the way, and their collaboration with our friend David Coggins hits the bullseye.
2. J. Crew Secret Wash Cotton Gingham Shirt: The Secret Wash has been around for a while, and is a GREAT value for what you are getting. Pro tip: wash, hang dry, and iron with lots of steam.
3. Orvis Space-Dyed Plaid Shirt: Don’t sleep on Orvis – just make sure they are 100% cotton.
4. Sid Mashburn Button-down Sport Shirt: I’m not sure anyone makes plaids as cool as Sid.
5. Ledbury Bradford Plaid Shirt: The folks at Ledbury just do it right. Maybe a little more on the dressy side, but a welcome addition under a cashmere sweater or a chore coat.
6. Peter Millar Torino Cotton Sport Shirt: Peter Millar’s tailoring has come quite a long way over the years. I’d put their topline dress shirts aside from almost anyone in that category.
7. Alan Paine Plaid Shirt: An often overlooked brand in a lot of men’s stores, but a fine option, and great fit.
8. Brooks Brothers Washed Madras Shirt: Again with the washed madras…all good.
9. RRL Plaid Woven Work Shirt: My friend Bill at Louie has converted me to RRL. The stuff is SO GOOD. Much more vintage-y / workwear vs. the PRL cousins, but great with jeans and boots.
10. Tom Beckbe X DU Knapp Cotton Twill Sport Shirt: I mean…is there a better fall plaid than this Knapp option?
11. Duck Head Cotton/Cashmere Sport Shirt: I always love these wool or cashmere blends. They are very comfortable and a welcome addition to the Fall lineup.
12. Ben Silver Gingham Shirt: A blue gingham is an absolute necessity to any closet. Spend some good money on this one…you’ll wear it a lot.
Sid Mashburn always has some great ones. I received a new from SM for my birthday back in July and love it.
What’s Mashburn sizing like for sport shirts? 40R a pretty safe “medium”? I know his clothes are usually on the trimmer side.
i find the sport shirts to be pretty full. a long time ago, they used to be slimmer but the ones i’ve bought in recent history have been pretty wide. i’d size down but the sleeves would be too short. i’ve moved to buying his “slim fit” shirts.
I find Sid Mashburn shirts a little slimmer than others, but not a great deal. I am usually in between a Large and an XL in other brands and the XL in SM fits me great in the body but the sleeves are a bit long.
I’ve had some form of J Crew secret wash shirts in heavy rotation for over 15 years. They’re a very soft poplin, so they don’t keep a pressing for long, but they look great under a sweater or as a knock-around shirt. Throw one on with jeans/ chinos on a Saturday morning for kids’ ball games/ errands and you’re looking better than most. Tremendous value, can usually catch them on sale around this time.