Stenströms' Autumn Winter 2019 Collection

I once asked a Savile Row tailor what was the hardest suit to make. He answered without hesitation: “A shirt! I wouldn’t touch shirts with a barge pole: way too much like hard work.”

Indeed, a single shirt can comprise 23 components, undergo 60 different operations, and be crafted from material far less forgiving to work with than Super 130s wool.

So presumably if you’ve become so adept at making shirts that you provide them for royalty, you can pretty much nail the whole apparel gamut.

That’s certainly the case with Stenströms – the 120-year-old Swedish shirtmaker famous for dressing Scandinavian royalty.

Naturally, Stenströms’ AW19 collection has some great shirts – from casual denim staples to more flamboyant flannels – but it’s the wider wardrobe that really impressed us.

Stenströms’ AW19 collection has some great shirts but it’s the wider wardrobe that really impressed us

There are fashion-forward zip cardigans; preppy striped ties; graphic pocket squares; and reversible quilted vests. Three pieces in particular have been put straight to the top of our Christmas wishlist. The first is a half-zip cable-knit sweater, spun from warming Merino wool. Soft yet stylish, it’s the perfect extra layer for winter temperatures.

Then there’s the cashmere crew neck sweater available in honey and pastel tones – wear it over a crisp shirt in a matching colour for a slightly more formal look or pair with denim for an everyday style.

And finally a blue blazer with a difference – Stenströms twist on the classic is made from cotton corduroy, adding texture and a degree of informality to this wardrobe staple.

You may come to Stenströms for the shirts, but you’ll leave with a whole new wardrobe.