Bowling shirts - By: Gareth Hoyle1

Bowling as a sport has been around for some time - archaeologists in the 1930s discovered a child's grave in Egypt which contained grave goods that appeared to suggest that an early form of the game could have origins over 3000 years ago. Other archaeological evidence indicates that the game and its forerunners were certainly being played during the dark ages in what is now modern Germany. Meanwhile in the UK the game has certainly been with us since the twelfth century. By 1366 it was so popular that Edward III had to ban it among his troops as it was proving rather distracting - if they had been concentrating on their archery instead of bowling then perhaps the 100 years' war might have been renamed! It's unlikely that these early competitors wore prototypes of bowling shirts that we have come to know and love; however, the modern bowling individual and team just wouldn't be the same without their iconic bowling shirts.

First seen in the 1950s in the United States, the modern shirts are highly distinctive. Usually made of cotton or polyester the shirts were designed with the active bowler in mind. Light weight and durable they are typically box cut in style, with short sleeves and a button up front. Above all the design was governed by practicality - the sleeves were designed to not get in the way, while the light weight, airy material is comfortable to wear.

It wasn't long before the classic bowling shirt spilled out of the bowling alleys and took its place in the world of classic fashion. From drive-ins to milk bars and from one side of the Atlantic to the other, the shirts were soon to be seen out and about. In the UK their simplicity and bold design was a hit within the Mod culture, expanding the market and developing new associations for the shirts

Bowling shirts tend to be simple in their colours as well as design. Often no more than two striking and contrasting block colours are used, and it's still rare to see detailed patterns used in the design. Subtle detailing such as piping on sleeves and shoulders or simple pleats at the back pick out the clean lines of the design, while the obligatory name badge or team name adds the finishing touches.

Today, bowling shirts are as popular as ever. There are many classic and stylish modern interpretations of the design which are available at very affordable prices, while vintage shirts can fetch very high prices indeed. Seen as the ultimate retro-fashion statement, bowling shirts can be worn for just about any occasion - formal or casual, while some people even choose to wear them for a trip to the bowling alley!

About the Author

Petesproshop.co.uk has a range of bowling products including Bowling shirts and bowling shoes . Visit our site today for more information.

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