
The story behind the Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt

Text: Viktor gustafsson
foto: gustaf peterson
Ralph Lauren, John E. Brooks & the Americana style
The pioneer of the advancement of the Oxford shirt was in many ways the founder of Brooks Brothers, John E. Brooks. During a trip to Great Britain at the end of the 19th century, he received inspiration for how to sell the Oxford shirt on the American market. Something that Brooks have continued success with to this day. Today, Brooks has some of the best Oxford shirts on the market. They are not alone in this, Japan’s Kamakura also manufactures the shirt, and at a very good price, as well as Britain’s Drake's.
Having said that, there is one brand that has succeeded a little more than the others. When young fashion designer Ralph Lauren launched his first collection, featuring only ties, it did not take long before people wanted to see more from the American icon. A few seasons later, a larger collection was launched. This included some, even to this day, classic garments from the brand, including the best-selling and widely appreciated Oxford shirt. The shirt was produced in more and more colour combinations and patterns in the coming seasons, making it accessible and attractive to a larger customer group. The shirt could now be used both in the workplace and at a BBQ in the garden with family and friends. Ralph Lauren put the Oxford shirt on the fashion map for good.


The model
Today, the Oxford shirt is available in a variety of fits at Polo Ralph Lauren. Custom fit (regular), Slim fit (slim) and Classic fit (relaxed) can be worn in many ways. A more dressy and slim model is, for example, perfect when you wear a relaxed suit, think cotton or flannel. The Oxford shirt then more often comes with an incision in the back, which builds a tailored and figure-hugging fit like a dressy poplin shirt. This model is excellent to wear tucked in whilst combining with a tie.
An Oxford shirt that is more relaxed, on the other hand, is perfect when worn over a t-shirt, with a pair of casual jeans or chinos. Choose trousers/shorts that have a slightly wider fit, which can meet the slightly roomier proportion of the shirt. The Oxford shirt can be both tucked in and worn outside of the trousers. It is a good idea to work layer upon layer, with a pullover or overshirt, or why not with a classic Varsity jacket, blue jeans and a pair of loafers to go all-out Ivy League.
Button Down collar
The button down collar is perhaps the most characteristic attribute of the Oxford shirt. This means that the collar tabs are fastened with small buttons on the front of the shirt. This originates from equestrian and polo sports, where you did not want the shirt collar to disrupt the rider's focus during races and matches.Oxford fabric
The so-called Oxford fabric, is also available in different designs. Plain Oxford is slightly smoother on the surface and has less structure, while Royal Oxford is slightly rougher to touch. The Oxford fabric is durable, making it last season after season. Despite extensive washing and lots of use, this shirt will only get better. The texture will become softer to the touch over the years and the shirt can also mould itself to the wearer's body.Vil du fortsette der du var?
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