Emma Willis Brushed Cotton Shirts

I am a fan of Emma Willis.

Really I am.

& the plan had been to talk about Emma’s brushed cotton shirts, not as items of self isolating, lockdown apparel, but things of comfort to be worn whenever.

With tailoring  - remember that? – or simply over the much maligned white t-shirt with jeans, on their own with shorts outside, or even, pottering about house with jogging bottoms and cashmere sweaters. 

I live in them. 

Tucked in, half tucked, French tucked, or don’t give a tuck, it’s a play on proportion which feels fresh and as new as a classic can. 

The subtle curves of collar & single button cuff, beautifully finished seams, and deep colour and pattern, the slight marl pulling the eye in and holding it. 

The homemade chicken soup of men’s clothing, destined to be stolen by others.

A great shirt, like shoes, jeans, suits or anything of note, improves.

Made in Gloucester from Swiss brushed cotton, they start soft and over time, with washing and wear take on that, well you should just buy one. 

But I warn you they’re addictive.

Well, that was the plan, had all these nice phrases saved up, couple of jokes, bit of banter about them being the antidote to all that overzealous, over printed, over thought, instagram lockdown loungewear, and then, Emma posted a story on said platform Friday about her factory’s response to the critical shortage facing the NHS at present.

Bearland House has started making protective scrubs for NHS hospital staff, made from the same Swiss Cotton as the shirts. 

Another sign - in a very long list - of Emma and her team just getting on with things, finding solutions to problems and helping their community.

It is to be applauded, because, in this moment of maddening national need, where we are all united in our worry and admiration for those who are helping our most vulnerable and protecting us as all, anything which can be done, must be.

So, go on…

Money to pay for fabric is being raised here, all other costs are being covered in house.