Picture this: It's the early nineteenth century, and men are looking for base layer that’s actually comfortable. Enter the Henley, a collarless number with a placket of buttons down the front. This small tweak provided a breath of fresh air (literally) from the undershirts that men were previously accustomed to. Want to know how it came to be a staple of menswear and a BMC crowd-favourite? Sounds like it’s time for a little history lesson. So… here it is. The history of the Henley.

Our history lesson takes us to the quaint English town of Henley-on-Thames, nestled along the scenic banks of the Thames River. Back in the nineteenth century, Henley-on-Thames was the beating heart of rowing; home of the prestigious Royal Regatta, which at the time was basically England's equivalent of the Super Bowl. The high-stakes event attracted rowing buffs from across the country, all competing for first place on the podium. Who would’ve thought that a loose-fitting undergarment (what we know now as the Henley) would help these athletes take top spot?

Legend has it that teams would carry out their early morning rowing exercises in their undershirts, which soon earned the nickname of "Henleys." Thus, the connection between the town's name and the beloved shirt was forever forged. The Henley delivered a freedom of movement that the sport demanded, with its collarless design and roomier fit across the chest providing unparalleled comfort for rowers. Word spread like wildfire, and soon every rower at the Royal Regatta was proudly sporting the Henley; cementing its status as the go-to sportswear for rowing aficionados.

Fast forward to the 1970s and this is where Ralph Lauren comes in. A bit of a visionary as far as fashion’s concerned, Lauren recognised the untapped potential of the Henley shirt and introduced it to the world in 1976, albeit a more refined and slimmer-fitting rendition of the original design. This move propelled the style from sportswear into the realms of popular fashion, with Ralph Lauren’s Henley becoming the blueprint for the modern take we know and love today.

The rest, as they say, is history. The Henley shirt expanded its horizons, embracing various cuts, colours, materials, and styles. These days, it’s more than earned its place in every man’s wardrobe. Offering unrivalled versatility, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and style that truly sets the Henley apart; just sharp enough without overdoing it. We think it's something about the buttons. So, the next time you slip into your favourite Henley, with this history lesson under your belt - you can pay homage to its humble heritage and the rowers who revolutionised its popularity. You are wearing a piece of history, after all.