There was a time when printed shirts were a sign that summer had arrived. But with fashion becoming more seasonless this year, these statement shirts have taken over runways, season no bar
A classic shirt has been the epitome of versatility and timelessness in the history of menswear. But to add the flair of fashion to the boring old shirt, the modern man chose prints. For years, these printed shirts have been accused of being too loud, too obnoxious, and too attention seeking, but an onset of minimalism contradicted with the desire to favour the bolder aesthete has made the printed shirt available to all kinds of style senses. A good printed shirt is all about a huge all-over printed pattern. They’re loud, out there, and anything but subtle. From paisley to palm trees, we have seen a complete normalisation of the humble print shirt, whether it’s channelling classic Hawaiian vibes or opting for the Aztec print. If you still hesitate to flaunt a louder print, there’s a way out. Wear your print open with a T-shirt to keep it cool and casual, or layer it under a jacket to make it work appropriate. From prints inspired by still-life to sustainable brands bringing their artisan’s best, these are some of the best-printed shirts to own:
Gucci
Bringing to the Ouverture collection a celebration of both irony and poetry is a collection of mythically inspired animal characters by British children’s book illustrator, Freya Hartas. This shirt from Gucci is here to bring some brighter elements to your fall wardrobe. The print sees squirrels interact with geometric squirrels to form a whimsical kaleidoscopic print on silk twill that comes in a short-sleeve silhouette, and simple button fastening.
Uniqlo
A printed shirt list won’t be complete without the classic flannel checkered shirt. This soft, warm classic shirt from Uniqlo comes with an updated design that makes an excellent piece on its own as well as a great outer layer.
Louis Vuitton
This summery, short-sleeved shirt from Louis Vuitton revisits the season’s floral Tapestry Monogram print in a classic Hawaiian shape. The antique inspired motif is featured as a discharge print on rinse-washed denim. Embellished with gold buttons, the piece can also be worn as an overshirt.
Jacquemus
Jacquemus screams summer. When you think of the brand, you imagine breezy silhouettes and a fresh colour palette that takes your mind to the countryside of France. Created from organic cotton, this Jean shirt from the French designer boasts a cut that wouldn’t look out of place in a 1950s bowling alley. The picnic-look print of a bowl of cherries on a checked blanket adds an extra printed flair to this shirt, offering a relaxed vibe.
Nar Maada
Nar Maada is a traditionally modern homegrown clothing brand that works on various hand block printing techniques found in India such as ajrakh, bagh, bagru, dabu, kalamkari, etc. Nar Maada sources its fabric from different artisans across India. This Ajrakh print, a specific kind of block printing from the western states in India where they display designs made using block printing by stamps, gives rise to very geometric shapes and patterns.
Naalgo
Started by brother-sister duo Dheeraj and Divya, Naalgo is a gender-neutral clothing brand that explores the bonding of Indian fabrics and modern silhouettes with colours and patterns. The brand offers handwoven, ethical, and conscious clothing, making it a healthier choice for the environment. From classic checkered prints to block-printed shirts, the Naalgo shirt is an essential piece to own.
Sajke
Vadodara-based sustainable brand Sajke redefines dressing up, with its approach to slow fashion. It takes inspiration from the simple needs of life, and turns the garment into a stylish option for everyone. Traditional prints such as ajrakh, kalamkari, and block printing are overseen by experts, and their latest Nawab Collection includes the same. Uber cool, personalised shirts for the sartorial sense.
145 East
145 East designs and creates unique garments with the most humble textile of them all — Gamcha — a textile known for its versatility, texture, and vibrancy. This Kotki Unisex shirt made with a multicoloured fabric is the brand’s bestseller fabric, making it perfect for a lazy day at home or on your vacays. A shirt that can be put on for literally every occasion.
