WWI Imperial German Army Off-White Linen Shirt
Our off-white linen shirt is one of the most essential undergarments issued to German soldiers during the First World War. Worn beneath the wool tunic, it provides comfort, breathability, and a hygienic layer between the skin and the heavier outer garments of the Imperial Army. Though simple in design, it is a critical piece of the soldier’s daily kit, reflecting both practicality and the resource constraints of wartime Germany.
Material & Fabric
Constructed from sturdy off-white or natural-toned linen, the shirt is lightweight yet durable. Linen was chosen for its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities, keeping soldiers more comfortable in varying climates. It was is easy to launder compared to wool, and the neutral off-white tone came naturally from undyed or minimally processed fabric.
Cut & Features
The shirt is a loose, pullover style garment, reaching mid-thigh length, allowing it to be tucked into breeches. It features:
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A small stand or fold-down collar, sometimes with ties or a short buttoned placket at the throat.
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Long sleeves with simple cuffs, fastened by a single button.
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A roomy, practical cut to allow ventilation and ease of movement.
Use in Service
The linen shirt was worn as an undergarment beneath the wool tunic or greatcoat, providing an insulating and hygienic layer. In hot weather or behind the lines, soldiers were often photographed wearing only their shirts and breeches, revealing how indispensable and practical the garment was. For many, it doubled as a sleeping shirt when tunics and greatcoats were removed at rest.
Overall Significance
Though modest compared to the iconic field tunic or greatcoat, the linen shirt was a foundation of the Imperial German soldier’s uniform. It represented the balance of practicality and simplicity in military clothing, serving as both undergarment and working attire in the trenches, billets, and camps of the Great War.
