Wrangler Authentics Men's Authentics Long Sleeve Waffle Henley Shirt

Product Information

The reasons for the shirt’s popularity are fairly obvious. Whether made of thin cotton or wool, it provides a warm base layer for cool mornings or evenings. When the day’s work properly begins, it can be unbuttoned and the sleeves (if long) can be rolled up to the elbows. It can be worn as a base layer or as a stand-alone shirt. Loop & Weft is relatively new to the scene. They might not have the vintage bonafides of a Merz, but what they do have is a clear passion for their craft. Founded by denim veteran Ryota Seguchi in 2011, the company started with a clear vision: assemble a line of meticulously constructed cotton garments that will pair perfectly with raw denim. The differences between a well-made henley and a barely passable one might not be immediately apparent, but once you know what to look for, you’ll have no trouble telling the pretenders from the genuine well-made article. Provided it can do this, it can look amazing under soft twills or hard denims. It can join forces with just about any well-made long-sleeved top, or it can be a stand-alone piece on warmer days. However you wear it and whatever you pair it with, you’ll be glad that you spent a bit of time (and a bit of money) finding a good one.

Rugged yet refined: Take a short-sleeve henley shirt in a light color with a textured weave. Add your favorite summer-weight navy blazer, one with soft shoulders and no lining. Pair with light wash jeans and leather Chelsea boots. For the henley to be truly adaptable, it needs to be well made. The cuffs keep their shape, and the collar doesn’t wilt like a slice of processed cheese. For the henley to work its magic, it needs to have a little bit of heft, and it needs to be prepared to go the distance with us. Other PBJ henleys to consider: Hemp Blend Henley (with horizontal stripes) available in Indigo x Blue and Indigo x Red Other Merz b. Schwanen henleys to consider: 206 Henley (fewer vintage details), 204 Henley (roomier version of the 206), TR206 Good Training Henley (sporting henley with Merz branding) Finally, the colour is important here. A crisp, white henley is a must for some folks, but we’re keener on off-whites, vibrant blues, and textured greys. You won’t see any striped patterns on the list below, but this doesn’t mean that patterns are out. The best makers, though, tend to work their magic with solid colours and simple palettes.Known for its comfiness, the best henley T-shirts pair well with sneakers and men’s jeans or khakis, and its simplicity allows the shirt to be styled up or down depending on the situation. The great thing is, men’s henley shirts work especially well any time of year — a guy’s closet needs both long-sleeve and short-sleeve options.

Other Freenote henleys to consider: The 13 oz. Henley is also available in Faded Blue, Midnight, and Rust Okayama Denim ships from Japan. If you’re looking for other places to buy Loop & Weft, try Blue in Green (USA), Those That Know (UK) Why are henleys called henleys? You might suspect that the name has English roots, and you’d be correct. Early in the nineteenth century, competitive rowers in the small Oxfordshire town of Henley on Thames adopted short-sleeved versions of the half-buttoned shirts. Each year, at the Henley Royal Regatta, it became practice for the losing squad to give their shirts to the victors.

In the kingdom of shirts, the henley is the baron of brawn. It’s the most rugged of the lot. It's Ryan Gosling in Drive, his white henley stained with grease at the auto shop; it's cool and effortless, nonchalant and casual, the easiest thing in your wardrobe to shrug on and style. If you want the best selection, try one that specialises in vintage workwear. They’re the ones most likely to have at least a few of the well-made and essential henleys we’ve included on this list. Because of its clear and lasting connection to athletes and working men, the henley only becomes a truly timeless piece when it’s had its face rubbed in the dirt a few times. It is not meant to stay crisp and new for long. It’s meant to be used and abused. Like jeans, a white or cream henley is never fully our own until it’s started to take on sepia tones.