Here at The Stiff Collar, we’re big fans of short-sleeved shirts.Short-sleeved shirts, also known as ‘half sleeves’, offer the perfect solution for those living in warmer climes. Not only are they less hot and stuffy than their long sleeved counterparts, but they also provide increased mobility and the ability to do practical work without getting dirtied.
So, here’s a little history about how Half Sleeves came to be…
1920’s
Short-sleevedshirts were originally conceived and worn by tennis players in the 1920s. They devised this style of the shirt so that they could play with more ease.Long-sleeved shirts, even if rolled up, restricted the range of theplayer's swing.
1930’s
Subsequently, short-sleeve shirts became very popular amongst other sportspeople and also with artists, particularly painters, who wanted to avoid getting their sleeves dirty while painting: Picasso, Léger, Albers and Matisse all worehalf-sleeve shirts when painting in their studios.
1940’s
The Second World War brought with it an age of austerity and restrictions. Companies were subject to very strict quotas on fabric and therefore began producing short-sleeve shirts, as these required less material to make. The garment then spread throughout society.
1960’s and 1970’s
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, in the midst of the space race, NASA engineers opted to wearhalf-sleeve shirts as the lightness of the garment allowed them to withstand the heat and humidity of Houston and Cape Canaveral.
1980’s
Office culture was born. People, in their millions, began to work in offices around the world and therefore the variety of appropriate garments was expanded beyond the typical long sleeve shirt and tie.
Now
Half-sleeveshirts can be found in a vast variety of colours, fabrics, and styles. They are no longer the preserve of corporate environments but can be comfortably worn in all manner of informal situations too.Half-sleeve shirts can be worn with shorts on the beach, with chinos when out in the evening, and with jeans at the weekend.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the evolution and significance of clothing styles, particularly short-sleeved shirts or 'half sleeves,' allow me to share my expertise on the subject.
The historical trajectory of short-sleeved shirts is a fascinating journey that reflects not only fashion trends but also practical considerations. The roots of half sleeves can be traced back to the 1920s when tennis players pioneered this style to enhance their ease of movement during matches. Long-sleeved shirts, even when rolled up, posed a restriction to the players' range of motion, prompting the adoption of short-sleeved alternatives.
In the 1930s, the popularity of short-sleeve shirts transcended the realm of sports and gained traction among artists, particularly painters such as Picasso, Léger, Albers, and Matisse. The practicality of avoiding sleeve dirtiness while engaged in creative work contributed to the broader acceptance of half sleeves.
The 1940s marked a turning point with the onset of World War II, ushering in an era of austerity and fabric restrictions. Short-sleeve shirts became a practical choice for clothing manufacturers as they required less material to produce, aligning with strict quotas imposed during wartime. Consequently, the garment proliferated throughout society.
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the adoption of half sleeves by NASA engineers during the space race. The lightweight nature of short-sleeve shirts proved beneficial in withstanding the heat and humidity of locations like Houston and Cape Canaveral.
The 1980s marked a significant shift in office culture, with millions of people entering the workforce and office attire evolving beyond the traditional long-sleeve shirt and tie. This transition contributed to the widespread acceptance of short-sleeved shirts as appropriate office wear.
Today, half-sleeve shirts have evolved into a versatile garment, available in a vast array of colors, fabrics, and styles. No longer confined to corporate environments, they can be comfortably worn in various informal situations. Whether paired with shorts on the beach, chinos for an evening out, or jeans on the weekend, half sleeves have become a staple in contemporary fashion.
If you're looking to explore the diverse world of half-sleeve shirts, The Stiff Collar offers an extensive range with over 50 styles to choose from. Simply search 'half sleeve' in the search bar on their site, and you'll find a plethora of options for a stylish and practical wardrobe. Happy shopping!
