Yet, while the fabric is seemingly everywhere, the silk shirt, by contrast, is a novelty, of sorts, that nods to multiple references. Beyond history, however, the fabric fits the current desire for tech materials: Believe it or not, in spite of its luxurious, if not foofy connotations, silk’s one of the strongest natural fabrics available, offers some degree of breathability, and manages to soak up plenty of moisture, whether that’s water or perspiration before it looks and feels wet.

– initially in China and, several centuries later, in the Western World, as a result of the Silk Road. So, for starters, the material’s been used for clothing as far back as the 4 th Century B.C.

But, since menswear slowly adopted velvet, floral prints, and lace, it’s about time that we gave silk a second look – or, at least, explore it in a modern context, away from all retro associations. Or, you automatically associate it with women’s everyday garments – like dress pants, job interview shirts, and, for one extreme, lingerie. When we say “silk,” you think “’70s” – from the flowy material to the crazy patterns found all over the period’s lightweight, club-leaning styles.

Red silk button up shirt mens