Avre Friday Briefing #68
Batch No. 3
Of everything we make, the U.S. Navy Shawl Collar Shirt might be the one that actually gets worn the most. It's a versatile layer — smart over a plain white tee and good also as a layer over a jumper on a crisp afternoon.
It's 13.75oz American selvedge denim, pre-washed so it's soft and broken-in from the first day, with the selvedge running behind the placket on both sides and anchor-etched buttons that nod to its naval roots. Handmade here in the UK, rooted in the working dress of the wartime U.S. Navy. And unlike our numbered jackets, this one's a continuity piece — we keep making it, so there's no waiting list to join. We've seen it turn up onstage, in the pub, on the river and many places in between. It's in stock now.
Out in the wild
Part of the fun of a piece like this is seeing where it ends up. Roy Stride of Scouting for Girls has worn his onstage. The pre-washed denim is comfortable from day one, and the indigo only improves with wear, fading in its own way over time until no two shirts look quite the same.
The details
The design comes straight from the U.S. Navy's wartime working dress. Denim had been Navy issue since well before the war — chosen for being tough, washable and unfussy — which is exactly what makes it such a good everyday shirt now. The shawl collar sits flat or flips up against the wind, just as it did on deck.
Ours is made from 13.75oz American selvedge denim, indigo-dyed organic cotton, which we pre-wash ourselves before it goes anywhere near a machinist. The selvedge runs vertically behind the placket on both sides, the buttons are anchor-etched, and it's cut to fit true to size.
No pre-orders on this one, they're in stock, ready to ship.
Available now at £249 in sizes
If you're between sizes or unsure, our Size Guide has the garment measurements — best to compare them against a shirt you already own and wear.
