Sunspel Polo Shirts & T-Shirts: Is It Worth It? (Review)
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- Our review on the polo shirts and t-shirts from the British brand, Sunspel: gentl.mn/sunspel-polo-shirts-...
#sunspel #shirts #notsponsored
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00:00 Sunspel Polo Shirts & T-Shirts Introduction
Even here at the Gentleman’s Gazette, we can’t deny the appeal of a quality T-Shirt or Polo Shirt. But in today’s ever casual world, it can be a genuine challenge to find an alternative to a dress shirt that is of equal quality and standing for a lover of classic style. So it’s with this in mind that we look towards Sunspel, a brand offering a clean, cool take on how traditional casualwear can be relevant for the 21st Century.
01:00 History of Sunspel
Thomas Hill founded Sunspel in 1860 when he opened a hosiery and underwear factory. Instead of manufacturing man-tights for local vigilantes, Hill’s aim was to create beautiful, everyday clothing from the world’s finest fabrics. Ten years later, in 1900, the company starts importing the world’s rarest and finest cotton, Sea Island cotton from the Caribbean.
Continuing to innovate, the year 1914 saw the introduction of Cellular cotton. Sunspel factory also relocates to the nearby town of Long Eaton. The year 2005 marks the sale of the company from then 81-year-old Peter Hill to Nicholas Brooke and Dominic Hazlehurst.
As the company changed and grew into the 21st century, costume designer, Lindy Hemming, saw a unique opportunity to utilize the brand’s rich British history to outfit James Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale.
04:23 Sunspel Today
05:36 T-Shirt or Undershirt?
That being said, there is a difference between a T-Shirt and an undershirt which is important because Sunspel offers both. So although they might look similar at first glance, there are a few characteristics of both varieties that set them apart.
07:10 T-Shirts
Sunspel does offer a few different varieties of T-Shirt models often being made in a different fabric or featuring different details such as a long sleeve or a V neck but the style we’re looking at today is their iconic, classic T-shirt.
09:40 Polo Shirts
By far the most popular style of polo shirt in the range is the Riviera model, which is crafted from Sunspel’s unique Q75 warp knit cotton, a two-button placket at the collar, a patch pocket on the left breast, and flat, stitched seams. Meanwhile, the Sea island cotton polo shirts feature a three-button placket at the collar, a flat front with no additional pocket, and ribbed seams.
Sunspel also offers a traditional pique cotton polo shirt, which is closer in style to the Sea Island cotton polos.
12:45 Are Sunspel Shirts Worth It?
In our experience, Sunspel’s everyday, Classic cotton jersey T-shirts and Riviera polo shirts are of excellent quality, wash and wear well, and most importantly, fit into our classic wardrobes effortlessly.
14:07 Outfit Rundown - Jak na to + styl
I lived in Puerto Rico for a time when I was younger and the remnants of the failed attempt at having a cotton industry could be seen on the south side of the island as cotton plants grew wild in places like the roadside.
Sorry I know I'm not GG and normally I don't respond to other comments but as a Puertorican I find this very interesting so thank you for sharing this. Have a good day.
@@Manuel421 We lived in Guayama and it was all over and looked more like a tall skinny bush rather than your typical cultivated variety.
@@jameswoods4656 I haven't lived there but my family is from there. I have visited my grandma out there a few times and looking forward to hopefully someday returning. I hope you still enjoyed your time there.
I grew up in PR and remember visiting the south part of the island and seeing cotton plants. This was way back in the 70s.
@@eyeheartsushi2212 Very interesting. Thanks for sharing! I haven't gone back in awhile but hopefully someday will have the opportunity to return. My last trip was really nice though visiting my grandma and exploring Old San Juan and Bacardi among other adventures. Hope you're enjoying your weekend.
What a lovely presenter, smooth and calming with a voice. Wish he did a podcast on books or a story of history of fashion etc
Sunspel is excellent for people like me which do not like Lacoste or Ralph Lauren polos which have obvious logos. If you want high quality without the ostentatious tacky logos, Sunspel is your only option
I'm not a flashy person which means I don't like getting brand names if I can help it I tend to find a better brand that is just as good at a fraction of the cost. Which means I try to get my hard earned money's worth. I wonder if they have longer t shirts or undershirts I really need these even though someone said in short waisted.
I'm going to look into Sunspel for my great nephew's.
I got a super nice, very soft and durable Polo without a logo from Fjållraven from some hunting Shop. Can only recommend, there probably exist only earthtones tho.
Eton makes some great Polos, they cost 75€ on sale and have better quality than anything Else in that pricerange
@@raupenimmersatt6906 Interesting. I only know them for their dress shirts
Pleased to see you promoting the benefits of Sunspel. I spent my teenage years going to school in Long Eaton, so am overjoyed to see Sunspel getting the recognition it deserves.
I have one Sunspel Polo, in Navy. I save it for smart casual (Pretending to look casual), normally pared with my best condition & fitting dark blue jeans (I like Hawksmill), Tan Brogues (Loake) and a Seamaster 300. Quality was way better than I was expecting, mine is 3 years old (IMHO) still looks new. Worth it? Yes, for the Polo. Not sure I go that far for a T-Shirt.
Loake make great shoes, and a much better price than Church’s etc. Got a pair of buckinghams (I think) in tan, they’re amazing.
Love the jeans and brogues but prefer a more classic gentleman’s watch than the Seamaster 300
Does it keep the colour after many washes? I saw that polo in the shop, even tried it and the fit was perfect. I didn't buy it because I felt that that kind of fabric will quickly fade and look cheap.
Am I wrong here? Thanks
@@petesvoice1313 I don't know how many times I have washed it, must be 20+ times now (on a eco 30 deg wash) And honestly, it still looks new. I have no idea what clothing dye they use, no fade as yet.
@@05Rudey thank you
Hi,Englishman here. I have a Sunspel polo neck top that I have had for years so I’m pleased you’ve done a video on them. My polo neck is in black, (which I don’t usually care for as I think its an overrated colour) and is quite lightweight so it’s easier to layer. I have one from a different brand in merino wool which is more like a jumper (sweater). My sunspel is easy to wear under, say, a leather jacket or a bomber. It’s still in great nick too and I reckon I’ve owned it for well over a decade.
I like the look of their polos and I’m sure they are amazing quality but upwards of 💯 quid for a t shirt and £150 for a polo is a bit rich for my blood, particularly with the spiralling cost of living a lot of people are facing over here, so I will probably pass unless I get one as a gift!
Just for info, Nottingham is pronounced “Notting-um” as we Brits tend not to pronounce the “ham” bit properly (see Birmingham). To continue to innuendos in the video, as well as being famous for Robin Hood, Nottingham was also world renowned historically for its lace production - and there is an area of the city centre called the Lace Market to commemorate this - which I guess could link with the underwear theme! 😉
go wear slazenger from sport direct you peasant
Thank you
If you're in Notts, get to the factory shop in Long Eaton. T-shirts are £15 and Polos £35!
@@King_Harrold I'm not from Notts, I just happen to know that stuff! Thanks for the heads up though; the next time I'm in the area I may pop in and grab a couple of items. Cheers!
Love the Historical background on the subjects you talk about! You guys are the greatest!
I love the in depth reviews!
Excellent presentation, as usual. Thank you for the time and effort that you & the team put into this review.
I live 15minutes from the factory here in the UK.
Long Eaton is in Derbyshire, not Nottinghamshire.
The factory store offers great prices so makes their stuff even more worth it.
Good spot, thank you! In all fairness, Long Eaton is on the cusp of the Derbyshire border and is closer to Nottingham than Derby, so hopefully you can see how the mistake was made :)
@@gentlemansgazette trust Wikipedia, not goggle maps 😜
@fgfghjkggdfdghjfgfjh no large factory still in UK. I don't know what the ratio is mind.
@fgfghjkggdfdghjfgfjh Nope, I've got some of Classic and Reviera T-shirts, some made in UK, some made in Portugal.
@@gentlemansgazette it has a Nottingham post code (zip code) it's just down the road from me. Don't listen to them 😁👍🏻
I’m a UK resident and a super fan of the brand, they do it right! Simple basics of exceptional quality, yes the T-shirts are a bit decedent for the money, but for a smart T-shirt they fit the bill. Riviera polo is a classic, also their sweatshirts and jersey fabrics are exceptionally good quality also. Safe to say I’ve got most of it!
I knew I recognized this polo somewhere. It made me think of Bond and sure enough, the video informed me of exactly that. Great stuff!
Sunspel is my polo of preference aside from a Charvet polo in burgundy I was lucky to find second hand. Anything more expensive and I am more likely to use it for decoration than wear it on a hot day.
Love the video, nice Narration and going through their catalogue of clothing, must say though that personally for me their clothes are a bit too simplistic for my taste. I must say however that the heavy knit cotton shirts that you´ve shown look amazing and if anyone knows from what brand they are and which model maybe I would greatly appreciate it.
Great review! Cheers 🍻
John Smedley is another superb option for Sea Island Cotton garments.
In Derbyshire too, like Sunspel.
I've been to Sunspels factory shop numerous times, I must take a trip to John Smedley. I'm 15mins away.
Did you guys read my mind? This is just what I'd been waiting for
Very impressed with Sunspel products. I look forward to buying a Polo Shirt soon.
i shop ONLY at thrift stores, and my ability is to be able to tell if a garment is decent by just glance its shape& touch the fabric...I have had the chance to spot an Sunspel t-shirt, the when as my hand had reached it, I knew it's the best quality 100% cotton, it was cool, soft, a bit hard at the same time, so it gets hold the shape still... and the price was only 2 euro...lucky found
I have countless t shirts from them, they don't really hold their shape, the body still twists like other t shirt. The good thing is, the softness still holds with UK's very hard water.
Absolutely a fantastic brand as I have t-shirts almost10 years old and are still fresh
Great video I don't think you could have added anything more . Good job love sunspel .
Been waiting for this lads, you’ve finally gone for sunspel!!
The placket looks very short and has only 2 buttons. I wish we could go back to the deeper plackets and bigger collars as seen in the 30's polo shirt illustrations.
Fantastic video! Have never been disappointed by their sea island polos.
For an inexpensive polo, I like Wyrwear Egyptian cotton shirts. I just like the feel & fit.
Cool vid Kyle. How about doing Ben Sherman, Fred Perry, Merc, and similar Mod/Vintage style polo's??? Cheers from SpoCanada.
I wear Royal Apparel and Bgreen for Tee shirts and undershirts. They are made in the USA and 15 to 30 dollars. As far as the polo nothing beats the M12 Fred Perry in my opinion.
What should I do if I have larger thighs but a small waist? I cannot afford made-to-measure or bespoke; only off-the-rack + alterations. Should I get something in a large waist size and have it altered so that the waist and seat are fitted correctly? Thanks.
When is it appropriate to tuck in a polo shirt?
Could you guys please do a video on suspenders I'm quite interested in them and I would love to have your insight on them
I second this!
Suspenders is a topic that's on our radar - stay tuned!
Auerbach Berlin makes really good suspenders (and also ties and ascots).
Take a look if youre in Europe
Great video. Could you please make a video on gentleman’s skiwear? I know it isn’t the right time but it would be a good topic. :)
Great analysis. I think the chest pocket cheapens the whole thing. Thank you.
Nice shirts. But currently I'm wearing Banana Republic Dress Polos and Kustom Kit slim fit casual polos.
Well researched and I’m pretty sure Sean Connery wore Sunspel in Dr No 😊
daniel craig's bond was the first to start wearing sunspel, but they do have some inspired pieces from earlier bond filling in for products no longer produced, just like Orlebar Brown
Great informative review. Would they work for an athletic guy? I have a 47.5" chest and 35" waist, so a lot of shirts that fit my chest and shoulders are too loose around the waist and "flap around" when untucked, which isn't a good look. Thank you
As mentioned in the video, they have a classic fit which means they're not tapered or tight to fit. They are proportioned and cut well, though, so perhaps a size down might help achieve a more fitted look? As we discovered, they tend to run a little small anyway, so you might be in luck with your regular size!
@@gentlemansgazette Thank you!
Does anybody have experience with a white coloured sunspel polo, on how it holds up against yellow pit stains.
I would prefer one in white, but it is a lot of money for a polo, especially if it stains just as easy as my cheap t-shirts
I have Ralph Lauren polos which are still fine after 20 years or so.
hello. I have a couple of Sunspel t-shirts and i really like them. they are different than standard t-shirts; material is thinner but very soft, very durable and holds color well, quality is top-notch, fitting is a bit small (5 11, 185 size L), but still my fav t-shirt. great under a sweater.
i also have one Riveria, its nice, but the L is too small for my current weight - maybe if i lost 10 lbs or an XXL??
my one complaint with Sunspel is the inconsistency of their sizing. most of their still seems cut for young, slim adults, so generally order up. recently i bought the dri release active hoodie in L and i think im gonna return it, it just too big. once had a pair of their jeans, the fabric was super soft with a fantastic hand and had the most beautiful deep rich blue ever, but the cut was made for a 16 yo anorexic runway model.
do wish there was a store west coast US. also, never ever pay full $, frequent sales.
I swear by Sunspel for their t shirts and polo, exclusively only get my t's from there as they keep their shape for years and I've tried a lot of t-shirts. The polos are also really cooling. I wouldn't recommend their trousers and other products which you can get from other places, they certainly specialise in polos and t's. They also have regular sales so look out at Easter and Christmas for deals on out of season colours.
Any suggestions for trousers/chinos?
Got to say Barbour have a phenomenal range of great value Polo Shirts
That would be a no for me on the classic white t-shirts. I would put the HEMA-brand t-shirts in both short and long sleeve up against Sunspel at tenth of the price. I have had those myself for years and they still hold up in quality
I'd like to see a video on looped wheeled Ts. The kind that are made in Japan or by Merz B Schwanen in Germany.
Finally - guy who looks like me! Great item.
You should an is it worth it on turnbull and asser shirts and ties
may i ask what size are you wearing? and what is your height?
I bought and returned a Sunspel polo over the past week. It had a really awkward looking low collar and was way too long, despite being an XS. Maybe I got the wrong shirt, but I don't have a good first impression of Sunspel and don't get the hype.
I'm not convinced by the cost per wear angle... I can buy that the quality, hand feel, softness etc are next level, but I don't see how that means they're going to last significantly longer than a t shirt you can get from a cheaper but still quality brand like, for example, COS or Uniqlo for like a tenth of the price; a white t shirt is a white t shirt, after a year of two of solid use surely it's still going to discolour a bit around the neckline, maybe lose a bit of shape etc.. It's not even like something like knitwear or jackets where you can wear it day after day without washing, you still need to wash at least every couple wears, so you can't really just buy one or two and be done (if you wear t shirts regularly).
I'll accept that they may well be much better quality, and offer a fit that caters to more body types, but I'm not convinced the cost per wear really works out in the long run - then again, I don't own any Sunspel t shirts, so I'd be happy to hear a counter from GG if I am just off base here.
I had a James Perse T last me around 12 years before pining for the fjords. Uniqlo or COS are not quality in my opinion; cotton is not just cotton, there are different grades and those companies are not using high grade cotton. I believe cost per wear is a true metric when it comes to clothing. I have 2 long sleeve Ts by Sunspel and they are quite nice and compared to the Banana Republic ones I've had in the past, the BR are not that good and didn't last that long, not even in the same league. I now am of the mind buy less buy better. But hey everything I just wrote is just anecdotal and my experience with cheap clothing vs quality clothing.
Cost per wear at a high quality I think. Uniqlo will beat it head-to-head but if you want something a bit better with good cost per wear, nothing beats Sunspel in the category IMHO. Plus there are certain styles (knitted polo shorts) which Uniqlo does not carry
Depends, I tend to run my clothing pretty hard and would wear through a cheap shirt much faster (i tend to wear a lot of merino wool as a preference though). Uniqlo shirts are fine and cost for wear will vary person to person.
@@christianjohnrojo7966 thats fair enough, I definitely wont try to argue against the polo shirts, you can see even through the video that the collar of Sunspel's ismuch sturdier probably than even iconic brands like Lacoste, let alone Uniqlo
Thats 'cause this is an advertisement. I can attest that a white shirt will turn yellow on me whether its expensive or cheap.
The green wind breaker outfit is smooth as milk.
You lookin' shwoll, baby boy.
Sunspel T-shirts and polos are the best, make sure you wash on a delicate cycle and dry flat or they’ll lose shape and elasticity.
Any chance of reviewing Sunspel chinos and 5 pocket trousers?
I have always been proud of being a man and have always dressed well.
I even wore crisp dress shirt, trousers & impeccably polished Oxford/derbies to college everyday.
The first week was kind of odd one out, but guess what eventually the college knew me by moustache & clothes.
agreed, many today feel sophisticated and casual is looked down on! a shame
@@C.R886 i would not call wearing oxford's casual.
@@rlkinnard oh I know referring to dressing up in general
@@C.R886 Oxfords are the ultimate in dressy shoes; wearing them just to go to class? I might wear Oxfords when I testify in court as an expert witness along with a Hermes tie and a suit.
@@rlkinnard see most young guys I know wouldn't even dress like that, as I remembering the reply from 7 months ago they way u described how you dress is Is frowned upon by many today! And it shame, whenever I wear a suit I always get compliments, it's not like I dress like thar often
English man here..I have many Sunspel jumpers, polos and T-shirts, very subtle tailoring and they wash well.
With clothes it’s important to remember to old saying ‘buy cheap buy twice’
Having access to actual quality washing facilities is key to preserving high quality cotton. Apartment living doesn't afford me that. The washers and driers reduce the life of my clothes far faster than me actually wearing things. Trouble with cotton, too much heat and shirt lengths will shrink INCHES.
Quality garment care is key - Sunspel do state on their website that their cotton shouldn't be put into a drier after washing. We've found that a regular wash cycle followed by a line dry gives the best results for our Sunspel garments
Just get a foldable indoor drying rack.
Some washing machines have pretty high RPM spin, leaving less moisture when finished for air drying.
Thanks for the recommendations.
Fruit of the Loom T-Shirts or Hanes are less than $20 for a pack of 5. That’s good enough for me.
I have the feeling that this channel tryinf to appeal to more people makes it less unique day by day. The whole point of it used to be in opposition of todays trends a showing of classic gentleman lifestlye, traditional clothes and way of life, and show a style which is present so few in todays fashion world. Now, the GG often produces content you could find on any channel tbh. We dont need another channel showing "white t shirt white sneakers leather jacket" outfits, there are plenty of them out there which are specified on that; we do need more content on the fading craftsmanship and traditions, traditional tailoring and its aspects, as its becoming more rare and would make you stand out that much more.
I disagree, fans of the channel ask for this, if not ones named Jesse Blueman. You're welcome to make your own style channel because no one else will speak your perspective for you 100% of the time.
GG has different people involved with different styles. At times, I want Kyle's style. At times, Raphael's or preston's.
@@zzzzoot i dont intend any offense, and from reading many comments I've seen I'm really not the only person thinking like this. I just have the feeling that the gentleman gazette becomes less special and don't think trying to be a little bit of everything and pleasing all different taste leads to long term success, as opposed to having a fanbase that started following because they differed from the rest. In general I don't think there's a point in saying "you criticise it, just make your own", as i find for example channels such as Sartorial talks much more appealing now because they don't try to please everyone but do their own thing instead.
Yes. I feel like the addition of the black fellow really brought the channel's appeal down for those who enjoy the classic tailoring content.
Never heard of them and I'm in the UK. Look good if a bit expensive as you say. Personally I have no interest in whether something has been used in a movie since all those product placements have been paid for
I'm not an expert but it's my understanding that Bond actors usually have a lot of personal say in which particular brands they wear. I believe Daniel Craig's personal suiting choice is Tom Ford, and that's what he wears as Bond so it wouldn't surprise me if he chose sunspel himself as well
@@olirichings8682 maybe. But even so his opinion carries no special weight to me just because he's famous. I would though listen to Gentlemens Gazette because they are more expert 👍👍
It is like suit in tropics.
I received mine today and sad to say the fit was not great, very boxy for me. Sending back.
I need a pocket and if it’s too small it is of no use.
Made in Portugal.
James Bonds wears them that's good enough for me.
100% worth it if you can get them on sale!
Very informative, but Long Eaton is actually in neighboring Derbyshire, birth place of Vivienne Westwood. You’re welcome.
Like lukas green
Aah yes Nottingham(and Leicester) the centre of sweat shop labour for clothing such as this.
I believe Sunspel brand products are produced responsibly & sustainability.
Who cares really
Thoes who care about human dignity
@@davederrick9431 virtue signaller
Sunspel or nothing is my motto.
Debate TR Sartor
You don't need to pronounce the 'H' in Nottingham
My problem with sunspel shirts is the shoulders seams do not sit flat but rather are pointy and in my view are poorly made and unstylish in that respect.
James Bond wears this brand and they ain’t cheap 🙁
2nd
"not sponsored" yet you have a referral link in the description. Slimy.
Worth it? The label used to say "Made in England", now it just reads "Sunspel England" = NOT made in England, and that made me change to Turnbull & Asser.
Love my Sunspel polos though I find the cut a bit small. I wear a large and if I reach for the sky I expose my tummy.
Ask Kyle to enunciate and speak up a bit. He is slurring his words together.
I wish I could spend $150 on a polo shirt. Amazon Essentials here I come!
Gross
Now they have a new brick and mortar shop in Madison ave NYC.
first
Definitely not worth it . In these modern times with machines doing mass production. Polos worth $40 and t-shirts worth $9 … the rest of your money is wasted on the brand making them richer
If you say so they're not endorsing anyone here.if you don't like this channel then unsubscribe then, you don't have to get the brand name anything.
I didn't like Ralph Lauren to being with and after I heard that he fired the models that gained ounces of weight I said that's it for me.
And one of his daughters has a candy store go figure 🙄🤨🤦🤦🏼♀️🤦🏿♂️🤦🏻♀️🤣
@@cyankirkpatrick5194 you obviously can’t read or something is wrong with your brain . I have no problem with the channel . I never said anything negative about the channel . I am talk about the brand .
I can't stand polos, period
I used to wear them even for errands but I’ve cut back on it. Now it’s mostly well fitted tees. Polos get worn about once a week, tops.
Remnants of slavery?
🙄
@@jamesjameson4566 Oops did I hit a nerve?
@@quietatse 🙄
@@jamesjameson4566 I see, you want people to pretend that didn't happen.
@@quietatse 🙄
Sunspel should make the classic tee in a slim fit. I have multiple sunspel classic tees but I don’t like the fit. I have a few riviera tees but don’t like the collar but great fit. Overall SUPERB quality.