What kind of shirt is this?

[FedoraFan112390]

While not a Golden Era picture, this photo was taken in 1975--It is sadly the last of my grandfather, who died that October. I'm sorry that this isn't a golden era topic but you guys know a lot about vintage fashion--What kind of shirt is this? I ask because I've never seen any sort of dress shirt that had little vents/holes all over it, even on the collar, and I'm wondering if someone could help me identify the style or name of the kind of shirt it was.

 

["Skeet" McD]

While not a Golden Era picture, this photo was taken in 1975--It is sadly the last of my grandfather, who died that October. I'm sorry that this isn't a golden era topic but you guys know a lot about vintage fashion--What kind of shirt is this? I ask because I've never seen any sort of dress shirt that had little vents/holes all over it, even on the collar, and I'm wondering if someone could help me identify the style or name of the kind of shirt it was.

Your grandfather lives on in your memory, but accept a very belated condolence.

There's not much to work on, sadly....at least for me; perhaps others will be more astute. But, from what can be seen, I might guess a Guayabera the Cuban/Yucatecan/Latin American shirt which, at the time your grandfather was alive, was--as this Wikipedia article claims, and I can remember!--associated with men of his age group:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guayabera

Should you decide you want one, here's a good place to start; I have one, and the linen is very nice:

http://www.theguayaberashirtstore.com/

"Skeet"

 

[Tomasso]

this photo was taken in 1975--What kind of shirt is this?

It's a '70s shirt.

No joke, shirting of this ilk was very popular back then.

 

[H.Johnson]

Indeed, it is a fine example of a generic mid-70s shirt. Probably in quite 'loud' colours.

I still have a few examples.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

What kind of collar is this?

What kind of collar does this shirt have? Picture date is July 1972

 

[Dinerman]

A typical '70s shirt collar.

 

[Shangas]

Looks like a Spread collar to me. Very common on shirts today.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Looking at spread collars, they are normally short to the tip, this collar appears to just be a normal point collar, longer than a spread collar, and that the collar is a bit wider as they were back then.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Question: Am looking at a vintage 70s 65% Dacron Polyester, 35% Cotton mix shirt. Since it's a cotton/poly mix, will it be as bad on the sweat end as some here mentioned with regard to polyester? I ask because I have some (modern) cotton/poly blend shirts and they're ok, but maybe they were made differently in the 70s.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Well the shirt I'm looking at is a mid 70s Butterfly collar Dacron Poly/Cotton blend....I'm just wondering if vintage 70s polyester, specifically Dacron Polyester, would have any major issues? It's just a regular shirt, not a suit suit. A sort of button down, short sleeve typical mid 70s shirt.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

This is the kind of shirt I'm looking at.

 

[Undertow]

Question: Am looking at a vintage 70s 65% Dacron Polyester, 35% Cotton mix shirt. Since it's a cotton/poly mix, will it be as bad on the sweat end as some here mentioned with regard to polyester? I ask because I have some (modern) cotton/poly blend shirts and they're ok, but maybe they were made differently in the 70s.

Polyester has, in fact, improved throughout the years. What was once true about scratchy, hot polyester is not necessarily true today.

If you've ever felt microsuede, you'll admit it's quite soft. If you've worn some of the poly/rayon blended polos for golfing, you'll admit it cools relatively well. The point is, the manufacture and application of polyester has improved enough that it can be used quite effectively as a filler of sorts. Thus, you see many poly blends in regular, inexpensive clothing.

On the other hand, it's still a low value fabric with poorer qualities than what it was produced to replace. Older polyester is atrocious, and even newer stuff is mainly used just to fill the spot of a better fabric.

The poly blend you mentioned is still going to be hot. When something is blended, it's usually to impart the positive aspects of one fabric to a larger ratio of the other - e.g. 85% cotton 15% poly keeps wrinkles out while still breathing. Sounds like your blend of 65% poly and 35% cotton ends up being stain resistant (like sweat stains), wrinkle resistant and somewhat breathable. I don't like to purchase shirts with any poly, to be honest.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

But in general you'd think it'd be alright? I just want a nice vintage shirt--just for regular non suit wear. I love 70s shirts, but I always get a little nervous when I hear fabrics I don't know mentioned. I just want something that won't be "icky" and won't have any fabrics or any crap that could cause health issues. I've never bought a used article of clothing before outside of hats, much less a near 40 year old shirt. I just don't want it where I'm wearing something that could've become toxic through degradation and age or something. That's all I was worried about really as stupid as it sounds. I'm new to buying vintage clothing, so forgive me.

Also--What is Dacron Polyester exactly? Is it in any way different from regular polyester?

Also, the cotton in this particular shirt is "Sanforized"

 

[Gene]

Also--What is Dacron Polyester exactly? Is it in any way different from regular polyester?

Also, the cotton in this particular shirt is "Sanforized"

Dacron is just a trademarked name for polyester. Sanforized is a process that helps eliminate shrinkage before the garment is sold. It's been around for awhile.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Just re-asking the question about this shirt as I have a larger, better quality scan of the photo. What sort of collar does it have, what sort of design? I'd love tosee if there was another 'copy' of the shirt out there. Also, it seems like he has an envelope in a right chest pocket--but the pocket seems awful high up on the shirt, something I've never seen. And which is the true size/shape of the collar--the collar on the left, or the folded down collar on the right?

 

[Undertow]

FedoraFan, you might find this thread useful: Textile Compendium. It's a beginner's guide to textiles, very basic. It's nice to refer to if you're uncertain about textiles in general.

I've pulled the following from the above link:
4. Polyester (resin): coal, air, water and petroleum; fiber-forming substance made from a chemical combination of ethylene glycol and terepthalic acid.
a. trademark names include Dacron, Kodel, Fortrel, Trevira, Spectran, Avlin and Vycron.
b. Resilient, wrinkle resistant, pressed crease retention, quick drying, good strength, resistant to abrasion, hand is fair to good, iron safe at moderate temperatures, stable in repeated launderings.

Regarding "harmful chemicals" degrading...[huh] See what Polyester is made from - and does it degrade? Who knows. Would the US Gubmit, or any other entity with oversight, care to report that a colossal quantity of clothing must be recalled because there's been an increase of disease or cancer? One would hope so, but that's your call.

I have 60's and 70's shirts from my grandfather made with poly and they seemed reasonably intact. Hit it with a cigarette cherry and the whole thing goes up, though.

Honestly, if you really want the shirt, I say go for it. Give it a try! It may end up being your favorite shirt. I wouldn't hold back just because of the fabric. Once you're familiar with the way the fabric feels on you, you can make a better, more educated decision later. Until then, enjoy the shirt.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Thank you.

Also, a separate kind of shirt: What kind is this?

Yes, it looks much like a regular dress shirt, but the cut of the collar is a bit different than modern button down shirts. Picture is from 1956.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Hey FedoraFan112390,

I don't know if you expect an exact "name" for every collar style. Most of them don't have one and if they have most seller won't use it. For the seventies collar in the opening post you would simply search for a seventies shirt on ebay or etsy and choose the one you like best. For the fifties shirt you do the same with the other keywords.

I don't think there is a shortcut. You have to search for yourself and keep digging through lot's of "wrong" stuff. But you know...sometimes it is fun.

Looking at the 50s shirt I think it looks like the one Gene mentioned on the last page here...even with 2 etsy finds.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?2087-Dress-shirts-...-just-dress-shirts/page13

 

[Undertow]

Unfortunately, Floey has a point. There is no real master list of styles and names. I think many names have stuck due to popularity or perhaps as a more fluent means of communicating an idea to your tailor, etc.; cut-away = spread collar, Oxford bags = flared trousers...

In this case, I believe this style of collar is called a butterfly collar...however...when buttoned, it's quite similar to a spear point collar, or perhaps some would prefer to call it a 3+ inch point collar, etc, etc.

Point being - you will have to dig and hunt. Like Floey said, you will likely run across much of the "wrong" things, but you will increase your knowledge of fashion, style and clothing in general which is really a good thing. Remember, sometimes it's not the destination, it's the journey.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Any way to buy a new wide collar shirt?

I was hoping to be able to buy a new wide collar shirt, similar to the one in the image below. I feel very weird about buying used clothes so if anyone knows of any places which makes these kind of shirts today would be appreciated.