Knitted T-shirts: Entwined in Old Hollywood

And the good news is that not only has Edward Sexton returned with an enticing selection of the dropped-belt loop trouser this season, but we’ve seen an influx of knitted T-shirts from both distinguished heritage brands, and up-and-coming labels. Bringing a modern twist to old world tailoring, The Anthology — founded by Andy Chong and Buzz Tang — are one of those budding firms to look out for. They’ve applied this nuanced approach to classic designs with an interesting evolution of the knitted T-shirt. Their cropped interpretation is inspired by 1950s sportswear, for the purpose of allowing high-rise trousers to sing properly. Buzz Tang explains that “in consideration of how our tailored trousers style normally sits with a mid to high rise, we figured having a shorter length done with a slightly extended ribbed end that hugs around the waist firmly would offer that drape-y look.” With this approach it adds a different dimension to the lines of your outfit; one that certainly accentuates your physical attributes. Cut from the very best Supima cotton, the T-shirt’s higher neck, along with its beautiful texture also allows you to wear it underneath a tailored jacket with confidence. You can find The Anthology designs in rust, caramel, navy, ecru and mustard.

Totally unique on the market, Yuri & Yuri’s Monte Carlo T-shirt, handcrafted in their patented Serie fibre is cut for a relaxed fit. The purpose of the knitted T-shirt is to permeate a degree of elegance, that a plain cotton T-shirt cannot. It is why they predominantly fit closer to the body, and protrude a distinctly luxurious texture. But Yuri and Yuri don’t do things the ordinary way; they’ve created a version that is less urbane than its counterparts, and more suited to the laid-back approach of the aristocratic bohemian set dotted around various Greek islands, Morocco and Andalucía. It’s the sort of garment you can imagine the American literary geniuses such as Paul Bowles and Truman Capote wearing in Tangier in 1960s, plus other frequent visitors that came and went such as J. Paul Getty, Jr, and of course the Rolling Stones. With its unique moisture-wicking properties, I’m sure it would have been an adored item by the louche characters of 1960s Morocco.

Again, in anticipation of the searing heat, Scaglione’s plain white version is knitted in a linen and cotton blend to give you a touch more breathability. Elsewhere in Scaglione’s repertoire you can find bolder colours such as mint green and purple in a lustful bourette silk. A navy polo shirt is quite possibly one of the most fundamental assets to have in your wardrobe, and the same can be applied to a navy knitted T-shirt. A textured knit, the navy version from Lardini works well tucked into jeans as it does with a sports jacket, and more tailored trousers. Comprising of buttons for added visual interest - a Henley T-shirt can be added to this list of knitted yarns. An extremely underrated garment in menswear circles, the luxurious versions offered by Anderson & Sheppard featuring a two-button placket would be a shrewd summer investment.

You cannot underestimate the importance that an elevated T-shirt can have in your sartorial armoury. It hits a formality gap, that other garments cannot really sort you out with. And if you can emulate the style of leading man Tyrone Power, you’ll be weaving your way into the upper echelons of men’s style.