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- Lo Staff di Corredoitaliano.com
- About ... the proposals of Corredo Italiano®
History and Origins of the Lucky Shirt
The lucky shirt has its roots in a distant past, shaped by family traditions passed down from generation to generation. While its history is common across many European cultures, it has taken on a particularly emotional and symbolic value in Italy. As early as the 19th century, it was customary to give this white or ivory shirt before the baby’s birth, as a gesture of good luck. White, the main color of the shirt, symbolizes purity, light, and new life. Silk or natural linen, the preferred materials in the past, were chosen to offer the newborn protection and well-being. It was widely believed that the newborn should wear it immediately after birth—before any other garment—to bring health and good fortune to the baby and the family.
The Symbolic Meaning
Today, the lucky shirt remains a timeless gift, rich in deep symbolism.
It symbolizes:
A wish for a good beginning, offered to the newborn about to enter the world;
Protection for the little one during their first moments of life;
An emotional bond with the giver, often someone very close to the expectant mother.
For many families, keeping the lucky shirt means preserving a special memory to pass on to future children. It becomes a cherished keepsake to include in the baby’s layette and to rediscover in the years to come.
When to Gift the Lucky Shirt
Tradition says that the lucky shirt should be gifted during pregnancy, ideally before the baby is born. Some mothers receive it around the fifth or sixth month, when the hospital layette starts taking shape, while others receive it shortly before birth—perhaps during a baby shower or as a heartfelt gesture when preparing the birth bag.
The timing of this gift is key: it must be given before birth so that the baby can wear it right after delivery.
In some families, it’s the maternal or paternal grandmother who wishes to give it first. In other cases, it’s chosen by close friends, aunts, or devoted colleagues. It’s always a welcome gift because it conveys a deep thought, a silent hope, and a loving touch for the mother and her baby.
Why Is It Such a Cherished Gift?
The lucky shirt is one of the most popular gifts chosen by those who want to give a meaningful and unique present to an expectant mother.
There are several reasons why this little garment is so appreciated:
- It’s not a generic gift—it carries a strong tradition and deep symbolic value;
- It can be personalized with the newborn's name;
- It’s often the very first item of clothing the baby will wear, becoming part of their first precious moments of life;
- It can be kept as a lasting keepsake, unlike more “practical” clothes that wear out or get forgotten.
Many mothers include it in their hospital bag, and some place it symbolically over the newborn’s bodysuit right after birth, as a gesture of good luck.
How to Choose the Lucky Shirt?
When choosing a lucky shirt, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the materials: natural cotton, linen, or silk are preferred for being gentle on the newborn's delicate skin.
The most popular designs feature embroidered collars, puff sleeves, lace details, or small bows—always combining elegance with simplicity.
You can opt for a more classic and traditional style, or a modern and minimalist version, depending on the new mom’s taste or the theme of the layette she is preparing.
Discover Our Selection of Lucky Shirts
If you're looking for a special gift for an expectant mom or want to prepare your baby's layette with care, you'll find a selection of lucky shirts on our website, crafted with passion, attention to detail, and high-quality materials.
