Yesterday’s West Bromwich Albion matchday football programme contained a fine picture of their goalkeeper  from the 1890s - Joe Reader - wearing a nice button down shirt.

Googling,  I found a picture of one of his contemporaries wearing a similar example. It has a good collar roll, though the gap at the throat is wider than contemporary designs.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WBAbassett.htm

The Beach Boys were so taken with this garment that they adopted it on their first visit to England.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCYouoLKxjo&feature=related

Thus was born the famous ‘Boing Boing Baggies’ brand of shirts, which became hugely popular throughout the world.

Not many people know this.

I-gents who are interested in similar items with history that are not Americanised may find the suitably named 'Toffs' firm can help out. Obviously, shirts would have to date from well before ‘England 66’, ‘Lisbon Lions’ vintage. http://www.toffs.com/

TOFFS stock in trade is shirts without sponsorship or advertising made of 100% cotton  in Lancashire. Their employees tend to have chest complaints and are usually old before their time.

Last edited by Kingstonian (2008-10-05 10:53:08)