Vintage Style Mens Shirts - Full Button Grandfather Shirts
We are proud to offer these authentic full button grandfather shirts as part of our historical clothing collection.
Historical Emporium offers a full line of well-made period clothing for men and women, ideal for movie and TV production, theatrical, living history and performing arts needs. Our timeless styles also look great as part of your everyday wardrobe.
The grandfather shirt gets its name from its traditional association with older Irish men, particularly grandfathers who wore this style in rural Ireland. This collarless shirt design dates back to the 19th century and was a common everyday garment worn by previous generations, hence the nostalgic "grandfather" reference. This style of shirt is also known as a band collar shirt, and was very common workwear through the 19th century and early 20th century.
what are other names for a grandfather shirt?
Other names for a grandfather shirt include Grandad shirt, collarless shirt, band collar shirt, or Irish work shirt. In Ireland, it may also be called a grandfather shirt, farmer's shirt, or traditional Irish shirt, all referring to the distinctive stand-up band collar design without the folded collar points of conventional dress shirts.
Are Grandad shirts still in fashion?
Grandad shirts remain fashionable as both a cultural garment and a versatile modern wardrobe piece. Their simple, clean design has experienced renewed popularity in contemporary fashion, appreciated for combining traditional heritage with minimalist style that works well in casual settings and as an alternative to conventional collared shirts.
MORE Q&A
When to wear a grandad shirt?
A grandad shirt is appropriate for casual to semi-formal occasions, making it perfect for weekend outings, cultural events, summer gatherings, or relaxed office environments. The versatile style transitions well from day to evening wear and is particularly popular during warmer months or as comfortable yet distinctive casual attire.
What is another name for a granddad shirt?
Another name for a grandad shirt is a collarless shirt, band collar shirt, or Irish work shirt. In Ireland, it may also be called a grandfather shirt, farmer's shirt, or traditional Irish shirt, all referring to the distinctive stand-up band collar design without the folded collar points of conventional dress shirts.
Can you wear a grandfather shirt untucked?
The straight hem design of most authentic grandfather shirts allows for it to be worn tucked or untucked, though the untucked option remains more common and truer to the garment's casual, traditional Irish roots. While grandfather shirts are traditionally worn untucked, they can certainly be tucked in for a neater appearance if desired.
Can you wear a grandfather shirt with a suit?
Yes, you can wear a grandad shirt with a suit for a contemporary, fashion-forward look that breaks from convention. This combination works best with casual, unstructured suits in lighter fabrics or colors, creating an elegant yet relaxed alternative to traditional dress shirts for creative professional settings or semi-formal events.
MORE Q&A
Can you wear a tie with a grandad shirt?
No, you cannot wear a conventional tie with a grandad shirt because the distinctive band collar design lacks the folded collar needed to accommodate a tie knot. The absence of this folded collar is the defining characteristic of the grandfather shirt, making it an intentionally tie-less style.
What material is traditionally used for grandfather shirts?
Grandfather shirts are traditionally made from lightweight linen or cotton, materials well-suited to the Irish climate and working conditions. These natural fabrics provide breathability and comfort while becoming softer with each washing, making them ideal for the practical, everyday use for which these shirts were originally designed.
How should a grandfather shirt fit?
A grandfather shirt should fit comfortably with room for movement across the shoulders and chest, following a relaxed silhouette rather than a slim cut. The traditional design features a looser fit than modern dress shirts, with sufficient length to be worn untucked, and sleeves that can be rolled up for practical wear or left buttoned at the wrist. Please note that these while these shirts are more blousy than modern fit dress shirts, they are more slimly cut than most of Historical Emporium's Victorian Men's Shirts.
Is a grandfather shirt appropriate for formal occasions?
While not suitable for black-tie events, a high-quality grandfather shirt can be appropriate for smart-casual or certain semi-formal occasions, especially those with cultural or heritage themes. Modern interpretations in finer fabrics have expanded the shirt's versatility, making it acceptable for restaurant dining, cultural events, or relaxed business settings.