Subject updated in July 2022
Wearing a t-shirt is easy. Everyone does it.
But if you want to have the best t-shirt for the warm season, if you want to maximize your style with this seemingly simple garment, you have to think a little more.
Let's see together how to choose the right t-shirt for summer in this eighth and final episode of our Beach Fashion series.
In this video, David wears:
- A Beams+ t-shirt
- A Suitsupply bandana
- A Monoprix cap
- A vintage LIP Himalaya watch
- Two unbranded bracelets
General tips on choosing a t-shirt
1. The material
The freshest option is 100% linen.
It's light and breathable. On the other hand, it is a material that can tend to wrinkle, deform or even get holes if the t-shirt is thin enough.
So yes for a linen t-shirt, but care for it with care .
100% linen T-shirt Officine Générale
The alternative to 100% linen is to go with a cotton/linen blend (or linen/cotton, it depends). We lose a bit of freshness but we gain a more stable garment.
It is a very good compromise between freshness and stability.
BonneGueule T-shirt 69% linen, 31% cotton
Then, we can of course mention 100% cotton . The majority of t-shirts you find will be made of cotton.
In the quest for a summer t-shirt, you must be vigilant about the thickness of the t-shirt , and more precisely its material weight. The weight of a t-shirt can vary from single to double.
To give you an order of magnitude:
- Below 150g/m2: light
- Between 150 and 200g/m2: average weight
- Above 200g/m2: heavy weight.
The Asket brand is a good example of this since it offers a medium weight cotton t-shirt at 180g/m2 and a light t-shirt at 125g/m2.
The classic model
The lightweight model
Finally, we can mention the case of the 100% merino wool t-shirt .
You know that we appreciate 100% merino t-shirts on the team for their insulating, breathable and anti-odor properties. However, is it an appropriate material for summer?
My opinion: the merino t-shirt is suitable for moderate heat, 20, 25°. When we approach or exceed 30°, merino begins to show its limits: even if it dries quickly and does not absorb odors, it risks keeping you a little warm.
The merino t-shirt, useful all year round, including part of the summer. BonneGueule T-shirt
To find out more about merino and other woolens:
2. The cut
There are two main ways to wear a t-shirt: fitted or loose.
There is no one cut that is fundamentally better than the other, it depends on your personal preferences and your body shape.
I would just say that if you are looking for freshness, it is better to leave a little space between your body and the garment to let the air pass through.
Don't hesitate to vary the cut a little between the different t-shirts you own.
Something to put you in a good mood! BonneGueule T-shirt
3. What color for your t-shirt?
The basic colors are:
- White and its derivatives, notably ecru and cream shades
- Grey, blue, green as well as shades of beige or sand
Overall there is really nothing wrong with the color of a t-shirt. Even a black t-shirt has its place in a streetwear or minimalist look for example.
If I had one simple piece of advice to give you on this subject, it's that if you go with a strong color, for example yellow, pink, red, etc., it's a good idea to tone it down on the rest of the color. your outfit using blue or white for example.
The pink t-shirt is well calmed by the blue pants and the ecru sneakers .
4. Patterns
There are many designs that can be found on t-shirts. Their assessment will be based on your stylistic sensitivity.
I would nevertheless say that the easiest pattern to wear is probably the horizontal stripe , on sailor or sailor-inspired t-shirts.
You will find many t-shirts of this type, with more or less contrasting stripes, more or less wide.
5. The collar
Avoid the V-neck, which is considered less aesthetic in the team and favor a round neck , it is the most versatile.
If you want to change from the round neck, go for a short-sleeved henley, that is to say a t-shirt with buttons on the collar.
My vision of the t-shirt
These main principles having been stated, I would like to share with you my personal vision of the t-shirt.
I looked at my wardrobe a little and I realized that I like to wear the t-shirt slightly loose and always tucked into the pants. I often decorate them with a small bandana when the temperature permits.
I tend to have sober colors (white, gray, blue) but in beautiful and quite varied materials: textured BonneGueule t-shirts or the one I wear in the video, a Beams+ with this very visual woven jacquard pattern.
Four inspiring looks with a t-shirt
I have selected looks for you without too much layering , where the t-shirt is the main piece of the top.
1. Simple and sophisticated
This outfit really represents my vision of the t-shirt: striped, worn not too close to the body but not baggy either, tucked into high-waisted Bermuda shorts, with moccasins.
It's summery, it's slightly elegant, it's validated!
2. A hint of the unexpected
Three takeaways here:
- Well cut t-shirt, rather close to the body without being tight
- Worn tucked into the pants to highlight the waist higher, but also to reveal a beautiful western belt which brings a little touch of originality to this otherwise very simple outfit
- The length of the pants is impeccable
3. Workwear style in summer
We radically change style register, going for workwear.
A burgundy t-shirt is used in contrast with white jeans (very well cut by the way).
The workwear side is clearly visible with the thick belt and chunky boots.
The color of the t-shirt extends the brown of the shoes and the belt.
4. A statement outfit
Source look
Here's how to make a strong outfit with a simple white t-shirt.
The printed bucket hat and the sandals/socks combo are undoubtedly divisive.
But that's not really what interests me the most: if we take the basis of the outfit, we have a white t-shirt worn a little loose with a navy blue vest and faded denim shorts.
This is interesting. And from there, you can wear a headgear and accessories of your choice and sneakers if you want to keep it simple.
Brand recommendations and selection
Discover the t-shirts from the BonneGueule range here, with materials with character .
Here is a small, non-exhaustive list of other brands to find beautiful tees:
- COS
- Seagale
- Asket
- Gherkin House
- General Pharmacy
- Beams+
- Velva Sheen
- Massimo Alba
- Bonus: Son of a Tailor for t-shirts... tailor-made ! For those who are more difficult to dress or people with very specific requirements
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, there are many other brands that offer them.
You can watch Michel's t-shirt guide for more recommendations:
