Debenhams is reporting sales of the traditional long-sleeved check shirts have shot up 65 per cent on last year, making the garment the key item to get through February.
Once ridiculed as the clothing of simple, hulking woodsmen, and lampooned by Monty Python, the lumberjack style men’s shirts have moved on from fashion foible to must-have, according to department store Debenhams.
Inspired by the likes of Prince Harry, David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Robert Pattinson, it seems you no longer need to have the backdrop of a forest and chainsaw in hand to carry off the look.
Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams said, "Although the lumberjack look is back in vogue, the chunky check shirt is now more likely to be worn out on the town than slogging away in the forests.
"Modern man has been influenced by these uber-masculine folklore heroes, but unlike the figure made famous by Monty Python, these days lumberjack shirts are more likely to be worn with a t-shirt underneath, not lingerie."
Influenced by designers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger parading the woodcutter look on the catwalk, the on-trend way to wear checks is in bold colours, with two pockets rather than four, sleeves rolled up, layered over a plain t-shirt and in lightweight brushed cotton as well as heavyweight wool flannel.
Initially designed for colder weather, lumberjack shirts have been redesigned in many formats including, lighter shirts. This means its wear is not restricted to the winter months and the trend is expected to continue into Summer 2011.
Attridge added, "A lumberjack shirt embodies the rugged, rebellious spirit of the wilderness. Sporting one, whether in Canada or Cork ensures you will endure the winter toasty warm and stay ahead of the fashion pack".
