To understand a phenomenon, we must begin with the foundations of the scientific method and proceed through observation. That’s why, intrigued by the leading trend of SS26—the great exaltation of the shirt—we went back in time to tell you about the origins of the shirt.

Prada | Louis Vuitton | Dior

The shirt, today a symbol of elegance and everyday wear, has its roots in the Roman tunic, a garment that already distinguished rank and prestige through fabrics and ornamentation. In the Middle Ages, the long, simple linen “camisa” began to evolve: shorter, more refined, enriched with colors and fine materials, a sign of the cultural and commercial ferment of the era.

Givenchy | Balenciaga | Valentino

With the Renaissance, the shirt assumed a central aesthetic role, enriched with collars and decorations. The famous lettuce collar and the subsequent ruff became status symbols, a display of luxury and power. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, Venice and then France dominated the production of shirts and lace, until the sobriety imposed by the French Revolution swept away aristocratic excesses.

Sacai | Chanel

The 19th century saw the birth of the bourgeois shirt: functional, practical, with detachable collars and cuffs. In the 20th century, between rigor and dandyism, the shirt became an emblem of personal style. Today, it continues to reflect centuries of transformation, a silent symbol of elegance and identity.