Cool colors are shades of blue, green, and purple that evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility. They are often used in interior design to create a relaxing mood. Cool colored shirts are popular casual wear items, but who owns the brands producing these laid-back tees and button-downs? Let’s investigate some of the major players in the cool colors shirt market.
History of Cool Colored Shirts
Cool colored shirts first became popular in the 1950s and 60s. During this time, clothing brands began offering more casual attire as postwar prosperity gave people more discretionary income. Brands like Gant, Lacoste, and Brooks Brothers produced polo shirts and oxford button-downs in shades of blue, green, and lavender. The relaxed, preppy style was a hit among American suburbanites.
In the 1960s and 70s, counterculture movements brought new takes on cool colored shirts. Psychedelic prints in shades of blue and purple showed up on the runways and in rock concert crowds. Surf culture popularized tropical prints in shades of teal and aqua. By the 1980s, major brands offered a wide selection of casual button-downs and polos in varied cool shades.
The 1990s saw a major expansion of the casualwear market. Mall brands like Structure, Abercrombie & Fitch, and American Eagle offered endless cool-hued options for young consumers. At the same time, skater, grunge, and hip hop looks brought oversized tees and jerseys in shades of blue, green, purple and gray to the mainstream. This cemented cool colors as a key part of casual fashion.
Major Brands Known for Cool Colored Shirts
Today, many clothing companies offer cool colored shirts as part of their casual collections. Here are some major brands that have become go-to sources for laid-back tops in tranquil hues:
- Lacoste – This French tenniswear brand is known for its iconic polo shirts in over two dozen cool tones from pale blue to deep amethyst.
- Ralph Lauren – Polo Ralph Lauren offers classic button-downs, polos, tees, and rugby shirts in an extensive palette of blue, green, purple and gray shades.
- J.Crew – J.Crew’s casual men’s and women’s lines include endless options for oxfords, polos, pocket tees, and henleys in muted cool tones.
- Madewell – This laidback women’s brand offers an abundance of relaxed tees, button-downs, and shirts in shades of blue, sage, lilac, and slate.
- Everlane – Known for basics, Everlane provides staple tees, polos, and button-downs in a simplified palette of cool blue, gray, and green tones.
- Uniqlo – Affordable cool colored crewneck tees, polos, and casual button-downs are a Uniqlo staple.
- Old Navy – This budget chain offers an entire line of cool-toned shirts for men, women, and kids at inexpensive price points.
- H&M – Cool pastel and faded tones define the t-shirts, shirts, and blouses in H&M’s casual collections.
Beyond these major brands, small boutiques, streetwear labels, and sustainable fashion brands all offer unique takes on cool colored casual shirts. The muted palette has mass appeal across demographics and styles.
Business Side: Major Companies That Own These Brands
Many of the brands beloved for cool colored shirts are owned by major fashion conglomerates. Here is a look at some of the big companies that own the top labels for laidback tops:
| Parent Company | Brands Owned |
|---|---|
| VF Corporation | The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Dickies, Supreme |
| PVH Corp | Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, Van Heusen |
| Ralph Lauren Corporation | Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren |
| Hanesbrands Inc. | Champion, Hanes, Polo Ralph Lauren |
| Gap Inc. | Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic |
| Fast Retailing | Uniqlo, J Brand, Theory, Helmut Lang |
A few other major corporations like LVMH, Tapestry, and Vida Group own companies producing cool casual shirts. Ultimately a handful of conglomerates own a diverse portfolio of brands catering to varied demographics and aesthetics. So while the brands feel distinct, many follow the lead of their parent companies.
Sourcing and Manufacturing Process
How are these endless supplies of cool colored shirts actually made? Most major clothing brands do not directly own or operate their own manufacturing facilities. Instead, they contract with factories and mills around the world to fabricate items.
For cool colored shirts, the manufacturing process typically goes like this:
- The brand’s designers sketch concepts and pick colors/fabrics to produce.
- Yarn is dyed in the chosen cool tones at a mill facility.
- The yarn is knit or woven into fabric at a textile mill.
- Finished fabric is sent to a garment factory and cut into shirt components.
- The components are sewn into finished shirts by garment workers.
- Quality assurance checks are performed.
- The shirts are labeled, tagged, and packaged for shipment.
- The completed shirts are exported and distributed to brand retailers.
This global production chain allows brands to access specialized manufacturing hubs around the world. Some common country sources for fabric and garment production include China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and regions of Central America.
In recent years, some brands have faced backlash about factory conditions and moved production to suppliers with fair wage certifications. Others have launched programs to improve social responsibility in the supply chain.
The Future of Cool Colored Shirts
What lies ahead for the cool colored shirt market? Here are some possible directions:
- Expanded size ranges – More brands expanding sizes to be more inclusive.
- More sustainable fabrics – Eco-friendly dyes and recycled/organic materials gaining traction.
- Direct-to-consumer models – Brands exploring options beyond wholesale with web stores.
- More casual workwear – Cool shirts suitable for hybrid work wardrobes.
- Retro influences – Designs inspired by the 60s, 70s, 90s, and Y2K trends.
- Higher price transparency – Brands communicating supply chain practices.
While economic ups and downs impact the apparel industry, cool colored shirts remain a staple that spans seasons and trends. Consumers will likely continue to refresh their laidback shirt collections for years to come.
Conclusion
Cool colored shirts have been wardrobe staples for decades due to their versatility and relaxed vibe. Major brands like Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Old Navy drive this multi-billion dollar market. Behind these labels are massive parent corporations that manage global supply chains to deliver the endless variety of casual tops consumers love. While increased competition and changing tastes keep brands on their toes, the demand for laidback cool colored shirts remains steady. When creating a casual outfit, they are always a safe bet.
