The STRIPE COTTON PILE STRIPE BEACH SHIRT has been made from plush cotton pile cloth and is cut in the style of 50s Cabana shirts, often seen on California beach-sides during Americas golden age.
Terrycloth and its various iterations originated from a pre-industrial French innovation. This technique involved weaving the fabric on a loom with two warp threads. The intentional loosening of one warp thread, when pulled through the dense weft, generates loops on both sides of the fabric, resulting in a distinctive piling effect. While the initial terrycloth batches were crafted from silk, the fabric evolved to the super-soft 100% cotton variant that is widely appreciated today.
In the 1850s, Samuel Holt's terrycloth knitting machines revolutionised production, enabling the mass manufacturing of terrycloth. The term 'terrycloth' is believed to derive from the French verb 'tirer,' meaning 'to pull,' a fitting description given the fabric's manufacturing process. Before its invention, people relied on woven sheets of cotton or linen for drying off and so the plush texture and excellent absorption properties of terrycloth became a welcome alternative for towels.
The 1950s introduction of the Cabana shirt, marked the advent of multi-purpose sportswear tailored for both beach and casual settings. This innovative trend featured matching sets comprising men's swim trunks paired with sport shirts or lightweight jackets, embodying an outfit perfectly suited for the relaxed and sophisticated indoor and outdoor lifestyle synonymous with mid-century California.
The surge in popularity of Hawaiian shirts during and after World War II played a pivotal role in shaping this trend. With American servicemen stationed in Hawaii bringing the style back to the mainland, California-based sportswear manufacturers seized the opportunity to design and market Hawaiian-inspired shirts. Leveraging their expertise in swimwear, these manufacturers integrated swim trunks and sports shirts into what became known as the cabana set.
In the post-war period, the increased leisure time and resources available to men fuelled a demand for comfortable and stylish leisurewear, particularly as families sought moments of relaxation by the pool or on the beach. Cabana clothing, characterised by vibrant and lively colors, were a welcome alternative to the drab tones of formal men's workwear during that era. This shift not only marked a change in fashion but also reflected the evolving lifestyles and preferences of a society embracing newfound leisure opportunities.
The STRIPE COTTON PILE STRIPE BEACH SHIRT is made for a loose and comfortable fit. Cut with a straight hem, finishing details are two front pockets and a takase shell button fastening.
- 100% Cotton pile
- Takase shell button
- Front pockets
- Made in Japan
