The Mystery Of The Henley: What Is Its Appeal??

[wiscogooner]

Its appeal? Come on man, Boys Of Summer?

 

[khoi]

Originally Posted by chronoaug

Awww. That post makes me sad. Sauce is like an ancient relic these days, isn't he?

where did he gooooooooooooo

 

[Bam!ChairDance]

He sauntered off into the sunset with one hand in his pocket

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by chronoaug

Awww. That post makes me sad. Sauce is like an ancient relic these days, isn't he?

Good riddance. Thought the guy was a prick with his, "Hey, look at me! I'm always wearing sunglasses to hide the teary eyes of a shamed man who posts action photos for the benefit of annonymous men online," WAYWN photos. Although it was nice catching up with him and a few fingers of bourbon in LA last month. And a henley thread without Fok? FOK, WTF?

 

[skunkworks]

I liked his WAYWTs.

 

[Lel]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

Don't try. It's a very casual item of clothing.

Originally Posted by dusty

Henleys are undergarments. Wear a shirt over it.

+1

It's either for an extra layer of warmth when you layer or just to wear very casually. It would be trying to dress up a crew neck sweatshirt, it could be done... but it would look better casually.

 

[2sweet]

Picture examples?

Originally Posted by Gravitas

I would have to agree with Bam!, deep plackets look far better.

 

[robbie]

henleys are like v-necks, they are worn best under layers unless its summer and you're wearing plimsols and skinnies.

 

[2sweet]

Cool, man. Additional examples of layering are welcome.

Originally Posted by ken

layered henley (click for alternate)

 

[LA Guy]

I like henleys, both those with a deep placket and those with a shallow placket. They are a good layering piece, provide a lot more opportunity for subtle visual and textural interest than does a plain tee, and a thermal or heavier version substitutes for a light sweater, and can be worn for 3 seasons. The materials of the placket and buttons, distinguish interesting henleys made to wear. A few of my favorite from this past FW was a ribbed henley from the John Varvatos mainline (size down guys, they run big) with cloth covered buttons, Loomstates rice weave version with a tonal satin placket and enameled metal buttons (again size down), and (well, this is actually from FW07, but whatever) Wings+Horns version, with a square thermal material through the body, a large wafffle material through the sleeves, and a comfort fit S-shoulder. You can layer them on top (that's what I usually do, or below). Really a pretty versatile piece piece.

The masculine lineage of henleys can't really be beat either. They have Americana roots, military roots, the list goes on. Yes, they were originally worn as undershirts, but then, so were tees. And jeans were worn strictly by mine workers for mine working. And brogues were made for country wear only. It doesn't matter anymore. If you want functional clothing in the 21st century, you could buy your entire wardrobe at REI.

I do agree that it's pretty futile to try to dress them up though. It's like the tee shirt with a suit or the blazer with jeans thing. Taking something out of its element is using a dumb idea.

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by skunkworks

I liked his WAYWTs.
Some people don't get sarcasm even when I type right afterwards that I hung out with the dude and enjoyed it.

Seriously?

 

[chronoaug]

how much did sauce size down on apcs?

 

[robbie]

^^11 Iirc

 

[Asch]

Originally Posted by robbie

henleys are like v-necks, they are worn best under layers unless its summer and you're wearing plimsols and skinnies.
+1 I think there's merit to what LA Guy is saying: henleys can allow for more complex and interesting layered looks than a simple tee would afford. And that's probably exactly why I don't own any henleys -- I find them rather difficult to combine attractively with other items in my wardrobe. They are a finicky article of clothing, fitwise. Once I'm a more "advanced" dresser, perhaps I'll add some henleys to my collection

Ken, that fit is fantastic.

 

[unrated]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

The masculine lineage of henleys can't really be beat either. They have Americana roots, military roots, the list goes on.

I agree with this big time. I feel a little more masculine when wearing a henley than I do when wearing a v-neck with a collared shirt (a more preppy/dressy feel). I honestly feel like I get more looks from women when I'm wearing boots, jeans and a henley.