Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the grandad shirt
Within our design process, we love a back story. The history of a garment inspires us in our journey to reinvent it for the modern man. The grandad shirt’s history is not the easiest to pin down, however, with a number of different stories surrounding its origin - making this style all the more interesting. A versatile collarless look for all ages, the SIRPLUS grandad shirt collection is always effortless, enduring and just a little eccentric.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's Kulfi Green Grandad Shirt and Sand Linen Shorts.
What is a grandad shirt?
The grandad features a classic men’s shirt silhouette. The button collar is joined to a raised band that runs around the neck but, crucially, does not fold down. One origin story features a 1920’s housewife in New York cutting the collar off her husband’s shirt to wash it separately. Legend has it, this sparked the famous detachable collar that dominated the period. This narrative gives the grandad a rebellious approach to formal tailoring - a bold and creative break up of collar and tie.
Others suggest blue-collar workers, farmers and factory hands of the 1920s and ’30s didn’t wear a tie in case it came into contact with dangerous machinery. With no need for one, they cut the collar off their shirts - lending a rugged and industrious aesthetic to the modern garment.
Further afield, the grandad collar was popularized in India by political leaders in the 1950s. Like the Summer SIRPLUS collections, these were crafted in lightweight cottons and linens, keeping the wearer cool during sunny weekends and formal events alike. Our Summer 2020 collection reflects the adaptation and versatility shown by this incredible garment throughout the years, with a nod to its geographical journey too.
Earl wears; Left: SIRPLUS's Navy Striped Cotton Linen Grandad Shirt and Sand Linen Shorts. Right: SIRPLUS's Blue Grandad Shirt and Sand Linen Shorts.
Are they fashionable?
Despite its lengthy history, grandad shirts are here to stay. With so many different influences, it’s not surprising it’s become a practical and versatile staple. Easily paired and accessorised, its use as a casual garment has increased over time though this has never undermined its ability to be the basis for something more formal. Our plain cotton-linen blend options provide just that, a breathable yet smart alternative to the standard formal shirt.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's White Cotton Linen Grandad Shirt.
How do you wear it?
A history lesson is all well and good, but don’t be put off thinking the grandad won’t match a modern look. What we love about this collarless shirt is that, like a quirky cousin to our classic White Cotton Linen Shirt, it brings a signature twist to any occasion.
Here are three of our staple combinations:
Earl wears SIRPLUS's Left: Navy Striped Cotton Linen Grandad Shirt and Sand Linen Shorts. Right: Blue Grandad Shirt and Sand Linen Shorts.
The Perfect Pair:
Make the most of this season’s nod to utilitarian shapes by pairing the grandad collar with a French workwear staple, our limited edition surplus Blue Check Chore Jacket.
Together they create a classic, functional silhouette for the contemporary wardrobe.
For an eye-catching look, sport a quintessentially SIRPLUS pairing. Just like the grandad collar shirts, the Nehru jackets & waistcoats offer a twist on tradition by going collarless. Paired with the grandad shirt it offers a crisp, paired back addition to a transitional year-round wardrobe. The effect is clean, refined and anything but old-fashioned.
Try the unlined Navy Arnad Cotton Linen Chore Nehru Jacket with the Navy Striped Cotton Linen Grandad Shirt for a distinctive take on the boxy workwear-style cut.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's Navy Arnad Cotton Linen Chore Nehru Jacket, matching trousers and white cotton-linen grandad shirt.
The Summer Wedding Guest:
Adding a grandad collar into the mix brings an effortless look to any formal occasion and is a fresh take on the classic wedding attire.
Pair the classic grandad shirt in White with our Sand Linen Nehru Jacket and matching Sand Linen Formal Trousers, to stand out, stay classy and, most importantly, keep cool at that summer wedding.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's navy linen blazer, striped t-shirt & navy trousers and cream knitted polo.
Nehru jacket not your thing? Try the Smoke Blue Blazer one. Made in a cotton-linen blend, with eco-friendly corozo nut buttons, it’s forward-thinking formalwear with tailoring made to last. Pair with Smoke Blue Casual Trouser to complete the look.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's navy linen blazer, striped t-shirt & navy trousers and cream knitted polo.
The Perfect Pair:
Sometimes simplicity is all it takes to make the most of a great piece. The Navy & Blue Striped Linen Cotton Kaftan is the perfect example. Offering a new relaxed take on the classic overhead shirt, it’s cut generously from a cotton-linen blend, topped off with natural, sustainable corozo buttons and a curved split hem. An ideal summer update to wear with our casual trousers or shorts, it’s perfect untucked over our Navy Linen Drawsting Trousers - also featuring sustainable brown corozo buttons. Unless, of course, the sun decides to keep shining, then swap out the trousers for Sand Linen Shorts.
Earl wears SIRPLUS's sage linen blazer, navy & white cuan linen shirt and sage green drawstring trousers.
Are they cool?
A style worn by The Beatles, Peaky Blinders and even young Prince George? We’ll let you be the judge…
Just remember, leave out the tie.