
We’ve all seen guys in t-shirts that are too big, too small, too long, or too short. The funny thing is that each of these shirts would look good on other men, while each of these men would look good in other shirts!
Any shop you go into that sells clothing will sell t-shirts, but that doesn’t mean all of these shirts are equal. In fact, when you’re buying new clothes, there are a lot of things that you have to think about in order to get shirts that look good on your specific build.
How can you find a t-shirt that looks well with your body but also works with your lifestyle?
Keep reading to figure out how to get a basic t-shirt that looks best with your style.
Table of Contents
Consider Your Body Type
Regardless of which body type you have, there are t-shirts out there that will look better on you than on other body types. The key is knowing which areas you want to highlight and which areas you want to cover up.
If you’re a larger guy or have more of a stout body, you might be wanting to hide a bigger stomach. A skintight t-shirt is not the best option for this. Alternatively, if you’re someone that has a leaner body, a tighter t-shirt will showcase your fit body and can help you look even more toned.
The five main body types are:
- Rectangle
- Triangle
- Trapezoid
- Oval
- Inverted triangle
You may actually be a combination of more than one of these body types as well. After all, we are not built from a mold; everyone has their own unique characteristics that impact the way that their bodies look!
The best thing to do if you’re not sure about your body type is take measurements to see where your biggest and smallest body parts come from on your torso. You can also try on different t-shirt fits to see what works best if you want to wing it.
Make Sure the T-Shirt Fits
Now that you know about the importance of body type, we can talk about how you can tell if a t-shirt actually looks good or not. The main things to consider are how it looks on your body shape and how easy it is for you to move in it. If a t-shirt looks nice but makes it hard for you to move your arms, it doesn’t really fit.
Clothing that fits you well is going to make your outfits more stylish regardless of what you’re wearing or where you’re going. So, when you’re looking at your t-shirt, there are a few things to think about to make this decision.
Does the t-shirt drape your chest well and cover your stomach? Does it cover around 1/3 of your bicep and reach down a few inches below your beltline?
The shoulder seams should be lined up with your shoulders as well. If the seams are low, this likely means that the shirt is too large. Similarly, the shirt should gently hug at your biceps rather than being too tight or too loose.
Select a Fabric You Like
In order for a t-shirt to look good, it has to be made of high-quality materials. Cheap t-shirts are not going to be able to compare to the best t-shirts out there because the fabric won’t be as flattering or as comfortable.
When you buy t-shirts, always look at what the material is and how it should be washed. This will help you make sure that you can take care of the t-shirt well, but it also helps you determine if that fabric will hold up well over time.
Common t-shirt fabrics include:
- Cotton
- Bamboo
- Jersey
- Merino
- Stretch plastics (Spandex, lycra, etc.)
While cotton is a classic option, some of the other fabrics on this list may serve you even more. A lot of high-end t-shirts will include blends of some of these special materials to give t-shirts the best feel.
You also should consider what you plan to do in the t-shirt. If you’re going to be working outside on a farm or ranch, for example, you need to look at ranch clothing brands that are built to withstand these activities.
Crew Neck vs. V-Neck: Which Is Best?
In general, crew necks are going to flatter most men. V-necks are usually going to be a better fit for men that have a more built, muscular frame. If you’re on the thinner side or you don’t have a lot of definition, crew neck shirts will most likely flatter you a bit more.
The main reason for this is that crew necks cover everything up until your neck, which creates less attention on your torso itself. The v-neck essentially does the opposite because it emphasizes your chest.
Regardless of which style you go with, remember that it’s usually best to avoid showing too much chest. A deep v-neck shirt is not usually a very flattering look, but it also doesn’t really go with a lot of styles if you want something more casual.
In addition to this, if you’re looking at t-shirts with pockets or other designs added to them, remember that this will draw more attention to your torso. These details appeal to the eye, so it brings more attention to your chest. If you’re not planning to build out these muscles or don’t have them already, it may be better to go with a regular, plain shirt.
Think About Getting the T-Shirt Tailored
While you can certainly use all of these tips, you might find it difficult to really find a t-shirt that fits you perfectly. In addition to this, you might have one or two shirts that are the perfect fit, but the others could use a little bit of help to look their best.
It may seem silly to go to a tailor for a t-shirt. However, if it’s a piece of clothing that you plan to wear a lot and use for years to come, it’s worth it to get this work done!
You’ll feel more comfortable in your shirt and find that it really emphasizes your body shape in the best way when it is “custom-made.”
Wear a Basic T-Shirt With Maximum Style
Now that you have a better idea of how to find the best basic t-shirt for you, it’s time to start shopping at your favorite stores. Look at all of these factors before you choose a t-shirt to make sure that it will work with your fashion and lifestyle.
If you found this information helpful, don’t stop here. We have a variety of other style tips on our website, so go check out more of our articles next.