BEAMS PLUS INDIAN MADRAS CHECK SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT – GREEN / PINK / YELLOW

A distinctive expression of classic American Ivy League style through the lens of Japanese craftsmanship, this BEAMS PLUS short-sleeve button-down shirt is constructed from traditional Indian Madras check fabric.

Featuring a vibrant combination of forest green, white, pink, yellow and muted grey-brown, the shirt combines the easy versatility of a classic summer button-down with the character and detailing associated with BEAMS PLUS heritage menswear.

Made in Japan from 100% cotton using imported Indian fabric, it reflects the brand’s dedication to reproducing the materials, construction and proportions of mid-century American casual clothing.

TRADITIONAL INDIAN MADRAS FABRIC

Madras cloth takes its name from the former name of Chennai in southeastern India, a region with a long history of cotton textile production.

The fabric is particularly associated with lightweight, colourful checked cloth traditionally used in warm-weather shirts, shorts and casual tailoring.

Indian Madras became an important part of American Ivy League and preppy dressing during the mid-20th century, celebrated for its breathable cotton construction, colourful patterns and relaxed summer character.

This BEAMS PLUS shirt incorporates that textile tradition through an imported Indian Madras fabric, with intersecting forest-green, white, pink, yellow and darker accent stripes forming a distinctive multicoloured check.

The lightweight cotton construction provides an airy, softly textured feel and natural drape, making the shirt particularly suitable for warmer weather.

Unlike heavier flannel or brushed cotton checks, Madras is designed to feel light and comfortable against the body.

AUTHENTIC IVY LEAGUE BUTTON-DOWN CONSTRUCTION

The shirt draws heavily on classic American button-down styles associated with the 1950s and 1960s.

Its traditional pointed button-down collar is secured with small buttons at each collar point, helping maintain the characteristic collar shape associated with Ivy League shirting.

A full-length front button placket features small pale buttons that complement the colourful check fabric without disrupting its pattern.

A single chest patch pocket introduces the understated practicality characteristic of traditional American sportswear.

At the back, a horizontal yoke and central box pleat provide additional movement and reflect heritage button-down construction.

A small button at the back of the collar adds another authentic detail, referencing traditional Ivy League and American-made button-down shirts.

The shirt finishes with a curved shirttail hem and side gussets, allowing it to be worn tucked into trousers or untucked for a more relaxed look.

SIGNATURE BEAMS PLUS DETAILS

BEAMS PLUS is particularly recognised for its attention to small construction details drawn from vintage American clothing.

This shirt incorporates the label’s distinctive orange ‘+’ stitching at the lower side hem, a subtle identifying feature associated with BEAMS PLUS shirting.

The original black woven BEAMS label features orange lettering and the words Quality Clothes from Japan, reinforcing the garment’s heritage-inspired identity.

An additional India Madras Imported Fabric label identifies the traditional textile used in its construction.

The internal composition label confirms 100% cotton and manufacture in Japan.

Original BEAMS PLUS branded buttons and carefully finished seams complete the garment.

COLOUR, PATTERN AND TEXTURE

The shirt’s check combines broad blocks of forest green and off-white with narrower pink, yellow and darker intersecting stripes.

This creates a colourful but balanced Madras pattern that is expressive without being difficult to style.

The different stripe widths and layered checks give the fabric visual depth, while the soft cotton surface prevents the pattern from appearing excessively formal.

Its colours work particularly well with washed denim, navy chinos, ecru trousers, olive military fatigues and natural-coloured linen.

The result is a shirt that feels equally suited to Japanese heritage menswear, classic American casualwear and contemporary summer styling.

FIT AND SILHOUETTE

The garment is tagged Large but has a comparatively narrow torso, measuring 51cm pit to pit and 52cm across the hem.

Its 47cm shoulders, 77cm length and 24cm sleeves create a relatively long and streamlined profile.

Based on the complete measurements, Northern Outfitters recommends a Small to slim Medium fit, rather than a conventional Large.

The long curved hem gives the garment additional versatility, making it suitable for both tucked and untucked styling.

Customers should compare all measurements with an existing shirt before purchasing, particularly the chest and hem widths.

STYLING AND WEAR

The shirt is a natural addition to wardrobes influenced by Japanese Americana, Ivy League menswear and heritage casual clothing.

Pair it with beige chinos and loafers for a classic preppy look, or with relaxed denim and canvas trainers for a more casual interpretation.

It also works well with military fatigue trousers, tailored shorts and lightweight summer trousers.

For a contemporary Japanese menswear approach, the shirt can be worn open over a plain white T-shirt with relaxed trousers and simple footwear.

Its traditional button-down construction makes it versatile enough for casual summer dressing while retaining a considered, heritage-inspired appearance.

CONDITION

Grade B – Very Good, with excellent overall pre-owned presentation.

The multicoloured Madras fabric retains strong colour definition, with no reported fading.

All buttons are present, including the additional button at the rear collar.

The original orange BEAMS PLUS hem reinforcement stitching remains intact.

The garment is structurally sound, with no reported significant damage.

A well-preserved example of Japanese-made heritage shirting, carefully selected for Northern Outfitters.

ABOUT BEAMS PLUS

BEAMS PLUS is a Japanese menswear label established in 1999 as part of the influential BEAMS fashion group.

The parent company BEAMS was founded in Tokyo’s Harajuku district in 1976 and became an important force in Japanese fashion through its distinctive approach to international sourcing, cultural influences and contemporary retail.

BEAMS PLUS was developed to reinterpret classic American menswear, particularly clothing from the mid-1940s through the mid-1960s.

The collection draws on four enduring categories of American clothing: Ivy League fashion, traditional workwear, military uniforms and sportswear.

Rather than simply reproducing vintage garments, BEAMS PLUS examines the materials, construction methods and proportions that made these pieces enduring wardrobe staples, updating them for contemporary use while preserving their original character.

Its collections frequently reference classic American button-down shirts, military chinos, fatigue trousers, sports jackets, collegiate knitwear and traditional outdoor clothing.

The label has become particularly recognised for its attention to historically informed details, quality Japanese manufacturing and carefully selected fabrics.

Traditional textiles such as Indian Madras, oxford cloth, chambray, seersucker and heavyweight cotton play an important role in the brand’s identity.

Its Indian Madras shirts are especially representative of the BEAMS PLUS philosophy, combining heritage American Ivy League styling with traditional imported textiles and careful Japanese construction.

Small details such as button-down collars, box pleats, rear collar buttons, curved hems and orange ‘+’ reinforcement stitching reflect the brand’s attention to traditional garment-making.

BEAMS PLUS has developed an international following among enthusiasts of Japanese menswear, Ivy League clothing, heritage workwear and contemporary Americana.

Its appeal lies in combining historical authenticity with high-quality construction and versatile everyday styling.