Considering that t-shirts started out as undergarments, we’ve got to say that they’ve come a long, long way from there! Not only is the good ol’ t-shirt your go-to in most cases, it has become a wardrobe essential. Think about it – this garment is worn when you play, relax, party; why, you even wear it to work.
It’s a multi-wearing, multipurpose garment that you just cannot do without. But, when buying your t-shirts, it’s essential to ensure know how to go about it. dearJulius.com presents you with a complete guide to t-shirts.
Fit
The fit of your t-shirt depends completely on your body type. However, having said that, tight t-shirts (no matter how fit you are) are a complete no-no. You may boast of a six-pack coupled with bulging arms, but no one wants to see every curve and crevice. If you’re fit, then slim fitting t-shirts are the way to go. They leave you with just enough of room to breathe and they are certainly not too tight.
In case you’re on the heavy side, wear t-shirts with regular fits. Do not go for baggy fits because these fits will make you seem larger than you are and you’ll end up looking sloppy. The idea is to wear a t-shirt that allows you the freedom to hide your bulge and fits well, too. Regular fits serve your purpose perfectly.
Baggy fits on the whole are a complete no-no.
When it comes to fit, there’s one universal rule for all items of clothing – the fit has to highlight your plus points and downplay, or better still, hide your minus points. For this, you have to know what your best physical attribute is and work around that. When it comes to t-shirts, your area of focus is your neck, shoulders, arms and torso.
The length of your neck depends on the type of neckline you should choose; when it comes to your shoulders, ensure that the t-shirt sits perfectly and does not droop; your sleeves have to strike a perfect balance of a comfortable fit – too tight or too loose is a disaster; and, it should fit comfortably around your torso, without seeming like you’ll burst out of it or like you’re wearing a tent, if it’s too loose.
Fit is king... period!
Neck
The crew neck and v-neck are the most common t-shirt necklines. Choosing which neck works best on you depends completely on how you’re built.
V-necks elongate your neck, so in case you’re short, this neck works perfectly. Additionally, in case you’re on the heavy side, this neck will cut away the girth because it helps your neck seem longer, giving the rest of your body a taller, slimmer effect.
Alternatively, in case you’re on the narrower side, crew necks work very well because they draw you out and will make your shoulders seem broader than they are. This neck adds breath to your overall look.
Sleeves
Short sleeves should end halfway on your upper arm. Additionally, your sleeves shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Ensure that like you t-shirt, your sleeves should fit you in a way that you’re comfortable without feeling restricted and it shouldn’t be too loose either.
Colors
We’re talking about the most basic colors here because these are your go-to when it comes to informal and formal wear. The most basic colors are black, white and grey.
Even though black a lot of men like black t-shirts because of its slimming effect, this is a color that’s quick to fade and is usually worn in the evenings and nights. Some may risk wearing black t-shirts during the day but the colour appears a little too harsh on the eye. However, it does have some positives – it’s slimming, it’s formal, you can pair it with just about anything, and of course, black will always be black.
White t-shirts are considered more informal as opposed to black t-shirts. The classic white t-shirt, blue denim combination is a win-win, anytime and this piece of clothing is a savior in many ways.
Grey t-shirts, like black t-shirts, can be considered formal, but there’s only so much of formal it brings to the table. It’s a t-shirt, after all. Since it’s a neutral color, it pairs well with just about anything under the sun.
Parting Shots
As much as t-shirts are essential, there are some you should absolutely stay away from, better still, why don’t you burn them if you own them! T-shirts with weird messages on them that you think are cool but they’re really not, believe us; t-shirts with graphic prints are just obnoxious; and of course, any t-shirt that has in-your-face-branding reeks of you being too loud. Stay away from these and you’ll be as sparkling as a gem.
By Nisha Samson
