No Seriously, it’s not from Oxford
In the day of European Bureaucracy you would wonder how they can be such blatant liars. When Scotch Whisky can only be brewed in Scotland, Cornish pasties baked in Cornwall and with numerous other products clinging to their origin names, how does the Oxford Shirt get away with it?
Well, straight bananas aside, the name doesn’t come from where it was created. It’s actually named after the fabric used to manufacture the shirt.
Scottish in origin, the mill developed four fabrics, coming up with the novel idea of naming them after four acclaimed academic institutions: Yale, Harvard, Cambridge and of course, Oxford. It may have been a 19th century marketing ploy but only the Oxford fabric seems to have stood the test of time.
So, what makes the Oxford shirt so appealing? Originally it was the price. At the time of its concept formal shirts were expensive, the Oxford shirt was a cheaper alternative for the less affluent individual.
These days though, it’s a great casual substitute to your formal shirts. Traditionally thicker weave fabric, the usual Oxford has a button down collar and chest pocket but that’s not a given, there are now many variations on this style. Looking good in both long and short sleeves, pairing the Oxford with jeans or chinos gives you that smart/casual feel.
That’s not to say it can’t be seen in a stylish formal setting. In a work scene there are good reasons to incorporate the Oxford into your uniform. With a thicker fabric this form of shirt is harder wearing than most and also takes embroidered logos well. Whether office corporatewear or workwear for behind the bar this classic style never seems to date, making your uniform stand up to fashion trend scrutiny.
So now you know the truth. While the name may be a bit misleading the facts speak for themselves; it’s a quality garment that shouldn’t be ignored. And even if it’s a big fibber, there’s nothing wrong with a little white lie now and then.
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