Gitman Bros. is a brand that has been making American heritage sport-shirting for decades (est. 1978) and to keep the spirit of the past alive, the brand has taken on the venture of “Gitman Bros. Vintage.” GBV nods to the past by using older collections as inspiration – for example, Spring/Summer 2010 was recreated from Spring/Summer 1984. The outcome is a series of timely shirt options that reflect a “nowness,” (i.e. oxfords, plaids) which highlights the brand’s ability to stay relevant after years gone by. I know what you’re thinking: “how the hell does a shirt go out of style anyway?” And that is exactly what Gitman Bros. is banking on – your fondness for essentials.
The way I see it, nothing is simpler than a Gitman Bros. shirt, which is the appeal – it is kind of similar to way most men find a Brooks Brothers shirt to be the utmost in taste and style. To the naked eye it is just a shirt, but when you look at the details, you begin to see how a shirt is no longer “just a shirt.” It is nice to stumble upon a company who dedicates themselves to the simplest of items, because it means they know what they are doing. Gitman Bros. Vintage is no passing fad.
The Details
What you’ll notice from Gitman Bros. is that despite their updates, their modern recreations still follow their usual construction. GBV utilizes what they refer to as “le mode retro” details, including original double-track stitching, chalk buttons, locker-loops, box-pleats and – the cherry on top of the sundae – a vintage label sewn in.
Box pleats are in now? Then I guess I’ll have to start priding myself on being unhip. I hate those things; they do nothing, and they look stupid.