When the good weather returns, the temptation is strong to give up the shirt in favor of the t-shirt or polo shirt , which are considered lighter. However, there is nothing more airy or more elegant than a piece with sleeves in Giro Inglese , a little-known fabric that we invite you to discover without delay.
An enigmatic canvas
Let's say it straight away: no one seems to know why the Giro Inglese is called Giro Inglese. The most we can say is that it's an Italian phrase literally meaning "English tour"; but the origins of this name remain obscure and mysterious.
On the Boot side, our transalpine friends tend to speak of "tessuto a giro inglese" or "tessuto a nido d'ape," which tells us more about the meaning of this expression. Indeed, the "honeycomb" fabric is more familiar to us in France, and it is precisely this honeycomb texture that we find on the surface of the Giro Inglese.
A royally textured armor
As you know, there are three types of weave in the fabric family: plain, twill, and satin.
Simply put, it is the way in which the warp and weft interweave that determines the weave we are dealing with; with the associated properties in terms of relief, visual appearance and drape.
In the case of the Giro Inglese, it is a simple plain weave , identical on the front and back, with a regular interlacing of vertical and horizontal threads. The particularity of this weave comes from a determining subtlety: it is not one but two warps that are used , the second passing successively to the left and right of the first to form these characteristic small cells. To the eye, the result can recall the grain of dobby , in a less dense and clearly more summery register.
The superpowers of the Giro Inglese
Beyond its rich hand and unique texture, it's the performance of Giro Inglese that truly makes it a fabric made for summer. And for good reason: the structure of its fabric combines two key elements to combat extreme heat:
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On the one hand, its embossing gently moves the fabric away from the skin , which avoids the suffocating feeling that some materials cause in summer (especially poplin and other dense weaves). In this, Giro Inglese resembles the seersucker you probably know.
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on the other hand, the opening of its canvas promotes air circulation to provide welcome ventilation above 20°C.
Breathable and airy, Giro Inglese is a must-have for the summer season. Between its rich texture and its appropriate properties, it's undeniably one of the fabrics to turn to during the summer.
Our shirts in Giro Inglese
We've told you about the Italian origins of Giro Inglese, and you've probably deduced a DNA steeped in elegance . You're right. The ultimate feat of this fabric is to combine extraordinary distinction with the attributes we've just mentioned.
Unlike other fabrics known as summery, neither its texture nor its breathability compromise its refinement. For this reason, it is primarily used for dress shirts , brilliantly combining character and refinement.
Seduced by this exceptional fabric, we hired its services to dress the three light shirts below:
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First up, a navy blue shirt. A generous cut, two patch pockets with flaps, perfectly proportioned sleeves, and a bold Cuban collar: this is the recipe for developing a short-sleeved shirt that doesn't fall into caricature of itself. Made in Portugal from a Giro Inglese fabric that's cooler than the coolest of your iced teas, it promises boldness and distinction throughout the summer season. Of course, you're free to wear it closed or unbuttoned, preferably over a tank top or textured undershirt.
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Next, a lightweight midnight blue shirt. If short sleeves leave you skeptical, this one should please you. Crafted from the same airy navy cotton fabric as Giro Inglese, this sleeved piece promises ventilation and breathability. A great way to combine delicacy and lightness, with a touch of originality from the officer collar. It'll naturally make a statement with dressy shorts, lightweight pants, or even a swimsuit.
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Finally, a beautiful white dress shirt. Many people skip the elegance between May and September, but we know that some die-hards want to stay chic in all circumstances. In fact, chances are you're one of them if you like the Hast wardrobe. For you, we've developed a formal shirt designed for the warmer months. French throat, cuff, semi-cutaway collar, double-breasted beveled cuffs, slightly blended cut: we've honored the codes of haute chemiserie while mobilizing Giro Inglese to bring you all its virtues in terms of ventilation. With pure wool Fresco trousers and its matching jacket , expect it to make a splash.
The final word
To avoid overheating in summer, there are several factors to consider when it comes to clothing : the fiber used, the structure of the material, and even the thickness of the fabric. Many swear by linen, and this fiber is undeniably a marvel of absorption and thermoregulation, but it's just as possible to play with the weaving technique to keep cool.
This is precisely the case for the Giro Inglese, which relies on an extraordinarily breathable fabric to promote ventilation and air circulation. Although made of pure cotton, our three summer shirts are thus fresh and efficient, combining an extraordinary texture with astounding performance. Perfect for maintaining a distinguished appearance, even under a blazing sun.
They are waiting for you in our boutiques and on Hastparis.com , ready to serve you the most beautiful weaving on a platter.