Hot Under the Collar

There are a few things in one’s wardrobe that whisper rather than shout. The camp collar shirt is one of them. Laid-back and a little louche, worn properly, it’s the kind of shirt that says you’ve got somewhere to be, but you’re not in any rush to get there. It doesn’t need a tie, a blazer, or much in the way of explanation. Just a pair of trousers, maybe some loafers, and a bit of sun.

Its story starts in Latin America, with the humble guayabera, a work shirt worn by farmers, complete with four pockets and enough airflow to survive a hot afternoon in the fields. Its distinctive open collar and straight hem made it a favourite among labourers and, eventually, those seeking comfort without compromising on elegance.

It travelled, as good garments tend to do, gathering new fans across the Pacific, shedding its utilitarian roots and eventually embedding itself in the mid-century menswear psyche as a leisurewear staple. In post-war America, it became a summer icon, worn by poolside cads, beat poets, and Hollywood matinee idols alike. 

Untucked, a button or two undone, it was a little rakish, a little romantic, and very, very cool. In the 1950s, Elvis gave it magnetism, James Dean gave it an edge, and suddenly, the camp collar shirt became something else entirely: a laid-back and charming symbol of rebellion against the starched, button-down, and frankly, square sartorial hegemony of the time. 

Fast forward to today, and the camp collar shirt is no longer confined to tiki bars or Malibu parties, the shirt's resurgence in recent years speaks to its timeless appeal and versatility in modern wardrobes. Relaxed but intentional. Soft around the edges, sure, but never sloppy. 

We’ve taken that original spirit and reinterpreted it through our own lens: updated cuts, rich prints, and an eye for unexpected details. Less a revival, more a refinement. Each shirt is made in our dedicated factory, with single-needle stitching and real mother of pearl buttons; subtle details that matter.

Like a good pair of sunglasses or a well-earned tan, the camp collar shirt improves everything around it.

Easy, elegant, enduring. That’s the idea.