When warmer days return, the temptation is strong to abandon the shirt in favour of the T-shirt or polo shirt , reputed to be lighter. Yet there is nothing airier or more elegant than a short-sleeved piece in Giro Inglese , a little-known fabric we invite you to discover without delay.
An enigmatic weave
Let us say it from the outset: no one seems to know why Giro Inglese is called Giro Inglese. At most, we can say that it is an Italian expression literally meaning “English turn”; but the origins of this name remain obscure and mysterious.
On the other side of the Alps, our Italian friends tend to speak of « tessuto a giro inglese » or « tessuto a nido d'ape », which tells us more about the meaning of the expression. Indeed, the “honeycomb” fabric is more familiar to us in France, and it is precisely this cellular texture that we find on the surface of the Giro Inglese.
A royally textured weave
As you know, there are three types of weave in the fabric family: plain weave, twill and satin.
In the case of Giro Inglese, it is a simple plain weave , identical on both sides, with a regular interlacing of vertical and horizontal threads. The distinctive feature of this weave lies in one decisive subtlety: not one but two warps are used , the second passing successively to the left and right of the first to form these characteristic small cells. To the eye, the result may recall the texture of dobby , in a less dense and distinctly more summery register.
The superpowers of Giro Inglese
Beyond the richness of its handle and the originality of its texture, it is truly the performance of Giro Inglese that makes it a fabric made for summer. For its open weave combines two decisive elements in the fight against high temperatures:
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on the one hand, its embossing gently keeps the fabric away from the skin , avoiding the suffocating feeling caused by certain fabrics in summer (particularly poplin and other dense weaves). In this respect, Giro Inglese resembles the seersucker you probably know.
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on the other hand, the open weave encourages air circulation to provide welcome ventilation above 20°C.
Breathable and airy, Giro Inglese is therefore an essential for the summer season. Between the richness of its texture and the relevance of its properties, it is undoubtedly one of the fabrics to turn to in summer.
Our Giro Inglese shirts
We have told you about the Italian origins of Giro Inglese, and you have probably inferred a DNA imbued with eleganza . You would be right. The final feat of this fabric is to combine extraordinary distinction with the qualities we have just mentioned.
Unlike other fabrics known for summer wear, neither its texture nor its breathability detracts from its refinement. For this reason, it is primarily used for dress shirts , brilliantly combining character and refinement. 
Taken with this exceptional fabric, we enlisted its services to dress the three lightweight shirts before you:
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first, a navy-blue short-sleeved shirt. A generous cut, two patch flap pockets, perfectly proportioned sleeves and a bold Cuban collar: this is the recipe for a short-sleeved shirt that does not become a caricature of itself. Made in Portugal from a Giro Inglese fabric fresher than the freshest of your iced teas, it promises boldness and distinction throughout the summer season. Naturally, you are free to wear it buttoned up or open, preferably over a vest or textured undershirt.
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then, a lightweight midnight-blue shirt. If you are unsure about short sleeves, this style should appeal. Crafted from the same airy navy Giro Inglese cotton fabric, this short-sleeved piece promises ventilation and breathability. An excellent way to combine refinement and lightness, with a touch of originality brought by the band collar. With tailored shorts, lightweight trousers or even swimwear, it will naturally make an impression.
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finally, a fine white dress shirt. Many overlook elegance between May and September, but we know that some steadfast men are determined to remain smart in every circumstance. Indeed, you may well be one of them if you appreciate the Hast wardrobe. For you, we have developed a dress shirt designed for the warmest months. French placket, curved hem, Semi-cutaway collar, angled double-button cuffs, lightly blended construction: we have honoured the codes of fine shirtmaking while using Giro Inglese to bring you all its ventilating qualities. With pure Fresco wool trousersand the matching jacket, expect it to make an impression.
A final word
To avoid overheating in summer, several clothing-related factors should be considered : the fibre used, the structure of the material and the weight of the fabric. Many swear by linen, and this fibre is undeniably a marvel of absorption and thermoregulation, but it is equally possible to use weaving techniques to stay cool.
This is precisely the case with Giro Inglese, which relies on an extraordinarily open weave to encourage ventilation and air circulation. Though made from pure cotton, our three summer shirts are thus fresh and high-performing, pairing an extraordinary texture with remarkable performance. Perfect for maintaining a distinguished air, even under a blazing sun.
They await you in our stores and on Hastparis.com , ready to serve you the very best that weaving has to offer.