T-shirts don’t get a ton of play around these parts, as the only time they seem to get any wear are in very casual situations. I’m a collar guy, as are most of my counterparts – especially in public. For me, the t-shirt quartile measurement is a body of water, gym equipment, yardwork, and/or an afternoon on the couch. Today, besides the updated Fraternity-style t-shirts, most t-shirts today are some sort of graphic, v-neck, ‘fashion forward’ design that isn’t my style. At all.
There are some t-shirts that I miss dearly. I don’t know what made me think of it, but near the top of the list are the old Banana Republic Wildlife Engraving t-shirts. These were extremely popular in the late 80’s and 90’s when Banana Republic rated a ZERO on the metro-sexual scale. They were actually a mall-based safari company, and made some GREAT stuff. Side note: if you find any of the old labeled Banana Republic safari gear at Goodwill, it is 100% legit. Totally worth it. A catalog from 1984:
The old Banana Republic storefronts…at the mall:
Obviously you can’t find these t-shirts anymore, so this is a bit of a nostalgic post. Here is the rundown from an old catalog:
Here’s some customer feedback for Banana Republic: Why not do a line of your vintage safari wear for Fall? I could see it being a huge hit: heavy duty khakis in an updated fit, a cool military-esque jacket, some Earthy bold plaid shirts with double pockets, some four button sweaters, and these t-shirts. Boom. Call it the Red Clay Soul Capsule.
Who remembers these?
Love it.
Banana Republic of the 1980’s cannot be topped! I was in my teens then and remember those small catalogs with great illustrations and gear inside. Bought a Flying Tiger leather bomber jacket to take with me to college in fall of 1986 along with the elephant and giraffe t-shirts.
Man, I miss these. And I don’t even wear t-shirts anymore.
I worked in leadership at a BR store nine years ago, and we were closing out the last remaining of these. I snagged a few but they don’t fit and I ended up giving them away. Would love to see them return – talk about about a company with no direction. It’s not even worth walking through the men’s section anymore, though the wife can always find a few nice things. The men’s division needs a serious overhaul but I wouldn’t expect much. Shame.
Would like to take some off u if interested rakkraider@gmail.com
Where do y’all find xl or xxl fit golf hats? Does anyone else have this problem?
duuuude!! I loved these shirts – i think i must have went over 15-20 pairs from 1985 – 1991, correct me if i’m wrong don’t they have a cigarette pocket in the front left side?
I remember one t-shirt in 89-91 time frame I had. It had an iguana on the back. Loved that shirt. Wish they would bring them back.
YESSSS! Banana Republic BRING THESE T-SHIRTS BACK! They would sell hundreds of thousands of them!
I wish they would come back again!!! I would get them so. I sooo wish I had all my old ones Saved away!
Hey! I miss BR as well. I still have my tee with the iguana on the back. I still wear it sometimes. The cotton is soooo soft.
where can i buy one catalog