White, colorful or printed, in linen, cotton or even wool, the shirt is a true menswear essential, and the ultimate expression of the personality and style of its wearer. Few garments speak for themselves quite like the shirt, which is as instrumental on special occasions as it is key to the everyday wardrobe. But where did it all start?

While not a universally known fact, the shirt dates back to ancient times and was first spotted in Ancient Rome. In those days, the shirt had an entirely different design and use from what we know now. Sleeveless and long, made from linen or sea silk, the tunic-like style was more akin to an undergarment, often worn by both men and women during their bath time.

With the addition of sleeves around the late 16th century, the shirt as we know it became a key menswear garment around the 17th century. While it originated in Roman times as a base layer, it is only then that the shirt became an attribute and symbol of wealth, the hallmark of aristocrats who favored elaborate details and precious embroideries.

Rather like sleeves, collars were first introduced around the late 16th century; unlike sleeves, they have truly evolved and transformed throughout the ages. What started as a strip of fabric with a ruffled edge went through a series of transformations, which included the pared-back mandarin collar or the more flamboyant ruff, a true must-have under the Renaissance for men and women alike.

Around the Baroque era, ties made their debut albeit with white shirts only, while the colored shirt first appeared in 1860 as a daywear alternative. Little by little, stripes became a staple and infused shirts with a more personal touch; later down the line, denim and flannel spelled the birth of the casual shirt.

Nowadays the shirt is the ultimate menswear (and womenswear) must-have, the expression of a confident, elegant and individual style. Available in a wide range of colors, prints and fabrics, it remains an undisputed sartorial icon.

Reda Active offers a range of shirt fabrics crafted from pure Merino wool; unlike cotton, wool is highly breathable, ensuring dry skin and unprecedented thermal comfort. Thanks to its crease-free technology, Reda Active’s shirt fabric keeps garments looking flawless in any situation; these wrinkle-resistant properties ensure the fabric can be worn throughout the day without worrying unsightly creases might appear. This high-performance fabric follows the body’s every movement in a seamless and effortless way, guaranteeing optimal comfort on any occasion.