The T-Shirt Test: What Every Well-Dressed Man Should Know

When a client says they want to look more pulled together, I don’t reach for suits or shiny shoes. I head straight for their T-shirts.

Why?


Because if your basics aren’t working, the rest doesn’t stand a chance.

It’s the one item almost every man wears, almost every day. And yet most guys get it wrong—think loud graphics, oversized fits, or tees that look like they’ve survived a decade of sweaty workouts.

The right T-shirt makes you look cleaner, stronger, more intentional—even in jeans and sneakers. The wrong one drags down your entire outfit.

So whether you're layering it under a jacket or wearing it solo to a casual dinner, your T-shirt needs to pass a few tests.

Here’s the checklist I give every client:

The Ultimate T-Shirt Checklist for the Well-Dressed Man

FIT

☐ Shirt gently skims the body (not too tight, not too baggy)
☐ Shoulder seams hit right at the edge of your shoulders
☐ Sleeves lightly hug the upper arm without constricting
☐ Shirt length hits mid-to-upper-crotch — not too long, not cropped
☐ No excess fabric billowing at the sides

Tip: If in doubt, size down or take it to a tailor for the perfect fit.

FABRIC

☐ Mid-weight cotton (Pima or Supima preferred) or cotton blend
☐ Feels soft but holds structure
☐ Not see-through or clingy
☐ No excessive stretch — retains shape after multiple wears


Avoid ultra-thin or overly stretchy fabrics — they don’t age well.

COLORS

☐ Black
☐ White
☐ Navy
☐ Medium gray


Stick to these versatile core tones to pair with anything.

STYLE

☐ Crew neck or shallow V-neck — choose based on personal preference
☐ No large graphics, logos, or slogans
☐ No distressing, holes, stains, or excessive fading


A clean, solid-colored tee is always more elevated and timeless.

CARE

☐ Wash in cold water on gentle cycle
☐ Hang or lay flat to dry
☐ Skip the dryer to prevent shrinkage or breakdown
☐ Replace worn or stretched-out tees regularly

Final Thought:
A great T-shirt doesn’t shout for attention — it just gets it. It’s not an afterthought; it’s the opening line of your style story. Get it right, and suddenly it’s doing all the heavy lifting while you just stand there looking effortlessly put-together.

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Upgrade Your Casual Friday: Easy Outfit Ideas Every Man Should Know