Shirt collars over lapels?

benstephens · Aug 28, 2010

This was certainly a very popular look in England. Look at the pictures of young men in the heatwave of 39 in London, and the young men on Brighton beach.

I like the look, it is comfy as well!

Kindest Regards

Ben

Derek WC · Aug 29, 2010

Feraud said:
Looks cool and casual. You need the right collar to pull it off.

It seems you need the really long spearpoint collar, if it's too short it doesn't look right

I agree with what Tomasso said, that's pretty odd.

Tomasso · Aug 29, 2010

Derek WC said:
I agree with what Tomasso said, that's pretty odd.

It is odd to be in agreement,isn't it?

Tomasso · Aug 29, 2010

IMO, the seam which joins the standard collar (band and leaf) is unsightly when worn over a jacket collar.

Baron Kurtz · Aug 29, 2010

Is there any other way to wear a loop collar shirt?

bk

Shaul-Ike Cohen · Aug 29, 2010

Considered to be a bit prole by some. Not by the Duke of Windsor probably.

BanjoMerlin · Aug 29, 2010

This look has been so common in so many decades I've come to think it is more a matter of practicality. If you remove your tie and open the collar those collar tips are going to move around. One or the other will often work its way over the lapel anyway. Better to put them both over the collar and make it look intentional.

Or wear a button-down shirt when you aren't going to be fastening the collar. The "No, I didn't just remove my tie. I didn't wear one today." look.

The Good · Aug 30, 2010

I have never done this before, but personally, I don't think I could do it without looking a bit flamboyant, although some could pull it off without so much of that effect. I think if anything, it looks less "flamboyant" the older the wearer is. Just my two cents.

Until I've actually researched this topic at the Lounge, I have always pretty much associated the shirt-collar-over-lapels look with appearing 1970s (think of the funky, wide-collared, disco stereotypes), although that is just past ignorance on the subject coming to mind.

BanjoMerlin · Aug 30, 2010

J B said:
I have always pretty much associated the shirt-collar-over-lapels look with appearing 1970s.

I remember it well. "Suits" that were intended to be worn without a necktie (though some affected an ascot) and shirts with huge collars to be worn over the lapels. Most of the suits and shirts were polyester and very uncomfortable, much like wearing a large plastic bag.

Shoes with very thick soles, I often felt that I would fall off them.

Hopefully that style won't be back soon!

Micawber · Aug 30, 2010

benstephens said:
This was certainly a very popular look in England. Look at the pictures of young men in the heatwave of 39 in London, and the young men on Brighton beach.

I like the look, it is comfy as well!

Kindest Regards

Ben

Indeed, it was de rigueur summer casual for some for several decades:

My grandfather in the early '20's

...and in the late '30's

John in Covina · Aug 30, 2010

J B said:
Until I've actually researched this topic at the Lounge, I have always pretty much associated the shirt-collar-over-lapels look with appearing 1970s (think of the funky, wide-collared, disco stereotypes), although that is just past ignorance on the subject coming to mind.

Yes, in the realm of men's fashion, styles get recycled as a regular theme but with a twist that makes it of the time. In the 1960's when bellbottom pants came into fashion my dad talked about how in the 1920's bellbottoms were popular too so it took 40-50 years for it to come back. There was a push to try to relive the 1960's hippie look but it remains a backwater trend.

Matt Deckard has talked about recycled styles and is a hoot to take to the vintage stores because he can identify what's original and what recycled fashion.

Feraud · Aug 30, 2010

Here at the Lounge we've seen quite a few examples of style getting recycled over the decades.

benstephens · Aug 30, 2010

Micawber said:
Indeed, it was de rigueur summer casual for some for several decades:

My grandfather in the early '20's

...and in the late '30's

Fantastic photographs.

Thank you

Derek WC · Sep 4, 2010

I agree, great pictures Micawber, thank's.

CircuitRider · Sep 4, 2010

...To complete this look...all you need is a lime green polyester "Leisure Suit" and a large gold chain!:eusa_clap

CircuitRider · Sep 4, 2010

CircuitRider said:
...To complete this look...all you need is a lime green polyester "Leisure Suit" and a large gold chain!:eusa_clap

A matter of preference, but I prefer a shirt with a button down collar when worn with a sport jacket, I've never gotten used to the celebs and the suit with no tie look.

Widebrim · Sep 4, 2010

I have done it with a Bold Look sports coat of mine, and I think it comes off fine. Like others have said, though, it depends on the length and construction of the shirt collar. In the distant past, I would also (rarely) button the top button of a sports shirt, keeping the collar under the lapels, of course.

Derek WC · Sep 4, 2010

CircuitRider said:
...To complete this look...all you need is a lime green polyester "Leisure Suit" and a large gold chain!:eusa_clap

I hope you're not serious. lol

Hal · Sep 4, 2010

CircuitRider said:
A matter of preference, but I prefer a shirt with a button down collar when worn with a sport jacket, I've never gotten used to the celebs and the suit with no tie look.

I have never liked, and shall probably never like, open-necked shirts with any lapelled jacket, whether sports jacket, blazer or suit, and don't understand the wide popularity of this incongruous combination today.

Mr Vim · Sep 4, 2010

Micawber, those are fantastic pictures, where was the third one taken? It looks like some sort of boardwalk, I cna just barely make out a building in the background.

Shirt collars over lapels?

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