Men & Darts

Jul 19 2012.

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The title doesn’t refer to a group of guys playing the game of darts in a bar or pub. Most men would probably associate darts with exactly that. 
 
This refers to a contemporary twist to men's shirting. Only a few shirt makers in Sri Lanka use darts in men's shirts. Funny thing is even most men wearing such shirts don’t even realize the darts exist, and the purpose it serves. 
 
What are darts? 
 
Ever noticed how Italian men wear shirts which look so slim and shaped. Sometimes the shirt itself is well tailored and cut. Other times a pair of back darts plays a vital factor. 
 
Darts are nothing more than two folds sewn into the fabric to provide shape. Because of this fold the fabric is pulled in slightly to follow the natural contour of the back. As a result the shirt has a nice V shape instead of ballooning out when tucked in. 
 
You must be wondering if a dart adds such good shape, then why don’t all brands don’t include darts in their shirts. 
 
The foremost reason is the same reason why a lot of people don’t like slim fit shirts - they like their shirts a little loose and comfy. Even those who like fitting shirts often don’t understand the benefit of the darts and may not want to buy a shirt with two folds at the back. 
 
Those who know its function will often term it feminine. Finally adding darts takes a little bit of extra time and attention, something which a lot of commercial shirt makers may not be interested in. 
 
  
(L) How darts add shape to front and (R) back
 
  
(L) Back view of a shirt without a dart and (R) a shirt with one 
 
 
How do you get shirt with darts? Several brands offer off the rack pre-darted shirts. Or ask the shirt maker you buy from to alter the shirt for you by adding darts. Otherwise simply take the shirt to your tailor and ask them to stitch it for you at very little cost. 
 
Should all your shirts have darts? It depends on your preference and body type. If you are very thin, and lightly built and even a slim fit shirt doesn’t look slim, then a dart can give a slimming look. 
 
  
(L) Close up view of a shirt dart AND (R) how darts create V effect
 
If you have a medium physique, darts will also work for you. If you fall on the heavy side it might be best to avoid darts. 
 
Ideally back darts look best in your fashion statement shirts. It gives a sleek, elegant contemporary look.  
 
Happy darting guys!
 
 
(Article By Jeeshan Mirza)
 
The writer is the Executive Director of Steel Blue. To get more fashion tips and insights check out www.facebook.com/steelbluelk 
 
 
 
Answer and win!!
 
Q: Name a well-known international shirt brand that adds back darts to its shirts. 
 
Post your answers as comments below and stand a chance to win a slim fit men's shirt with back darts, courtesy Steel Blue!
 

 



0 Comments

  1. SR says:

    Unicorn Men's Signature Dart Shirt

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