WHAT IS AN OXFORD SHIRT?

An Oxford shirt is a type of dress shirt that has been popular for many years. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these special shirts.

what is an Oxford shirt?

An Oxford shirt is typically made from a white or light-colored fabric and has a stiff collar and cuffs. The fabric is usually a blend of cotton, which makes it durable and wrinkle-resistant.

Oxford shirts are popular because they are comfortable and versatile. They can be worn with dress pants or jeans, and can be dressed up or down. Oxford shirts also come in a variety of styles, including long-sleeve or short-sleeve, slim or regular fit, and with or without a pocket.

If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish shirt, an Oxford shirt is a great option. They can be purchased at most clothing stores, or you can order them online. Be sure to read the sizing chart carefully to ensure you get the right fit.

oxford shirt example
Oxford shirt

why is it called an Oxford shirt?

Oxford shirts are called Oxford shirts because they are made with a specific weave of fabric (usually cotton) called Oxford cloth.

history of the Oxford shirt

The Oxford shirt originated in the early nineteenth century in a weaving mill in Scotland. The fabric was usually a blend of cotton and linen, which made it durable and wrinkle-resistant.

Oxford shirts are popular because they are comfortable and versatile. They can be worn with dress pants or jeans, and can be dressed up or down. Oxford shirts also come in a variety of styles, including long-sleeve or short-sleeve, slim or regular fit, and with or without a pocket.

Usually Oxford shirts represent a high-quality, durable shirt that can be dressed up or down. The popularity of the Oxford shirt has led to many different variations of the style, including women’s Oxford shirts and tailored Oxford shirts.

what is the difference between an oxford shirt and a regular dress shirt?

Just like how a t-shirt could fall under the parent category of a shirt, one could argue that an Oxford shirt falls under the category of a dress shirt.

But again, it depends on the color and look of the Oxford shirt. For example, if someone told you that the attire for an event you are attending is “dressy,” and you show up with a bright yellow criss-cross patterned Oxford shirt — it might not be the best fit.

oxford don't
maybe not the best formal fit

If that Oxford shirt was a black, however, it may be a different story.

So again, you can make the claim that Oxford shirts fall under the category under dress shirts, but there are some differences. Let’s look at the two biggest differences.

1. fabric

The main difference between an Oxford shirt and a regular shirt is the fabric. Oxford shirts are generally thicker feeling and may look “less formal” because they do not have a sheen/shine to them like a regular dress shirt may have.

The fabric used in Oxford shirts is usually Oxford cloth which is usually cotton, but now some of them are being made by also incorporating polyester and rayon.

The material in dress shirts varies, but it is usually 100% cotton. Depending on the yarn and/or cloth used and the superiority of it, depends on that sheen that is usually seen with new dress shirts.

2. collar

Most of the times, the easiest way to differentiate between a “regular” dress shirt and an Oxford shirt is the Oxford shirt collar can be buttoned down.

In a regular dress shirt, you can not button-down the collar and the collar is a bit more spread apart, whereas in the Oxford shirt, the collar gap is slightly smaller.

oxford vs dress shirt
Oxford shirt collar has buttons

why would you wear an Oxford shirt?

Oxford shirts are popular because they are versatile and can be dressed up or down. They can be worn with dress pants or jeans, and can be dressed up or down. Oxford shirts also come in a variety of styles, including long-sleeve or short-sleeve, slim or regular fit, and with or without a pocket.

And if you’re like me, I personally love the button down collar look — as it provides a clean tight/sharp look.

what is Oxford cloth used for?

Oxford cloth is typically used to make dress shirts, sportcoats, and blazers. It is also used for making other items such as baby blankets, handkerchiefs, and towels.

The fabric is usually cotton. Oxford cloth is also a strong fabric and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

FAQ

can Oxford shirts be dressy?

Yes, Oxford shirts can be dressy. It just depends on the color and style of the shirt. For example, a black Oxford shirt can be dressy, but a bright yellow Oxford shirt would not be as dressy.

can you wear an Oxford shirt to a wedding?

Yes, you can wear an Oxford shirt to a wedding, but make sure that the shirt is dressy and matches the rest of your outfit. You don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb at a formal event.

should Oxford shirts be ironed?

Oxford shirts should be ironed because they wrinkle easily. The Oxford cloth is a lightweight fabric and wrinkles more easily than other fabrics. Make sure to use a low-heat iron and avoid using too much pressure when ironing.

final remarks

The Oxford shirt is a timeless classic that will always be in style. Thanks for reading!