The Shirt Monogram

The Shirt Monogram

     When Laundry was first sent out of the home, the monogram was used to authenticate ownership.In the heyday of men's fashion, monogrammed braces, initialed belt buckles, and embroidered pocket handkerchiefs were popular gifts from grooms to ushers, while regarded as tokens of affection from wives and girl friends. 

       

Today , some men consider the display of one's initials somewhat pretentious, while others appreciate it as a sign of individuality and quality.

      Since the dress shirt was considered underwear until well into the  late 1930s, most monograms were sequestered from view, either on the bottom of the shirt's tail or beneath the suits vest. As the vest began to disappear and men began to remove their jackets in public, this little eye-cue began to acquire its own cachet. 

     Discretion is paramount to good taste, and large or conspicuously placed initials are indiscreet. Displaying one's monogram on a collar  or full name on the cuffs clearly declares the perpetrator;s lack of savoir faire.
Less is more.
Q The Tailor

(Dress the Man Alan Flusser)