Why Are Henley Shirts Popular?

Do you have a Henley tee? No? Go get one! This super versatile, stylish, and trendy piece is something each guy should have in their wardrobes!

It's also super popular! Yes, everybody seems to love Henleys, and we keep seeing more and more brands offering unique style variations and colors. Henley is great even in grey colors as you can see here: freshcleantees.com/products/grey-long-sleeve-henley-1

You'll see Henleys in the city streets, countryside and probably space because everybody from the rich and the famous to us mere mortals love them. But why are Henley shirts popular? Let's take a look.

Okay, if you were born yesterday and are thinking, "what is a Henley" let's get you caught up.  

Henley is a short-sleeved or long-sleeved collarless t-shirt with a button placket going vertically down the neck and collarbone. It usually has 3-4 buttons and is made from softer than classic tee fabric. Think premium cotton, cashmere, and soft cotton and polyester blends. 

Henleys come in a variety of colors and can be styled for most casual and smart casual occasions. 

In its early days, Henley was worn as an undershirt that became popular in the Industrial Revolution when there was a massive need to dress the ever-growing number of laborers. 

This collarless tee, then called an undervest, covered the body and protected other clothes from dirt and sweat in the factories. 

Another reason why Henleys became popular then was that at that time, cotton gin and water-powered milling were invented, which made it easy to produce massive amounts of shirts. 

The Henley soon became ubiquitous, and by the mid 19th century, it was noticed by athletes, of which the first ones were rowers. 

One of the largest rowing races in England was held in the town called Henley-on-Thames, and...you already see where this is going. The first time this style of the t-shirt was worn as a part of the team's uniform was in 1839, and from that time, this style got the name Henley. 

Henley soon was adopted by other sports too, who found the softness of the tee and the collarless style comfortable and suitable for activities. 

It took years for this style to enter fashion, and we can thank mister Ralph Lauren and his brand for bringing the Henley to the general population. In the 1970s, they realized that the Henley looked really good and could be another garment for men next to very popular crewnecks. 

And that's why they get the big bucks because Henleys became available in most shops, and guys were happy to have another style to add to their wardrobes! 

Thanks, Ryan Gosling .

While many guys loved Henleys in the 70s and 80s, they truly exploded in the 90s and 2000s. It's an easy guess about why and yes, the answer is TV and Hollywood. 

Teenagers and young adults watched movies and TV shows where main characters wore Henleys as a part of the good hot guy look, and later all the sexy vampires took the same fashion advice.

With the 2010s rolling in, this tee was seen everywhere, from TV screens to movies to football fields to biggest stages and rock bands. 

Of course, the rest of the world took note, and the fans started raiding the stores wanting to look just as hot as Ryan Gosling or Chris Hemsworth. 

But why did celebrities and, by extension, regular guys become such fans of the Henley? 

Well, first of all, Henley is a great way to branch out of the regular crewneck or V-neck box and look a little bit cooler. The unusual neckline surely adds a twist to any outfit! 

The other reason may be its comfort. Henleys are usually super soft and stretchy, allowing freedom of movement, and the neckline helps the body breathe even on hot days.

Lastly, because the fabric is usually thinner, a Henley hugs the male figure just right, showing off those nice guns and a broad chest. And who doesn't want to show off those gym gains, right? 

So if you were a Henley novice at the beginning of this article, you might have realized you need at least a few of these bad boys in your arsenal by now. 

And if you're unsure of how to choose best and wear a Henley, we've got you covered!

First of all, you can pick either long-sleeved or short-sleeved Henleys, but we think you should have both! 

When buying the tees, take note that the tee hugs your figure nicely but isn't too tight, the shoulder seams lie flat and don't droop, and the length is about a couple of inches below the lower edge of the belt.

Make sure you get high-quality tees that will make sure you look stylish and feel comfortable. 

And now, let's get to the styling part of it all. As Henleys fit nice and tight, they're the perfect layering piece, and with the spring coming, you will want those options. 

Wear your Henley with a simple checkered or patterned button-down shirt as the perfect layer combo. Has it got hot? No problem, take off that top shirt and roll up those sleeves! 

Pair with your favorite jeans or chinos, and wear nice sneakers or boots for a complete look. 

Sometimes we need a day off from stuffy office shirts, so swap those with a Henley under your blazer. 

Paired with chinos, this makes the perfect casual office look or an outfit for a date! 

Want to feel like a bad boy for a moment? Wear your Henley with jeans and a leather jacket! Yes, it's that easy. And if you go for an all-black ensemble, you'll get heads turning! 

This look is great for accessorizing with scarves or minimalist bracelets and necklaces. 

Need something comfy for a casual weekend? Nothing is more comfortable than joggers, a Henley, and a soft hoodie! You can go for a monochrome look or create a contrast with neutrals and bold colors!