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We’ve always found it difficult to distinguish one Henley from another.
The colarless, buttoned shirt takes its name from Henley-on-Thames, a riverside town in Oxfordshire, England, where rowers wearing placketed uniforms raced in the Henley Royal Regatta as early as 1839.
Today, the style is beloved for being casual, comfy and just put-together enough to leave the house in. Every man should have a few in different colors. The only problem is deciding which brand to go with. All Henley offerings look so similar. Sure, some have two buttons and others have up to five, but what really sets Henleys apart from one another?
As we sought to find the best Henleys for men, what we soon discovered is that not all Henleys are made alike. Whether featuring a curved or straight hem, pima or merino wool fabric, it quickly became apparent that there’s a Henley fit for every occasion and sartorial disposition. So if what you seek is a Henley for seamless layering or to wear on its own, below are five of the best, equally capable of accommodating a range of needs and preferences in style.
Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley
Taylor Stitch’s Henley boasts zero-waste production and is constructed from 52% Upcycled Cotton and 48% Recycled Poly, as well as using zero water which saves about 1,200 gallons per shirt. The 8-oz. fabric proves sturdier and more durable than your normal cotton t-shirt (it’s about twice the weight) while still managing to offer supreme softness. All in all, it’s a Henley that’s not only responsibly made, but one built to last.
Buck Mason Curved Hem Henley
Sure, a henley isn’t hard to come by, but what about one with a curved hem? Buck Mason’s Henley forgoes the traditionally straight cut at the bottom in favor of a scooped hem, which lends the shirt a tailored sophistication that tends to be lacking from others on the market. Crafted from a lightweight Pima, the Henley is lighter than more traditional versions, but that just makes it all the more better for layering, ideal for slipping under a sweater or fleece for optimal warmth.
Proof 72-Hour Merino LS Henley
You’re probably familiar with Proof’s 72 Hour merino fabric, named so because it’s capable of being worn 72 hours straight without showing any signs of wear or odor. Luckily the highly technical fabric is available in a Henley silhouette, capable of enduring whatever you put it through, whether it be a casual day lounging around the house or a high-impact workout at the gym. Finished with a three-button placket at the neck and subtle matte-black snaps, it’s the kind of Henley you grab without thinking twice.
Outerknown Arroyo Thermal Henley
Outerknown seeks to keep things classic when it comes to their Arroyo Thermal Henley, crafting the shirt from a unique, varied waffle texture that provides both warmth and a heritage vibe, an aesthetic that’s further emphasized thanks to workwear detailing like cat-eye buttons, flatlock seams and a rounded hem with a stitched edge. When rendered in heathered-yarn in hues of navy and gray, it makes for a Henley that looks just as handsome on its own as it does underneath the brand’s Blanket Shirts. In other words, there’s no wrong way to wear it.
Faherty Slub Cotton Henley
For Faherty’s Slub Cotton Henley, the brand uses a high-quality American-grown cotton that is then expertly knit, sewn and washed in Peru to further increase softness. The Henley is then finished off with ribbing at the collar and sleeves to add some contrast and antique-enameled buttons that are just noticeable enough without being too distracting.
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