Kamakura Shirts
The Oxford cloth button-down (OCBD) shirt stands as a cornerstone of modern American menswear. First designed by John E. Brooks in 1896, inspired by shirts worn by English polo players, it became more than just a garment; it was a piece of fashion history. In the 1960s, the OCBD was central to the Ivy League look, embodying collegiate style and sophistication. However, over time, its distinctive features, especially the iconic collar roll, began to fade. As production methods changed and factories altered their approach, the shirt lost some of its original charm.
In 1993, Yoshio Sadasue sought to restore this lost classic by opening a luxury shirt store in Kamakura, Japan. Drawing on his extensive experience with the Japanese Ivy brand VAN Jacket, Sadasue aimed to rival the original Brooks Brothers Oxford. He meticulously reintroduced precise patterns, 18-20 stitches per inch, and natural shell buttons, while ensuring the button-down collars maintained the signature "roll" that had become a hallmark of quality.
Kamakura's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in its collars, which are cotton-lined but not fused. This approach achieves a natural, flexible look without the stiffness that often accompanies fused collars. The result is an OCBD that fits well and pairs perfectly with a tie, embodying a refined elegance. Remarkably, Sadasue’s shirts offer this high-quality, Ivy-inspired design at an exceptional value, blending superior craftsmanship with affordability in a way that stands out in the market.
