The Oxford Shirt - A Menswear Staple and Perfect Base Layer

Regarded as a classic menswear staple, the Oxford shirt is most often celebrated and discussed for the characteristics that define it. Like how its distinctive basket woven cotton cloth provides a unique combination of softness, breathability, and durability, or how their button-down collars and box-pleated yokes are signature features that also serve functional purposes, or even how their storied history continues to contribute to the popularity surrounding them, with the Oxford cloth dating back nearly 200 years to Scottish origins before gaining mass British and American appeal in the late 19th century through sports, business, and education. But in addition to what an Oxford shirt actually is, so much of its value lies in its ability to be paired so easily with other articles of clothing. Namely, serving as the perfect base for any type of layering.

A Man Wearing an Oxford Shirt
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in Open Blue.

The wide and boxy fits of more modern designs certainly have their place within the shirting world, offering beautiful drapes and unique personality, but the more tailored fit of an Oxford shirt lends itself perfectly to the art of layering, whether it’s underneath knitwear, outerwear, or anything in between. Because without the bulk of excess fabric, layering with an Oxford shirt is always comfortable, effortless, and smart.

A Man Wearing an Oxford Shirt with A Cardigan.
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in Open Blue worn with Massimo Alba Tony V-Neck Cardigan in Naturale.

While Oxford shirts can come in a wide variety of colours, the ones for which they’re most traditionally known - white, light blue, and white/light blue stripe - also means that styling them is completely effortless. They’re a blank canvas, so to speak, which means anything that’s layered on top of them, regardless of pattern or colour, is sure to match and look great.

A Man Wearing an Oxford Shirt with A Slipover.
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in White worn with Harley V-Neck Fair Isle Slipover in Mushroom.
A Man Wearing a Light Blue Stripe Oxford Shirt with Vetra Chore Jacket and Neck Scarf.
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in Light Blue Stripe worn with Vetra 3L15/5C Heavy Linen Workwear Jacket in Forget-Me-Not Blue and Drake's Scarf.

Adding to the reassuring reliability of an Oxford shirt as an underlayer is its button-down collar, ensuring a neat neckline at all times, and the softness of its cotton fabric. Because despite having a slight texture to it, an Oxford cloth still remains smooth enough to allow for the easy transfer of upper layers, whether putting on or taking off, without being challenged by the type of friction or resistance that can sometimes make laying difficult or annoying.

A Man Wearing a White Oxford Shirt with a Jumper
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in White worn with Harley Voe True Shetland Jumper in Natural Moorit.
The Collar of a White Oxford Shirt Under a Jumper
Portuguese Flannel Belavista Oxford Shirt in White worn with Harley Voe True Shetland Jumper in Natural Moorit.

It’s no wonder why the Oxford shirt has withstood the test of time and evolving fashion for so long. Apart from being a classic menswear staple, they’re simply effortless to wear and to style and they look great with everything, elevating even the most casual outfit with just the right touch of prep. Indeed, the ideal shirt for layering and the perfect base to build smart and stylish combinations.

Back to Periodical