Shirt Fabrics of the Month – By Carlton Ellis
For those of you who didn’t already know, we’ve got a bunch of new shirting fabrics in our books, and this month features some really interesting patterns that are great for the warmer weather.
My favourite shirt pattern gingham returns for summer with PS 763; this time in a fun, medium scale blue. It’s a great choice for casual Fridays at the office or the weekend. This cotton fabric has a white base with intersecting stripes in bright blue. At the office, try wearing it with a grey suit (no tie) for a look that definitely says business casual but modern. Neutral colours that also pair well with this shirt include khaki and navy. On your off days, wear it with chinos or dark (or white) denim, untucked for a decidedly casual weekend vibe. It’s also a nice departure from the standard blue dress shirt.
My second choice is PS 731. It’s part of our premium collection and is a classic pattern with an update. In addition to the coloured vertical striping, there’s also a subtle textured stripe which adds more visual interest to the shirt. The thin pinstripes are not overwhelming and make it an easy pattern for anyone to wear regardless of one’s stature. This fabric is featured in three different colour ways (purple, red, blue). I decided to write about the red version since I can appreciate its versatility in one’s wardrobe. The thin red stripes are not overpowering but have a enough presence to add interest to your outfit. Choose a solid colour tie or one that has a pattern with a scale that is much larger than the pattern of the shirt. Choosing a suit is just as simple: navy, grey or black will all work.
My last choice for this month is PS 717. This medium weight, blue cotton has a small scale herringbone texture to it which adds a subtle visual impact. The colour is quite pale and it’s a great update on the classic blue dress shirt. I would recommend wearing it with a grey suit for a really sharp professional look and it’s also a really great colour combination. However, navy and black are also good colour options. If you do choose a navy suit, consider wearing a tie of another hue such as red or gold. On Fridays after work, lose the suit jacket and wear it with your dress pants as you head out for dinner with colleagues. It’s a great colour for a variety of complexions, which is undoubtedly part of its appeal. As always, when in doubt over colour choices, consult with your IM stylist.
The vest or waistcoat was initially introduced by English King Charles II. It was a simple straight cut, and close fitting garment made from black cloth with a white silk lining. Promoted personally by the king, it was soon popular with everyone. Over time its popularity waned, but now thanks to shows like The Mentalist and Mad Men (whose leading men frequently sport the classic style) vests are now back in fashion.
A vest can also be worn with casual separates to create a ‘smart casual’ look. It’s common now to wear vests over a dress shirt (sometimes even over a t-shirt) with contrasting slacks or denim. Another common practice is to leave the last button of a vest undone, and that’s thanks to King Edward VII. He was apparently so heavy that he could not get the bottom button fastened. His subjects, taking it as a fashion statement, followed his lead and today no man’s suit, sports jacket or vest is designed to button the bottom button.
If you’re getting married this year and are planning on attending Toronto’s Bridal Show (April 20th to 22nd), then here’s a treat for you. We all like something for free and we all know that weddings can put a hole right through your wallet.
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