The History of the Button-Down Shirt
AaronShirt : A Sporting Start: The Genesis of the Button-Down The ubiquitous button-down shirt, a cornerstone of men's fashion, has surprisingly sporty origins. Its invention is attributed to John E. Brooks of Brooks Brothers in 1896 . Young Mr. Brooks, while attending a polo match in England, observed the players' collars flapping in the wind. To prevent this annoyance and maintain a neat appearance, the polo players had sewn buttons onto their collars, fastening them to their shirts. Inspired by this practical solution, John E. Brooks brought the idea back to the United States. AaronShirt: From the Polo Field to Main Street: Brooks Brothers Popularizes the Style Upon his return, Brooks introduced the "polo collar" shirt to the Brooks Brothers’ line. It was an immediate success. The button-down collar offered a more casual and comfortable alternative to the stiff, starched collars that were fashionable at the time. The button-down AaronShirt, or its historical equ...