How to Identify a Good Vs. Bad Quality Shirt
Versatile pieces like quality T’s are without a doubt, the “bread and butter” to your wardrobe. They effortlessly pair with a wide range of outfits, whether you're opting for a polished suit or a laid-back ensemble with jeans.
Find out how to distinguish between a high-quality and low-quality shirt below…
The Right Fit
All shirts, whether they are polos, t-shirts, or collared shirts, should be tailored to provide a sleek, slim fit that gently accentuates your body.
They should never be too tight, constricting, or baggy, as this results in excess fabric overwhelming your silhouette.I often encounter many men who prefer wearing baggy shirts due to the comfort they provide or to camouflage certain areas they might be self-conscious about. I'll tell you right now, opting for baggy clothes won't do you any favors in enhancing your look. Instead of flattering your silhouette, it’ll to overshadow your natural shape, giving off a tacky vibe.
What Colors to Wear?
I always recommend grabbing a few neutral colors like black, white, navy, and gray in either a crew or v-neck style to ensure versatility in your wardrobe. These classic shades can easily be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish and cohesive looks for any occasion.
CHARACTERISTICS TO AVOID
Ill-fitting cuts
Ultra thin fabrics
Huge graphic tees, slogan, logos etc.
Intentional or unintentional ripped or distressed fabrics
Ill-Fitting T-Shirts
Unfortunately, I often come across many men strolling about in shirts that don’t fit them well, which is painful to see.
I style men who are comfortable wearing shirts that are too big for their frame. And when I encourage them to try on a properly fitting tee, the change can feel quite awkward for them in the beginning. If you are accustomed to wearing an oversized fit, transitioning to a tee that fits properly may require a little getting use to. But trust me, when you slide into this piece, you will immediately sense the significant difference. If you typically choose a large size, go for a medium size for your next purchase. Take the opportunity to differentiate between the two sizes - you find that you fit comfortably into a size that is one size smaller than you originally thought.
When it comes to how it should fit in the body, aim for a silhouette that is neither too tight nor too boxy. The the neckline, sleeves, and waistline should gently skim the body without appearing baggy or overly tight. As far as the length, you want your shirts to land right around or slightly above the middle of your crotch keeping your proportions nice and balanced.
Ultra Thin Fabrics
Your shirt should have a nice amount of heft to them, providing a structured silhouette while ensuring a comfortable fit that doesn't overly cling to every detail of your torso. If they do, it means the shirts are too thin or flimsy and shouldn’t be worn as a top layer. The primary function of a thin shirt is to be a base layer to be worn beneath your outer garment, like a casual collared shirt or a dress shirt. Always keep in mind that thin shirts serve the purpose of enhancing your outfit as a foundational piece.
Graphic / Logo Tees
Large graphic and logo t-shirts tend to convey an overtly youthful impression, regardless oof how they are styled. Which is why I recommend avoiding them all together. A classic plain tee will never ever steer you wrong and looks great on every single man out there, no matter his body type. There are numerous methods available for showcasing your unique style, like with your accessories, for instance, which provide an excellent opportunity to make a style statement in a more age-defining way.
Distressed Tee
You never want your shirt to look as if it’s on the verge of falling apart. T-shirts should have a clean and crisp appeal to them. Small holes, fading, or stubborn stains instantly detract from your overall appearance. If you see these, discard them and find a better replacement.
Many times the way we wash our shirts can accelerate their deterioration. To prevent this, wash them using cold water, opt for a gentle cycle, and always hang or lay them flat to dry. These simple steps will significantly prolong the lifespan of your beloved shirts. Once they become too worn-out or faded, get yourself some fresh ones to wear.
Outfit Inspiration Board
Use this valuable information for continued success so you can attract investment from others just as you invest in yourself.
I've provided a comprehensive list of actionable steps that men can take to elevate themselves and become the greatest version they can be — be sure to explore more posts to gain deeper insights.
Remember to join my newsletter to receive practical and insightful content like this from me on a monthly basis.
I look forward to connecting with you in your inbox soon!
Brandi is a wardrobe stylist and consultant helping leading men feel more confident in their style. She provides carefully-curated style offerings, dedicated to relieving all your style struggles, so you stay looking and feeling your absolute best.
Prefer real-time style assistance?
Start with a complimentary consultation today.