Uniqlo's Pink Oxford (S$34.90)
An impulse buy of a very affordable pink oxford from Uniqlo prompted this post, as I embark once again on the search of the essential prep item, the pink shirt. Pink shirts have long been synonymous with ivy league style, best worn with khakis and penny loafers in my opinion.
The pink shirt was introduced in the 1900 by Brook Brothers, being the first pink shirt of any kind. The style did not take off until it was publicized for college girls in 1949. The sartorial icon soon caught on for the men not long after, especially so for young bankers and professionals in the financial district near the store.
Feature in Vogue that resulted in an overnight sensation
The shirt was particularly known for its special roll of the collar and, even today, the collar still is made separately and then sewn onto the shirt by hand. In May 2 issue, LIFE declared 1955 “The Peak Year for Pink, further nailing down the shirt’s place in history.
Indicators of it’s popularity includes a black and pink working-class prom-night color combo, as illustrated by John Travolta in Grease.
Travolta working the pink shirt in Grease
While Brook Brothers still carries the same model, the fit and style has evolved over the years, so in that sense, the original shirt which took the prep world by storm is no longer available. Although Brook Brothers reverted to its original label with this version, it’s noticeably thinner and the collar is rolled differently.
Before, I’ve always had an impression of pink being a douchey colour, but I’ve come to realised when worn with the right combination and style, it’s more preppy than anything. Just remember not to pop your collar.
Get it here.
See also:
Ivy Style’s The Year Brook Invented Pink
Gilt Manual’s The Pink Shirt
Thread Count’s Today I wore a pink shirt
