When it comes to white shirts, my requirements are pretty simple: I want a shirt that’s genuinely white - smooth, minimalist, and versatile enough to wear without worrying too much about what to pair it with. I’m sure many of you have a few in your wardrobe, just like I do. But (there’s always a “but” 😜) this simplicity can sometimes lead to the dreaded “boredom.”
Loving a plain white shirt while simultaneously bemoaning its lack of excitement might seem a bit contradictory, right? 😂 That’s exactly why I’m excited to introduce you to Gossuin shirts.
Founded in 2004 by a team of model-designers in France, Gossuin aims to create stylish shirts that don’t compromise on comfort. They strike a perfect balance between design and wearability.
You might recognize Gossuin shirts from the film “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” where Ryan Gosling wore one of their designs (2011).
I had the pleasure of trying out the ALPHA 01 model - a white shirt that, at first glance, appears to be just another basic shirt... as ordinary as a carton of milk.
At first glance, a plain white shirt can look as ordinary as any other regular white shirt.
But everything changes when you pay attention to the details. First, let's talk about the collar. It’s a small pointed collar that’s quite common, but there’s one key difference: it’s been sewn down!
The collar features a Shaped Facing design with a folded edge that starts from the collar's seam and ends near the chest. The Shaped Facing sewing technique creates a sharp "V" shape at the chest, maintaining its form regardless of body movement.
The notched detail on the cuffs is a signature design of Gossuin, allowing for greater comfort and freedom of movement when buttoning the shirt sleeves.
Made from 100% cotton woven in an Oxford fabric structure in the Czech Republic, this shirt features a medium thickness, weighing approximately 116g/m², ensuring that it is not see-through when worn.
The shirt features mother-of-pearl buttons, sourced from Vietnam according to the manufacturer. The button's color is difficult to describe in pictures, but it reflects the true nature of mother-of-pearl, displaying different iridescent hues depending on the angle. The pattern on the button is subtle, designed in a gentle style that is not at all ostentatious.
The back of the shirt features two pieces of fabric joined at a 45-degree angle, stitched together along the spine. Why the diagonal rather than a traditional straight seam? This method allows the fabric to stretch with shoulder movements, even though it’s made from 100% cotton. While this is an interesting technique, it does have some limitations. For instance, the seam where the two pieces join can be difficult to keep perfectly straight. If you look closely, you'll notice slight waves along the spine.
The side vents create a visually striking geometric effect. The design features a more fitted hip section, making it easier to tuck in the shirt.
The shirt length is suitable for wearing it untucked. Leaving the last button undone adds extra comfort.
The asymmetrical armhole seam may be a bit confusing, but this is Gossuin's approach to achieving a neat drape in the sleeves, minimizing wrinkles.
This shirt is meticulously crafted with numerous handmade details, striking a balance between formal and casual styles. The ALPHA 01 offers exceptional comfort with a fit that is close to slim, hugging the body just right.
Gossuin’s creations are the result of careful research and development by founders Alain Gossuin and Arthur Thoby, both of whom possess a sharp eye for aesthetics and a wealth of expertise. Every detail of the ALPHA 01 is designed to address specific challenges rather than serve as mere decoration. That’s why I appreciate the Gossuin ALPHA 01 - a white shirt that is distinctive yet maintains a necessary subtlety and flexibility.
Discover More from Gossuin:
To explore more of Gossuin's offerings, visit: www.gossuin.com
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