5 reasons to invest in an Oxford shirt

At Care of Carl, we are driven by a clear vision: to highlight clothing that conveys craftsmanship, quality, and timeless style. Garments that are not just worn but appreciated, cared for, and accompany you throughout life. We are talking about Classics of Tomorrow – clothing that endures over time, both in expression and material.

With its characteristic oxford weave, button-down collar, and a traditional color palette of white, light blue, pastels, and stripes, the oxford shirt has established itself as a constant presence in men's fashion – recurring in collections year after year.

We delve into the origins and context of the oxford shirt and list five reasons why it is one of the most reliable and long-lasting pieces in your wardrobe.

1.     The heritage – a testament to timeless quality

When a garment has been shaped and worn through several epochs and style segments, rather than following a single trend, it speaks to an expression that endures over time.

The Oxford shirt is a clear example of how function and context can shape a garment over time. As early as the late 1800s, polo players began fastening the collar points to prevent them from flapping in the wind – a practical solution that later evolved into the classic button-down collar.

In the early 1900s, the Oxford shirt gained widespread popularity as American universities embraced it as everyday wear, particularly within the Ivy League, with schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the garment was cemented as a central part of the preppy or Ivy League style, where the combination of an academic environment and relaxed elegance laid the foundation for the Oxford shirt's iconic status.

2.     Oxford Weave – Robust quality

Oxford cloth was developed during the 19th century, alongside the early industrialization of textile production. At a Scottish weaving mill, several new fabrics were created and named after prestigious universities, including Oxford after the University of Oxford in England. The Oxford cloth was developed with a focus on everyday use rather than strictly formal contexts.

Unlike classic shirt fabrics such as poplin or twill, Oxford cloth is based on a basket-like weave, where two thicker weft threads interact with a thinner warp thread. This looser and coarser construction provides high durability and shape stability.

Oxford cloth comes in various versions. Plain Oxford has a slightly smoother surface and a more subdued expression, while Royal Oxford is woven tighter with a more pronounced structure and a more defined drape.

3.     A shirt that gets better with time

One of the main strengths of the oxford shirt is how it ages. The robust construction allows the fabric to soften gradually without losing its shape or character, even with frequent wear and repeated washes.

Instead of feeling worn out, the oxford shirt develops a more personal expression over time – a garment that molds to the wearer and becomes a natural part of the everyday wardrobe, year after year.

4.     Unchanged for a reason

The Oxford shirt is one of the few garments that has largely retained the same design since its inception – not because it has stood still, but because the form worked right from the start. When a piece of clothing maintains its shape and proportions over time, and reappears with everything from classic shirt makers to trendsetting fashion houses, it is a clear indication of an expression that works.

The difference lies in the execution.

Brands such as the Japanese Kamakura and the British Drake’s have refined the Oxford shirt through a focus on cut, collar drape, and a fabric that withstands regular wear. Other brands, primarily Ralph Lauren – with its distinct heritage from polo and preppy aesthetics – have in turn cemented the Oxford shirt’s place as a cornerstone in the modern men’s wardrobe. When a garment like the Oxford shirt transcends eras and style segments, consistently appearing across brands worldwide, it is a clear example of a Classics of Tomorrow.

5.     Versatility – a garment for multiple expressions

Last but not least, it is the versatility of the Oxford shirt that makes it an obvious investment. With various fits, colors, and styles, it works across multiple style segments and contexts. A more tailored model, often featuring darts in the back, provides a fitted expression that looks just as good tucked into trousers as it does with a tie and blazer. Here, the classic American prep style comes to mind – paired with chinos, loafers, and a diagonally striped tie.

At the same time, the Oxford shirt works just as well in a more relaxed expression. A slightly looser fit with a longer garment length can be worn buttoned up or open over a t-shirt, preferably teamed with jeans or more relaxed trousers for balanced proportions. This ability to transition between dressed up and casual, without feeling out of place in either context, is what makes the Oxford shirt one of the most useful pieces in the wardrobe – and thus also one of the most worthwhile investments.