Style Guide: Oversized T-Shirts, Endless Ways To Wear Them

There are many ways to style an oversized T-shirt, and it is a great way to stay comfortable while looking stylish. Whether you want to wear it with jeans, leggings, shorts, or even no pants at all, there are options for every occasion.

Tuck into trousers

Tucked oversized T-shirts are a great way to look stylish while keeping things casual and comfortable. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your look:

The key to nailing this look is to pair your oversized T-shirt with the right type of trousers. Opt for relaxed-fit or wide-leg trousers rather than skinny jeans or tight bottoms, as these can throw off your proportions and make your upper body appear boxy. Go for a pair of straight-leg jeans or high-waisted trousers to create a more balanced silhouette. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pair of bold, printed trousers to add a unique twist to your outfit.

Accessorise

Elevate your tucked-in T-shirt with a few carefully chosen accessories. A statement belt, such as a bold black belt or a colourful, thin belt, can help define your waist and add a touch of elegance. When it comes to footwear, heeled ankle boots or a pair of stylish flats can instantly make your outfit more polished. To finish the look, add some bling with a pair of chunky gold earrings or a long pendant necklace.

Layer Up

For a more sophisticated take on the tucked-in T-shirt, try layering with a blazer, denim jacket, or cardigan. Not only will this add interest to your outfit, but it will also help you transition your look from day to night and keep you warm on cooler days. If you're feeling extra fashion-forward, experiment with layering different prints and textures to create a unique ensemble.

Hairstyle

Complete your tucked oversized T-shirt look with a stylish hairstyle. Go for a sleek high ponytail, a messy bun, or a loose side braid to keep things casual yet cool.

When to Tuck

While you can never go wrong with tucking in your oversized T-shirt, there are times when leaving it untucked can work just as well. If you're wearing leggings or skinny jeans, you can skip the tuck as the fitted nature of these garments will balance out the looseness of the T-shirt.

With these tips in mind, you'll be a pro at styling your oversized T-shirts in no time!

Wear with a blazer

If you want to wear a blazer with your oversized T-shirt, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the blazer and T-shirt combination is a casual look, so the blazer should be unstructured, unlined, and slightly looser-fitting. It should be made from a casual material such as cotton or twill. You can also opt for adventurous colours like brown, cream, or green, which can be easier to style when separated from their matching trousers.

When it comes to the T-shirt, go for a simple crew neck tee that fits well and is long enough to be tucked into your trousers. Avoid logos and graphics, and instead opt for plain or striped designs. You can either tuck your T-shirt in or leave it untucked, depending on the vibe you're going for. If you want to add a little shape to the outfit, you can add a belt around your waist.

To complete the look, you can wear jeans, chinos, or shorts on the bottom. For footwear, sneakers or loafers are a great choice.

Roll up the sleeves

Rolling up the sleeves of an oversized T-shirt is a great way to add a trendy and stylish touch to your look. Here are some tips on how to do it:

The Classic Roll (Formal):

• Undo the button on the cuff of your T-shirt.
• Fold the cuff at the seam between the cuff and the sleeve.
• Repeat the fold to complete the roll, ensuring a thin and effortless-looking roll.
• Adjust the corners for a crisp and tidy finish.
• Repeat on the other sleeve, ensuring both rolls are symmetrical.

The Basic Roll (Semi-Formal or Casual):

• Unbutton the cuff and any gauntlet buttons.
• Fold the cuff at or just above the seam.
• Fold your sleeve over the cuff, making it inside-out.
• Repeat the fold 1-2 more times for a below-the-elbow roll.
• For an above-the-elbow roll, fold once more, pushing the roll up towards the elbow.
• Repeat on the other sleeve, ensuring both rolls are the same length.

The Master or Italian Roll (Any Occasion):

• Undo all buttons on the cuff and sleeve.
• Flip the cuff inside-out and fold it just past your elbow.
• Flip the inside-out sleeve upward, covering most of the cuff.
• Adjust the height of the cuff as desired.
• Repeat on the other sleeve, ensuring symmetry.

T-Shirt Sleeves (Casual):

• Fold the T-shirt sleeve along the stitched hemline.
• Continue folding or rolling until you reach the desired length.
• Use a safety pin, rubber band, or stitches to secure the roll.
• Repeat on the other sleeve, ensuring symmetry.

Tie a knot

There are many ways to tie a knot in your T-shirt, and it's a great way to add a little flair to your outfit. Here is a step-by-step guide to one of the most common ways to tie a knot:

• Take your oversized T-shirt and fold up the back of the shirt.
• Gather the leftover fabric at the front of the shirt.
• Twist the fabric until it forms a spiral.
• Wrap the fabric around and pull the end piece through the middle of the spiral.
• Tuck the end piece under the knot to hide it, if you like.

You can also play around with the placement of the knot. It doesn't always have to be in the centre—you can tie it at the side or back, wherever you prefer. You can also adjust the tightness of the knot to suit your desired look.

• Smooth Front Knot: Take the fabric at the end of the knot and fold it over to make it smooth.
• Simple Front Tuck with a Knot: This is a combination of a tuck and a knot, which gives the shirt a loose, effortless look.
• Super-Cropped Front Knot: This knot is tied higher up on the torso, so it shows more skin. You can also wear a longline bralette underneath.
• Back Knot: You can tie either a "bun" or "bunny ears" knot at the back of the shirt.
• Side Knot: Tie a knot on one side of the shirt, at hip level. You can also tuck the knot under your shirt for a crop-top look.
• Rubber Band Knot: Gather the fabric at the hemline and secure it with a small rubber band. Tuck the loose end of the fabric and the rubber band under your shirt.
• Ruffled Front (Visible Knot): Tie a "bunny ears" knot at the bottom of the ribcage on one side. This creates a ripple effect in the fabric.

Wear with leggings or shorts

Wearing an oversized T-shirt with leggings or shorts is a great way to achieve a casual, comfortable, and stylish look. Here are some tips to help you rock this versatile outfit combination:

Wear with Leggings

Pairing an oversized T-shirt with leggings is a perfect choice for a casual gym outfit or for running errands in style. Opt for high-waisted leggings to create a flattering silhouette and give the appearance of longer legs. For a sporty look, try the bra-tuck trick by tucking the front of your T-shirt into your sports bra, creating a baggy cropped silhouette. This method works well with a graphic tee, adding an edgy vibe to your outfit.

To elevate your look, choose a structured or knit vest to layer over your T-shirt. Alternatively, a blazer can be paired with a baggy T-shirt and leggings for a more polished ensemble. When it comes to footwear, sneakers or slip-on sneakers are a comfortable choice, while a pair of statement boots can add an unexpected twist to your outfit.

Wear with Shorts

An oversized T-shirt paired with shorts is a classic, all-weather combination. For a modern twist, opt for a black-and-white colour palette, but add playful details such as a zebra print skirt or mismatched footwear to keep the look fresh. On warmer days, tuck your graphic tee into baggy shorts, and accessorise with a chunky statement necklace and a structured jacket for a seamless day-to-night transition.

For a more minimalist approach, try an oversized muscle tee with baggy trousers or leather joggers for an effortlessly cool vibe. Alternatively, pair an oversized button-down shirt with shorts, leaving a few buttons undone, including the cuffs, to strike the perfect balance between serious and casual.

Frequently asked questions