Styling Guide: Av Neck T-Shirts

V-neck t-shirts are a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. When choosing a V-neck t-shirt, opt for a sturdy, natural, and breathable material such as 100% organic premium cotton. Avoid necklines that are too low or too shallow, as these can be challenging to style. Instead, look for a relaxed fit with a well-finished collar that hits somewhere between the top of your shoulders and your armpits. Timeless colours like black or white are more versatile and elegant than prints or logos. To elevate your V-neck t-shirt, pair it with a blazer, cardigan, or button-down shirt, and finish with accessories like a statement belt or necklace.

Avoid a deep V-neck

V-neck t-shirts have a bit of a chequered fashion history. In the early 2000s, brands like American Apparel sold versions of the tee that were so low cut that they became a fashion joke. But don't worry, it's possible to wear a V-neck t-shirt without channelling that particular trend.

Firstly, avoid a deep V-neck. Even if you're very fit, or have a chest that "glows with the inner light of a Norse god", a deep V-neck is never a good look. The lowest point of your V-neck should not descend lower than four inches from the base of your throat.

If you have a hairy chest, you might want to avoid V-necks altogether. If you have a "thick layer of chest hair climbing up past your clavicle", a V-neck might not be for you.

When buying a V-neck t-shirt, make sure the collar is well-finished and the fabric is sturdy, natural, and breathable. A V-neck looks best when it has a relaxed fit, rather than being too tight. Timeless colours like black or white are best, and avoid prints, lettering, logos, or emblems, as these can look tacky.

Avoid a shallow V-neck

While V-necks can be a stylish addition to your wardrobe, there are some pitfalls to avoid when choosing the right one for you.

Firstly, a shallow V-neck should be avoided. If the V is too shallow, it will make your neck look shorter and won't have the same impact as a deeper V. A shallow V will also fail to make your bust look smaller, which is an effect that a deeper V can achieve. A shallow V-neck may also make your shirt appear too small, so be sure to avoid this.

The ideal V-neck will have a collar that falls somewhere horizontally between the top of your shoulders and your armpits. This will ensure your shirt doesn't look too small and that your neck doesn't appear shorter.

If you are unsure about wearing a V-neck, opt for one with a very shallow collar to begin with. You can also wear a necklace that covers the point of the neckline to take away from the sharpness of the V.

Pair with chinos for a casual look

Chinos and a V-neck T-shirt is a versatile combination that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some tips on how to style this look for a casual outfit:

Colour Coordination

When pairing a V-neck T-shirt with chinos, opt for neutral or muted colours such as black, white, grey, navy, olive, or dark brown. These colours offer versatility and can be easily mixed and matched. For a more relaxed look, feel free to experiment with bolder colours like red, cobalt blue, or salmon.

Layering

Layering is a great way to add depth and interest to your outfit. For a casual vibe, try pairing your V-neck T-shirt with a jacket, such as a bomber jacket, denim jacket, or a casual shirt. A light jacket or cardigan can be useful for transitional weather.

Footwear

Footwear plays a crucial role in completing the casual look. Sneakers, loafers, or casual boots are excellent choices. For a laid-back feel, opt for white sneakers, canvas sneakers, or athletic shoes. If you want to add a touch of elegance, go for leather derby shoes or leather tassel loafers.

Accessories

Accessories can enhance your overall style. Consider adding a belt, a watch, sunglasses, or a hat to complement your outfit. A simple necklace or a cap can also elevate a casual ensemble.

Fit and Cuffing

For a well-rounded look, ensure your chinos fit snugly and taper gently below the knee. Cuffing your chinos is a stylish option, especially with casual outfits. A small cuff, about one to two inches, will give a casual, elegant appearance.

Wear with jeans for a trendy look

A V-neck T-shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some tips for wearing a V-neck T-shirt with jeans for a trendy and stylish look:

Choose the Right Jeans

Start by selecting a pair of jeans that flatter your body type and are on-trend. Skinny jeans are a popular choice, but if you're pear-shaped, straight or bootcut styles may be more flattering. Alternatively, experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Dark or black jeans are a good choice for a sleek and modern look.

Consider the Fit and Style of Your V-neck T-shirt

The fit and style of your V-neck T-shirt are crucial. Ensure it has a form-fitting silhouette that lightly hugs your torso and arms without being too tight. The ideal length for the T-shirt is around 25 inches for a classic look, but you can also try a slightly shorter or longer length depending on your body type and personal preference. If you're going for a more casual look, a draped or oversized T-shirt can work, but it may be trickier to pull off.

When it comes to the neckline, a V-neck style can be very flattering, especially for women with a larger chest. A deeper V-neck can add interest and style to your outfit, but avoid a very deep V-neck, as it may look outdated.

Layer with a Blazer, Jacket, or Sweater

To elevate your V-neck T-shirt and jeans combination, consider layering with a blazer, utility jacket, cardigan, or hoodie. This adds interest and style to your outfit, making it more sophisticated. For a more casual look, pair your V-neck T-shirt with a zip-up hoodie or a button-down flannel shirt.

Choose the Right Shoes and Accessories

Complete your outfit with the right shoes and accessories. For a casual look, white canvas sneakers or dark brown suede Chelsea boots can work well with jeans and a V-neck T-shirt. If you want to dress up your look, try a pair of leather boots or ballet flats. Accessorize with jewellery, such as earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace, and don't forget to add a stylish bag.

Experiment with Colours and Patterns

When it comes to colours, a white or light grey V-neck T-shirt can create a subtle and sophisticated look, especially when paired with a dark or black jeans. You can also experiment with bolder colours like burgundy, mustard, or navy blue. To add more interest to your outfit, try a V-neck T-shirt with stripes or floral patterns, which are currently on-trend.

Remember, the key to pulling off this look is ensuring your V-neck T-shirt and jeans are well-fitted and flattering to your body type. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, patterns, and layers to create a unique and trendy outfit.

Avoid if you have thick chest hair

If you have a thick layer of chest hair, you may want to avoid wearing a V-neck T-shirt. While V-necks can look stylish and sophisticated, they are considered a risky fashion choice due to their association with an unfortunate blip in fashion history when brands like American Apparel sold versions that were ridiculously low cut.

The general consensus is that chest hair and V-necks don't go well together. If your chest hair is climbing up past your clavicle, a V-neck is probably not the best choice for you. The V-neck will draw attention to your chest hair, which may not be a look you want to go for.

If you have thick chest hair and really want to wear a V-neck, there are a few things you can consider. Firstly, make sure the V-neck is not too deep. A deep V-neck will showcase your chest hair and can look unfashionable. Opt for a more relaxed fit instead of a tight one, as this will make the V-neck appear less severe.

You could also consider wearing an undershirt. This can help to cover up your chest hair, but be aware that some people consider it unfashionable to have your undershirt collar showing. If you do go for an undershirt, try to colour match it with your outer shirt to create a more stylish look.

Alternatively, you could consider manscaping. Trimming, shaving, or waxing your chest hair can help you achieve the V-neck look without having to worry about your chest hair being on display. You could start by trimming your chest hair and seeing how you feel about it before deciding to go for a closer shave or wax.

Frequently asked questions