The Downing is our take on the heavyweight striped surf top, inspired by the late 1960s and early 1970s Californian surf scene. Finished in Chocolate & Cream, it sits somewhere between a classic T-shirt and a polo shirt, with a heavier fabric that gives it a smarter look while still being easy to wear. It works equally well with jeans, chinos or shorts.

The stripe design takes its inspiration from the surf clothing worn along the Californian coast during the late 60s and early 70s. It is also a style that has remained popular with musicians including Paul Weller and Steve Cradock, who have often worn similar vintage striped tops over the years.

Unlike a standard lightweight T-shirt, The Downing is made using a substantial 300g fabric. It has the feel and weight of a quality polo or rugby-style top, but with the relaxed simplicity of a crew neck.

Why Choose The Downing

The Downing was designed for people who want something a little smarter than an everyday T-shirt without moving to a polo shirt.

The heavier fabric hangs well, keeps its shape and gives the top a quality feel as soon as you put it on. The stripe layout is also something you don’t see very often in the UK. It isn’t loud or over the top, but it stands out for the right reasons.

This is one of those tops that people seem to comment on. It isn’t a statement piece, but it looks like you’ve put a bit more thought into your outfit than simply throwing on a cheap T-shirt.

Version 2 has also been improved following customer feedback. The body has been shortened by around an inch so it looks better worn untucked, while the sleeves have been reshaped to create a cleaner silhouette.

Only around 100 pieces have been made in this colourway, with no planned second production run.

What To Wear It With

The Chocolate & Cream colour combination works with almost any casual wardrobe. It looks particularly good with dark indigo denim, stone chinos, navy shorts etc

Footwear-wise we’d wear it with our Dewey shoes, Gola trainers, desert boots etc

When To Wear It

Spring – Summer – Early Autumn – Holiday evenings – Beer Gardens – BBQs – Outdoor concerts – Casual evenings out – Weekend trips – Soul Weekenders – Days when you want to look a little smarter than a standard T-shirt.

Sizing

The Downing has a regular 66 Clothing fit. If you normally wear an XL in our tops, we recommend sticking with an XL.

If you’re buying it mainly for holidays and prefer a looser fit in warmer weather, consider going up one size. Please refer to the size guide below for full measurements.

Product Details

• Chocolate & Cream stripe
• Heavyweight 300g fabric
• 50% Cotton / 50% Polyester
• Crew Neck
• Short Sleeves
• Version 2 improved fit
• Limited Edition – Approximately 100 made
• Designed by 66 Clothing

Care

Machine wash cold. Wash inside out with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Warm iron if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this just a normal T-shirt?
Not really. The heavier 300g fabric gives it much more structure than a standard tee. It feels closer to a lightweight polo or rugby top while keeping the comfort of a crew neck.

Is it true to size?
Yes. We recommend ordering your normal 66 Clothing size.

Can I wear it with shorts?
Absolutely. It’s ideal for holidays, BBQs and summer evenings, and pairs particularly well with navy, stone or khaki shorts.

Will it be too warm in summer?
On very hot days abroad, a lighter tee may be cooler. The Downing comes into its own during UK summers, spring, early autumn and holiday evenings.

Why is it different from other striped T-shirts?
The combination of the heavyweight fabric, the stripe layout and the improved fit gives it a smarter appearance than most striped tees. It bridges the gap between a casual T-shirt and a polo shirt.