Sundae School Shirts: Gorum Ties, Linen and Light Layers
If one detail sums up Sundae School, it is the gorum: the ribbon tie that fastens a traditional Korean jeogori jacket. Sundae School shirts bring that tie, and other ideas from hanbok, into button-ups, tees and light layers you can wear every day. The range runs from crisp poplin and spring seersucker to linen blends, slubby linen and sheer nylon, with plenty of pieces that can be worn more than one way.
Look closely and you will notice the finishing touches: floral shell or mother-of-pearl flower buttons, embroidery in unexpected places and ties that can be shown off or tucked away. These are shirts made to start conversations as much as to keep you cool.
Gorum Tie Shirts
Poplin Tie Gorum Shirt
A double front panel lets you wear this shirt three ways, and the gorum tie at the side can be on show or hidden away. Floral shell buttons and a cotton-nylon poplin that works in every season make it an easy first pick. Available in black and white.
Seersucker Tie Gorum Shirt
The same idea in a light, textured seersucker made for spring and summer. The gorum ties at the ribs, and the garment-washed finish keeps it soft from the first wear. Available in sky blue and ivory.
Hanbok Linen Shirt
The brand's best-selling hanbok shirt is a boxy short-sleeve style in an 80% cotton, 20% linen blend. A low double-breasted cut with notched lapels gives it a jacket-like shape, and a self belt ties into a gorum. Available in black and wheat.
Statement Collars and Details
- Sunbae Tie Shirt: a hood takes the place of a collar, with a working front tie and mother-of-pearl flower buttons. Sunbae is the Korean word for an upperclassman. In grey and charcoal.
- Necktie Shirt: comes with a removable necktie and 'Sundae' script embroidery on the pocket. It is bio-washed for a poplin look that wrinkles less.
- Dart Collar Shirt: a shawl collar that closes with loop buttons and ribbon ties, in cotton-nylon.
- Maehwa Collarless Shirt: slubby linen with maehwa (plum blossom) embroidery at every button. Worn open, it layers like a cardigan.
Sheer Shirts for Warm Days
For the hottest weather, two sheer nylon shirts offer a lighter take. The Maehwa Embroidered Sheer Shirt is boxy and cropped, packs down small and has mild wind and water resistance. The Barong Shirt pays homage to the Barong Tagalog of the Philippines, mixing Indonesian batik geometry with hidden Korean motifs in the same boxy, cropped cut. Wear either one open over a tank or tee.
Tees With a Tie
The gorum also appears on tees. The Origami Gorum Tee is a fitted, cropped top in lightweight rib with cap sleeves and a gorum tie at the side waist, in black and ivory. The Tie Gorum Baby Tee is cropped too, with a sewn-in chest strap that ties into a small gorum bow.
Which Shirt Suits You?
| Style | Key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Poplin Tie Gorum Shirt | Front panel worn three ways | Every season |
| Seersucker Tie Gorum Shirt | Light, textured fabric | Spring and summer |
| Hanbok Linen Shirt | Double-breasted cut and self belt | Hot days and smart-casual looks |
| Sunbae Tie Shirt | Hood instead of a collar | Casual layering |
| Maehwa Embroidered Sheer Shirt | Packs down small | Travel and summer evenings |
| Origami Gorum Tee | Fitted crop with a side tie | Tucking into wide trousers |
Fit and Sizing
Many Sundae School shirts have a boxy, relaxed or cropped cut by design, while the gorum tees are fitted. Your usual size is the best place to start; go up a size on the button-ups if you want an even roomier drape. The sizes available for each style are listed on its product page.
How to Style Sundae School Shirts
Because most of these shirts are boxy or cropped, they sit nicely over roomy trousers. Try a gorum tie shirt with wide Sundae School pants, or tuck a fitted gorum tee into a pleated midi from the skirts range. For smart-casual days, wear a linen shirt under a blazer from the outerwear collection, and add a hand-knotted belt or a cap to finish.
Want to see shirts alongside hoodies, sweatshirts and blazers? Browse all Sundae School tops in one place, check the sale for marked-down pieces, explore more Sundae School clothing, or visit the shop.
Caring for Your Shirts
Check the care label first. In general, wash in cold water and hang to dry so ties, embroidery and shell buttons stay in good shape. Linen and seersucker are meant to look a little relaxed, so a quick steam is usually all they need. Untie the gorum before washing to keep the ribbon from tangling.
Sundae School Shirts FAQ
What is a gorum tie?
A gorum (also spelled goreum) is the ribbon tie that closes a jeogori, the jacket of traditional hanbok. Sundae School uses it on shirts, tees, blazers and jackets.
Which shirt is best for hot weather?
The Hanbok Linen Shirt, the Seersucker Tie Gorum Shirt and the two sheer nylon shirts are the lightest options.
Can I hide the tie?
On the Poplin Tie Gorum Shirt, yes. The side tie can be shown or tucked away.