Original 1950s British Collarless Shirt by 'Cadet Supply Department'

An original British Army Cadets green poplin cotton shirt dating from the 1950s. 

This shirt is typical of those made in the 1940s and 1950s for officers in the British Army. It is made from a light green poplin cotton and features a neckband collar which would be worn with a matching detachable collar. The shirt features a half placket front which was a popular style in the first half of the 20th Century. As well as this, the shirt has a french cuff which is intended to be worn with cufflinks. 

Inside the shirt below the collar is the original maker's label which features fantastic period graphics  along with the maker's name of 'Cadet Supply Department'. Above this stamped directly onto the neckband is the collar size of 15. 

The original label is still present inside the shirt but has been washed out making the details hard to read. The simple style would suggest that this was an issue shirt and the number '16' can just be made out which denotes the collar size. 

The shirt is a medium size which will fit around a 38" chest. It is important to remember that they are designed to be worn reasonably loose so as to allow for free movement etc. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 23"
Inside arm - 24"
Outside arm - 26 1/2"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length at back - 34 1/2"

If the cuff is to be worn folded back with cuff links 2 1/2" need to be subtracted from the sleeve measurements.

The shirt is in very good condition with some signs of wear and age. There is some light staining and wear to the cuffs where they fold back although this is not visible when the shirt is worn. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which has some flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original mid century shirt made from a lovely poplin cotton and featuring a fantastic label.