This time of year, in the month of May, we normally start to feel the effect of summer happily working its way toward us on the calendar. May marks the time when graduations are over, the schools are planning to close for summer and perhaps the beginning of pool and barbecue season is around the corner.
Lighter colors suddenly feel appropriate again and the re-appearance of white in our outfits marks a season that brings happy times, full of summer memories. All of our summer routines suddenly feel so far away, but holding on to some sense of hope that things will return. I cannot help but feel nostalgic and wish for another summer free of worry and careless weekends enjoying al fresco meals, rosé wine and days filled with blue-sky sunshine.
For me personally, a white shirt is the perfect summer uniform.
My husband, Paolo, prefers me in blue and I do love blue as a color, but nothing quite beats the look of a fresh white shirt that makes me feel ready to take on the day knowing I look and feel good – wearing a shirt that is simple and straightforward but that every smallest detail has been thoughtfully taken care of. Some call it classic others call it boring but I can’t think of anything more quintessential and stylish than a white shirt. Think poplins, oxfords, twills, and subtle textures. In summer I tend to transfer to linen and particularly in Connecticut I am often found carrying out daily summer routine in a white linen shirt acting as a luminous frame to the face, like having built in lighting.
Historically, the white shirt has long be associated with clergy and a symbol of restraint that probably had the effect of intimidation and differentiation from the wider population, who could rarely afford the luxury of keeping their clothes white. Over time the use of the white shirt evolved into menswear’s costume and has always had a long-standing association with restraint, understatement and a subtle symbol of power and wealth.
The term ‘white collar’ was used to describe the emerging clerical workforce, and was a resentful name given by the working class men, who referred to them more as ‘white collar stiffs’ and seeing them as dressing above their station in society. For the well-to-do, the white shirt remained an expression of wealth, because keeping a white shirt white required time and labor and probably was the job of an employed servant or valet. During the Regency period in England, the wealthy noblemen not only wore starched white collars, but especially high to purposely restrict the head because movement was not something their ‘work’ required.
From this comes the saying ‘to look down one’s nose’ at someone – as that was all they could do.
Today, the white shirt thankfully reaches across every type of use and is no longer seen as a status symbol. However, it does remain a classic and a must-have in every man’s wardrobe, easy-to-wear, easy to take care of and to feel comfortable in. Here at J.Hilburn, we pride ourselves in a multitude of white (and other) fabrications that cover every possible personal choice from pinpoint oxfords to mini textures, piques, chambrays, linens, stretch and so on. This effortless go-to in a man’s wardrobe has never had so much attention, and its well worth getting to know as one of the most important foundations of your shirt collection.
Seasonal White Shirts
Summer white shirts offer a different take on your favorite shirt. From new fabrications like linen, cotton/linen and lightweight, giving your everyday shirts a break. Have some fun with these fabrics, different styles like a Popover, or Short Sleeve. Add some ribbon piping in a complementary color and sport buttons to make it exciting to wear. Wear them under a summer suit or sportcoat, or soft wash them to wear casually with a pair of shorts or casual pants for your summertime uniform.
White Solid Linen
White on White Palm Print
White Chambray
Everyday White Shirts
Every man needs his go-to white shirt and we have plenty of options for him. From Pinpoint Oxfords that are versatile and can be dressed up or down, to soft End on Ends that add a bit of texture to your look. We can’t forget one of our best-selling shirts of all time, the White Mini Diamond, offers a unique diamond jacquard texture that takes your everyday white shirt up a level with visual interest and a different look than anything else he has. These are great fabrics to pair with any look from a Revenge suit to on their own with a 5-Pocket.
White Oxford
White End on End
White Mini Diamond
Performance White Shirts
These fabrics offer attributes to help you navigate your day and keep your look sharp. Stretch offers increased movement and comfortable feel. Non-Irons offer easy care – simply wash, hang and wear. Wrinkle Resistant shirting from Thomas Mason offers extra help to keep your shirt from the typical shirt wrinkles you get from daily activities.
Pair these with our new Reda Flexo suiting for a complete performance look.
White Stretch Solid Poplin
Non-Iron White Pinpoint Solid
Wrinkle Resistant White Journey Twill
