The t-shirt is a wardrobe essential. It’s hard for me to think of a more perfect, timeless outfit than a crisp white t-shirt and blue jeans. Plus with dress codes relaxing and remixing, people won’t blink an eye if you decide to wear a tee under your work suit.
Let’s make sure you’re not making any fit mistakes with this closet staple. Here’s how your t-shirt should fit.
The collar
You’ll find t-shirts with 2 collar styles: rounded (also known as crewneck) and v-neck. I always recommend my clients go for a crewneck collar. It’s the classic, more versatile option. V-necks are great for wearing underneath sweaters where you don’t want your t-shirt collar showing. A good crewneck collar should frame your neck, and lay right around your collar bone.
The shoulders
You can instantly tell if a shirt fits by looking at the shoulder seams.
The seams should line up with the point of your shoulder bones, as close as possible.
If the seams fall off your shoulders and into your bicep, it’s too big.
If the seams fall on your traps towards your neck, that’s a sign it’s too small.
The sleeve
Ideal sleeve length should end mid-bicep.
Too high, you’re approaching tank top territory.
If it ends towards your elbow, it’s too long.
The body
A proper t-shirt should fit straight on the body.
Not too tight where it’s form-fitting and clinging to your body (this isn’t an undershirt!) Shirts that are too baggy in the body will look unflattering, giving the illusion that your gut is bigger than it is.
The length
Your t-shirt should end roughly halfway between your waist and crotch.
Tees that hit at the waist look shrunken. T-shirts that end at your crotch or beyond elongate your torso and shorten your legs, making you look stumpy.
Peter’s summary
As a stylist, I’ve seen clients lose their minds trying to make sure their t-shirt sleeve hits exactly halfway down their bicep.
I always stress that making sure your clothes fit properly is the most important thing you can do for your style, but you don’t need to get that anal to look great.
Use these tips as starting points. Make sure your shoulders, body, and length are as close to the ideal fit as you can and move on.
As long as your tees aren’t extremely tight or ridiculously long – you’re golden.
