Darcy Clothing Longsleeve Undershirt.

Classic Men's Undergarments.

What all the cool young kids are wearing this season.

The Henley Top, ie a long sleeved buttoned t-shirt, seems to be extremely popular this season. Virtually every high street chain has their own version cluttering the shelves. These differ considerably from the originals.

Underwear did not make the transition to outerwear until WWII with American GIs gleefully sporting their white "skivvies" or t-shirts with HBT (Herringbone Twill) fatigues. The look was further popularised in the 50's by the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando. 

Smart ribbed cuffs and pearl buttons

Pre-dating the t-shirt is the buttoned long sleeve undershirt - essentially the cut off top half of a union suit. Chaps needed undergarments for warmer weather and perhaps a full suit of underwear was a bit much!

The Darcy Clothing version is based closely on the old High Cross undershirts (now becoming increasingly scarce.) They are made from 100% unbleached cotton. Much softer than the originals, I have to say I miss the slight bobbling the High Cross vests develop after a few washes.

On the plus side the Darcy versions are pre shrunk. As with all of Darcy Clothing's reproductions the detailing is accurate. The undershirt is cut generously long, with full ribbed cuffs and a dropped sleeve head (lower placement of the shoulder seam.) All details that most reproductions get wrong. 

But then again, is it under or outerwear? I leave you to decide.

If you're minded to these undershirts apparently respond well to dying, something I've not tried yet. You also have the choice of cloth covered or pearl buttons.

They look fantastic layered under a collarless shirt & waistcoat or, in warmer months, worn on their own. The pure cotton will keep you nice and toasty through winter and is far superior to the thin cotton / nylon mixed guff in most high street shops.

You can order these from the Darcy Clothing webshop here. (It is worth stating that I have no affiliation to Darcy Clothing, I just love what they do.)