Form and fjäril

01 Jun, 2017

A legendary Swedish maker’s “butterfly” shirt is our favorite new way to be manly

by Evan Monroe

From the day its factory opened in Gånghester, Sweden in 1928, Eton has crafted men’s shirts utilizing techniques that border on the fanatical. Each is made from 45 different parts and sewn with 12,000 stitches, the cut-away collar one of its design essentials (its balanced shape makes for versatility, matching any face shape, and it can be worn either with or without a tie).

Cut-away, incidentally, is a style created to complement the wide Windsor tie knot made popular by the likes of King George V and his son, King Edward VIII, and is characterized by a spread between collar points and a medium height. Eton’s version works for both wide and slim tie knots, and goes well with just about any business suit. You can also wear it unbuttoned under a sport jacket or knit sweater for a more relaxed, yet sophisticated look.
The woven interlining gives the collar a slightly curved shape that elegantly frames the wearer’s face.

The maker is also a company with a conscience. “Being a product specialist means that we can monitor every stage in the process,” reads Eton production notes. “And all our material and other suppliers are required to sign our code of conduct and code of ethics, which regulates working conditions, among other factors.”

Here, a vibrant butterfly pattern is printed on poplin fabric for a crisp appearance, and goes perfectly with a pair of jeans and a navy blazer.