3 THE MONOGRAMMED SHIRT

Monograms are to the upper classes what monograms are to the lower classes – and therein lies the problem.

Where once they signified class, wealth and status, in 2022, they are as likely to signify ego, braggadocio and that specific narcissism that has flourished so profusely in the social media age. Monograms have been well and truly democratised: even the high street has got in on the act, with Topshop, Whistles and Levi’s just three affordable brands to have offered monogram services in recent years.

All of which leaves the posh monogram with an identity crisis. How to differentiate itself from the bold, brash initials favoured by the lumpen proles? Answer: go understated.

For the upper classes, monograms are never the focal point, but instead are small, discreet and in subtle colours.

Tonal monograms are

particularly favoured: a pale grey thread on a white pocket square, for example.

Placementwise, discretion is key: the cuff of a shirt rather than the breast pocket, or better still, the hem. If you look like A$AP Rocky, you’ve got it wrong. And if you’re wearing more than one monogram, you’ve definitely got it wrong.

Navy Cristallo cotton shirt, £260 (emmawillis.com)