Introduction
The humble t-shirt is a wardrobe staple for most guys. But basic tees can look sloppy when not styled properly. With the right fit, color pairings, and layers, you can elevate a simple tee to build polished, fashionable looks.
Read on to learn professional tips and tricks for wearing tees sharply. We’ll cover how to flatter your build, choose collars and sleeves, integrate tees into formalwear, and make casual t-shirt outfits look purposefully styled.
Style Tees for Your Body Type
Choose cuts and silhouettes to enhance your natural physique:
Slim Guys
Lean and lanky men should opt for slim fit tees in crew or shallow V-neck styles. Tailored tees make slender builds appear more filled out.
Muscular Builds
Beefy, muscular body types can show off their assets in slim or regular fit V-necks. Look for sleeves cut to contour around biceps.
**Big & Tall **
Larger, tall guys should avoid skin-tight tees to minimize extra bulk. Look for roomier cuts in tall sizes. V-necks draw the eye down to elongate the torso.
Tailoring and Fit
A tee hangs properly when:
- The shoulder seams align with your shoulders.
- The shirt contours your chest and arms without pulling or loose bagginess.
- The bottom hem hits around mid-fly on pants.
Proper Sizing
Size up or down for the best trim fit through the shoulders, chest, and sleeves without straining the fabric.
Alterations
Tailor overlong or tight tees. Take in the sides of boxy shirts. Shorten or narrow sleeves as needed.
Layering
Layer a tee under an open button-up or jacket. The outer layer should skim the tee without constricting it.
Necklines & Collars to Complement Your Face
Use necklines to highlight your best features:
Crew Neck
A crew neck balances and complements most face shapes. It draws eyes horizontally to accentuate wide jawlines.
V-Neck
A V-neck slims and elongates the face. The plunging line works well for narrow face shapes and angular features.
Henley
Henley buttons add visual interest while the slight V shape flatters slim or long faces. Avoid if you have a short neck.
Polo Collar
A polo shirt collar frames the face. The casual structure complements square jaws and stocky necks.
Tees for Formalwear
Integrate tees stylishly into tailored looks:
Under Button-Ups
Layer a crew neck or V-neck tee under an open dress shirt. Opt for fitted tees in breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics.
Under Blazers or Suit Jackets
A crisp white or black tee paired with a suit jacket or blazer polishes up the overall look.
Short Sleeve Styles
Various short sleeve tees work for assorted occasions:
Basic Tee
Fitted crew or V-neck tees in solid colors make perfect undershirts to layer.
Muscle Shirt
Sleeveless muscle tanks are great as undershirts or for showing off defined arms.
Patterned & Graphic Tees
Bold printed or graphic tees add personality for casualwear but not formal looks.
Going Monochrome
Sticking to one color palette lends a streamlined, stylish aesthetic:
All Black
An all-black tee and pant ensemble exudes sleek sophistication and urban edge.
All White
Head-to-toe white appears refined and crisp, especially for summer. Use true brights.
Contrast with Layers
Thoughtful color pairings make tees more compelling:
Bright Tee & Dark Denim
A vibrant tee amplifies dark jeans or trousers for visual interest.
Muted Tee & White Jacket
A heather gray or navy tee enhances a white jacket for summertime chic.
Elevated Casual Looks
Take tees from sloppy to sharp with these polished touches:
Tuck in a Tailored Tee
Tuck a fitted tee into jeans or trousers. Add a belt and dress shoes.
Pop of Color Footwear
Punctuate a neutral tee and pale denim with blood-red or cobalt blue shoes.
Statement Sunglasses
Make any casual tee outfit instantly cooler with bold, retro sunglasses.
Sophisticated Accessories
Elevate a basic tee with a pendent necklace, watch, and leather bracelet.
Conclusion
Any man can look fashionably put-together in a humble tee when it fits impeccably and complements his features. Learn your most flattering styles and colors. Tailor tees to your build for a custom look. And layer tees purposefully to take casual looks up a notch. With the right know-how, you’ll always look confident and chic in a t-shirt.
FAQs
What tee color flatters most men?
Versatile white and black tees complement every skin tone. Heather gray also works on most complexions.
What should bigger guys avoid when wearing tees?
Avoid tight fits, low V-necks, short hems, sleeveless styles, and loud graphics. Opt for tall sizes in roomier cuts.
What tee styles work for formalwear?
Fitted crew neck or V-neck tees in black, white, or heather gray elegantly layer under dress shirts or suit jackets.
How can you make a graphic tee look stylish?
Look for muted, subtle graphics. Size down for a tailored fit. Layer under an unbuttoned collared shirt or blazer.
Should guys tuck t-shirts into jeans?
Fitted tees can be neatly tucked into jeans or trousers for a polished casual look, especially with a belt and dress shoes. Just keep the outfit proportional.
