Wardrobe Essentials: It has been said that a man always looks his best in jeans and a t-shirt, and that everything else is a game (one we all love to play). So on that note, shall we get serious about our tees? A garment that started off as strictly underwear, developed into work wear and is now a definitive wardrobe essential, you would be hard pushed to find a man who has never owned a t-shirt. This 100 plus year-old basic is also the only piece of clothing that can be worn for any occasion, from under a shirt with a suit, to the gym, to the beach and even to bed. They are true commodities: we buy them in bulk, often from the same brand, and we don’t really think about them until they need replacing. But are we really making the most out of our basic t-shirts?
The Perfect Fit: The way your t-shirts fit says a lot about you. If they’re baggy, with sleeves flopping sadly from the shoulder and excess fabric creating a tent around your torso, I hate to say it, but you’re telling the world you forgot about yourself. On the other hand, exploding seams and a stuffed sausage-effect fit send the opposite message (narcissist). The perfect fitting t-shirt highlights the part(s) of your body you’re most proud of without drawing attention to the areas you’re conscious of. Confused? Before trying one on, look at your naked torso in the mirror and ask yourself what your best attribute is:
– Arms: You want the sleeves to be slightly shorter, or give them a couple of folds, to show off your biceps and triceps.
– Pecs/Shoulders: You want a slim fitting style that skims through this part of the body.
– Abs/Narrow Waist: Look for tapered cuts that don’t drape around your waistline.
If you’re not entirely confident of your body – a feeling that affects many of us – or nothing really stands out, opt for a classic fit in your normal size (don’t oversize in attempt to conceal) and focus on colour, neck style and fabric. On the other hand, if you feel everything about your upper half is worth flaunting, well, make sure you control the urge to go shirtless. Here is some advice that applies to all body types: A classic t-shirt shouldn’t finish below the top of your hips. Short sleeves shouldn’t cover more than half of your upper arm. A good fitting t-shirt isn’t restrictive, allows you to move comfortably and should never be skin-tight (with the exception of performance attire).
Timeless Black, White & Grey And sometimes navy. These timeless shades are what set the foundations of any successful wardrobe and we often classify t-shirts in these colours as ‘basic’. White: the quintessential t-shirt. For underwear there is no better choice and it’s the best colour (bar none) to pair with your classic indigo jeans – see James Dean and Paul Newman for confirmation. White works on every skin tone, and there are no side effects to it. Highly recommended.
Grey: jersey or marl grey is a mixture of different shades, and the final textured effect is extremely flattering – especially if you want your t-shirt to visually enhance your body shape. The only precaution: if you are someone who naturally sweats a lot, grey will make it significantly more noticeable. Black: although black remains a popular shade for the modern gent, it isn’t necessarily the best choice for a t-shirt. The colour fades quickly and much like black dress shirts, they can appear a little too stark during the daytime. Plus, when it’s hot outside, do you really want to dress in black? On a positive note, a black t-shirt is a layering essential, perfect for using under a jumper or jacket during the colder months. Navy: not always available in standard three-for-two deals or multi-packs, navy is a refined choice that does almost the same job as black, but still remains day-friendly due to the colour having more depth. Great for creating tonal looks when combined with denim and blue tailoring. Other Colours: No strict rules here. A t-shirt is an easy, affordable and effective way of experimenting with colour. Reds, pinks, greens – if there’s a shade you’ve been lusting over, try it on a t-shirt. ( By Gabriel Weil from fashionbeans.com )