Shirts of this period were cut entirely from rectangles with no shaping but used square gussets and gathering to give the ease. The collar varied very little throughout the century so this shirt can be used for all productions from 1700-1780. The fronts and cuffs have frills. For matching cravats see Collars & Ties

This shirt uses the same square gusset pattern but is made from a very fine linen which softens wonderfully when washed. The shoulder seams are now made with authentic reinforcing bands.
Dye-able linen buttons.

The body of these shirts remained the same square cut as for the earlier shirts but the collar became deeper and developed points which were intended to be seen above the high cravat. For matching cravats see Collars & Ties.
These shirts are now made with authentic reinforcing bands along the shoulder seams.

By 1820 the basic square cut of C18th was still used but evolved towards a more tailored front using pleats.

1840 marked the transition towards the fully shaped shirt which we know today. The front or bib of this shirt is pleated in much the same way as earlier shirts but the sleeves are set in and the square under-arm gussets finally abandoned.
Curved shirt tails.

The plain front of this shirt reflects the growing austerity in men's clothing. Shirts were customarily worn with separate stiff collars.
Single convertible cuff (button or cuff link) Made by traditional English shirt makers.

These shirts are just a small selection of those available from Gabrielle Firth. They are all original from the late C19th and in very good condition. Please contact Gabrielle directly if you would like details of her stock of French linen sheets.Tel: 01425 655 980

Also know as boiled front shirts these have the traditional starched bib front and were worn on all evening occasions by late Victorians and Edwardians with starched wing collar and white tie.
The bib is approximately 15" long. Designed to close with dress studs which are available separately. Single cuffs with buttonholes for cuff links. Curved shirt tails. Specialist laundry required.

These shirts have a textured pique front and were worn from 1920 at less formal evening events with starched wing collar and black tie. Designed to close with dress studs. Single cuffs with buttonholes for cuff links. Curved shirt tails.

These shirts are exactly the same as the above neckband shirts but have a semi-stiff plain wing collar attached. They are fully machine washable and are designed to close with dress studs. Single cuffs with buttonholes for cuff links. Curved shirt tails.

These shirts are ideal for productions from 1950 to present day. They are beautifully made in soft cotton with a finely pleated front panel. Double cuffs. Supplied complete with 4 black front studs.
Available with extra long sleeves.

Standard waistcoat fronts worn for white tie occasions. Spare buttons are available separately.

These shirts are manufacturered by one of England's longest established shirtmakers so the quality is superb.
The collar shape is absolutely typical of the early to middle C20th and the collars themselves are deliberately made up with very soft, non fused interfacing which gives an authentically gentle look but they can take separate collar stiffeners. (See Accessories)
We do make coloured versions of these shirts but only in limited numbers so please contact us for stock availability on other shades.
Double cuffs and generous shirt tails.

These shirts have collars which are longer than the equivalent English shirts of the early C20th and have a firmer interfacing.
Double cuffs.

These are the same quality button through collarless shirts as above but have 2 separate cutaway collars. Good alternative to white for Barristers. Double cuffs. 100% cotton poplin

A very useful basic shirt for many period dramas. Can be worn with all stiff collars. Also worn by present day barristers with wing collars and bands. Double cuffs. Curved shirt tails.

As above but in larger sizes. Tie retaining loop. Single cuffs

One of the most difficult shirts to find is one of the simplest. This classic white shirt fulfils all the requirements.
Made from finest quality cotton poplin, this shirt is produced by one of England's most traditional shirt makers. Expertly made with single needle machines it has double cuffs, curved shirt tails and that most elusive of details, a perfect collar shape.

The standard working man's collarless union shirt in heavy weight cotton flannelette stripe. This fabric does shrink but the shirts they have been cut extra long to allow for this. Single cuffs. Curved shirt tails

This is a version of the traditional union shirt with an attached collar. This fabric does shrink but the shirts they have been cut extra long to allow for this. Single cuffs. Curved shirt tails

These are simple placket front shirts in hard wearing but soft cotton drill. Single cuffs. Breast pocket.

These are simple placket front shirts in soft lightweight cotton drill. Perfect for any early C20th casual outfit. Single cuffs and no pocket.

Straightforward placket front shirts in soft brushed cotton check.
These shirts shrink slightly, the sleeves by about 1”. Single cuffs. Breast pocket.

These relaxed shirts half placket are made from fine linen with a single breast pocket and single cuffs. Not strictly period garments but great for summer wear.