The T-Shirt Test: What Every Well-Dressed Man Should Know
When a client tells me they want to look more pulled together, I don’t start with suits or dress shoes—I start with their T-shirts.
Why?
Because a T-shirt is deceptively simple. 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 squeezing
☐ Shirt length hits mid-to-upper-crotch — not too long, not cropped
☐ No excess fabric bunching or billowing at the sides
Tip: If in doubt, size down or take it to a tailor for a more flattering 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 draw attention—it sets the tone. It’s the foundation for your personal style, not an afterthought. And when done right, it does a lot of heavy lifting for you.