Boys' shirts

Boys' shirts at Hackett London work in cotton Oxford and poplin, two fabrics built to withstand daily wear without losing their tidy look.

Fabrics for daily wear

Cotton Oxford is the reference fabric in boys' shirts for school: a coarse, matte weave that holds up better against a backpack's friction than a fine poplin. Lighter cotton poplin stays reserved for occasion shirts, with an easy-care finish that saves ironing time during the week.

Cuts and finishing

Buttons are stitched with extra reinforcement at the highest-tension point, and the straight hem lets the shirt be worn tucked in or out without it working loose by mid-morning. This attention to detail follows the same construction logic Hackett London has applied to its adult tailoring since 1983.

How to combine boys' shirts

Two ways to work the same shirt:

Light blue Oxford shirt with chino trousers and boat shoes: the tidy uniform for school.
The same shirt with sleeves rolled up over jeans: the weekend version.

Choosing the right size in boys' shirts

Neck size is the most reliable measurement for choosing a shirt size, ahead of the age printed on the label. Leaving a finger's width of ease at the collar stops the shirt tightening at the top button when worn with a tie.

What's the difference between Oxford and poplin in boys' shirts?

Oxford is a thicker, more resilient fabric suited to daily school wear, while poplin stays lighter and smoother, better suited to more formal occasions. Both can be ironed, but Oxford hides the day's creases better.

How do you stop shirt buttons coming loose with wear?

A cross-stitched reinforcement holds up better against the repeated tension of buttoning and unbuttoning than a simple stitch. Checking buttons every few washes lets them be reinforced before they come loose completely.

Do cotton boys' shirts need ironing?

Poplin creases easily and usually needs ironing after every wash, while Oxford hides creases better and can be worn unironed day to day. Drying the shirt on a hanger straight after washing cuts down the ironing time needed.