Old Etonian.

What does it take to create a classic?

Young men at Eton in the 19th century started from scratch: Take one standard, pointed-collar shirt and turn it into something else altogether. Round off the collar, give it some structure, and next thing youre telling the whole world youre an Eton man.

Twenty Etonians have gone on to become prime minister. Is it the shirt?

One could argue that the real factors come down to education and connections and have nothing to do with a collar, for godsakes, but do we really know for sure?

The Etonian Shirt (No. 6892). Structured, rounded club collar worn by 19th-century academics and modern-day up-and-comers. On a certain kind of man, comes across as wonderfully louche. (Only you can decide what kind of man you are.) Soft cotton twill body and structured white poplin collar. Double-button, elongated dress cuff. Chest pocket. Made in Portugal.