There must be a reason everyone finds themselves gravitating toward the white shirt, right? You can replace every single piece in your wardrobe except those crisp, comfortable, plain white shirts that also speak for themselves in terms of fashion.
Not surprisingly, the white shirt is viewed in a similar light by fashion enthusiasts and non-fashion enthusiasts alike. While the former’s admiration for this piece might have something to do with its storied history, it doesn’t explain the latter’s fondness for it.
Today, we will go over why the white shirt is such a classic piece and why it is a definite must-have in your wardrobe. You can also check out Stylish Alpha for more information on this timeless garment.
A Look Back in Time: The White Shirt’s History
It is safe to say that women are more particular about legends and stories associated with their favorite fashion pieces than men. Hence, this section is mostly going to focus on the historical influence on the white shirt’s female viewpoint.
The white shirt first made its mark in women’s fashion during the time of Marie Antoinette. Before her fall from grace, the fashion icon herself frequently wowed her subjects with white dresses designed somewhat provocatively for her time. Still, even then, fashion was already about breaking the boundaries. And, as we all already know, this resulted in her becoming one of the biggest fashion celebrities of that age.
Historians believe that the portraits of the then-queen clad in the finest white silks contributed heavily to fashion’s obsession with the white shirt. However, while that did impact how the white shirt was elevated to classic status in the realm of fashion, it still doesn’t explain completely why even men are drawn to it.
The No-Fuss Fashion of the White Shirt
When it comes to fashion, most guys want something simple, breathable, and easy to wear. These all happen to describe the classic white shirt, which a lot of men, both fashionably aware and not, have in their closets these days.
Simplicity
Now, this is really where the white shirt wins over the male wearers. And it’s not just because of the different kinds of fabric the shirt comes in; it’s because of the color of the fabric itself.
White is a shade that pairs well with almost anything. Match it with the right articles of clothing and accessories, and you will have something that you can wear to any occasion. This chameleon-like quality is attributed to the shirt’s color (or lack of color), which allows it to blend in or stand out in a particular ensemble, depending on your goal.
Breathability
Some white shirts are more breathable than others. Brands such as Hanes come to mind when we think about ventilating fabrics that bring relaxation into fashion. There is also evidence to support the color white adding an element of coolness to your outfit. Thus, it is something you typically wear during warmer months when men tend to engage in a lot of outdoor activities.
Breathability contributes immensely to the comfort factor of a white shirt, so you’re going to want to do your research on which brands are especially known for this quality. There should be some good brands to choose from, from the high-end ones to the affordable, everyday wear shirts.
Easy To Wear
The great thing about white shirts is you can grab them from your closet, put them on quickly, and head out the door without thinking twice. Sure, you can do this with almost any kind of shirt, but there might be a chance you regret it after getting a good look in the mirror.
A white shirt goes well with almost anything, so it is unlikely to give you this problem. More often than not, you will find that it fits together perfectly with any pair of jeans, footwear, or accessories you have on.
What Makes It a Classic for Women?
The classic white shirt rivals the Little Black Dress in terms of versatility, making it a must-have for women, as well. Here are two reasons women should have this piece of wardrobe to rely on just as much as men.
Versatility
As much as women don’t mind raking through their closets for something to wear, there are days when they are just not in the mood. It is during days like these when the classic white shirt comes to the rescue, blending perfectly with their go-to jean shorts and flip-flops ensemble.
Comes in an Array of Styles
From fluid and oversized to tapered and fitted, a white shirt runs the gamut of styles modern women love.
Enduring the Test of Time
With the fashion world moving towards a more sustainable space, never has there been a more crucial time to invest in timeless wardrobe pieces like the white shirt. These articles of clothing will continue to endure because of the nature of how they are worn and how they fall under the bare minimum in terms of price yet also take up space in the upper echelons of fashion.
