Why Oxford Cloth Works for Shirts
Oxford's basket weave makes it durable, comfortable and breathable. Here are its common variations and when each one fits.
Oxford cloth has long been a staple of men's and women's shirting. What sets it apart is the weave rather than any finishing.
The basket weave#
Oxford uses a basket weave: several warp yarns cross over a single thicker weft yarn. The result is a surface with a fine dotted texture.
Durable and comfortable#
The cloth wears well but still feels good against the skin. Its slightly open structure lets air move through, so it feels cool in warm weather and still blocks a light wind in cool weather. A button-down in Oxford works in the office, and is not too stiff worn with denim on the weekend.
Common variations#
- Plain Oxford: rougher, suited to casual styles
- Pinpoint Oxford: finer yarn, suited to semi-formal wear
- Royal Oxford: a subtle sheen, a good match for suits
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