Blog

Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt

September 8, 2020 By In Men's Shirts, Men's Clothes No Comments
Summer 1985
From the 1983 catalogues. Note the shape of the pocket flaps. This is showing a single point rather than angled corners and would date such a shirt to pre-1983.

From the catalogue: “Egypt’s long fiber cotton enjoys a reputation as the world’s finest. Old-timers who’ve led hundreds of safaris through the African bush wouldn’t think of owning a safari shirt out of any other fabric. This is because its long fibers build strength into the weave of the garment without adding bulk. Our Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt, with a special side-like finish, resists wrinkles, repels water. It’s cool, tough, and it’s luxurious. “

This Pewter Safari Shirt below has pointed pockets and unique pocket pleats, this was seen briefly in the Spring 1985 catalog. Courtesy Gary Pinkerton.

Below, a later 1985-era Safari Shirt with angled pockets.

Based on the Made in Hong Kong tag, the placement of the side tag and the unusual numbered markings in the collar I believe this to be an early example of the Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt, though post-1983 based on the pockets.
Khaki Version
Angled corner pocket flaps.
The Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt came in pewter, khaki, and light tan.
The Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt came in pewter, khaki, and light tan. Summer 1986
Tags:

About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn’s fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying their clothing and giving her their catalogs. She loved the clothes, and as an artist, she was drawn to the illustrations. Robyn went on to study illustration at an art college in Banana Republic’s hometown of San Francisco, CA, and she worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA and works as a graphic designer and illustrator. She has been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.