Cover source: Wallpaperflare
For this summer, I am offering you a series of 8 articles in which I will discuss:
- On the one hand, 4 pieces that many men
instinctively, without asking too many questions, but whose stylistic interest is not as strong as one might think. My point here is therefore not to say that these pieces are without interest.
I will instead focus on providing you with a list of alternatives that have a little more pep, character, and relevance for certain uses. - On the other hand, 4 pieces that few men wear but which have a lot of style and are not so difficult to make your own.
The idea here is to say, " This item of clothing that you haven't necessarily thought of deserves your attention, here's why ."
In any case, my goal will be to help you go a little further in terms of style.
See other episodes:
We begin our saga with a must-have in the men's wardrobe. If I asked you to name 5 basics for men, there's a good chance that this garment would be among them.
I'm talking about the t-shirt:
- short sleeves
- plain, in a simple color
- 100% cotton .
And that's normal: it's a reassuring, easy-to-wear garment that everyone wears, that can be found for all budgets and that can be worn on many occasions.
But then, what could we possibly blame him for?
Uniqlo T-shirt
What stylistic interest? 🤔
There was a point where I owned up to 5 basic Uniqlo t-shirts in my wardrobe:
- White
- Dark gray
- Navy blue
- Olive green
- Bright yellow
Apart from the white t-shirt, which we'll talk about right after, I didn't really wear the others.
I found them a bit bland actually. These t-shirts didn't really create any surprises, didn't add any added value to my looks.
On its own, a basic plain t-shirt doesn't add much. Apart from the beautiful physique it highlights, it needs other clothes with more character to shine.
Below, it is mainly the very beautiful Bermuda shorts with a shimmering color, a bold belt assembly and beautiful clips which gives the flavor of the outfit:
In terms of layering, I didn't find it very interesting either: how can I create a look with character if as the first layer I wear a very smooth navy blue or dark grey t-shirt?
In short, in casual chic silhouettes, although this garment works without any problem, I still find that it is a little too conventional.
I finally gave up on those Uniqlo t-shirts.
This look works pretty well. But how do you take it a little further? Asket
Exceptions: white and gray t-shirt
Of course, we can put aside the white t-shirt, full of history and perfect as a first layer under whatever you want, in the looks you want.
Clear, it brightens up an outfit. Under a cardigan, a shirt, an overshirt, a jacket, it draws the eye upwards.
We can also apply this reasoning to the light or medium gray t-shirt, often mottled, which can give a slightly more vintage look and which also goes with everything.
The alternatives 💡
While the plain t-shirt in its simplest form can sometimes be a bit bland, it would be nice to find alternatives.
T-shirts that have more to say , that are sufficient in themselves.
Here is what I have to offer you.
1. The textured t-shirt
If you follow BonneGueule a little, you know that we like materials with texture and relief.
They add style while allowing you to stay in sober tones and styles, without large logos or prints.
Benjamin Jezequel offers a gray t-shirt that goes further than other gray t-shirts. This Japanese material, called terry with its loops that stand out and irregular with these random ecru streaks, is magnificent.
Here is another material with a nice texture. Maison Cornichon T-shirt , presented by Michel here .
2. The t-shirt with a different cut, color, or detail
A slightly oversized cut, a cleverly chosen color that goes off the beaten track, a contrasting pocket, a yoke... there are many ways to make a t-shirt more lively without necessarily resorting to a very textured material.
Here are two examples:
I really like the style touch at Maharishi . Here, on a plain olive green t-shirt, a contrasting khaki yoke on the shoulder and a vertical zip (and a brand inscription) have been added.
Then look at this t-shirt, in a kind of lilac that I have trouble defining more precisely. The color is striking because it is unusual but does not shock because it remains soft on the eye.
3. The Henley
If you are not familiar with the henley, I invite you to read the full article we dedicated to it .
If you already know it, you know that its button placket at the collar and the sometimes very raw materials used bring that extra soul that we are looking for.
A crew neck t-shirt with this material might have lacked a bit of pep. With a button-down collar, contrasting fabric on the throat and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, there is suddenly something extra that emerges from this Schiesser henley .
4. The striped sailor-style t-shirt
Don't tell me you don't know how to wear a striped t-shirt, I won't believe you.
It is a garment that is easy to make your own and that can be found in many variations: short or long sleeves, with variable width or different stripe colors.
A sailor's sweater with a slightly ecru base as well as gray and gold stripes for a change from the classic white/blue.
Shuhei Nishiguchi often wears such striped T-shirts, and with great panache:
5. Linen or wool t-shirt = thermal advantage
Finally, for winter or summer, linen and merino wool t-shirts are ideal instead of the traditional cotton t-shirt.
Their appearance differs from cotton t-shirts: in addition to the hand (drier than linen, softer than wool), these materials are also quite often slightly mottled.
Linen (or cotton/linen) T-shirt when it's hot
Linen is in fact a cooler and more breathable material than cotton, so it is more suitable as a first layer when the thermometer rises.
Linen and cotton are sometimes mixed to give the material more stability and make it a little less creasable.
Merino wool t-shirt for when it's cold
Merino wool is a more insulating material (which keeps you warmer) and also more breathable (especially if you sweat on public transport) than cotton.
We has been praising the merits of merino t-shirts for many years and having worn them myself for the last year, the difference is really clear compared to a cotton t-shirt.
The extra warmth is noticeable and very pleasant. For winter, in addition to good sweaters or a good coat, try the merino t-shirt . You will not be disappointed.
The perfect t-shirt for winter: ecru, long sleeves, in merino wool (merino/silk on this Hanro model ). In addition to the warmth, it can be used in layering like any other white t-shirt.
If you want to know even more about the t-shirt and know all our brand recommendations , I'll let Michel take over: how to choose your t-shirt?
The final word
As explained in the introduction, I am not saying here that the plain cotton t-shirt is a useless item of clothing and that you should not wear one.
I'm saying rather that it's not just him, that alternatives exist.
So, I don't particularly advise you to make a big collection of 10 or 15 basic plain cotton t-shirts in all colors like I sometimes see.
If possible, add variety by incorporating into your rotation:
- One or two linen and merino wool t-shirts, for their thermal properties
- One or two t-shirts with a little more character, for style
