Blog

Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt

Summer 1985
From the 1983 catalogues. Note the shape of the pocket flaps. This is showing a single point rather than angled corners and would date such a shirt to pre-1983.

From the catalogue: “Egypt’s long fiber cotton enjoys a reputation as the world’s finest. Old-timers who’ve led hundreds of safaris through the African bush wouldn’t think of owning a safari shirt out of any other fabric. This is because its long fibers build strength into the weave of the garment without adding bulk. Our Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt, with a special side-like finish, resists wrinkles, repels water. It’s cool, tough, and it’s luxurious. “

This Pewter Safari Shirt below has pointed pockets and unique pocket pleats, this was seen briefly in the Spring 1985 catalog. Courtesy Gary Pinkerton.

Below, a later 1985-era Safari Shirt with angled pockets.

Based on the Made in Hong Kong tag, the placement of the side tag and the unusual numbered markings in the collar I believe this to be an early example of the Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt, though post-1983 based on the pockets.
Khaki Version
Angled corner pocket flaps.
The Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt came in pewter, khaki, and light tan.
The Egyptian Cotton Safari Shirt came in pewter, khaki, and light tan. Summer 1986
Tags:

About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn's fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying the clothing and giving her the catalogs. She loved the clothes and as an artist she was drawn to the illustrations. She went on to study illustration at art college in BR's hometown of San Francisco and worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA as a graphic designer and illustrator with Secret Fan Base . She's been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.

2 Comments

  • Julie Higginbotham on March 10, 2021

    Had this all straight in my head (sorta) but here’s this NWT thing on ebay now that appears to be an Egyptian cotton safari shirt (greenish, their definition of ‘pewter’ seemed to morph a lot). https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-BANANA-REPUBLIC-Safari-cargo-utility-shirt-Photo-Green-Medium-L-Poplin/284213777521

    Weird due to the pointy pocket flap but …. (time killer that I am) I did find one late example of a pewter/ivory/khaki Safari Shirt (100% egyptian cotton) in your catalog archive, Spring Update 86. In the very next catalog it was back to the squared-off flap. Ugh, I need a real job, lol. (I have one. I’m just slacking.)

    • Robyn Adams on March 11, 2021

      Hi Julie, I’ve added that shirt to the archive as it’s own shirt because the item number is unique. It’s here: https://www.secretfanbase.com/banana/shirt-1035/

      But thanks for pointing out the pointy flap in 1986. I also found it in 1985 Spring, and added photos of the real thing thanks to Gary!

Leave a Reply