Box framing is an underrated way of keeping and displaying a treasured piece of clothing. Sports shirts and tour T-shirts carry memories and achievements that deserve to be seen, and a box frame keeps them safe while adding something personal to a home or office.
The shirt is mounted in a deep, made-to-measure frame, smoothed and supported so that it keeps its shape, and protected from dust, moisture and sunlight. Done properly, it will stay in fine condition for years.
It is not only for sports and music fans. Uniforms, costumes, christening gowns and signed garments can all be framed in the same way.
Why frame a shirt?
To preserve it
Light and dust fade and discolour fabric over time. Enclosed in a box frame, a shirt is shielded from both. The depth of the frame keeps the fabric clear of the glazing, which protects it further.
To show off a memento
A T-shirt from a special concert or a signed shirt from a memorable match is a piece of your own history. Framed, it becomes a feature of the room, a daily reminder, and a story to tell visitors.
To display sports memorabilia
For sports fans a framed shirt shows where their loyalty lies. Signed memorabilia has sentimental and often financial value, so it is worth protecting properly. A good display gives a room character.
What is box framing?
A box frame, also called a shadow box or deep frame, is a frame with depth between the glazing and the back. It is used for shirts, medals, memorabilia and other objects that are not flat.
Advantages
- Protection. The enclosed design keeps out dust and guards against damp.
- Preservation. The item is supported without being squashed flat against the glass, so it keeps its condition and its value.
- Depth. A three-dimensional display is more interesting to look at.
- Versatility. Box frames take anything from flat artwork to solid objects.
Options
- Material. Wood gives a warm, traditional look. Metal is sleek and modern.
- Finish. Natural wood, painted colours and metallic effects are all available. Choose one that suits the shirt and the room.
- Size and depth. Allow some space around the shirt, so that it does not look cramped.
- Glazing. The choices include standard, non-reflective and UV-protective glazing. For a signed shirt, UV protection matters, because signatures in marker pen fade badly in light.
Choosing the right frame
Material
The material affects both the look and the life of the frame. Wooden frames are the popular choice, classic and timeless, and come in many colours and finishes. Aluminium is an alternative, according to taste and budget.
Size and fit
Decide how the shirt will be shown: front or back, sleeves out or folded in. Then measure it laid out that way. The frame must be deep enough for the thickness of the shirt and any padding behind it.
As a guide, typical frame sizes are:
| Shirt size | Frame size (width x height) |
|---|---|
| Small | 79 x 63 cm |
| Medium | 84 x 68 cm |
| Large | 89 x 73 cm |
| X-Large | 94 x 78 cm |
The shirt should sit comfortably, neither stretched nor compressed. If you are unsure about size, ask a framer.
A shirt of any value should never be glued down. It should be supported on an acid-free board and held with stitches or pins that can be removed without leaving a mark, and nothing should go through a signature.
Adding to the display
Photographs
A photo of the player wearing the shirt, or of a great moment connected with it, placed beside the shirt in the same frame, makes the display much more interesting.
Souvenirs
Tickets, programmes and autographs from the same occasion add context and nostalgia. Arrange them around the shirt so that they help to tell the story without taking attention from it.
Finishing touches
A mount in the team's colours, or a small engraved plaque with the name and date, finishes the display neatly. Keep it restrained. The shirt is the star.
Conclusion
Box framing is a worthwhile investment for a valuable or sentimental shirt. It protects it and turns it into something to display with pride. Acid-free materials and UV-resistant glazing keep the shirt as it is, and a professional framer will use the right techniques.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the perfect frame for your shirt. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.