Introducing: John Francomb Classics

Are we getting slimmer? We’ve been making slim-fit shirts for over 8 years now and it seems as if we can’t get enough of them – sales keep going up and up.

During that time we’ve also had a nifty little shirt tucked away called the Rovereto which was developed as a fully-fitted fashion shirt with a long pointed collar and usually cut in quite bold stripes and bright colours.  Though popular with our customers (and staff!) they kept asking for this shape and fit in more classic fabrics to wear with their suits for work. 

So, we have responded with our new John Francomb Classics collection which is not only a range of solely classic patterns but we’ve also added an easy care finish that will help with the ironing too!

Although we’ve kept the same fit, we’ve made the side seams a bit longer so they stay tucked in your suit and we’ve made the collar a classic cutaway shape to sit better with a tie (a narrow John Francomb tie of course) and, designers being designers, we couldn’t resist a little extra flourish on a few of the shirts so you may find some extra detailing that’s tucked away discreetly inside (or will only be visible with the collar open).  Even though your colleagues will not see it – it’s enough your knowing it’s there. 

Does this mean we’re all getting slimmer I hear you ask? Or are we now designing shirts for waifs?

Not either necessarily!  It’s just becoming more and more acceptable (if not essential) to wear clothes with a closer fit.  Jackets are becoming slimmer and trousers are narrower and even if you are not personally cut ‘slim fit’ you will be surprised that you can still wear closer cut clothes and feel good.  After all, when we cut a shirt or a jacket for a size 40” a slim-fit will still fit a 40” chest but the amount of ‘ease’ built in will have been reduced to make it fit closer – especially through the waist - and the armholes will be cut slightly higher with a narrower sleeve so as to achieve a more tapered silhouette.

Without getting too technical, there is about half a size difference between the slim-fit and the fully-fitted shape – just enough to suppress the excess fabric around the waist.

To recap, here are some of the features of John Francomb Classics:

- Fully fitted.

- Cutaway collar.

- Double cuff.

- Detailing and contrast fabrics in some styles.

- Easy to iron finish.

- 100% cotton.