Choosing T-Shirt Colors: A Guide To Looking Good

Choosing the right colour T-shirt can be the difference between looking radiant and dull. It's important to consider your skin tone, the occasion, and your mood when deciding what colour T-shirt to wear.

For those with cool-toned skin, colours like rose, emerald, deep purple, and ice blue are the most flattering. Neutral colours such as cool grey, white, and navy will also complement cool-toned skin. On the other hand, individuals with warm-toned skin should opt for earthy colours like honey, coral, olive, and cream. Taupe, mushroom-grey, and cappuccino are suitable neutral colours for this skin tone.

The occasion also plays a role in choosing a T-shirt colour. For example, blue or black is recommended for traditional job interviews as these colours convey trust, confidence, and professionalism. In contrast, bolder colours like red or orange may be more suitable for a first date to convey passion and sexiness.

Lastly, your mood can be reflected through your T-shirt colour. If you're feeling calm and confident, blue is a great choice as it promotes creativity and independence. Bright colours like yellow, green, purple, and orange are perfect for expressing a creative and excited mood.

Skin tone and hair colour

When it comes to choosing the right colour T-shirt, your skin tone and hair colour are important factors to consider.

Firstly, it's important to establish whether your skin tone is cool, warm, or neutral. One way to do this is to look at the veins in your wrist—if they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones, whereas green veins indicate warm undertones. If you can't tell, you probably have neutral undertones. Another method is to use the 'paper test'—place a piece of white paper against your chest or neck, and observe which colours are reflected onto your skin. If you notice pink and blue colours, your skin tone is cool, whereas gold and green colours indicate a warm skin tone. A neutral skin tone will have fluctuating skin colours.

Cool skin tones tend to pair well with colours on the cooler end of the colour spectrum, such as emerald, deep purple, lavender, pink, ice blue, and bright blue. Warmer skin tones suit earth tones like green, brown, mustard yellow, and warm reds, as well as peach, coral, amber, and gold. If you have a neutral skin tone, you can wear colours from both the warm and cool sides of the spectrum. However, it's best to avoid brown shades as they may blend into your skin tone.

Your hair colour will also play a role in determining which colours suit you. For example, if you have cool-toned skin and silver or ash-toned hair, platinum, ice/silver blonde, red, ashy blonde, champagne, gold, and honey hair colours will suit you best. Cool-toned blondes should opt for neutrals, pastels, and jewel tones in their wardrobe. On the other hand, if you have warm-toned skin and red, orange, or yellow tones in your hair, colours like lavender, seafoam green, blush, soft yellow, mint green, coral, ivory, and peach will complement your hair colour.

Body type

When it comes to choosing the right T-shirt, it's important to consider your body type to ensure a flattering and comfortable fit. Here are some guidelines based on different body types:

Triangle Body Type

If you have a triangle-shaped body, your upper hips and lower midsection are likely broader, with a narrower chest and waist. The key is to create the illusion of a balanced silhouette. Here's what to look for:

• Go for dark colours, crew neck T-shirts, and relaxed or bulkier fits.
• Opt for patterns, detailing, or vertical stripes across the chest and shoulders to broaden the upper torso.
• Avoid narrow necks, V-necks, skinny or tight fits, and fitted polos.

Inverted Triangle Body Type

For those with an inverted triangle body shape, the upper body is wider than the lower half, similar to Johnny Bravo. The goal is to create a proportionate illusion by narrowing the upper body. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Choose V-neck T-shirts (not plunging), skinny fits, and slim-fitted polos.
• Look for T-shirts with prints or stripes on the stomach area rather than the chest area.
• Dark colours like charcoal, navy, or black can help create a balanced appearance.
• Steer clear of horizontal and wide stripes, scoop necks, bold prints, bulky or baggy T-shirts, and relaxed fits.

Rectangular Body Type

If you have a rectangular body shape, your body is likely tall and thin, with shoulders that are similar in width to your waist and hips. The aim is to create the illusion of broader shoulders. Here's what to consider:

• Opt for bulky T-shirts, bolder and wider horizontal stripes, crew or scoop neck T-shirts, and relaxed fits.
• Layering is a great way to add bulk to the torso.
• Avoid tight or skinny fits, V-neck T-shirts, very bright or neon colours, and graphic T-shirts with large prints.

Trapezoid Body Type

Considered the most desirable body shape, the trapezoid body type is characterised by broad shoulders, a broad chest, and a gentle taper towards the hips and waist. The goal is to showcase this perfect body shape. Here's what to look for:

• Fitted medium-length tops that hit at the hips are ideal.
• Vertical stripes can help elongate your body and draw attention to your hips.
• You can experiment with different cuts, designs, and patterns as long as the fit is right.

Oval Body Type

For those with an oval body shape, the centre of the torso is typically wider than the shoulders and hips, with shorter, broader limbs. The key is to find T-shirts that slim and frame the body. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Keep it simple and dark; solid colours are ideal.
• Trousers should be comfortably loose and never too tight at the waist.
• Suspenders can help hold the trouser front out slightly, creating a smooth front.
• Pleats can add comfort for those with large thighs and bottoms.
• For jackets, opt for dark, single-breasted styles with a slight taper at the waist.
• Avoid tight fits, patterns, and visual clutter, as well as anything that draws attention to the midsection.

Fit

When it comes to T-shirts, fit is king. A well-fitting T-shirt can make you look amazing, while an ill-fitting one can ruin your entire outfit. Here are some tips to help you nail the perfect T-shirt fit:

• Make sure the T-shirt conforms to your body shape without being too tight. It should be close-fitting but allow for ease of movement.
• Check that the shoulder seams line up with the ends of your shoulders. If they're too low, the shirt may be too loose, and if they're too close to your neck, it may be too tight.
• The sleeves should cover about one-third of your biceps. Sleeves that are too long will cover more than half of your biceps or touch your elbows, while sleeves that are too short will be above your biceps.
• Opt for sleeves that lightly hug your biceps. Avoid loose sleeves that flap around, as well as sleeves that are too tight, which can restrict circulation.
• Go for a T-shirt that subtly drapes over your chest and follows the curve of your torso without revealing too much of your stomach.
• Choose a length that goes a couple of inches below your belt line and slightly covers your waistband. It should be long enough to keep your midsection covered when you raise your arms. Avoid T-shirts that are too long, as they can reach your crotch area and look sloppy.

Finding the perfect T-shirt fit may require trying on several brands and sizes. It's worth investing time and effort into finding a T-shirt that fits you well and makes you look and feel great. If needed, you can also get your T-shirt tailored for an even better fit.

Neckline

The neckline of a t-shirt is an important consideration when choosing which one to wear. Different necklines can flatter different body types and can be used to create different looks, from casual to formal. Here is a guide to some of the most common types of t-shirt necklines:

Crewneck

Also known as a round neck, the crewneck is the most popular t-shirt neck style. It is simple and classic, and suits almost every body type. Crewnecks have a round neckline and no collar, and were originally designed as a sweat-wicking undergarment. They are incredibly versatile and can be worn on their own or layered under other garments. Crewnecks tend to draw attention to the face and shoulders and are particularly flattering for those with long necks and wide shoulders.

V-neck

The V-neck is a popular choice for fashion-forward individuals. The downward-pointing V creates the illusion of a longer, leaner torso, making it a good option for those who want to balance out broad shoulders or elongate their frame. The V-neck is also ideal for layering and can accommodate a variety of body types. The depth of the V can vary, so it's important to choose one that isn't too deep. V-necks are generally considered dressier than crewnecks, making them a good choice for work or evening wear.

Scoop Neck

Scoop neck t-shirts offer a great alternative to the traditional crewneck. They have a wider, lower cut that beautifully showcases the collarbone. This type of neckline is feminine and relaxed, making it a popular choice for women's t-shirts, especially in warmer weather or for active lifestyles. The scoop neck is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it a flattering choice for various body types.

Boat Neck

Boat neck t-shirts are similar to crewnecks but have a wider, rounded neckline that extends further to each side and falls just below the collarbone. This style is a bit more formal than a crewneck but offers more coverage than a deep V-neck. Boat necks are flattering for those with small to medium busts and slender shoulders, as they draw the eye upward and balance fuller midsections. They are a good choice for work as they are interesting yet modest.

High Neck

A high neck t-shirt sits higher on the neck, covering more skin. This style offers a sleek and polished look and is particularly flattering for individuals with petite body shapes as it can add the illusion of height. High necks also complement rectangular body shapes by adding curves and softness to the upper body. They can be dressed down with slim-fit jeans or leggings, or dressed up with trousers or a skirt for a more formal occasion.

Square Neck

Square neck t-shirts are back in style and offer a unique, versatile look that is both stylish and comfortable. They are a great choice for beach vacations or summer days, and also suit people with round faces or broad shoulders.

Turtleneck

Turtleneck t-shirts are a wardrobe staple that provides warmth and style. They have a high neckline that covers the neck, and can be worn on their own or layered under sweaters or jackets. Turtlenecks come in various colours, materials, and patterns, making them suitable for many different occasions.

Fabric

When it comes to choosing a t-shirt, the fabric is an important consideration. Different fabrics have different properties that can affect the comfort, durability, and appearance of the t-shirt. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a t-shirt fabric:

Comfort

The fabric's texture and composition play a crucial role in determining how comfortable it feels against the skin. Natural fibres like cotton are generally softer and more breathable than synthetic ones. Cotton is a popular choice for t-shirts due to its softness, breathability, and comfort. However, it tends to hold moisture, resulting in longer drying times, and it is prone to wrinkling and shrinking. To enhance the benefits of cotton, you can opt for ringspun cotton, which is softer and more durable than regular cotton due to its spinning process. Another option is combed and ringspun cotton, which removes impurities, making the fabric even softer and less likely to fray.

Durability

If you're looking for a durable fabric that can withstand years of washing and wear, cotton is a great option. Combed cotton, in particular, is known for its long staple fibres that can be spun into finer threads, making it easy to manufacture and less likely to pill. Organic cotton, which is produced using sustainable methods and without the use of toxic chemicals, also offers increased durability. Additionally, Pima or Supima cotton, with its longer fibres, provides superior resistance to wrinkling and fading while maintaining an ultra-smooth and soft feel.

Moisture Absorption

Cotton is an excellent choice if you're looking for a fabric that absorbs moisture well. However, one disadvantage of cotton is that it can retain moisture for extended periods, leading to a musty odour. Cotton-polyester blends, on the other hand, offer improved moisture management. Polyester, a synthetic fabric, is naturally moisture-wicking, moving sweat away from the skin to the surface of the t-shirt, where it can evaporate quickly. This makes polyester t-shirts ideal for sports and exercise.

Environmental Impact

When selecting a t-shirt fabric, you may want to consider its environmental impact. Sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, minimise their ecological footprint by using eco-friendly production methods and renewable resources. Organic cotton is produced without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilisers, while recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing waste.

Cost

In conclusion, when choosing a t-shirt fabric, it's essential to consider factors such as comfort, durability, moisture absorption, environmental impact, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you can select a fabric that best suits your needs and preferences, ensuring a comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting t-shirt.

Frequently asked questions