The 30’s 40’s and 50’s were decades of smart wardrobes comprised collared shirts, knitwear, and woolen trousers that differed in only a minor manner fashion and utility of the times. Adopted by the working class for its warm, quick-drying, and hard wearing characteristics, corduroy as a fabric was carried on from its traditional military origins to the mountains where its respected workwear status was put to hard use by pioneers clear cutting the first trails of Aspen Mountain, Vail Resort, and other soon-to-be world class ski destinations in the Western United States. A vintage textile pre-dating the 18th century, corduroy is a natural cotton derivative with a ribbed surface nap and underlying weave whose twisted fibers lie in parallel “cords” to form the cloths exceptional tensile strength, texture, and abrasion resistance. Revisiting corduroy as a long-forgotten fabric technology, Alps & Meters has designed the Touring Oxford High West with a classic 8 wale cord presentation, formerly the favorite of settlers, cowboys, and alpine sportsmen alike. Built with sturdy old-world qualities, tailored elements, and an innovative Tencel blend enhancing its moisture wicking properties , this stylish shirt provides comfort and protection for travel to, up, and down mountain peaks around the world.
- Natural, 100% cotton 8 wale corduroy. Classic construction and fit designed for total touring comfort.
- Water resistant front chest pocket for easy access and dry storage.
- Reinforced corduroy shoulders and elbows for maximum durability. Classic Oxford design inspired by traditional alpine sportswear of the High West.
THE STORY
During the early 20th century, skiing became the infatuation of gentlemen intrigued by the wonderful novelty and sliding on snow. In its transition from an efficient mode of winter transportation to exciting new recreational activity, skiers of the era, beyond a pair of leather boots and wooden skis, took little time to modify their head-to-toe wardrobes for use on-mountain.
The 30s, 40s and 50s were decades of smart wardrobes comprised of posh layers of collared shirts, knitwear, and woolen trousers that differed in only a minor manner from the high street fashions of the times. Within the alpine sports clubs of the day, classic skiing ensembles often included an oxford shirt with cuffed sleeves which conveyed skiing’s then leisurely nature and the handsome appearance of its well-to-do enthusiasts.
