Shirts

Shirts are upper-body garments typically with sleeves and a collar, designed to be worn on the outside of clothing. They usually fasten at the front with buttons or other closures and may include features such as a chest pocket, cuffs, and a front placket. The term covers many styles worn in casual and formal settings.

Etymology and history: The word shirt comes from Old English scyrte and related Germanic terms. Shirts originated as undergarments or chemises in many cultures and later evolved into outerwear. In Western fashion, formal dress shirts with stiff collars and cuffs became standard business attire in the 19th and 20th centuries, while casual styles diversified.

Common types include dress shirts (formal, with a structured collar and cuffs), button-down shirts (dress shirts with a collar that can be worn open or closed), polo shirts (knitted with a short placket and polo collar), T-shirts (knit jersey, no collar), and Henley shirts (pullover with a short button placket).

Materials and care: shirts are made from cotton and cotton blends, linen, silk, or synthetic fabrics. Construction features include collars, cuffs, plackets, yokes, and various necklines. Care varies by fabric; cotton shirts are typically machine-washable and may require ironing to maintain a neat appearance.