When it comes to men’s style, there are certain wardrobe staples that should never be compromised.
Foundational pieces — the kind you can wear across seasons, occasions, and continents — deserve careful attention. Classic Fella is a brand that understands this, focusing on refined essentials with subtle upgrades that elevate without overcomplicating.
They sent over a few pieces from their collection, and I brought them along on a recent European vacation to put them to the test in real-world conditions.
Here’s how they performed:
The Classic White T-Shirt: Italian Cotton Done Right
Let’s start with the most fundamental item in any wardrobe: the white tee. Think Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, or more recently, Jeremy Allen White in The Bear.
Classic Fella’s take on this icon uses Italian cotton, which features longer fibers compared to standard cotton tees. The result? A shirt that’s not only luxuriously soft but noticeably more durable.
I wore mine as an undershirt during an eight-hour flight from the U.S. East Coast to the Côte d’Azur. Thankfully, my wife and I had upgraded to business class, so we were already in store for a more comfortable trip.
Airline cabins are notoriously dry, with pressurized air that makes your skin work overtime to stay hydrated. Add cabin altitudes of 7,000 ft and the inevitable body swelling, and comfort becomes a real challenge.
Quick reminder: I’m an airline pilot, so I know this firsthand and experience it numerous times per week.
The Classic Fella T-shirt handled the flight like a champ. The Italian cotton wicked away moisture like a synthetic fabric while offering a gentle stretch that kept me comfortable at altitude, even after indulging in a business class meal. When we landed in Nice, the shirt still felt fresh, held its shape, and didn’t look stretched out. Bravo!
Washed (Left); Brand New (Right)
Classic Fella was kind enough to send me two of their Classic T-Shirts, so I took the liberty of experimenting with them…
One shirt went through my normal wash-and-dry routine while the other stayed in my closet. After a few weeks, the washed shirt showed minimal shrinkage, and both retained a subtle luster that sets them apart from generic cotton tees. It’s not so much a shiny sheen like that of silk, but nevertheless, it catches the light just enough for the premium characteristic of the longer Italian cotton fibers to make their presence known.
The Royal Cotton Oxford Shirt (OCBD)
Classic Fella’s OCBD stands out thanks to two things: Italian cotton and a Royal Oxford weave. Unlike traditional Oxford cloth, this Royal Oxford weave has a more intricate texture, giving it a unique ability to look sporty and dressy at the same time.
The fabric is slightly thinner than other shirts in this price range, which made it perfect for strolling around Nice in July, when 90-degree heat and humidity are the norm.
You might also notice in the photos that my shirt looks wrinkled; that’s because my hotel didn’t have an iron. Paired with linen trousers, though, the relaxed, slightly rumpled look felt perfectly in place.
If I had one small gripe, it’s that the collar is on the smaller side. I have a bigger head and prefer longer collar points, especially when wearing a tie. However, worn open, this shirt is perfect and a significant upgrade from a basic polo. I can also see it layering nicely under a crew neck sweater when the weather cools down, but I’ll have to wait a few months before trying this.
Classic Fella markets this shirt under their Casual Menswear collection, and I think that’s spot on. Pair it with a classic blue blazer, and it would hold its own in just about any setting.
Classic Fella’s Pleated Shorts In Navy
Here’s the surprise standout of the collection. I don’t usually consider myself a “shorts guy,” despite growing up in Florida. Straight-cut shorts, cargo shorts, or — God forbid — jorts have never worked for me. But CF’s pleated shorts are a different story altogether.
They’re made from a sturdy cotton twill that feels like a high-end chino, with a slight taper and pleats that add both flexibility and breathability. They are, quite frankly, the most formal-feeling casual shorts I’ve ever worn.
In these photos, I’m wearing them while exploring Madrid in the evening, hopping between tapas bars after a day at the Prado. The extended waistband and corozo button details give these shorts a tailored feel that elevates them well beyond the usual casualwear fare.
Classic Fella says the inseam is “ideal, hitting just above the knee.” Personally, I gave them a small cuff to get the exact length I wanted. Maybe one day I’ll have them tailored, but for now, I’m pretty happy with them exactly as they are.
Final Thoughts
There’s a middle ground in menswear that I think often gets overlooked.
It’s the space for guys who are early in their careers or just starting to build a quality wardrobe… guys who want to upgrade from Uniqlo or Gap but aren’t ready to drop a paycheck on heritage brands.
Classic Fella is made for exactly this audience. Their pieces are tangible upgrades in quality, with subtle refinements that you’ll notice when you wear them. They don’t scream for attention, but they certainly feel right when you put them on.
They also have a well-reviewed line of undergarments and socks, though I didn’t feel comfortable modeling those for this review. Instead, what I’m really looking forward to is seeing their take on a classic blue blazer. If it’s anything like the rest of their collection, it’s sure to be a winner.
"Classic Fella delivers timeless wardrobe staples with just the right amount of refinement to stand out without trying too hard."
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