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Many people in the clothing world are skeptical of so-called innovations in fabrics — myself included. The rise of athleisure and city-to-mountain apparel has created an influx of performance garments designed to bring the best qualities of activewear into a professional wardrobe. But much of the time, the products have been less than desirable. Shirts with stretch don’t age gracefully like a traditional oxford. Garments that tout moisture-wicking and waterproof technologies don’t seem to last more than a season before those properties wane. But there’s a new technology that may turn all those preconceptions around. It’s called 37.5 and it’s made to keep the humidity at your skin to a minimum, wicking moisture away from your body before it becomes liquid sweat. This has the ability to keep you both cool and dry at the same time. Sounds too good to be true? That’s what I thought, so I found the best example of the innovative material in a casual shirt offered by Mission Workshop and put it to the test.
The Good: Because this shirt doesn’t use a chemical finish, the performance features don’t wash out or break down (like is common with other performance-fabrics). The shirt is durable, machine washable and doesn’t feel overly tech-y. The best part about it is that it works, and keeps what would be uncomfortably sweaty commutes relatively dry.
Who They’re For: This shirt is ideal for the active working professional. Like to bike to work, but don’t like to pack a change of clothes? This shirt is for you. It’s also ideal for people who live in variable climates where weather can fluctuate from warm and sunny to cool and cloudy on the same day. Also, if you’re someone who’s prone to sweating, this shirt could be a welcome addition to your wardrobe.
Watch Out For: This shirt has a tailored silhouette, so refer to the size guide before buying. It also has a more substantial handfeel than traditional oxford shirts — this is to say, it’s unique and isn’t a direct swap for your favorite cotton button-down. The pocket design is also individual and takes a little getting used to for those who don traditional button-ups every day. The $175 price tag is definitely an investment, so make sure this shirt aligns with your lifestyle before picking one up.
Alternatives: There aren’t many other business-casual or casual button-up shirts that utilize 37.5 on the market yet. If you’re looking for a more professional option, Japanese brand Mr. Junko offers a dress shirt for around $40. If you’re looking for something decidedly more casual, Tommy Bahama offers a camp shirt for $135.
