History of Shirts

Today different kinds of shirts clothing are available in the market for us. Such types include detachable collar, different styles of collars, different colours and designs as well. Shirts are our daily wear clothing. They may be formal or casual; we use shirts everyday. However have we ever thought about the history of shirts? Or how they were invented! Never do we think about such things.

Though there is no data available regarding who exactly invented the shirt, but the roots of shirts history certainly goes to Europe. We definitely can say that shirts even existed in 1300s in a common mans' wardrobe.

The evidence can be found in arts literature. Paintings of many painters of that time including Caravaggio, we see men and women wearing shirts. Even in literary work of many writers such as Boccaccio's Decameron, we find the mention of the shirt as regular attire for men and women in the era.





Up till 1500s there were many kind of shirts were famous in Europe. They were distinguished from their collar's design. E.g. small flat collar shirts were called French, while the Italian style shirts had collars with frills. The giorgiera type was also popular and expensive due to its massive price. The shirt needed fabric that measures up to 11 metres.

In addition, a shirt that was decorated with gold stitching was also famous during same time period. A noblewoman named Lucieta Gradenigo stitched a special shirt of gold especially for her wedding. The city of Venice was well-known for production of shirts by then.

Later in 19th century various styles of shirts became popular. The red shirt of the Garibaldini is one of these, which was created in Italy. White without a collar and with wide sleeves for the painter, a shirt with spaces hidden under the jacket for pistols is amongst few other styles of shirts, which had ruled the 19th century.

Later in the 20th century America became the centre of fashion for shirts. People all over the world started following shirt styles used in American movies. A plain white shirt with flowing sleeves worn by Rudolph Valentino in the movie named Humphrey Bogart, was especially very popular.

Button down style of shirt has also been very popular. The inventor of such a styled shirt is unknown. However, as the collars of the shirt are buttoned down to the shirt, it became popular amongst polo players and sailors. These were the men who would mostly get annoyed with the collar flapping up with the windy environment.

Even now the button down style shirt is very popular. It is usually made to be part of formal attire. Men can wear it with a tie, bow tie or even as an open collar shirt at all important occasions.

This was a summary of the shirt's voyage is from its origin until today. The time has changed, and so has the fashion. The shirt however is still the same for all occasions. For formal events or a social party, design and pattern is what would change, but men will always prefer to wear a shirt.