Last Updated on 11th August 2023
It is believed that every wardrobe at some time or another has had a button-down shirt hang in it and most of those garments would have been in someway related to the timeless elegance of the original mod brand, Ben Sherman and his now iconic shirts.
That said, the man has been a bit of a mystery over the years and has often shied away from the spotlight whilst his button-down shirts, Harrington jackets, bomber jackets, classic t shirt,, signature target t shirt, knitwear and hand made shoes haven’t.
Rich, famous, poor and everyday folk have been adorned in an item made by Ben Sherman at some point and its the classic details and effortless class that has seen his clothing, especially the shirts remain one of the most popular and stylish items of clothing in the last 60 years.
Here we discover who, what, where, when and why this clothing brand has retained its integrity and power to dress all types of people and continues to do so.
Who Was Ben Sherman
Ben Sherman was a British fashion designer who is best known for his iconic clothing brand that bears his name. Born under the name Arthur Benjamin Sugarman in Brighton, England, in 1925, he grew up during the Great Depression and served in World War II before pursuing a career in fashion.
He emigrated to the USA in 1946, where he met and married a Californian girl whose father was in the textiles and fashion industry. Here, he gained his knowledge and passion for clothing. And on his return to the UK in 1963, he set up his first company from a factory on Bedford Square in Brighton.
In 1963, Ben Sherman designed his first item of clothing – the classic button-down shirt with a signature back pleat. The button-down shirt was not a new concept, but one Ben had seen on the rise in the States as oxford shirts, with designers like the Brooks Brothers being purveyors of this sartorial piece of clothing royalty.
It quickly gained popularity among young people at the time and became a symbol of the growing mod subculture. The shirt’s success led to the launch of his eponymous label, which expanded into other men’s wear items such as suits, jackets, and accessories.
Sherman lived most of his life in London, where he continued to design clothes until his death in 1987. Despite facing financial difficulties throughout much of his career, he remained committed to creating high-quality garments that were both fashionable and functional. Today, Ben Sherman is remembered for his contributions to men’s fashion and his perseverance and dedication to craftsmanship.
What Was His First Item Of Clothing Made
Ben Sherman’s first item of clothing was, of course, a button-down shirt. It was designed with a slim fit and featured the iconic button-down collar that would become synonymous with the brand. The shirt was made from high-quality materials and had intricate detailing, such as button contrast stitching.
The design of this shirt quickly gained popularity in the 1960s among British Mods, who were known for their fashion-forward style. They appreciated Ben Sherman’s designs’ attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, making them a staple in their wardrobes.
Despite its initial success, it was in the 1990s that Ben Sherman experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur wearing his shirts on stage.
This exposure helped introduce the fashion label to a new generation of fashion-conscious consumers who embraced its timeless style and continued to make it one of Britain’s most beloved brands today.
When Was It Popular
During the 1960s, Ben Sherman’s signature button-up shirt became a staple in the mod subculture. The slim-fit design and bold patterns appealed to young men looking for a fresh take on traditional menswear. As the mod movement gained popularity, so did the shirts.
By the 1970s, Ben Sherman had become an established brand in Britain and was worn by musicians such as The Jam and The Specials. It wasn’t just mods sporting his designs anymore; punk rockers also embraced the brand’s edgy aesthetic. The popularity continued throughout this decade and into the 1980s.
Although there was a decline in interest during the 1990s, with grunge fashion dominating mainstream culture, there has been a resurgence of interest in recent years in the mod movement. With vintage styles becoming more popular among younger generations, many have rediscovered Ben Sherman’s iconic designs from decades past.
Today, his clothing can be seen on celebrities like David Beckham and Harry Styles, proving that his legacy continues to live on.
Famous People Wearing Ben Sherman
Over the years, many famous musicians and celebrities have been spotted wearing Ben Sherman clothes, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Oasis, and Blur. His designs were particularly popular among fans of Britpop music in the 1990s when they experienced a resurgence in popularity. Today, Ben Sherman remains an influential figure in British fashion history. His legacy continues through his brand’s modern collections that still feature classic designs inspired by its founder’s original creations.
British musician Paul Weller was one of the most iconic figures to wear Ben Sherman. He first wore a Ben Sherman shirt on stage in 1977 and, since then, has become synonymous with the brand. His love for the brand even led him to collaborate with them on a collection in 2008.
Another famous fan of Ben Sherman is actor Steve McQueen. Known for his effortless style, he often wore their classic button-down shirts both on and off-screen. His affinity for the brand helped solidify its reputation as a go-to choice for stylish men.
In recent years, younger celebrities such as Harry Styles and Justin Timberlake have been spotted wearing Ben Sherman clothing, bringing renewed attention to the brand among a new generation of fans. With its timeless designs and quality craftsmanship, it’s no surprise that so many influential people continue to choose Ben Sherman as their go-to fashion label.
Re-Emergence Of Ben Sherman
Ben Sherman experienced a re-emergence in the early 2000s, with its classic designs becoming popular once again. The brand’s iconic button-down shirts were especially sought after by fashion-conscious young adults who appreciated the timeless style and quality of Ben Sherman clothing.
This resurgence was partly due to the renewed interest in mod culture, popularized during the 1960s. Ben Sherman’s signature gingham patterns and slim-fitting silhouettes perfectly embodied this aesthetic, making it a go-to brand for those looking to emulate the sharp dress sense of mods past and present.
As well as catering to traditionalists, Ben Sherman also began experimenting with new styles and fabrics to appeal to a younger audience. Collaborations with contemporary artists and designers helped keep the brand fresh while retaining its core values of quality craftsmanship and British heritage.
Ben Sherman Product Range
Ben Sherman has a wide range of products that cater to different needs and preferences. The brand is known for its iconic shirts, which come in various styles such as the classic Oxford shirt, gingham check, and bold prints. Ben Sherman’s shirts are made from high-quality materials like cotton and linen, ensuring comfort and durability.
Aside from shirts, Ben Sherman offers other clothing items such as jackets, trousers, shorts, and knitwear. These pieces showcase the brand’s signature style with their clean lines and attention to detail. Ben Sherman’s outerwear collection includes bomber jackets, parkas, and Harrington jackets – all perfect for layering during colder months.
Accessories are also an essential part of the Ben Sherman product range. The brand offers a variety of bags, like backpacks and duffel bags, that combine functionality with style. Additionally, they have footwear options ranging from sneakers to dress shoes that complement any outfit.
The diverse product range Ben Sherman offers reflects the versatility of the modern man’s wardrobe while staying true to its heritage roots. With new releases every season showcasing innovative designs and timeless classics, this brand is undoubtedly a popular choice among fashion-conscious individuals worldwide.
The Future For Ben Sherman
Ben Sherman has been a famous fashion brand for over 50 years, with its iconic button-down shirt becoming a staple in men’s and women’s wardrobes. However, the brand’s future is still being determined as it faces challenges in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing fashion industry.
Ben Sherman has expanded its product range beyond just shirts to include jackets, trousers, and accessories such as bags and hats to stay relevant. The brand has also collaborated with other designers to create unique collections that appeal to different markets.
Despite these efforts, Ben Sherman must continue to adapt and innovate if it wants to remain competitive. The rise of sustainable fashion and ethical production practices, like the use of organic cotton, means consumers are increasingly conscious about where their clothing comes from and how it impacts the environment.
As such, Ben Sherman may need to consider incorporating more eco-friendly materials into its products or finding ways to reduce waste in its manufacturing process.
The future of Ben Sherman remains uncertain, but by continuing to evolve with changing consumer preferences while staying true to its iconic style, there is no doubt that this beloved British brand will continue to have a place in the fashion world for many years to come.
Finally
Whether you grew up in their heyday or have come to Ben Sherman in its most recent revival, you will appreciate his iconic button-down shirts’ timeless elegance, style and beauty. The challenge now for the company founded in the back streets of Brighton is to move forward with a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach that will no doubt leave this statement of sartorial elegance at the forefront of fashion for years to come.
