History of the T-Shirt The t-shirt is a type of fabric shirt that was named after the ‘T’ shape of the upper body. T-shaped garments have been around for centuries, worn in early history and commonly called tunics, the modern t-shirt first originated as a ‘bachelors’ undershirt – a buttonless alternative to men’s nightwear during the early 20th century. During the early to mid-20th century, t-shirts were still being worn as undershirts but were also slowly being accepted as shirts on their own, worn commonly by sailors or marines who didn’t want to ruin their uniform jackets in particularly hot or wet conditions. After World War II, navy men would wear their undergarment t-shirts with their uniform pants out and about, allowing the t-shirt to become even more popular and accepted as a stand-alone fashion item rather than underwear. Soon after, t-shirts gained popularity in popular films, further instilling their place in pop culture and the fashion sphere. What to Look for in a T-Shirt? When it comes to choosing the perfect t-shirt, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, look for a T-shirt made from durable material. You want something that will withstand the test of time and won't lose its shape after a few washes. Additionally, opt for a t-shirt with a flattering fit that complements your body shape. A well-fitted t-shirt can instantly elevate your overall look. How to Style a T-Shirt T-shirts are a staple item for everyone’s wardrobes all year-round. They are the perfect base layer for the cooler months, while their lightweight, breathable fabric is perfect for warmer days in the sun. They offer a lot of versatility with layering options and can be easily styled up or down depending on the occasion. White T-Shirts White t-shirts are a versatile and timeless wardrobe staple that can be effortlessly styled for any occasion. One of the easiest ways to dress up a white t-shirt is by pairing it with a blazer or suit jacket. This combination creates a smart-casual look that is perfect for a date night or a semi-formal event. Choose a blazer in a complementary colour and opt for tailored trousers or dark jeans to complete the ensemble. Adding accessories like a statement belt or a stylish watch can further enhance your outfit and add a touch of personality. Coloured T-Shirts Coloured t-shirts are a great way to bring bold statements to your look. Depending on the colour, will determine whether you wear that t-shirt for more formal or casual occasions. During the warmer months, a lighter coloured shirt can be a fun item to wear on the weekend while grocery shopping or even watching the kids Saturday sport. On the other hand, a monochrome t-shirt in black, white, or other similar shades, can be worn for more formal or professional settings, while also being a great option to be layered with other colourful clothing. T-shirts can also come in graphic designs and patterns, like stripes. These types of t-shirts are great for casual settings, and because of their bright and stand out nature, make sure to pair them with neutral-coloured pants, as contrasting coloured outfits can make you seem far too casual. Crew Neck vs V Neck There are two main types of t-shirts available for men. These include: Crew Neck: A crew neck t-shirt is also known as a round neck t-shirt. These are the most commonly worn t-shirt and are great for that everyday look. The style of the crew neck draws the viewers eye out, which helps to broaden the look of the neckline and creates the appearance of broad shoulders. Layer underneath a jumper for a comfortable ensemble, a blazer for a modern business casual look, or on its own if it’s warm. V Neck: A V neck t-shirt is categorised by the v design around the neck of the shirt. These types of t-shirts are less commonly worn as they have a less formal feel. Due to their lower neckline, V necks tend to draw attention to the neck area. V neck t-shirts are great for layering underneath a long-sleeve button-down, as the neckline won’t show if you have the top button undone. Layering Layering a basic tee is a great way to blend both style and comfort look into any outfit. Layer with a blazer for the ultimate business casual look that doesn’t compromise on style or ease of wear. For layering with a blazer, stick to basic colours, like black, grey, or white. If you’re out and about on the weekend or going out to dinner for date night, a dark-coloured tee underneath a casual jacket gives the wearer an effortless look and keeps you feeling comfortable but also looking put together and stylish. Pant Options The basic t-shirt is a very versatile item of clothing that can be styled with several different pant options: Shorts Shorts, along with a basic tee, are staples for warm weather. The combination keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, while also maintaining a sense of effortless style. As a t-shirt is on the more casual side compared to a polo shirt or a button-down, try and stay away from tucking in your t-shirt. Keep it relaxed and sitting just on the hips over the waistband of the shorts. Jeans Jeans are a great option to wear during transitional seasons where the weather is sometimes unpredictable. A basic tee works well with jeans, untucked, and resting on the hips like shorts. You can tuck in your t-shirt with your jeans if you are layering a jumper and don’t want the t-shirt to hang below the jumper, but for most outfits, keep it untucked. If you're looking to dress up jeans and a T-shirt, one option is to wear a button-up shirt over the T-shirt and leave it unbuttoned. This adds an extra layer to your outfit and creates a more polished look. Another option is to add a blazer or sport coat to instantly elevate your style. Opt for a blazer in a contrasting colour to make a statement or choose a neutral tone for a more sophisticated vibe. Lastly, swap out your sneakers for dress shoes or boots to complete the transformation. For an extra sense of style and business casual look pair with a belt, either brown or black depending on the colour of your jeans – If you’re not sure how to style a belt, check out GAZMAN’s guide to wearing and styling belts. Chinos Chinos are another great option to pair with a basic tee. Chinos offer you a classic, more formal look, so wearing them with a t-shirt will give you a more relaxed style that still appears neat and tidy. Don’t tuck in the t-shirt, instead keep it loose and relaxed sitting on your hips. If you want to further elevate your basic t-shirt outfit, add a casual jacket or a blazer. This will give a stylish business casual look to your ensemble. Make sure to wear contrasting colours when styling your t-shirt and chinos – a light-coloured t-shirt with dark pants or vice versa. Try and avoid similar colour themes as this will ensure your outfit stays crisp and stylish. How to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Work? For those who want to dress up a t-shirt for work, it's all about finding the right balance between casual and professional. Pair your t-shirt with a tailored blazer and dress pants for a sleek and modern look. Opt for a T-shirt in a neutral colour like black, grey, or navy to maintain a professional appearance. To add a touch of sophistication, consider adding a tie or a pocket square that complements your outfit.Accessories play a crucial role in dressing up a T-shirt for work. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and understated while still maintaining a professional aesthetic. When it comes to wearing and styling a basic t-shirt, there are many ways to style them, and with a few simple tips and tricks, can be styled and layered to provide an effortless, stylish look. Time to update your collection of t-shirts? Shop our range of men’s basic t-shirts from GAZMAN now.