Leith Clothing's genuine Madras check shirt - cut and sewn in UK - classic, preppy, casual

This shirt is made in the UK from genuine Madras, a fabric with a fascinating history. Made in Chennai (formerly Madras) the organic cotton fabric is vegetable-dyed (including indigo to give that gorgeous rich blue) and gradually fades to give a soft, lived-in look and feel.

The yarn is woven on a Victorian Selvedge loom to produce a light, strong fabric with a soft hand.

There's something immediately special about the feel of this shirt. Light and very comfortable, it's well-finished, cut and sewn in England, with a three button collar and locker loop showing its preppy origins. Ideal with jeans, sweater, blazer, Harrington jacket - an ideal casual shirt. I suspect that it will improve with age, like a good pair of denims, feeling and looking better as the vegetable dyes fade.

I'm grateful to Leith for sending this shirt for me to try and review. It'll be joining my collection of favourites.

For more information about the fascinating history of Madras cotton see Leith's website and blog here.

Grey Fox wears with raw denim and an old chestnut leather belt