High Fashion: Do I Look Good In This T-Shirt?

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple for many people. They are versatile, comfortable, and affordable. However, finding the perfect T-shirt can be a challenge due to varying sizes and fits across different brands. A well-fitting T-shirt should not be too tight or too loose, and the shoulder seams should align with the end of your shoulders. The sleeves should reach about halfway down your upper arm, and the bottom hem should fall a few inches below the waistband. To find the perfect T-shirt, it is recommended to try on different sizes and evaluate how the shirt looks and feels. Investing in a high-quality T-shirt can offer benefits such as better fabric, longer durability, and more comfortable wear.

T-shirt sizing

• Shoulder Fit: Ensure the shoulders aren't too wide or too narrow. The shoulder seam should not extend too far past where your shoulder ends and your arm begins. The seam should also not sit above your pecs, as this indicates the shirt is too narrow.
• Sleeve Length and Width: The ideal sleeve length ends roughly halfway between your armpit and elbow. Avoid sleeves that are too close to the elbow, as they can make your arms appear shorter. Regarding width, ensure the sleeves fit closely without being too tight or restrictive, allowing people to admire your muscles!
• Torso Fit: Aim for a fitted look that is neither too tight nor too loose. You should be able to pinch about 2-3 inches of fabric on either side of your torso. If you can pinch more, the shirt is likely too loose, and if you can't pinch at least an inch, it may be too tight.
• Length: The ideal T-shirt length for men is about two inches past your waistband (or the bottom of your belt) and should end around mid-fly. A shirt that hits the bottom of your fly will make you appear shorter. For women, consider a "boyfriend fit" that is slightly looser but still chic and stylish.

Additionally, it's worth noting that T-shirt sizing can vary based on the brand and your body proportions. It's always a good idea to try on different sizes and assess the fit based on the guidelines above.

T-shirt design

Fabric Choice:

The fabric is crucial to the comfort and practicality of the T-shirt. Cotton is a popular choice as it is soft, breathable, and ideal for everyday wear. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are smooth and have low water absorbency, which may not be suitable for everyday use.

Technical Sketches:

Creating technical sketches in Adobe Illustrator or similar software is essential to providing your manufacturer with the necessary details. These sketches should include desired fit, finishings, and stitching patterns. Using a vector editor like Repsketch can make this process easier by providing templates that can be customised.

Construction Quality:

Pay close attention to the construction quality to ensure a well-made T-shirt. This includes proper positioning of seams, avoiding stitching flaws, and eliminating waving and puckering issues. The shoulder and side seams should not drop or move forward, and the seams should be straight.

Print Size and Placement:

The size of the design should be based on the purpose of the T-shirt and the characteristics of the design. Generally, smaller print sizes are more suitable, especially for designs with circles and squares. Ensure that the print placement is correct; a standard full front placement is actually around 4" from the collar, not halfway between the shirt's top and bottom.

Typography:

Choose fonts that convey the intended message and emotions effectively. Avoid using more than three different fonts in a design, as it can create a chaotic and busy look. The most important words should be the boldest and towards the top of the design.

Composition:

Arrange the elements in your design in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand. Avoid spacing issues and ensure the design is well-balanced. Take a break and look at the design with "fresh eyes" to gain a new perspective and identify any necessary changes.

Image Quality:

Use high-resolution images of 200 dpi or higher to ensure good print quality. Vector graphics are ideal as they scale perfectly without losing quality.

Colour Choice and Contrast:

Colour choice is crucial, both for aesthetic reasons and budget considerations in screen printing. More colours typically mean a higher cost per item. Play with low-contrast and high-contrast designs to find the right balance, ensuring that the design is neither too subtle nor too in-your-face.

Borders, Masks, and Edges:

Adding borders, masks, or edges to your design can enhance the overall appearance. A simple thin border or a more complex frame can improve the look of a photograph on a T-shirt.

By following these tips and paying attention to detail, you can create a "Do I Look High" T-shirt that is not only visually appealing but also comfortable and practical for your customers.

T-shirt fit

T-shirts are a staple in every man's wardrobe. They are comfortable, casual, and versatile. However, finding the perfect-fitting T-shirt can be challenging, especially if your height or build is not average. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect T-shirt fit, regardless of your body type.

Shoulder Fit

The shoulder seam of the T-shirt should end at the end of your shoulder, where your shoulder ends and your arm begins. It is okay if it ends slightly before that, but it should not extend down your arm. Ensure that the shoulder seam does not hang down on your upper arm, as this indicates that the shirt is too big.

Sleeve Fit

The ideal sleeve length should reach about halfway between your armpit and elbow. The sleeves should fit closely around your arm without being too tight or restrictive. Avoid sleeves that are too close to your elbow, as they will make your arms appear shorter.

Torso Fit

The torso of the T-shirt should have a fitted look—not too tight, but not too loose either. You should be able to pinch about 2-3 inches of fabric on either side of your torso. If you can pinch more than that, the shirt might be too loose, and if you can't pinch at least an inch, it may be too tight.

Length

The ideal T-shirt length should reach about two inches past your waistband or the bottom of your belt and end around the mid-fly area. If it reaches the bottom of your fly, it is too long and will make you appear shorter.

Overall Fit

The T-shirt should follow the natural contours of your body without clinging too tightly. It should not be too loose or baggy. The most timeless look is one that is neither too tight nor too loose.

Different Types of T-Shirt Fits

There are various T-shirt fits to consider, such as the classic fit, which should be the default for most guys as it is universally flattering and won't go out of style. You can also experiment with different silhouettes, such as the boxy fit or muscle fit, depending on your personal style and body type.

Tips for Shorter Men

Finding the right T-shirt length can be challenging for shorter men. Avoid T-shirts that are too long, as they will make you look shorter. Consider getting your T-shirts hemmed if they are too long, ensuring the tailor uses thread with stretch if the shirt is made from stretchy material.

Fabric and Quality

When investing in high-quality T-shirts, consider factors such as fabric, thread count, and the brand's values. Look for T-shirts made with 100% high-quality, pre-shrunk cotton to ensure they retain their shape and softness over time. Organic cotton is a healthier and more ethical option, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.

T-shirt fabrics

T-shirts are made from a variety of fabrics, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common T-shirt fabrics:

• Cotton: Cotton is a natural, soft, and breathable fabric that is often used for T-shirts. It is comfortable to wear and can be easily dressed up or down. Organic cotton, which is grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals, is an increasingly popular choice for T-shirts as it is better for the environment and produces a healthier plant with a better-quality fabric.
• Knit Fabric: Knit fabrics such as jersey, French terry, and rib knits are commonly used for T-shirts. They are stretchy, flexible, and comfortable, making them ideal for everyday wear. Jersey knits are further categorised into types such as single jersey, double jersey, and cotton jersey.
• Synthetic Fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, and spandex are often blended with natural fibres like cotton to create T-shirt fabrics. These blends result in more durable, stretchy, and wrinkle-resistant T-shirts. For example, a cotton-spandex blend will have the softness and breathability of cotton with added stretch for comfort.
• Performance Fabrics: Performance fabrics are designed for specific purposes, such as athletic wear or UV protection. These fabrics often have special features like moisture-wicking, odour control, or sun protection. For example, aloe vera-infused fabrics offer a soothing effect, while UV-protective fabrics shield the skin from harmful rays.
• Sustainable Fabrics: With growing environmental concerns, sustainable and recycled fabrics are becoming more popular. Recycled polyester and organic cotton are examples of sustainable T-shirt fabric options that reduce the impact on the planet without compromising on style or comfort.

T-shirt seams

Side Seams

Side seams are the stitching that runs down the sides of a T-shirt, from the underarm area to the bottom hem. While they might not seem significant, side seams indicate how the shirt was made and thus how it will fit.

T-shirts are constructed in two main ways: side-seamed and tubular. Tubular T-shirts are made by cutting a cylinder of fabric, creating a space for the neckline, and then sewing on the sleeves. This method is faster, more efficient, and cheaper to produce, but the resulting T-shirts tend to have a loose, boxy fit as they are not tailored to fit the human body.

On the other hand, side-seamed T-shirts are made by cutting the front, back, and sleeves individually and then stitching them together, resulting in a more tailored and flattering fit. So, if you're looking for a slim, retail-quality fit, opt for T-shirts with side seams.

Flat-Felled Seams

Flat-felled seams are created by folding and stitching the fabric edges together, resulting in a smooth finish on the inside of the garment. This type of seam is desirable for shirts as it creates a nice, neat appearance and adds strength due to the double stitching. The finished width of a flat-felled seam should be approximately 1/4" for a sleek look.

Flat-felled seams are commonly used on shirt sleeves and are particularly well-suited for heavier fabrics such as denim or corduroy. When creating a flat-felled seam, it's important to set your sewing machine to a fine stitch length of around 1.5mm to achieve 16-22 stitches per inch, ensuring a precise and durable finish.

Frequently asked questions