The Boyfriend T-Shirt: A Style Guide For Women

In fashion, the term boyfriend style refers to women's clothing that has been adapted from a corresponding men's garment to create a looser fit than typical women's styles. Boyfriend T-shirts are usually longer than women's T-shirts and tend to have a more unisex, relaxed fit. They are designed to look like a woman is wearing her boyfriend's clothing and are often styled with jeans, skirts, or dressed up with a blazer. The term boyfriend shirt can also refer to a shirt that a woman has borrowed from her boyfriend, which is typically much larger than her own clothing.

The history of women in menswear

The history of women wearing men's clothing is a long and complex one, with social customs and laws dictating what women could and could not wear throughout history. In the 1850s, women's rights activist Amelia Bloomer advocated for the adoption of the "Turkish dress", a combination of a knee-length skirt and wide, loose-fitting pants. This style, known as "bloomers", became a symbol of women's rights and was worn by famous feminists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Throughout the 20th century, women continued to challenge societal norms and push for more practical and comfortable clothing options. During World War I, many women entered the workforce and demanded less restrictive attire. Although they continued to wear skirts, their clothing became more masculine, looser, and sportier. Coco Chanel, a fashion icon of the 1920s, embraced androgynous styles and designed elegant suits, tweed blazers, and simple everyday wear for women.

In the 1930s, actresses such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and Katharine Hepburn further popularized menswear-inspired fashion by sporting suits and bow ties in popular movies. However, it was still considered socially acceptable for women to wear pants only in specific situations, such as sports or during wartime when they took on traditionally male-dominated roles. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that wearing menswear-inspired clothing was no longer seen as a rebellious political statement, with women making significant strides toward equality in the workplace and society.

Today, "boyfriend style" or "boyfriend fit" clothing refers to women's garments that are modified from corresponding men's pieces to create a looser fit than typical women's tailored styles. "Boyfriend tees" are usually longer than regular women's t-shirts and have a more relaxed, unisex silhouette. They can be styled in various ways, from casual looks with jeans to more dressed-up outfits with blazers or skirts.

The 'boyfriend' style

The term "boyfriend style" refers to women's clothing that has been modified from a corresponding men's garment to create a looser fit than the typical women's tailored styles. This style of clothing is often longer and less tight-fitting than women's clothing. Boyfriend-style clothing is designed to look like a woman is wearing her boyfriend's clothing, creating a more unisex look.

The "boyfriend style" is not limited to t-shirts and includes other items such as jeans and sweaters. Boyfriend t-shirts are usually longer and can be styled in various ways, from casual to dressy. For a casual look, a boyfriend tee can be paired with jeans. For a more formal look, it can be layered under a blazer or tucked into a skirt.

The "boyfriend style" is meant to evoke the idea of wearing a boyfriend's shirt, which is often associated with comfort and a relaxed fit. This style also plays with gender norms and the idea of borrowing or taking a partner's clothing.

While the "boyfriend style" is popular, it has also been criticised as problematic and sexist. Some people find the term "boyfriend style" confusing or offensive, especially when applied to items like comic book t-shirts, which are often marketed as being "for boys". The term also implies that women are wearing these items for their boyfriends or to attract potential boyfriends, which reinforces gender stereotypes and the idea that women should dress to please men.

Why women wear 'boyfriend' shirts

In fashion, the term "boyfriend style" refers to women's clothing that has been modified from a corresponding men's garment to create a looser fit than the typical women's tailored styles. The trend in fashion is to create looser-fitting, more unisex clothing closer in style to what men typically wear. This is where the term "boyfriend jeans" or "boyfriend tees" comes from.

There are several reasons why women love wearing their boyfriend's shirts. Firstly, it gives them a sense of comfort and makes them feel protected and wanted. The scent of their boyfriend's aftershave on the shirt can be comforting and make them feel closer to their partner. Additionally, the oversized and droopy fit of boyfriend shirts can make women feel smaller and more feminine. The style is also versatile and can be dressed up or down, pairing well with various items such as mini skirts, denim shorts, or jeans.

Women may also choose to wear boyfriend shirts as a fashion statement. The looser fit can create a unique and playful style, especially when paired with a skirt or dressed up with a blazer. The trend of boyfriend shirts allows women to experiment with different silhouettes and create a look that is both comfortable and stylish.

Overall, the boyfriend shirt trend in women's fashion offers a looser and more relaxed fit compared to typical women's styles. Women enjoy wearing their boyfriend's shirts for the comfort, the feeling of closeness to their partner, and the versatility it offers in creating unique and fashionable outfits.

How to style a 'boyfriend' shirt

In fashion, the "boyfriend style" refers to women's clothing that has been modified from a corresponding men's garment to create a looser fit than the typical women's tailored styles. Boyfriend shirts are longer than women's shirts and tend to have a more unisex, boxy fit. Here are some ways to style a boyfriend shirt:

For a casual look

If you're wearing jeans, a simple way to dress up a boyfriend shirt is to layer it with a colourful blazer and pair it with dark denim. Black accessories, such as a messenger bag and pointed-toe flats, can complete the look.

For a playful look

Pairing a boyfriend shirt with a skirt is a great way to create a unique and playful style. Choose a patterned skirt in your preferred silhouette—flare or pencil—and gently tuck the shirt in at your natural waist. Finish the look with flats or sandals and simple jewellery.

For a glamorous look

Take your boyfriend shirt out on the town by dressing it up with glam pieces. Try black ponte pants and a statement necklace for a look with more coverage. If you want more movement and colour, try a swing skirt and heels.

For a relaxed look

Boyfriend shirts are perfect for a relaxed, oversized look. Try styling the shirt with leggings and chunky boots, or skinny jeans and classic sneakers.

When wearing a boyfriend shirt, you can add some feminine details to balance out the masculine notes. For example, try a delicate bandana scarf, or add some jewellery, such as a statement necklace or earrings.

Where to buy 'boyfriend' shirts

The "boyfriend style" is a fashion term that refers to women's clothing that has been modified from a corresponding men's garment to create a looser fit than the typical women's tailored styles. Boyfriend T-shirts are usually longer than regular women's T-shirts and have a more unisex, boxy silhouette. They are typically made from lightweight jersey fabric and are designed to be comfortable and durable.

Bewakoof

Bewakoof offers a range of boyfriend T-shirts for women in various colours, prints and styles. Their T-shirts feature graphic designs, including popular culture references such as Kung Fu Panda, Tom & Jerry, and Harry Potter. They also have plain T-shirts and classic styles in different colours. Bewakoof's boyfriend T-shirts are designed to be comfortable and oversized, with a perfect round neckline.

TeePublic

TeePublic has a selection of graphic boyfriend T-shirts with various slogans and designs. Their T-shirts are made from 100% combed ringspun cotton and are available in plus sizes.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of funny boyfriend T-shirts, including sarcastic and humorous designs. They also have T-shirts with comic book references, such as Batman.

Old Navy and Gap

Old Navy and Gap are two retailers that carry boyfriend T-shirts, according to a Reddit user. The boyfriend T-shirts at these stores are said to have long sleeves and no V-necks.

Frequently asked questions