This shirt is made in a beige checked madras. Madras is a goffer-effect fabric usually woven from a very light cotton blend. Often used in fashion in the 70's and 80's, it takes its name from the city of Madras (now called Chennai), on the east coast of India. Adapted to a very hot climate, madras fabrics are airy and often dyed in bright colours. Their goffered texture adds to this feeling of lightness and avoid the need to iron the shirt. Here, the very large check comes in a harmony of camel beige, olive green, smoke grey and anthracite. It will be very beautiful on black, grey, camel or beige pants.
In case you don’t know hollington’s classic Nehru-collar shirt yet, try it on: you won’t do without it anymore! It was designed by Patric Hollington shortly after he opened his first store in 1974. His jackets and trousers immediately welcomed it as their best friend.
Why are you taking it on so easily? Because of its unrivalled comfort? Its straight cut also allows you to match it with various styles of outfit. Some of you like to tuck it inside their trousers for a smart look; some of you prefer wearing it as a polo shirt. In both cases, it will never feel too tight as it includes a back pleat. This pleat allows a great freedom of movement in any situation.
Its collar, now called ‘mao collar’ to make it standard, was first named ‘Nehru collar’ by Patric Hollington. A Nehru collar goes slightly higher on the neck than a mao collar – this is the key of its increased elegance.
Are you not very familiar with the name of Jawaharlal Nehru? He is best know under the name Pandit Nehru and was one of the figureheads of India’s fight for independence, opening the way to a secular and modern state. If you look at pictures of him, you will see that he wore shirts and jackets which collars resemble hollington’s.
The button tab of a hollington shirt ends at the waist, so you have to put it on from the top down. But once seated, you notice that there is no chance for the fabric to draw on the button tab and unveil a stomach you would better keep concealed.
As for the long sleeves version, it comprises double button cuffs. Is there indeed anything more annoying than losing a button? You are now prepared for this eventuality.
Let us not forget that the hollington shirt is designed to be practical and also holds two chest pockets. If you like to easily put a smartphone, a pen, a handkerchief or a small notebook away, here is a smart fashion to have free rein.
