Patchwork Madras, York Street, and Aristotle

With summer now officially in full effect I have been adding a few new casual shirts to the line-up. First up is a patchwork madras button-front shirt from J.Press. Well not actually J.Press, but York Street. You are probably just as surprised reading that as I was when I purchased it.

York Street has a bad rap and I am not saying that it is undeserved. The clothes are tight, short, and often odd looking which is generally the exact opposite of what I want. Especially when we are talking tailored clothing. Casual clothing is a little different. It does not require the same amount of detail.
York Street Patchwork MadrasI saw this short-sleeved patchwork madras shirt at York St. and immediately liked it…from far away. I zoomed in on the shirt examining each piece of madras. I didn’t really like any of them. I zoomed back out and once again I liked it. What I learned about patchwork madras during this exercise is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The main reason that I added a new casual shirt to the rotation is golf. I have found that short-sleeved button front shirts in summer fabrics are often much cooler than the ubiquitous polo. The space between the buttons provides ventilation and if you choose a lightweight fabric it adds to the airy feel.

If you are looking for a casual shirt I suggest giving a short-sleeved button-front shirt a try. It is a nice alternative to a polo. You could also use this opportunity to explore brands that would not make the cut in the office such as York St., Gant, Red Fleece, or even something like the J.Crew.

If you are considering a patchwork madras remember that you do not need to like every patch. You just need to like the way they all look together. For those of you wondering about sizing my York Street medium shirt fits like my medium from PRL. My next project will be removing the branding from the shirt.

oxford cloth button down
Jerrod Swanton is a simple man interested in simple, classic, and traditional style.

3 Comments on "Patchwork Madras, York Street, and Aristotle"

  1. George says:

    Great tip about the coolness of shirt construction. I never would’ve thought about it on my own. I always just did what everyone else did and went polo shirt. I guess on the 19th hole it’s a wash, but now I’m eager to try the links on a loose-fitting, short-sleeve button front of light weight. Something new to try; I’m already energized. Thanks, C!

  2. Fred Johnson says:

    You may also want to consider a polo in open weave linen. I have a light yellow one from Uncle Ralph that is really comfortable, especially on the back nine. I can’t say that I have ever seen a button up madras shirt on the course, but why not.

  3. oxford cloth button down says:

    Fred – Good suggestion. I have never seen a button-front or popover shirt on the course either. Maybe I will learn the reason why when I play in it. If it doesn’t work it will certainly keep me cooler off the course.

    George – Let me know if you give it a try. It came to me because I almost always wear one specific short-sleeve button-front to the range, because of the cool factor. You hit the nail on the head with “loose-fitting.”

I would like to hear from you