How a Hybrid Styles shirt is made.
- reptilicus
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Photo credits: Top left Malcolm Tan. Remaining images, Phil Bint.
In a previous post, I introduced the idea behind the shirts I make: buying quality second-hand cotton shirts, deconstructing them, and creating a hybrid of the original. I price them at £100, and very occasionally, people have asked why that price. I think fashion has been so inundated with very cheap mass-produced clothing that the real art of making and designing has been suffocated, and that includes pricing. I have seen numerous reels on Instagram from people who are having to explain why putting a zip into a garment costs more than the garment itself. As a designer, I believe in producing a quality product that is considered, unique, and not mass-produced. I want my customers to feel they are making an investment when they buy a shirt, a bucket hat, or a tote bag with the Hybrid Styles label.
In Brighton, there are numerous charity shops such as the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Guild Care, Age Concern, Martlets, YMCA, Sussex Beacon, and Shelter. These are the places where I find my shirts. I often choose checked patterns because they appeal to me aesthetically and, when selected carefully, they complement each other well. The shirts must be 100% cotton, of high quality, and appear unworn. I prefer purchasing reputable brands, which sometimes include designer labels, but more frequently, they are from well-known British high street brands. Thus, my shirts have a provenance, a history behind them. As I search for shirts, I consider which checks will coordinate well together. If I can find two shirts of the same size with complementary checks, it’s an added benefit. This allows me to offer two shirts of a similar design in my store rather than just one. However, I cannot offer the same design in different sizes, which can be a drawback, but it also enhances the uniqueness of each shirt.
Once I get home, I start to play around with the fabrics, rethink what checks work together, and once I am happy with the choice, I start to create the shirt. Currently, I cut two shirts in half, overlock the cut edges, and then sew the two different halves together. I rarely predesign or draw a design; I prefer a more organic approach.
The next step is to decide what further additions I want to add to the shirt. I always add a roundel to the back, a pocket, and a further applique addition to the right-hand side of the shirt. This is the most common formula I use.
Sometimes I may add an additional feature like a circle onto the collar or cuff.
To make sure the applique is secure and to lessen fraying during washing and wear, I fuse the fabric of the applique "patch" onto the shirt using a double-sided fusible facing. I then add edge stitching to further add detail and to further secure the fabric, making a more durable shirt. I love edge stitching and top-stitching as it adds to the aesthetic of a Hybrid Styles shirt. I pride myself on the neatness of my stitch work, adding a quality finish.
The final touch is adding the Hybrid Styles labels and washing and pressing the shirt. The white generic label is made from recycled plastic eco thread. Shirts are posted in either paper packaging or plant-based "plastic" packaging.
I also offer a bespoke service where I work with you to create your own shirt from, either your own shirts, or I discuss what colours you prefer and I offer you some options.
Thank you once more for reading this post. I hope it provides insight into Hybrid Styles products.
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