It's hard to be interested in style in summer without going through the t-shirt box.
Originally an underwear item never exposed, it has come a long way until it has become the season's basic
However, how do you recognize a good t-shirt? What are the different types? How to wear them? Where to get supplies?
This is precisely what we are going to see.
Who says t-shirt, says youthful?
This is an objection that I have often encountered: for some, wearing only a t-shirt lacks maturity. “I’m not 30 anymore” ; “ Never outside the house” ; "A man wears shirts"... You'd be surprised at everything I've heard.
So I want to be very clear about this: yes, you can wear a t-shirt at any age . Fortunately!
Obviously, we are not talking about a model bearing the image of Tom Selleck. That said, it would be a shame to forbid yourself from this type of clothing on principle. I really insist on this...
White t-shirt + gray hair = winning combination.
With the foundations now laid, we can tackle the big part!
How to choose a t-shirt?
Despite the simplicity of a t-shirt, there are a few criteria to observe before purchasing.
More materials than you think
I'm not telling you anything, synthetic makes you sweat... especially in summer! No choice therefore, you need natural materials.
If cotton remains the t-shirt material par excellence, models with linen are particularly pleasant when it is hot. Techwear also offers a plethora of options in this area.
Logically, the more you go upmarket, the more you find interesting mixes of materials - with silk, in particular -, or beautiful inserts. We also find more improbable things, like this cotton/metal tee...
Yang Li t-shirt...
... in a cotton/metallic fiber blend (around €700).
Don't hesitate to look at what's happening among designer brands, if only out of curiosity. And look at the labels!
Recognize a t-shirt in your size
In In the case of a classic t-shirt , your fitting should look like this...
1. The sleeve seams are positioned on the shoulder.
2. The slightly flared collar hits approximately the collarbone. On high-end models, you will find a cleanliness strip inside. If you prefer them in a V shape, make sure they are not too deep .
3. The sleeves stop at the biceps.
4. Your pecs are very lightly molded, without too many creases.
5. The lines of the part follow your sides.
6. Your t-shirt stops below the belt, without hugging your stomach.
A little clarification in case of overthinking : it's a t-shirt, a casual piece in itself. We can afford more tolerance than with a formal shirt .
How to wear a t-shirt with style?
Since we have seen how to choose it, let's look at how we can wear our tee once acquired. This is also an opportunity to review the different types that can be found.
The most classic: the plain t-shirt
A plain t-shirt will be either:
- the central piece of your look if it is a strong color,
- “a link” between the elements of the look , thanks to its neutrality. It is also the easiest to use for layering .
It can be worn in all styles, with jeans as well as suit pants...
Typically, the pink tee is the piece that attracts the most attention here. It's not a garish shade, however, which allows it to be framed by navy blue. (Credits: Pinterest)
Conversely, this look is made up of two fairly strong pieces: the perfecto and the bleached jeans. As a result, the neutral white t-shirt easily makes the transition between the top and bottom of the outfit. Generally speaking, the perfecto/t-shirt combo - especially when it's white - works every time. (Credits: The Idle Man)
In France, few men dare to wear patterned pants, although they open the door to sharp outfits as long as you embrace them (it's more popular across the Channel). The white t-shirt often turns out to be the ideal “buffer piece”. In this case, it calms down the patterns and color of the chinos. The effect is reinforced by the sneakers, also white. (Credits: Pinterest)
A t-shirt can also be worn with a blazer, as long as the fit is perfect. It's a very marked contrast in style, so the pieces must be impeccable. Small sneakers finish the look well, part of a spontaneous spirit.
Same reasoning, another option: wear your t-shirt with suit pants. Here too, an impeccable cut is essential. Turn to sober colors, more suited to the costume side. Likewise, this type of look is more successful when the t-shirt is tucked into the pants, so as to maintain a fine finish. (Credits: Athens Streetstyle)
We sometimes find plain t-shirts with a pocket, itself printed or in another material/color. For now, it's purely a matter of taste.
J.Crew model.
The most graphic: the printed t-shirt
We come to the trickiest part. While a printed t-shirt can add a touch of fantasy, pay attention to the pattern . Avoid like the plague falsely funny inscriptions, childish drawings or slogans of a sexual nature.
Likewise, avoid t-shirts with just a photo printed on the front. Seriously, you'll get a not-so-different result with transfer paper...
Personally, I would direct you towards all-over patterns, i.e. over the entire surface of the tee.
We speak of an "all over" pattern when it is located over the entire surface of the piece. The result is much more harmonious. Obviously, keep it simple for the rest of the look... (Maharishi model)
Even if we often forget it, the sailor top is a very good alternative in this category. Its blue and white stripes lend themselves well to the season and make it easy to combine.
If you don't know how to tame a sailor top, blue is always a good solution. If possible, choose a different shade from the t-shirt to provide contrast. The presence of white can also temper certain more intense tones, like the electric blue of this jacket. (Credits: The Idle Man)
Personally, I do not recommend wearing it with white pants. I find the inspiration too obvious, the result lacks subtlety for my taste. Better to break the sailor side with raw or gray jeans, for example. (Credits: Pinterest)
Although the collar is too low, the combination of the sailor top and the suit works well. The latter is completely offbeat, impression supported by the pants rolled up on bare ankles. The stylistic gimmicks could seem too advanced but the whole thing remains well executed. (Credits: Thousand Yard Style)
The strongest: henley
The henley is a kind of thick cotton t-shirt, with a Tunisian collar and thick ribbed edges as well. It refers to somewhat vintage influences through its design, close to union suits .
Merz B. Schwanen model, very good reference for henleys.
Take a closer look at the material: we are really looking at a thick weave.
Without being prohibited for thin models, it is on the best built silhouettes that henley reveals its full potential . It accentuates the build of the wearer, partly thanks to its thick ribbed edges.
As I told you, the lines of a henley reflect a very masculine retro side. Arm yourself with your patinated leather accessories, jewelry that has lived in life, a canvas or leather bag... Don't hesitate to use this fiber for looks with character. (This gentleman's name is Max Poglia, go take a look at his style if you like this type of outfit.)
Given its DNA, a henley will always lend itself to workwear looks. When in doubt, you won't make a mistake pairing it with raw denim. By the way, boots would have been just as possible. (Credits: Pinterest)
Take off the blazer and you will find yourself with a workwear-oriented look, in the same genre as the previous one. However, the jacket really enhances the whole look. For just the right contrasts, turn to less formal blazers, otherwise you risk unbalancing the outfit.
The most daring: the designer t-shirt
The t-shirt is far from just being confined to its basic T shape.
Today, it is deliberately wider, longer or even with puffed sleeves. These oversized cuts can add a little variety if you think you've covered the "traditional" styles.
The t-shirt falls low and the sleeves are long: we are clearly on an oversized cut. We notice that the shorts are also wide, so why does this work? The fact that the legs are uncovered helps rebalance the volumes. The whole thing would have been much less successful if it had been pants going down to the shoes. On the other hand, we could very well imagine chinos fitted enough to counterbalance everything. Regardless, these cuts are often appropriate in streetwear approaches. Look at brands in this style for this type of piece. (Look of the Joachim Brothers )
In addition to streetwear, we find this idea a lot in dark. In this case, it will mainly be effects of length and drape that will be highlighted.
I am deliberately taking such a marked example, so as to show you what can be done. We may not like it - consensus is not sought in any case - but we can only recognize the thinking behind it. The garment completely exceeds its utilitarian function. The body is resculpted, the proportions are completely changed... Once again, without telling you to try, I invite you to look at styles other than yours. There are good ideas everywhere. (Credits: Fashion Bomb Daily)
Our selection of the best t-shirt brands
Entry level
- Muji : supplier of Luca's white t-shirts, the quality/price ratio is satisfactory. Beware of irregular sizing.
- American Apparel : one of the rare brands to offer such a choice of heathered t-shirts, despite sometimes poorly stabilized cotton.
- Monoprix : of the same ilk as Muji. Avoid models that are too thin, and the shape of the sleeves is not suitable for skinny people.
-
Stanley Stella : very hard to find, often from small, unknown retailers, but excellent value for money on just about any type of t-shirt. Their products are often used as white labels
by other brands to make printed tees, while maintaining good quality.
- Selected Homme : a beautiful selection varied enough to meet all needs. Be careful, however, with the composition of certain models.
- Levi's : the offer is satisfactory on t-shirts. Tested and approved by Alexandre.
Midrange
- Suitsupply : a simple, well-constructed mid-range entry in beautiful materials.
- American Vintage , only on plain 100% cotton references called "MDEN" in reference to the site (the others have some durability concerns). Very beautiful hands, cuts, and colors.
- Benjamin Jezequel : for slightly more creative stances on certain models (micro-patterns, geometric seams, etc.) while remaining quite affordable.
- Velva Sheen : the famous “tubular” t-shirts, without seams on the sides, knitted on old looms and can be purchased in packs. Pay attention to the 50% cotton 50% polyester models: very robust and durable, they are however strongly not recommended when it is a little hot.
- Seagale and its technical t-shirts that need no introduction.
- Maison Cornichon : very sturdy jerseys, woven in France on old machines from the 50s.
Top of the line
- Norse Projects : quality materials, in a streetwear spirit that remains easy to understand.
- APC : no visually crazy design but a really very satisfactory production.
- Benjamin Jezequel , again, on certain rarer materials.
- Christopher Kane : designer formerly with the Versace stable, the products are quite expensive but with often very elaborate prints. However, there are some interesting models on sale.
- Roberto Collina : we are starting to reach very high prices for t-shirts, but they are generally subtle mixes of materials, with gradient effects, very elaborate heathers, entirely Italian tailoring... Luxury t-shirts , in short.
- Rick Owens & Damir Doma , two dark designers who will delight lovers of oversized and draped styles.
The final word...
Formerly an item of underwear, the t-shirt has become essential to us, at all ages.
Far from being limited to cotton, it is now available in a multitude of materials.
Whether you prefer it plain, patterned or draped, there is something for everyone. The advantage of such a product is that it is also found in all price ranges.
And you, how do you wear the t-shirt? Are you more of a white t-shirt type or do you prefer them bolder? Tell us all about it in the comments!
