There are often two sides to the debate regarding t-shirts and style. Some men see tees, the vast majority, as a wardrobe staple worn with little or no thought. There are also the traditionalists. These are small but vocal, and feel that men’s pocket t-shirts look juvenile and sloppy and should not be worn outside of a gym or at the beach.
How to choose a T-Shirt
- Fit – Good style is built around fit. This dimension is often associated with garments such as the suit or dress shirt. However, it is fundamental to guarantee that your shirts fit accurately.
- Size/Tightness. T-shirts should not be too loose or too snug. It should not be too large. The shirt will sag and drape like a pillowcase, and it won’t look flattering. Too tight, and it will make you look like a stuffed sausage. This can be interpreted as narcissistic or flamboyant, and/or douchey. If you are in good shape and have a strong build, you may prefer tighter fitting clothes to looser. You can choose a looser fit, assuming you are conveying more weight. However, don’t go too tight, as you appear larger.
- Shoulder seams. Shoulder seams. The seams connecting the sleeves to the frame need to be aligned together with your shoulder.
- Sleeves. The sleeves of a t-shirt should reach about halfway up your upper arm. If you are very tall, further down sleeves may look more proportional.
How to Style a T-shirt
Wear solid-coloured white or custom t shirts with dark khakis or denim. Khakis are an excellent choice for crewnecks.
Wear navy/blue tees and khakis. A lighter shirt with a darker shirt is better than a blue-on-blue shirt.
Pair with a lighter bottom if the dominant colour of a graphic shirt is dark. Vice versa. Layer carefully. Some modern best men’s t-shirts have taken to the look of the sports jacket/blazer + T-shirt.
However, many style experts don’t like it. The jacket’s formality is a contrast to the casualness of the tee. A tee should be worn under a sports jacket. The coat should have a casual texture and soft draping. It’s a great look to swap out the tee favouring a simple button-down.
Collar/Neckline
There are two varieties of necklines available for T-shirts: the round or the v-neck. The look you want and your body proportions will determine which neckline is best.
The crew collar. This collar is timeless and the most traditional. This collar is best suited for men with a slim build and frame. The collar draws the eye out and broadens the neckline, creating the illusion of square shoulders. because it balances and enhances these features, the group collar is an first rate choice for guys with narrower faces and longer necks.
The v-neck. The v-neck is slightly more formal than the crew collar and adds style and visual interest to the standard tee. This style is great for shorter men as it makes you appear taller and less boxy. It is also well-suited for men with more comprehensive or rounder faces. A v-neck is not recommended for people larger than 5’4″, but the v draws the eye to the belly.
You can find other styles of t-shirt necklines, such as the boat neck or scoop neck, but they are not recommended for men.
Conclusion
T-shirts are a staple in casual men’s wardrobes. However, you shouldn’t just grab a t-shirt and go. You can transform a basic t-shirt into something versatile and timeless that looks great and feels great.
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