The Untold History of the Collared Shirt

 

The collared shirt, also known as the polo shirt, is a timeless fashion staple that has been around for over a century. Despite its ubiquity in fashion, not much is known about the history of the collared shirt. In this article, we will take a closer look at the untold history of the collared shirt.

 

Origins

 

The collared shirt can trace its origins back to the 19th century. The shirt was initially worn by polo players in India, who were looking for a comfortable and practical shirt to wear while playing the sport. The shirt was made of lightweight, breathable fabric and featured a collar that could be flipped up to protect the player's neck from the sun.

 

In the early 1900s, the collared shirt began to gain popularity among golfers, who appreciated its comfort and practicality. The shirt was also adopted by tennis players, who appreciated the freedom of movement that the shirt provided. By the 1920s, the collared shirt had become a staple item in the wardrobes of sports enthusiasts.

 

Ralph Lauren

 

While the collared shirt had become popular among sports enthusiasts, it was not yet considered a fashion item. It was not until the 1970s that the collared shirt became a fashion item. This was largely due to the influence of fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

 

In 1971, Ralph Lauren introduced his iconic polo shirt, which featured a small embroidered logo on the chest. The shirt was made of high-quality cotton and was available in a wide range of colors. The shirt was an instant success and became a must-have item for the preppy fashion trend of the 1970s.

 

The success of the Ralph Lauren polo shirt paved the way for other designers to incorporate the collared shirt into their fashion collections. Today, the collared shirt is a staple item in the wardrobes of both men and women and is available in a wide range of styles and colors.

 

Pop Culture

 

The collared shirt has also had a significant impact on pop culture. In the 1980s, the collared shirt was a favorite of pop stars like Madonna and Michael Jackson. Madonna famously wore a black collared shirt in her "Like a Virgin" music video, while Michael Jackson often wore brightly colored collared shirts on stage.

 

In the 1990s, the collared shirt became popular among hip-hop artists, who adopted the preppy style of the 1980s. Artists like LL Cool J and Run-DMC were often seen wearing collared shirts, khakis, and sneakers, which helped to elevate the collared shirt's status in hip-hop culture.

 

Today, the collared shirt continues to be a favorite item among pop culture icons. Celebrities like David Beckham and Ryan Gosling are often seen wearing collared shirts on the red carpet, while fashion influencers like Olivia Palermo and Chiara Ferragni regularly incorporate collared shirts into their street style looks.

 

Innovation

 

While the collared shirt has remained largely unchanged for over a century, there have been some innovations in recent years. One of the most significant innovations is the use of performance fabrics.

 

Performance fabrics are designed to wick away moisture, making them perfect for sports and other physical activities. Brands like Nike and Under Armour have incorporated performance fabrics into their collared shirts, making them a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

 

Another innovation in collared shirts is the use of smart fabrics. Smart fabrics are designed to monitor and measure various aspects of the wearer's health, such as heart rate and body temperature. These fabrics are still in the early stages of development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the collared shirt industry.

 

In conclusion, the collared shirt has a rich and untold history. From its origins as a practical shirt for polo players to its status as a fashion and pop culture staple, the collared shirt has had a significant impact on fashion and culture. With innovations like performance fabrics and smart fabrics, the collared shirt is sure to remain a favorite item for years to come.