TCB typically bases its garment designs on vintage pieces from the late 1880s through the 1950s.
For this project, however, we’ve turned the dial on our time machine a bit closer to the present—landing in the 1960s. We’ve created a "Board Shirt."
When recreating vintage shirts, we’ve often had to adjust the length. Many of the Western and work shirts we use as references were designed to be tucked in; if worn untucked, they tend to feel a bit too long by today’s standards—making it difficult to strike the right balance.
With our "Ranchman" and "Detachable" models, we carefully calibrated the length so that the signature rounded hem—inspired by vintage originals—works just as well untucked as it does tucked in.
This new Board Shirt, however, is a different story.
Designed from the outset to be worn untucked, it features a straight hem.
The workwear from the 1930s to the 1950s—which we’ve long admired—possesses a functional, "gear-like" quality. Features originally intended for labor or to streamline factory production have, over time, evolved into distinct design elements. It’s that kind of intrigue that has always drawn us in.
This time, though, we’re drawn to something a bit different.
Consider the very concept of a shirt designed to be worn untucked.
While it’s standard practice today, back when tucking one’s shirt into one’s trousers was the norm, wearing it untucked might have carried a hint of rebellion.
It could have been as impactful as the moment people began wearing T-shirts—once considered undergarments—on their own, paired with jeans.
Seen in that light, it makes perfect sense that this style found a home on the West Coast.
Throwing it on quickly before heading into the surf—or right after coming out—without the need to tuck it in, then heading straight out into the day.
There’s a sense of freedom woven into this silhouette.
And, of course, it’s not just for those who head to the ocean.
Just throw it on, untucked, over your favorite pair of jeans. We hope you’ll enjoy wearing this piece in a relaxed, easygoing way.
□ Fabric
While we typically work with mills in the Ibara (Okayama) and Fukuyama (Hiroshima) regions, for this project—which features yarn-dyed rayon—we turned to the Banshu-ori weaving district in Nishiwaki. This marks TCB’s first foray into using rayon fabric.
Both the warp and weft yarns are 40/2 (two-ply, 40-count) blends of cotton and rayon, offering that signature smooth drape and pleasant, soft-to-the-touch feel. Our primary focus was the design: a classic, dark-toned ombre check, accented by a single, vibrant light-blue line. It’s the kind of fabric that might catch your eye while digging through vintage clothing—the sort that makes you stop and think, "Hmm, this looks great." Furthermore, the surface has been treated with a delicate "peach skin" finish (a subtle, fine-brushed texture), providing an immediate sense of soft warmth and comfort upon touch.
□ Fit
Ryo (wearing a knit cap): 180cm, 74kg – wearing size 44 for a relaxed fit.
Kyun (wearing a newsboy cap): 172cm, 60kg – wearing size 38 for a true-to-size fit.
While 100% rayon can be tricky to care for, this shirt comes pre-washed. That said, some minor shrinkage may still occur, so we recommend opting for a slightly looser fit. Please also avoid using a tumble dryer.
