What makes an oxford shirt an oxford shirt?

[bbernardini]

I'm not supposed to wear one to my gig tonight, but I'm not sure if I have anything else that's appropriate. What, precisely, makes an oxford shirt an oxford shirt?

[Aristus]

1. A couple of things:

The weave of the cloth, which is slightly coarser than your standard dress-shirt cotton weave. And button-down collars. Both are characteristics of a more casual look they may not want. Get a broadcloth shirt with a point or spread collar.

[bbernardini]

2. Thanks...however, if I have to ask what an oxford shirt is...

Did you really think I'd understand the terms "broadcloth" and "point or spread collar"? :)

If you would be so kind to elaborate on those terms, I'd probably feel much better about my possible choice for tonight.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. Broadcloth = tight weave, fine finish fabric.

Generally a synthetic blend instead of 100% cotton. Point collar = standard shirt collar (picture a buttondown without buttons, and a stiffer collar thanks to collar stays). Spread collar = collar not "pointed", wider gap at throat (this style should be worn with a tie knotted with a Windsor knot).

[bbernardini]

4. Okay, I think I've got it.

I've got a stylish little short sleeve number with a non-button-down collar, and a matching t-shirt to wear underneath it. Should be okay, I would think. Seems "clubby" to me.

[Aristus]

6. Ugh! Not a short-sleeve, please!

Short-sleeve button-up shirts SCREAM "geek".

A long-sleeve with the sleeves rolled up is much cooler.

[bbernardini]

8. So a long-sleeve shirt without a button down collar ISN'T an oxford?

I'm SO confused at this point.

[EstimatedProphet]

5. Breeding, pure and simple

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

7. it's made in Cambridge

[UncleSepp]

9. Check the package or the label if you have to buy one

If you go to Sears (for example) they have the bins with the shirts in them labeled with the cloth type and collar type.

Unless you are going to keep your jacket on, the short sleeve shirt is probably too informal also. If you don't wear these things normally and haven't got much of a use for such a shirt, check the thrift store - if your size is not unusually small or large, you can probably find one for a couple bucks. The "broadcloth" referred to further up thread feels a lot like a bedsheet.