I've been on the lookout for a decent chambray shirt for a while.
It's also more practical than white.
Unfortunately, every one I've bought in the past has been too blousy, too short, or needed ironing every time someone so much as breathed on it.
So when I spotted a vintage women's US Navy shirt nestled amongst the flannel and fleece of Bionic 7 - a vintage menswear store in Manchester's Northern Quarter - I thought it was at least worth a try-on.
Much to my delight, it was exactly what I was looking for: tailored but not tight, soft but crisp, light but structured. It was also only £25.
My only reservation was with the square care label that was sewn onto the front. While handily providing washing instructions, the label also invited the wearer to brand it with their name and service number.
I was initially concerned that this detail too readily gave away the shirt's intended purpose and would look a bit odd on someone who had never completed a bootcamp class, never mind actual military service. But I actually came to appreciate this unique little detail. I've even done some googling and found the corresponding NEVEDTRA manual. So, if nothing else, it'll never go on the wrong wash!
I've also taken to wearing it with a popped collar (I'm cool like that) and rolled sleeves (Megan over at Style Girlfriend blew my mind with this tutorial on how).
So, in conclusion: If you're always disappointed by too-thin shirts who's raison d'être is to show off your lower back when you sit down, perhaps you should give one of these a try too. I've no doubt there are plenty out there, so get searching the vintage stores or have a scroll through eBay.
That is, unless you've got cash to burn and fancy this Current/Elliot little number...
x
