1970s | Ely | Folk Embroidered Chambray Shirt - S

Description:

Item: Lightweight chambray cotton shirt with extensive hand-style embroidery throughout, featuring floral motifs, birds, butterflies, and decorative stitchwork running down the placket. Classic Western-style dual chest pockets with button flaps, pointed collar, and curved hem. A strong example of 1970s folk influence applied to traditional American workwear shirting.

Era: 1970s

Brand: Ely

Condition: Very good vintage condition with light, even wear consistent with age. The fabric remains strong and supple, embroidery is intact and vibrant, and there are no structural issues. Any softening of the cotton only enhances comfort and character.

Provenance Note:
This shirt sits at the intersection of American workwear and 1970s folk culture, when personalisation and hand embellishment became part of everyday dress. Pieces like this were expressions of individuality, taking a utilitarian base and turning it into something deeply personal and artistic. The embroidery was never about perfection; it was about character, warmth, and storytelling. Surviving examples feel special because they reflect a moment when clothing was customised, not mass styled, giving them an authenticity that modern reproductions can never quite capture.

Measurements:

Size on garment: N/A

Our modern sizing estimate: S                                                                                                       

Shoulder to shoulder: 18"

Pit to pit: 19"

Inner sleeve to cuff: 21"

Under collar to lower back: 19"

Condition Notes:

Please be aware. All our true vintage items come with a story, and we cannot guarantee any item will be totally free of marks / damage but anything we think of note will be mentioned. Furthermore, a lot of vintage items gain character because of wear and tear. Buying a true vintage item is not the same as buying new and is not to be confused with second-hand clothing.

We have also tried to accurately depict each garment using a photography setup with over 90% true to life accuracy. 

We do not take photos of inside the garment.

Sizing Notes:

Please take the time to measure up yourself and match to the measurements noted, the way you want the item to fit. We are only a micro business and unable to cover the costs of returns.

Buying true vintage clothing:

When buying true vintage clothing, you are buying a piece of clothing as an investment. We believe most of our true vintage items will hold or increase in value in years to come. We hope you will cherish your purchase.

Returns:

We are a micro business and sadly cannot cover the cost of returns.

We accept refunds within 14 days of the item arriving with you if you are in the UK and 30 days for Europe and International.

This means the returns must be back with us within those 14 days in the UK and within 30 days for Europe and International items.

Please see our returns policy page for full information.