UK WWII Aertex Desert Shirts

This is a reproduction of the shirts worn by the Desert Rats during WWII. It is correctly termed a Shirt, Tropical, Cellular. The design is based on the British military shirts of that era.

The shirt is made from Aertex fabric, which is a loose cellular weave. This fabric is described as finer, lighter in weight, and softer than some other Aertex bush jackets. It is also noted for being very well-ventilated, providing good airflow in hot, dry environments.

The fabric can shrink by almost half a size when washed in water of 30 degrees Celsius. To minimise the risk of shrinkage, it is recommended to wash the shirt in cold water only. Hanging the shirt up to dry is also advised.

The sleeves can be short, even when ordering a size up for chest fit. While the chest and shoulders may fit well, the sleeves and body length might be just long enough to work for taller builds. Ordering a size up primarily increases chest size, not sleeve length.

The shirt is well-made with good construction and details. It features well-stitched seams and buttons. It also includes underarm vents for improved ventilation.

The shirt is very well-ventilated due to its loose cellular Aertex weave and wide vents. It is effective in hot and dry environments, providing protection against insects and other elements. The fabric is comfortable both under a hot sun and in milder temperatures.