T-Shirts In The Workplace: What's Appropriate?

The appropriateness of wearing a t-shirt to work depends on the workplace. In general, t-shirts are considered too casual for the office, but there are some exceptions. Employees in tech companies, creative fields, and start-ups often prefer wearing more casual outfits to work, such as jeans, sneakers, and graphic t-shirts. If your office environment and coworkers' style are laid-back, you can likely get away with wearing a t-shirt. However, it's important to ensure your t-shirt is free of holes, stains, offensive messages, and fading, and pair it with the right pieces to avoid looking too casual.

T-shirts with offensive messages

Offensive T-shirts can cause serious backlash and negative attention, as seen in the numerous controversies surrounding T-shirts from various brands. For example, Abercrombie & Fitch has faced multiple scandals, including selling T-shirts with racist depictions and slogans. In another instance, a Massachusetts retailer sold a T-shirt with the message "Keep Calm and Rape On," which resulted in Amazon pulling all of the company's products and the company going out of business.

Even if you believe a T-shirt is humorous or playful, it is best to avoid wearing it to work if it could be deemed offensive by others. Wearing offensive clothing to work may lead to negative perceptions of you by your boss and coworkers, who may see you as careless or disrespectful. It is always better to err on the side of caution and choose more appropriate attire for the workplace.

When selecting a T-shirt to wear to work, consider the cut, fabric, and neckline. While a simple T-shirt can be a comfortable and professional option, it is important to ensure that it is well-fitted, made from appropriate fabric, and not too casual for your work environment.

T-shirt and blazer combinations

When pairing a t-shirt with a blazer, it's important to keep a few guidelines in mind to ensure you look modern and stylish. Here are some tips to help you rock this combination with ease:

Choosing the Right T-shirt

Select a solid-coloured t-shirt in a neutral shade such as navy, grey, or white. Avoid graphic t-shirts and stay away from bright, bold colours. If you want to add a subtle pattern, opt for a thin-striped t-shirt in a neutral tone, like blue. When it comes to the neckline, a crew neck or scoop neck is more modern than a V-neck, which was popular in the 80s. However, a plain white V-neck t-shirt can look cute under a printed blazer, especially when paired with a statement necklace. Make sure your t-shirt fits well and is tapered at the midsection. You can choose any length for your t-shirt, as you'll be tucking it into your pants.

Styling the Blazer

Go for a form-fitting, unstructured blazer for a casual look. This type of blazer has less stiffness and definition in the shoulders and waist, with sleeves that hit slightly above your wrists and the bottom falling below your hips. Avoid a structured suit jacket, as it won't pair well with the casual nature of the t-shirt. If you want to add a pop of colour to your outfit, add a pocket square in a bright or patterned fabric to draw attention to your blazer.

Putting the Whole Look Together

When it comes to pants, jeans or chinos are a great choice. Jeans offer a more casual vibe, while chinos can still work for an office environment. If it's hot outside, you can even opt for slim-fitting shorts. For a high-fashion twist, try wide, flowy linen pants. Avoid matching your blazer to your pants to keep the outfit modern and avoid an 80s-inspired look. Instead, complement your blazer with pants in a neutral colour, such as blue, cream, or brown. For footwear, sneakers or loafers can complete the look, depending on the level of formality you want to achieve. White sneakers go with almost any colour palette, while black sneakers create a more muted effect. Loafers, on the other hand, can dress up the outfit for a business casual vibe.

T-shirt and jacket combinations

While t-shirts are generally considered too casual for the workplace, there are ways to elevate them with a jacket.

Firstly, it's important to consider the cut, fabric, and neckline of the t-shirt. Scoop necks, boat necks, high round necks, V-necks, and crew necks can all work, but avoid anything too baggy or tight. The t-shirt should be soft, fitted, reasonably priced, and able to withstand the test of time. Avoid sheer fabrics and offensive graphics or text.

When pairing a t-shirt with a jacket, it's important to remember that the overall look will be more casual than if you were wearing a dress shirt. The jacket will be dressed down, not the t-shirt. This combination can be tricky to pull off without looking dated, especially since it was popular in the 1980s. However, if you choose a crew neck over a V-neck, avoid flashy colours and patterns, and tuck in your t-shirt, you can create a stylish and modern look.

• Pair a white t-shirt with a mint shirt jacket and charcoal jeans. Finish the look with white canvas low-top sneakers.
• Wear a beige crew-neck t-shirt with a navy shirt jacket and jeans. Add a pop of colour with a pair of beige suede sandals.
• For a more dressed-up look, try a black crew-neck t-shirt with a grey shirt jacket and navy jeans. Accessorize with a black leather belt, silver watch, silver bracelet, and black leather derby shoes.

T-shirt and cardigan combinations

While T-shirts are generally considered too casual for the workplace, there are ways to elevate the look. One way to do this is by pairing a T-shirt with a cardigan. Here are some tips on how to style T-shirt and cardigan combinations for the office:

Fit is Key

Finding the best-fitting cardigan for your build is of utmost importance. A cardigan should have enough room in the shoulders and taper down the chest to the narrowest part under the ribcage. From there, it should widen a bit throughout the abdomen and fit comfortably, both open and closed.

For a smart casual or business casual look, opt for a lightweight V-neck cardigan in a neutral shade such as dark blue or grey. Layer it over a T-shirt in a complementary colour, making sure the cardigan is darker than the T-shirt. For example, pair a dark grey cardigan with a burgundy T-shirt. You can also swap out the T-shirt for a polo shirt or a henley shirt.

If you're going for a more casual look, try a longline cardigan in a monochromatic colour palette of grey and black, paired with black boots. Or, for a laid-back, drapey look, leave your lightweight cardigan unbuttoned over a T-shirt.

For a modern power-casual look, opt for a soft, fitted T-shirt with a scoop neck, which can be paired with a blazer or a suit. A boat-neck, high round-neck, or V-neck T-shirt can also work well under a cardigan, depending on your preference. Just make sure the neckline of the T-shirt isn't too revealing for the workplace.

General Tips

• Keep your T-shirt and cardigan combinations neat and tidy, avoiding any stains, wrinkles, or tears.
• Avoid wearing T-shirts with offensive messages or images to the office.
• Ensure your cardigan is not too bulky or messy.
• If you're wearing a dress shirt under your cardigan, keep it tucked in.

T-shirt and skirt combinations

While T-shirts are generally considered too casual for the workplace, pairing them with skirts can elevate the look. Here are some tips for combining T-shirts and skirts for a work-appropriate outfit:

Fabric and Fit

When choosing a T-shirt to wear to work, avoid boxy, ribbed cotton shirts that may look unkempt. Instead, opt for soft, fitted T-shirts made from fabrics such as soft cotton or jersey. Consider the cut, fabric, and neckline of the T-shirt. Scoop necks, boat necks, high round necks, V-necks, or elbow-length sleeves can be more flattering and professional-looking. Avoid sheer fabrics or plunging necklines, which may be inappropriate for the workplace.

For the skirt, consider the length and fit. Midi skirts are a versatile choice, as they can be paired with various shoes, from sandals to boots, and can be dressed up or down. If you choose a mini skirt, ensure it is not too short or revealing. Pencil skirts and pleated skirts can also be flattering and appropriate for the office.

Monochromatic Ensemble

A monochromatic outfit, where all the pieces are in similar colours, can look put together and polished. For example, pair a white T-shirt with a white blazer and a white denim skirt for a sophisticated look. Alternatively, a black oversized T-shirt with a black pleated or skater skirt can create a grungy silhouette.

Layering

Layering a T-shirt with a blazer or jacket can instantly make the outfit more professional and polished. For example, pair a plain T-shirt with a blazer and a mini skirt, or a band tee with a leather jacket and a leather mini skirt. This combination can be ideal for transitioning from summer to colder months.

Patterns and Textures

Playing with different patterns, textures, and prints can add interest to your outfit. However, when mixing prints, ensure they complement each other and are not the same size to avoid looking tacky. For example, pair a printed T-shirt with a silk or satin midi skirt, or a baby tee with a plaid mini skirt. If you're feeling bold, try an animal print midi skirt with a black or grey T-shirt and a leather jacket.

Accessories

Accessories can elevate your T-shirt and skirt combination, making it more work-appropriate. A sleek slingback, hobo bag, or a pair of chunky sneakers can add a touch of sophistication or fun to your outfit.

In conclusion, while T-shirts may be considered too casual for some workplaces, pairing them with skirts and incorporating the style tips above can create a polished and professional look. Remember to consider the fabric, fit, colours, patterns, and accessories to elevate your T-shirt and skirt combination for the office.

Frequently asked questions