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Details
- Price $150 at bather.com
- Material Linen
- Made in Portugal
Overview
I rather freeze to death than die of heatstroke if it came down to it. Having lived in sunny Singapore for a good part of my life, I often lament that I would have stayed in Singapore if not for the heat. Portable fan, wide brim hat, full face mask—I feel no embarrassment in looking like I am allergic to sunlight.
Black short-sleeved t-shirts are my go-to regardless of the weather but sometimes it does make me look haggard. Clubs and bars in Thailand don't have much in the way of dress code, but I'd like to at least look decent. This brings me to short-sleeved shirts.
I try to keep these to a minimum because they are hard to layer and I wear them exclusively when I go to someplace nice in a tropical country. I wear exclusively linen because of how nonchalant yet presentable they look.
When Bather reached out with their Linen Camp Shirt, I knew that they were right up my alley.
Style
The camp shirt silhouette originated in the 1920s and 1930s, designed for comfort and practicality in warm climates and outdoor activities. It gained popularity in the 1950s as a staple of casual menswear, often featuring bright colors and bold patterns. By the 1970s, it became more unisex and was embraced by various subcultures.
Today, the camp shirt is experiencing a revival, appreciated for its versatility and relaxed style, making it a timeless wardrobe staple. And timeless pieces are what I like.
The Bather's version is true to the classic, with a spread, open collar. It's unlined and hangs loosely, making up the easygoing and relaxed vibe.
It styles well with most prints but black helps bring the linen and relaxed collar look more put together. The black is punctuated with subtle turtleshell buttons, which brings out the tropical flair.
There isn't any branding besides the tag on the inside, which reminds me of the flavor found on 80's Mambo Loud shirts.
The unique texture looks like it will age well over time giving a rustic look. However, note that like most linen, this will tend to wrinkle which can add to the laidback look.
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The linen is opaque, unlike some thinner ones that can reveal your torso's imperfections.
At 6 ft and 187 lbs, I got an XL. This size was a tinge more relaxed than the usual shirts I have, but goes well with the style and the natural drape of linen. The fit looks to be pretty regular and there are two light pleats on the back.
The drape falls nicely over your body, but that means that it won't hide any curves although the black does help.
Material
Known for lightweight and breathability, linen is ideal for warmer climates. It can wick moisture away from the body and its open weave keeps the air flowing.
As a natural fiber derived from the flax plant, linen is a more sustainable choice compared to fibers like cotton.
Linen is an easy but obvious choice for this camp shirt. Bather is not challenging the norm, but sticking to tried and true classics with 100% of the good stuff.
Usage
This isn't my first rodeo with linen shirts. Linen shirts are the only kind of shirts I can stand being in while traveling in hot and humid climates. The airflow keeps me feeling cool, especially as someone who sweats a lot.
Linen feels great and cozy against my skin. I felt comfortable (as can be) wearing it all day in the humid and hot sun.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
There is a chest pocket on the wearer's left, which is always nice. It blends so nicely with the rest of the shirt, that you barely notice it. I often drop my Sony WF-1000XM4 in there.
Conclusion
A linen shirt isn’t groundbreaking, and you can find cheaper options like those from Uniqlo. However, Bather excels in basics and attention to detail. While it may seem pricier for a staple piece, you're investing in quality and craftsmanship.
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