The Versatile Style: Shirts Over T-Shirts

how to wear a shirt over t shirt

Wearing a shirt over a T-shirt is a popular style choice for men, offering a simple yet stylish look. This combination is a versatile option, suitable for both summer and fall, and can be adapted to suit various occasions and settings. While it may be a casual look, there are certain situations where it may not be appropriate, such as business-casual or formal events. This style is all about embracing a relaxed and laid-back aesthetic, and with the right tips, anyone can pull it off and look fantastic.

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Choose a casual shirt

When choosing a casual shirt to wear over a t-shirt, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to remember that this style is inherently casual, so it is best to choose a shirt that leans into this aesthetic.

The first factor to consider is the colour. Brighter, lighter, and bolder colours are considered more casual. You can also opt for a shirt with a pattern, as these are more casual than shirts in solid colours. If you do opt for a pattern, consider a check, plaid, or flannel shirt, or try a striped pattern for a less common option. For a bolder look, a floral print or a Hawaiian shirt in bright colours can be a fun choice.

The fabric of the shirt is another important consideration. Rugged, wrinkly, and textured fabrics are more casual. Linen is a good choice, especially for warm weather, as it is breathable. Denim shirts are also a popular option for a casual look, especially when paired with jeans.

The hem of the shirt should also be considered. Shirts with short hems that are not designed to be tucked in are more casual. You can also look for shirts with design details such as double pockets to further emphasise the casual look.

Finally, the fit of the shirt can impact how casual it appears. An oversized shirt will contribute to a more relaxed, laid-back aesthetic.

Remember, the key to wearing a shirt over a t-shirt is to embrace the casual nature of the look and have fun with it!

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Wear a V-neck T-shirt

When wearing a shirt over a V-neck T-shirt, it's important to consider the context and the overall look you're aiming for. Here are some tips specifically for wearing a V-neck T-shirt as the bottom layer:

Keep it Casual: Wearing a shirt over a T-shirt is inherently casual. This combination is best suited for informal occasions like hanging out with friends or running errands. It's not recommended for smart-casual or business-casual events, as it may appear underdressed.

Unbutton the Shirt: To nail the casual aesthetic, it's best to unbutton the shirt all the way down. This fully exposes the V-neck T-shirt underneath and creates a colour-blocking effect if you've chosen contrasting colours. It also ensures you're not straddling the line between casual and more formal styles.

Choose a Casual Shirt: Opt for shirts that are inherently casual in terms of colour, pattern, and fabric. Brighter, lighter, and bolder colours, as well as patterned shirts, are more casual than solid, dark colours. Rugged, wrinkly, and textured fabrics also lean more casual. Linen, flannel, denim, and Hawaiian shirts are great options for a relaxed look.

Avoid Dress Shirts: Dress shirts are not the best choice to wear over a V-neck T-shirt. Their formal nature and long hems, designed to be tucked in, can create a formality mismatch with the casual T-shirt. This combination may appear awkward and untidy.

Lightweight T-shirt Fabric: Choose a lightweight and breathable fabric for your V-neck T-shirt, such as light cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. This prevents the outfit from looking bulky or feeling too warm, ensuring it's suitable for laid-back, casual settings.

Colour Contrast: Consider choosing colours that contrast and complement each other. You can pair a shirt in a louder, more striking colour or pattern with a light, solid, or neutral-coloured V-neck T-shirt. White, light blue, off-white, beige, and light grey are all excellent choices for the T-shirt.

While these tips provide a guide, feel free to experiment and adapt them to your personal style and preferences.

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Roll up your sleeves

There are several ways to roll up your sleeves, and the method you choose will depend on the formality of the occasion, the type of shirt you're wearing, and the level of restriction you want around your arms. Here are some of the most common methods:

The Master Roll

This is considered the preferred way to roll up sleeves by modern sartorialists. To achieve this look:

  • Roll up the sleeve to about two widths of the cuff.
  • Smooth out any creases or folds in the fabric.
  • Roll from the bottom end of the sleeve once more to cover the cuff, leaving only the top end of the cuff exposed. If the inside of the cuff has a contrasting colour or design, show just a hint of it.
  • Hold the top edge of the cuff and pull down to undo the fold.

The master roll is the least restrictive method and keeps the sleeves locked in place. It is also suitable for showing off a contrasting cuff design.

The AIFA Roll

This is a casual roll that is very straightforward to achieve. To do an AIFA roll:

  • Fold the bottom of the sleeve once, about the width of the cuff.
  • Using a similar width, repeat with the folded cuff.
  • Avoid smoothing the fabric to maintain a casual, effortless look.

The AIFA roll adheres to the rule of thirds, a design principle that has implications for men's style. It is suitable for men with short and narrow arms as it makes the arms look proportional to the rest of the body.

The Basic Roll

Also known as the Beginner Roll, this is the most intuitive way to roll sleeves. To do a basic roll:

  • Unbutton the cuff and any gauntlet buttons.
  • Flip the cuff back inside out.
  • Fold back, using the cuff to set the width.
  • Continue folding until the band of the rolled cloth is just below your elbow.
  • Continue past your elbow if you'll be engaged in physical labour.

The basic roll can be time-consuming and restrictive, and it may be difficult to undo. It is suitable when your shirt sleeves are considerably wider than your arms.

The High Roller

This method is suitable for semi-casual or informal shirts. To do a high roll:

  • Lay your shirt down on a flat surface.
  • Fold your sleeve about a cuff width.
  • Follow the same step a second time, covering the folded portion of the cuff.
  • Roll the sleeve a third and fourth time to cover the entire cuff.

The high roller works well if you want to show off your upper arms or if you need to do manual work. It gives a laid-back look. However, it may look bulky on more fitted shirts.

The Garter Roll

The garter roll involves using a sleeve band, a strong rubber band, or a metal or silk sleeve garter to secure the rolled sleeves in place. To do a garter roll:

  • Secure the upper part of your shirt sleeve using the chosen accessory.
  • Pull the shirt up a few inches to hide the sleeve band under the shirt folds.
  • Optionally, secure a Master Roll using a metal sleeve band for a smart look.

Garters will make sleeve-rolling easier and give you a retro and unique look.

The Classic Roll (Formal)

This is a formal or professional look that works well with a tie. To do a classic roll:

  • Undo the button on the cuff of your shirt. If your shirt has a gauntlet button, keep it engaged for a sleeker look.
  • Fold the cuff at the seam between the cuff and the sleeve.
  • Fold the cuff over one more time to complete the roll.
  • Adjust the corners so they are crisp and tidy.
  • Repeat on the other sleeve, ensuring both rolls are equally crisp and clean.

The classic roll shows about a third of your arm and gives a classy, buttoned-up look.

The Casual Forearm Roll

This is a casual roll that is easy to roll back down without wrinkles. To do a casual forearm roll:

  • Unbutton the cuff and any gauntlet buttons.
  • Flip the cuff back and inside out.
  • Fold over once, hiding the cuff behind a band of sleeve fabric.
  • Stop there, tucking in the corners of the cuff neatly.

The casual forearm roll results in a single small roll around the middle of your forearm and doesn't need to be tight.

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Colour block

  • Choose 2-3 colours that go well together. You can either choose colours that are close together on the colour wheel, such as orange, red, and pink, or colours that are directly across from each other, like blue and yellow. You can also use varying shades of the same colour.
  • Pair a neutral colour with a bold shade for a subtle colour-blocking effect. For instance, pair a warm grey skirt with a bright yellow top to make the yellow pop.
  • Experiment with unexpected colour combinations. For example, try pairing a blue shirt with a bright fuchsia jacket.
  • Choose colours that complement your skin tone. Warmer skin tones look best in bold, warm colours, while cooler skin tones are complemented by blues and paler hues.
  • You can colour block with pieces you already own. Look for solid-coloured shirts, pants, or accessories and mix them together. For example, pair a bright yellow T-shirt with dark jeans and blue sneakers for an easy colour-blocked look.
  • Wear a tailored suit with a bold shirt to bring colour blocking to the office. A brightly coloured blouse or button-down shirt with your suit will add a pop of personality while remaining appropriate for work.
  • Wear several different shades of the same colour for a striking colour-blocked effect. For a casually cool fall look, try coral slacks, a salmon shirt, tan shoes, and pumpkin-coloured accessories.
  • Choose bold accessories without embellishments to build on your overall look. For instance, pair a purple shirt with a chunky teal necklace or wide belt.
  • Pick simple shoes that accent your outfit. Look for shoes in bold colours, but avoid ones that match your outfit too perfectly, as this can look old-fashioned.

When wearing a shirt over a T-shirt, colour blocking is a great way to showcase your personal style and make a statement. Here are some additional tips:

  • Opt for contrasting colours to create visual interest. For example, pair a white T-shirt with a dark-coloured shirt or vice versa.
  • Mix different patterns for a unique and eclectic ensemble. Try pairing a striped T-shirt with a floral shirt for a fun and playful combination.
  • Stick to different shades of the same colour for a sophisticated and cohesive outfit. For instance, a black shirt over a grey T-shirt creates a sleek and modern look.

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Keep it lightweight

When wearing a shirt over a T-shirt, keeping it lightweight is essential for a stylish and comfortable look. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Fabric Choice

Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend. These fabrics are ideal for creating a relaxed and effortless style without adding bulk. They are perfect for warm weather and can be comfortably layered under a jacket or blazer for cooler evenings.

Colour Palette

Choose light and neutral colours like white, beige, light grey, or pastel shades. These colours reflect sunlight and help keep you cool. They also create a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. If you want to add a pop of colour, reserve it for your T-shirt or accessories, keeping the shirt in a neutral shade.

Layering Techniques

The key to successful lightweight layering is to avoid bulk. When wearing a shirt over a T-shirt, leave the shirt unbuttoned for a relaxed vibe. You can roll up the sleeves for added style. Try the half-tuck method by tucking in just one side of the shirt for an asymmetrical look. Alternatively, tie a knot at the front or side of your shirt to add visual interest and create a more fitted silhouette.

Accessorise Smartly

Complete your lightweight look with carefully chosen accessories. A stylish belt can cinch your waist and define your silhouette, especially when wearing a loose-fitting shirt. Opt for minimal jewellery, such as dainty metallic pieces or sleek watches. Hats and sunglasses are excellent additions to protect you from the sun while elevating your style.

Footwear

When it comes to footwear, choose lightweight options that complement your outfit. Sneakers, loafers, or casual flats are perfect for a casual vibe. For a more polished look, opt for sleek heels or loafers.

Frequently asked questions

The best types of shirts to wear over a T-shirt are casual shirts in bright, light, bold, or solid colours, or shirts with patterns such as plaid, stripes, or checks.

It is recommended to wear a T-shirt made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, such as light cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. You can also wear any colour of T-shirt, but it is suggested to wear a T-shirt in a light and neutral colour such as white, light blue, off-white, beige, or light grey.

It is recommended to unbutton your shirt all the way down to fully embrace the casual aesthetic. However, it is generally accepted to leave the top button undone.

You should avoid wearing dress shirts over T-shirts as the combination of formal and casual attire will look awkward.

No, wearing a shirt over a T-shirt is considered a casual look and is not appropriate for business-casual or formal settings.

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