Euroman predicted it back in the spring, when the major brands showcased their autumn and winter collections for 2017 at Copenhagen Fashion Week: CHECKS! If you want to be on trend this winter, don’t hesitate to wear your most checked items.
We’re familiar with the chequered pattern from the chessboard, the Scottish kilt, the tie and, of course, the classic lumberjack shirt. But you’ll also frequently see checks on trousers, jackets, jumpers, scarves, hats and, yes, even shoes. So there should be plenty of opportunities to wear checks this season – if not for your entire outfit, then at least parts of it.
If you don’t quite feel like going ‘all-in’ on checks and wearing them from head to toe, there are still plenty of ways to stay ‘on trend’ in a more understated way, for example by bringing the classic lumberjack shirt into play. At TEESHOPPEN, we’re mad about this colourful shirt in its soft fabric, which is worn by both men and women, and it’s just a bonus that it’s actually one of the hottest items in the fashion industry right now. With a stylish flannel shirt to hand, you’re all set to face the cold autumn and winter – pair it with a cool winter jacket and you’ll definitely have your style sorted for the cold winter months.
Read also: 5 cool winter jackets for men
But what is it exactly about that soft, checked shirt that never really manages to fade from people’s minds? The lumberjack shirt, on the other hand, is always tucked away at the back of the wardrobe, ready to be pulled out when checks are back in fashion.
The lumberjack shirt, in a nutshell
The origins of the lumberjack shirt can be traced back to North America in the 1800s. According to the fashion magazine Glamour, it was a company in Pennsylvania called Woolrich Woolen Mills that invented the first lumberjack shirt in 1850. The lumberjack shirt was an instant hit amongst the hard-working lumberjacks and ‘outdoorsy’ types living in North America at the time. They loved the shirt for its soft cotton fabric, which easily kept them warm when the weather was cold. The shirt was also ideal as a work shirt, as they could easily leave it open, button it up or roll up the sleeves depending on the weather.
Since its invention by Woolrich Woolen Mills in the mid-1800s, this garment has been a staple in our wardrobes for more than 150 years, and it shows no sign of disappearing any time soon. The lumberjack shirt is pulled out of the wardrobe time and time again and is now worn by both men and women in a vast array of colours and styles.
The lumberjack shirt – a staple for everyone!
For many, the lumberjack shirt is associated with the 90s, when, amongst other things, Kurt Cobain “rocking” the checked look – and although he wasn’t the first or the last to wear this iconic garment, it was clear from the street scene that many teenage fans, in particular, agreed with his style. In the 90s, it was cool to wear an unbuttoned checked shirt styled with a white or black T-shirt underneath – ideally with a pair of worn-in jeans and some chunky boots, trainers or the ever-popular Converse trainers. If you ‘rocked’ this look, you were definitely on trend!
Since then, it has been spotted on various other well-known personalities, such as Pharrell Williams, who is often seen wearing the iconic ‘checkered’ look, either as a shirt or as a suit in the familiar tartan pattern. Williams likes to style his lumberjack shirt with a hat, a leather jacket, a pair of cool trousers and fashionable shoes, plus the finishing touches: sunglasses and jewellery.
Today, the lumberjack shirt is a staple of everyone’s wardrobe and is worn by both men and women, as well as the famous and the unknown – yes, even your mum! The lumberjack look transcends time, genres, classes, gender and generations, and is very likely to continue in this vein for a long time to come.
The classic cut in many variations
If you don’t already own the iconic lumberjack shirt, you’d best get your hands on one quickly so you can look just as cool as your favourite celebrities and head into winter with a fashionable look.
If you’re into a relaxed style, a casual lumberjack shirt is a must-have in your wardrobe. You can wear this relaxed and simple checked shirt buttoned up, or leave it open with a T-shirt or tank top underneath for a casual look. Keep your look simple with a black and white lumberjack shirt, or bring a slightly more understated black and olive lumberjack shirt into play. The style is unmistakable – it’s relaxed and casual, yet very fashionable.
If you’re feeling a bit more daring, you could style your open black and red lumberjack shirt with a white or black T-shirt and a cool black leather jacket. Pair the look with a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of leather boots, and you’ll have a thoroughly trendy look where your personal style will clearly shine through. You can also wear your unbuttoned black and red lumberjack shirt with your favourite jeans and a pair of trainers – your look will exude a laid-back vibe.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a shirt for when you need to dress smartly but can’t be bothered with that stiff white shirt that never really gets comfortable to wear, Then why not opt for a slim-fit style that does the same for your look as a regular shirt – just in a much softer version. A black or dark grey flannel shirt would be perfect for a family dinner where it doesn’t need to be too formal, or for a cosy evening with friends at the pub over a few beers.
The lumberjack shirt comes in a whole host of different styles and designs, so you should be able to find one that perfectly matches your personal style. Why not check out this style, which features a hood and plain-coloured sleeves? The shirt almost looks like a jacket and can easily be worn as one when spring returns, or on those slightly cooler summer evenings. Feel free to wear it in winter too, just as you would any other hooded top.
See also: The perfect T-shirt?
At TEESHOPPEN, we love soft and comfortable clothes
There’s almost nothing worse than clothes that aren’t comfortable to wear because they’re stiff and restrict movement. This is particularly true of classic shirts worn with suits, but with a lumberjack shirt, you’ll never run into that problem, as it’s made from flannel – a brushed cotton or wool fabric that feels lovely and soft against your skin.
Stay on trend and tackle your worst wardrobe crisis with a stylish checked flannel shirt in your wardrobe. Checks are a must-have in your wardrobe this season, so why not stock up on lumberjack shirts in different styles and colours, so you can easily create stylish and comfortable looks day after day, whilst achieving a thoroughly on-trend look.
You can find our lumberjack shirts by clicking on the link
