The Banker Shirt - A Wall Street Classic

Thu, 20 Jan 11

Do you want to impress your clients and colleagues? If you want to come across as a strong direct player in the corporate world, nothing facilitates this better than the old school banker shirt. Let’s face it, the wishy washy usually don’t survive in the game. Nothing epitomises confidence better than this true business style statement...

The iconic 1987 film Wall Street was set amongst a backdrop of excess, indulgence and high finance, featuring the master of fiscal villainy, Gordon Gekko, (played by actor Michael Douglas). Although Gekko’s penchant for insider trading (and subsequent jail term) is less than desirable, his classic business wardrobe has become synonymous with corporate fashion. The 2010 follow-up, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, is a nod to the same style principles of the prequel: think sharp suits, bold silk ties and most notably, the banker shirt.

In contrast to the exclusivity of Wall Street, the white contrast banker shirt has surprisingly humble origins. In 1827, an American housewife became frustrated with the shabby state of the lapel on her husband’s work shirts and invented a detachable collar. Within the next few decades, millions of crisp white removable collars and cuffs were manufactured, allowing wearers to replace worn collars with a fresh set. This trend saw the rise of the ‘white collar worker’, who can be found pacing city streets to this day, coffee in hand.

Shirt Studio’s range of metal collar stays ensures that disposable collars are a thing of the past; however the classic banker shirt is here to stay! A contrasting cuff and collar are the perfect complement to your next business lunch or sales meeting, adding a touch of style to corporate wear. The perfect balance of form and function, a banker shirt is no longer limited to menswear, with women’s white contrast styles also a hit in the office. A pair of cufflinks completes the look and will leave you ready to embrace the classic banker style.