When it comes to the simple t-shirt, both men and women probably have a few hanging out in their closets. But the humble t-shirt is not an item of clothing to take for granted — although it’s often one of the most overlooked garments most of us own.
Knowing how to style something as simple as a t-shirt is not always easy. But the reality is that there is actually nothing more versatile and there are numerous ways to jazz up or dress down this wardrobe basic.
And for men, knowing how to wear a t-shirt the right way is paramount to your sense of style. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you in the right direction.
The Solid-Colored, Simple T-Shirt
If there was one staple every man should have in his closet, it’s a solid-colored, plain t-shirt. You want to opt for neutral colors too because they’re so versatile. This includes a plain, white tee, black, grey, navy, and a beige/stone color.
There’s nothing wrong with branching out of the neutral color palette and including olive green and light pink tones, but you want to start with the basics first. Solid-colored t-shirts are reliable. They tend to pair well with every item of clothing you already own.
You can also use plain t-shirts for layering in the cooler months and looking sharp in the warmer months. When you’re shopping for plain t-shirts you want to keep the cut and fit in mind. Go for a crew-neck or v-neck shape that fits snugly across the chest and the upper arms — nothing too tight.
If you want to create a chic, go-to outfit, pair your plain t-shirt(s) with blue, stone-wash, or black jeans and simple sneakers or boots for a cool and casual look.
The Printed T-Shirt
Next up is the printed or graphic t-shirt. Most men tend to own a plethora of these. However, there’s a fine line between creating a cool, put-together outfit and one that screams that you could, potentially, still live at home.
There’s always a time and place to wear a graphic tee. If you’re going to a barbeque or a low-key event, then a printed t-shirt fits right in. But if you’re attending a smart/casual event, the graphic tee needs to stay at home. This is when you’d opt for a plain, solid-colored t-shirt or a collared t-shirt.
With this in mind, printed t-shirts are great for portraying a bit of character, color, and pattern in your wardrobe. When you choose to wear a graphic t-shirt, always keep your choice of bottoms on the plain side. I.e. black or blue jeans.
Check out YNOT Lifestyle if you’re looking to grow your collection of printed t-shirts.
The Striped T-Shirt
While you might think that stripes fall into the same t-shirt category as the graphic tee, stripes are actually in a whole other class of their own. Also known as the Breton t-shirt, stripes are not always easy to pull off.
Like printed t-shirts, there’s a fine line between a t-shirt that looks stylish, or slightly immature. A top tip for wearing stripes is to keep it simple. You want to opt for fine lines and simple colors, i.e. a black and white stripe, navy and white stripe, or red and white stripe.
It’s also a good idea to pair striped t-shirts with simple bottoms, such as black or blue denim, or if you’re feeling daring, full-length cargo pants. Another tip to keep in mind — stick to horizontal-striped t-shirts and round-neck styles, unless you have the body of a God and can pull off wearing vertical stripes!
The Henley T-Shirt
If there was one style of t-shirt that shows off your physique in an impeccable manner, it’s the Henley style t-shirt. Now, this style might not suit everyone. But if you have a good physique and want to flaunt it, while still wearing clothes, this is a good t-shirt style to invest in.
The Henley t-shirt is actually a staple classic on the vintage motoring scene and it’s a great variation of the humble, plain t-shirt with its v-neck style, buttons, and three-quarter sleeves.
When creating your ideal outfit, pair a Henley t-shirt with well-fitted trousers, such as blue, black, or stone-wash denim, chinos, or cargo pants. If you want to add some edge to your look, finish off your outfit with boots or leather shoes. And keep your color palette neutral with grey, navy, beige, or white t-shirt options.
The Linen T-Shirt
Linen might not be a preferred style for many men, but it’s actually a versatile type of fabric to have in your wardrobe. Linen creates an effortlessly cool, chic look that will literally keep you cool in warmer months. Linen and its slightly crumpled texture also adds character to just about any look.
You want to pair your linen t-shirt with well-fitted trousers for a dressier, smart/casual look. Opt for chinos, linen trousers, or well-fitted jeans. If you want to elevate your look even more, throw over a linen or light-weight cotton blazer to complete your outfit.
The Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Much like the Henley t-shirt, this is a great option to have in your closet for showing off your physique but also layering in the colder months. You can find long-sleeve t-shirts in a number of variations, but some of the most flattering include crew necks, v-necks, or button-down neck styles.
You want to ensure that a long-sleeve t-shirt fits well across the chest and arms — snug, but not too tight. This way you can avoid looking like you’re wearing a pajama shirt! Stick to basic colors at first such as white, beige, navy, black, and grey. If you want to add a little more character to your outfit, consider a horizontal-striped t-shirt.
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The next time you’re stumped on what to wear to an event, think about the simple t-shirt and how you can dress it up to create a polished, put-together look. Build up your t-shirt collection with the basics — stick to neutrals for maximum versatility, and you can’t go wrong!
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