The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Men’s T-Shirt
A sharp wardrobe starts with solid basics — and nothing is more essential than the perfect tee.
T-shirts are the unsung heroes of every man’s closet. Worn solo, layered under a jacket, or paired with tailored trousers — they’re endlessly versatile when done right.
But not all tees are created equal. If you’ve ever bought one that lost its shape, clung in all the wrong places, or looked better on the hanger than on you… you know the pain.
Here’s how to separate a great T-shirt from a throwaway, and get the most style mileage out of yours.
1. Fit First. Always.
The most expensive tee won’t work if the fit is off. Fit is what makes a basic piece look intentional.
What to look for:
Shoulders: Seams should sit right at the edge of your shoulder.
Chest: Snug but not tight — flatter your torso, don’t squeeze it.
Sleeves: Should gently hug your arms without cutting off circulation.
Length: The hem should hit mid-fly — not cropped, not billowing.
Pro tip: If a tee is almost right, size down or take it to a tailor. Yes, even T-shirts can be tailored — it makes a world of difference.
2. Stick to Core Colors
Want maximum versatility? Build your rotation around these four:
Black
White
Navy
Medium Gray
These go with everything — jeans, joggers, suiting, shorts. Start neutral, save the bold colors, patterns, and prints for later.
3. Avoid T-Shirt Traps
A few quick missteps can make any tee look sloppy:
❌ Bad Fit — Boxy, oversized, or skin-tight. Fit matters most.
❌ Sheer or Thin Fabric — Lightweight is fine, flimsy is not.
❌ Big Logos or Graphics — Unless intentional, skip them. They age fast.
❌ Worn Out / Distressed Tees — Holes, stains, or stretched collars scream “careless.”
4. Choose the Right Fabric
Fabric makes a difference in how your tee drapes, feels, and lasts.
Best picks:
Pima or Supima cotton — soft, durable, elevated.
Cotton/modal blends — smooth, breathable, great for summer.
Skip anything scratchy, see-through, or prone to stretching after one wash.
5. Wash & Care Matters
The quickest way to ruin a great tee? High heat in the dryer.
Keep your tees sharp:
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
Skip the dryer — hang or lay flat to dry
Use mild detergent; avoid bleach
Replace faded or stretched tees promptly
A crisp, fresh tee always reads sharper.
Final Thought
A great T-shirt isn’t “just a basic.” It’s a foundational piece that makes every other item in your closet look better. Fit it right, choose quality fabrics, and care for it properly — suddenly your wardrobe works harder for you.
Need help dialing in the perfect fit, fabric, and rotation for your shape and lifestyle? That’s exactly what we do at Brandi Hearn Personal Styling.
Brandi is a personal stylist with over a decade of experience helping men show up with confidence and ease. She offers tailored style solutions that take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so you look sharp and feel great, no matter the occasion.