Tony Soprano’s Short-Sleeved Shirt Has Made Him An Unexpected Summer Wardrobe Icon

One fashion trend set to be huge this summer –like many during lockdown – comes straight from our TV screens. ‘Latest’ however, might be a slight misnomer because the show in question is The Sopranos. Yes, believe it or not, this vintage boxset contains a spring 2021 must-have: the Soprano shirt.

Carmela’s got gold jewellery, Adriana’s got animal print but, as unlikely as it sounds, the kind of short-sleeved, printed shirt that Tony Soprano wears for ‘business’ meetings at Satriale’s have found a new audience on Instagram. (And before you scoff, Tony styled out a white vest and chain necklace combo long before Paul Mescal.) Part tourist in Hawaii, part American bowling team, the retro, off-duty classic has staged one of the season’s most unexpected comebacks.

The Soprano shirt had form last summer. Bella Hadid wore a surprisingly Tony-esque outfit, while Tiffany Hsu, fashion buying director at MyTheresa, revisited the trend with a well-timed Instagram post. Wearing a short-sleeved Jacquemus shirt over a crop top and frayed jean shorts, the caption read: ‘Channelling my inner Tony Soprano.’

And it hasn't quite run out of steam, a fact that has just been reinforced by Rihanna, who literally just wore one with strappy stiletto sandals and a denim miniskirt in what must be the most glamorous grocery store get-up of all time.

Styling, you see, is key. Look for something printed – Tony’s were, naturally, on the punchy side – and wear open over high- waisted chino shorts and a crisp white tee. The cigar is entirely optional.