Then, owner Peter Hill returned from his vacation in 1955 unsatisfied with the heavy knit cotton shirts of that time. As far as styling the shirt goes, weve compiled six of our favorite T-shirt looks that use white as a base here. This polo shirt is made of a high quality cotton. However, we find this sleeve length to be a little bit short to be worn under an odd jacket and this would be the main reason we want to wear a long sleeve polo shirt. ). In our experience, Sunspels everyday classic cotton t-shirts and Riviera polo shirts are of excellent quality and wash-and-wear well. This helped to create new, lighter, and more breathable cotton fabric. Sunspel Riviera polo shirt brown for men. Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Dark Brown and Beige Fil d'Ecosse Cotton Fort Belvedere, Posted April 24, 2022 in Clothing, Films & TV, Reviews, Shirts, Wardrobe, Clothing and Accessories. Like most factories during the Second World War, Sunspels efforts were redirected to support the war effort and make utility clothing. And the popularity of this underwear line prompted the official renaming of the company to Sunspel, Ltd. in 1937. But, if Sunspels Sea Island cotton offerings are within your spending range, you shouldnt be disappointed with your purchase. Continuing to innovate, the year 1914, saw the introduction of cellular cotton. It was important to Hill to know who he was selling the brand to and Brooke was able to rejuvenate the company, which had become a bit stagnant in the previous years. Want to join the discussion? For instance, Im a chest size 45 and I found that a Sunspel size XXL fit me comfortably. Even if you only have a few of these classically casual staples in your wardrobe, theyll be the best that you own. This means that Sea Island cotton shirts arent going to be for everyone. So, now, we come to our main question: are Sunspel t-shirts and polos worth it? Its not something thats just jumping on the latest trend. In regards to Ralph Lauren polos and tees, these are ok however I much prefer the Dowdy English wear that isnt covered in manufactures logos. This Sunspel Riviera polo brown is made of a breathable cotton mesh, a fabric that is cool and comfortable to wear in the hot summer sun. During this time, Sunspel had also reintroduced womens wear into its main collection. And this happened in the English city of Nottingham. The silver screen super spys influence helped bring a new customer base to the brand. Both of these styles feature a slightly longer and slimmer cut than a regular T-shirt does with seams and overall fabric density to match; all with an aim towards discreet lightweight wear under your outer layers so as not to have an impact on your overall appearance or comfort throughout the day. And even if you could fit something in there, it would upset the clean lines of the polos intended fit. However, its 1935 where we see that the company introduces its key underwear line, Sunspel, named so after the sunny spells of the Caribbean, where the cotton is grown. Read more.. One thing you didnt touch much on was their cellular material undershirt, which they say is for hotter weather. So, we look toward Sunspel, a brand offering a clean, cool take on how traditional casual wear can be relevant in the 21st century all the while looking towards providing the most luxurious fabrics and finishes possible. I think theyre going to be great for layering under a lightweight jacket in spring or even wearing alone by itself while on vacation in the warm summer months. In addition to undershirts, Sunspel offers a few different varieties of a T-shirt, often being made in a different fabric or featuring different details, such as a long sleeve or V-neck. Inspired by the shorts worn by boxers in the ring, Sunspel introduced the boxer short to the UK with an improved design, featuring flattened seams, a new back panel, and, of course, being finished in the finest cotton. Sunspel's polo shirt is made from Sea Island cotton which, if you aren't familiar with it, is one of the rarest and finest types in the world. Even here at the Gentlemans Gazette, we cant deny the appeal of a quality T-shirt or polo shirt for those times when you want to be classically cool, whether you want to be literally cooler in temperature or cool like James Dean. Sunspel - Slim-Fit Cotton-Piqu Polo Shirt - Brown, Sunspel - Cotton-Piqu Polo Shirt - White, Sunspel x David Shrigley Printed Boxer Short, Sunspel x David Shrigley Print Swim Short, Sunspel - Cotton-Terry Polo Shirt - Yellow, Sunspel - Active Straight-Leg Cotton-Jersey Shorts - Gray, Sunspel - Printed Cotton Boxer Shorts - Blue, Sunspel - Active Straight-Leg Shell Shorts - Black. I personally found the fit to be modest and comfortable and to be, I think, a great fit for a variety of different body types. Even though it isnt super clingy. A bold statement from an American. The result is a collar that has much more body to it and helps to frame the face, as well as ensuring that the collar tips dont roll or wrinkle as the day progresses. Is It Worth the Hype? Before we look at the specifics of today, I think its important to provide some clarity here, especially given Sunspels propensity for undergarments. This allows for a much smoother and finer yarn to be woven, resulting in an extremely soft and luxurious garment. Their products are truly wonderful. That being said, I took a size double extra large in the Riviera model. The Best of High Summer: A Special Edit From Our Senior Fashion Editor, 22 Straw Bags to Fuel Your French-Girl Fantasy, Your Search Ends Here for the Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup, Never Lose Your Keys Again: 16 Designer Keychains That Are Impossible to Misplace, A Closer Look at the Gucci Logos Fabled Origins, Run, Dont Walk: These 21 Joggers Are Unfussy, Practical, and Fashionable. The fact of the matter is some people like to wear an undershirt and some people dont. Use us to compare prices across 500+ stores. So, best to take a tip from Bond and to hang your sunglasses from the placket instead. I splurged a couple of years ago and bought one of the Sea Island polos from the Ian Fleming collection. 
Have you tried this, and if so, whats the conclusion? Quite fitting that both Bond and Sunspel were undergoing a transformation at the same time. Mr Peter Hill patented Sunspel's polo shirts in the '50s as a "softer; lighter and more comfortable" alternative to mainstream tennis styles. By using fine cotton yarns and traditional lace-making machines, a new kind of cotton was invented. Are Sunspel Polo Shirts & T-Shirts Worth It? However, these are crafted from a slightly-heavier Pima cotton. And in 2010, Sunspel opened up its first standalone store in East Londons Shoreditch with additional stores opening up in several other high-profile London locations, including the menswear Mecca, Jermyn Street. Sunspel would now be known as the place to go for superior mens undergarments. They also use the same material as their classic t shirts. In todays ever-casual world, it can be a genuine challenge to find an alternative to a dress shirt that is of equal quality and stands for a lover of classic style. The construction of the classic T-shirts is very high-quality, featuring overlocked internal seams and flat sturdy openings at the neck, sleeves, and bottom hem, featuring two fine lines of stitching for additional security. Im sure that, for many people, spending upwards of $90 on a t-shirt or a polo doesnt seem like a normal thing to do, especially with so many cheaper options out there for what looks to be exactly the same thing. Now that weve defined the Sunspel undershirt, lets take a look at the rest of their everyday T-shirts before moving on to their polo shirts. Whilst the cotton used in these shirts does not feature a staple length longer than those used in Sea Island cotton, it is important to note that a longer than average staple length is still used, which is apparent in the shirts fine and luxurious feel, both to the hand and when worn. A classic T-shirt from Sunspel will cost you 75 or $90. The prolific use of Sea Island cotton did cause a brief name change in 1932 to Sea Island Cotton, Ltd. First up, lets take a dive into Sunspels history to find out more about the brand itself. This is crafted from Sunspels unique Q75 warp-knit cotton. 
Are High-Waisted Bikinis the Most Flattering Swimsuits Ever? Of course, there are cheaper brands out there, but a reduction in cost can also mean a reduction in quality. RESERVED. This had a unique open knit that allowed air to circulate the body and to keep the wearer cool. Is it a better warm weather undershirt than the regular ones? As the last word on the Riviera model, well take a brief look at the chest pocket. Instead, we suggest that you look towards a more budget-friendly option as they perform just as well as the Sea Island cotton shirts. Lets move on to the Sunspel polo shirts. It features both metric and imperial measurements as well as a standard chest size conversion. They feature two buttons instead of the Sea Islands three. By far, the most popular style and the range is the Riviera model. 
Now, doing this will flatter the wider part of your arm, but it does mean that any longer underarm hair could be exposed when lifting your arm and being seen underneath the sleeves. Although you could also use any classic solid color, such as navy, green, or gray. Sunspel has a comprehensive sizing guide to ensure you get the correct fit when selecting your shirt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 
It does this by fitting the shoulders and chest well, then draping gently down to the bottom hem. RLP offers a plethora of colors, they are true to size and hold up nicely washing after washing. The main difference is in the construction, where the everyday cotton is crafted into the exact same style as the rest of the undershirt range. If you have a keen eye, youll likely have worked out why in this case. 
Subscribe to receive automatic email and app updates to be the first to know when this item becomes available in new stores, sizes or prices. Sunspels T-shirts are designed to be timeless; something that can look good and be worn for years to come. I loved the lightweight and breathable fabric on the T-shirts and the fit is spectacular. It has a straight fit throughout the body, so no sculpting lines or darts throughout the shirts. Sea Island cotton is a truly wonderful fabric to have in a garment and, as weve seen, you do pay for that luxury. As the company changed and grew into the 21st century, costume designer Lindy Hemming saw a unique opportunity to feature the rich British history of Sunspel and outfit James Bond in 2006s Casino Royale. I have said this before but I still feel that Ralph Laurens clothing offers exceptional value and his polos and tees bear this out. Meanwhile, the Sea Island cotton polo shirts feature three-button placket at the collar, flat front with no additional pocket, and rib seams. But, the style were looking at today is their iconic classic T-shirt, which is literally called the Classic T-shirt on their website. Available exclusively for Silver and above members. And he wore the resulting shirts on his vacation to the French Riviera and this is where the line of polos derives its name. It's also durable, so it's ideal for basics you'll wear again and again, like this polo shirt. These styles vary a little bit more than the T-shirts do, so well briefly outline those differences here. And, realistically, theres nothing right or wrong about it as it should be about whats right for you. We're glad you're here! It felt natural and with a tasteful level of being slim. Not sure why theyre doing this as I dont see a major difference between the two. In fact, it was a couple of years following the end of the war in 1947 when the founders great-grandson, John Hill, re-engineered the underwear concept whilst on his honeymoon in America. 
So, a longer fit with less noticeable seams to allow for smoother layering. Both their Q14 Cellular Cotton and Q100 Sea Island Cotton are available as undershirts or you can see an option for both a crew neck or deep V-neck, which would actually be a great option to wear with an open collar shirt. An undershirt from Sunspel is available in a number of fibers. sasso acquire fool wardrobe proof Subscribe for special sales and early access to brands you love. English casual wear is dowdy? So, with this in mind, well be taking a look at Sunspels most iconic polo, the Riviera model. Long Eaton is in Derbyshire, some 7 miles south-west of Nottingham. In any case, this is where the Sunspel factory has remained since. The knitted shirt was actually quite popular at this time, as seen in the 1999 adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley where Jude Law wear many different styles of knitted shirt. If you were to buy a couple classic colors, as youve seen today, youd be set for far longer than if you were to buy cheaper options that would need to be replaced far more frequently. Reviews & Articles About Classic Men's Clothing & Accessories, Copyright 20102022 Gentleman's Gazette LLC All Rights Reserved Terms of Service & Accessibility Policy Privacy Policy. Sunspel is my go to for cotton polos. The company grew under the name Thomas A Hill, Ltd. and, in 1890, the company started manufacturing worldwide, specializing in cashmere, merino, silk, and cotton undergarments. The year 2005 marks the sale of the company from 81-year-old Peter Hill to Nicholas Brooke and Dominic Hazlehurst with Brooke having a family connection to Hill and remaining as CEO today. And that is something that is constantly being seen on a ribbed collar.
Have you tried this, and if so, whats the conclusion? Quite fitting that both Bond and Sunspel were undergoing a transformation at the same time. Mr Peter Hill patented Sunspel's polo shirts in the '50s as a "softer; lighter and more comfortable" alternative to mainstream tennis styles. By using fine cotton yarns and traditional lace-making machines, a new kind of cotton was invented. Are Sunspel Polo Shirts & T-Shirts Worth It? However, these are crafted from a slightly-heavier Pima cotton. And in 2010, Sunspel opened up its first standalone store in East Londons Shoreditch with additional stores opening up in several other high-profile London locations, including the menswear Mecca, Jermyn Street. Sunspel would now be known as the place to go for superior mens undergarments. They also use the same material as their classic t shirts. In todays ever-casual world, it can be a genuine challenge to find an alternative to a dress shirt that is of equal quality and stands for a lover of classic style. The construction of the classic T-shirts is very high-quality, featuring overlocked internal seams and flat sturdy openings at the neck, sleeves, and bottom hem, featuring two fine lines of stitching for additional security. Im sure that, for many people, spending upwards of $90 on a t-shirt or a polo doesnt seem like a normal thing to do, especially with so many cheaper options out there for what looks to be exactly the same thing. Now that weve defined the Sunspel undershirt, lets take a look at the rest of their everyday T-shirts before moving on to their polo shirts. Whilst the cotton used in these shirts does not feature a staple length longer than those used in Sea Island cotton, it is important to note that a longer than average staple length is still used, which is apparent in the shirts fine and luxurious feel, both to the hand and when worn. A classic T-shirt from Sunspel will cost you 75 or $90. The prolific use of Sea Island cotton did cause a brief name change in 1932 to Sea Island Cotton, Ltd. First up, lets take a dive into Sunspels history to find out more about the brand itself. This is crafted from Sunspels unique Q75 warp-knit cotton. Are High-Waisted Bikinis the Most Flattering Swimsuits Ever? Of course, there are cheaper brands out there, but a reduction in cost can also mean a reduction in quality. RESERVED. This had a unique open knit that allowed air to circulate the body and to keep the wearer cool. Is it a better warm weather undershirt than the regular ones? As the last word on the Riviera model, well take a brief look at the chest pocket. Instead, we suggest that you look towards a more budget-friendly option as they perform just as well as the Sea Island cotton shirts. Lets move on to the Sunspel polo shirts. It features both metric and imperial measurements as well as a standard chest size conversion. They feature two buttons instead of the Sea Islands three. By far, the most popular style and the range is the Riviera model. Now, doing this will flatter the wider part of your arm, but it does mean that any longer underarm hair could be exposed when lifting your arm and being seen underneath the sleeves. Although you could also use any classic solid color, such as navy, green, or gray. Sunspel has a comprehensive sizing guide to ensure you get the correct fit when selecting your shirt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It does this by fitting the shoulders and chest well, then draping gently down to the bottom hem. RLP offers a plethora of colors, they are true to size and hold up nicely washing after washing. The main difference is in the construction, where the everyday cotton is crafted into the exact same style as the rest of the undershirt range. If you have a keen eye, youll likely have worked out why in this case. Subscribe to receive automatic email and app updates to be the first to know when this item becomes available in new stores, sizes or prices. Sunspels T-shirts are designed to be timeless; something that can look good and be worn for years to come. I loved the lightweight and breathable fabric on the T-shirts and the fit is spectacular. It has a straight fit throughout the body, so no sculpting lines or darts throughout the shirts. Sea Island cotton is a truly wonderful fabric to have in a garment and, as weve seen, you do pay for that luxury. As the company changed and grew into the 21st century, costume designer Lindy Hemming saw a unique opportunity to feature the rich British history of Sunspel and outfit James Bond in 2006s Casino Royale. I have said this before but I still feel that Ralph Laurens clothing offers exceptional value and his polos and tees bear this out. Meanwhile, the Sea Island cotton polo shirts feature three-button placket at the collar, flat front with no additional pocket, and rib seams. But, the style were looking at today is their iconic classic T-shirt, which is literally called the Classic T-shirt on their website. Available exclusively for Silver and above members. And he wore the resulting shirts on his vacation to the French Riviera and this is where the line of polos derives its name. It's also durable, so it's ideal for basics you'll wear again and again, like this polo shirt. These styles vary a little bit more than the T-shirts do, so well briefly outline those differences here. And, realistically, theres nothing right or wrong about it as it should be about whats right for you. We're glad you're here! It felt natural and with a tasteful level of being slim. Not sure why theyre doing this as I dont see a major difference between the two. In fact, it was a couple of years following the end of the war in 1947 when the founders great-grandson, John Hill, re-engineered the underwear concept whilst on his honeymoon in America. So, a longer fit with less noticeable seams to allow for smoother layering. Both their Q14 Cellular Cotton and Q100 Sea Island Cotton are available as undershirts or you can see an option for both a crew neck or deep V-neck, which would actually be a great option to wear with an open collar shirt. An undershirt from Sunspel is available in a number of fibers. sasso acquire fool wardrobe proof Subscribe for special sales and early access to brands you love. English casual wear is dowdy? So, with this in mind, well be taking a look at Sunspels most iconic polo, the Riviera model. Long Eaton is in Derbyshire, some 7 miles south-west of Nottingham. In any case, this is where the Sunspel factory has remained since. The knitted shirt was actually quite popular at this time, as seen in the 1999 adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley where Jude Law wear many different styles of knitted shirt. If you were to buy a couple classic colors, as youve seen today, youd be set for far longer than if you were to buy cheaper options that would need to be replaced far more frequently. Reviews & Articles About Classic Men's Clothing & Accessories, Copyright 20102022 Gentleman's Gazette LLC All Rights Reserved Terms of Service & Accessibility Policy Privacy Policy. Sunspel is my go to for cotton polos. The company grew under the name Thomas A Hill, Ltd. and, in 1890, the company started manufacturing worldwide, specializing in cashmere, merino, silk, and cotton undergarments. The year 2005 marks the sale of the company from 81-year-old Peter Hill to Nicholas Brooke and Dominic Hazlehurst with Brooke having a family connection to Hill and remaining as CEO today. And that is something that is constantly being seen on a ribbed collar.