How to Wear a T-Shirt: 12 Outfit Ideas for Guys

The t-shirt may be a basic garment, but there are tons of ways to work it into your outfit. Here are our favorite outfit ideas that incorporate the humble tee.

It’s easy to think of the t-shirt as nothing more than a base layer. After all, you probably throw one on every morning as part of your daily wardrobe.

And yes, the t-shirt is as simple as it gets, but it’s a staple for a reason. It’s lasted so long because it’s an incredibly versatile garment that works with virtually any outfit in any season.

Because it’s so versatile, you can easily style it up or down as you need. That said, t-shirts can only be styled up so much, so they’re better for outfits in the range of casual to smart casual. Still, a t-shirt can be dressier than you might think.

You might be thinking that t-shirts are mostly for hanging out or going to the gym. While that’s true, you can also look fresh and fashionable in a tee. There are plenty of stylish ways to wear a t-shirt that make it the star of the show instead of the unsung hero working behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite styles that feature the t-shirt. Whether you need a breezy summer outfit or a more layered spring look, we’ve got something for you.

Types of T-shirts

The t-shirt might be one of the simplest garments, but it has a lot of variations. While the classic crewneck is probably what you think of as a typical t-shirt, there are lots of other types that are just as popular.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular types of t-shirts:

Crewneck

For many guys, the terms “t-shirt” and “crewneck” are synonymous.

The crewneck is still the most popular t-shirt type, and it’s never gone out of style. Its simple rounded collar and comfy fit go with just about any outfit.

V-neck

The v-neck combines the style and fit of the classic t-shirt and a V-shaped collar that changes up the look a little.

V-necks can have shallow or deep necklines, and we think the more shallow necklines are great for a variety of outfits.

Henley

The Henley tee is a unique variation of the t-shirt that features a short row of buttons descending from the neckline.

This gives the Henley its trademark Y-shaped neckline that can be buttoned or unbuttoned to suit a range of styles.

Pocket

The pocket t-shirt is another simple variation, but it can be styled just as well as any other type of shirt.

The pocket serves both fashion and function, and it adds a nice casual touch as well.

Raglan (Baseball)

The raglan t-shirt, more commonly known as the baseball t-shirt, is fairly different from any other t-shirt variation.

What sets the raglan apart is its seamless sleeves that allow for more room and movement. In fact, the term raglan is often used for any shirt with a raglan-type sleeve, not just the baseball-inspired raglan t-shirt.

Our Favorite T-Shirt Outfits

Now that you’re well acquainted with the different types of t-shirts out there, here are some of our favorite outfit ideas.

#1: Classic T-Shirt & Jeans

This outfit needs little explanation. The t-shirt with jeans look is always a safe bet for any casual situation.

The best part about this outfit is its versatility. You can mix and match virtually any shirt and jean type and get a good result.

You can also wear it to just about anywhere that doesn’t require a more formal appearance, so whether you’re working from home or going to the park, you can rock this outfit.

#2: T-Shirt and Shorts

Admit it: you saw this one coming. This is a timeless summer look that you can wear to the beach, at home or anywhere in between.

Of course, you have to have the right pair of shorts that look good and fit well, so check out our guide on shorts here if you haven’t yet.

#3: OCBD Shirt Over T-Shirt

The Oxford cotton button down shirt (OCBD) is one of the most versatile shirts you can get, so it’s probably not surprising that it goes well with a t-shirt.

This easy two-layer outfit is simple with a touch of sophistication, showing that you can be both classy and casual. It’s a good outfit for casual situations or even some more laid-back smart casual atmospheres.

#4: T-Shirt & Jacket

For chilly-but-not-too-chilly days, a t-shirt and jacket combo is a solid outfit.

You’ll get a boost of warmth to ward off the crispiness in the air, but you won’t be sweating. (And that means no pit stains.)

#5: V-Neck & Jacket w/ Rolled Up Sleeves

Another great look for those colder days, this simple pairing makes good use of the v-neck’s more pronounced neckline.

Rolling up the sleeves adds to the casual vibe and complements the v-neck nicely.

#6: Casual Shirt & Hoodie

You can’t go wrong with the combination of a cool t-shirt and a relaxed hoodie.

While you can opt for a solid color shirt, wearing a patterned or graphic tee with a hoodie creates a nice bit of contrast and adds variety to your outfit.

#7: Pocket Tee & Denim Jacket

The denim jacket is another garment that’s a staple in many a man’s closet.

Roll up the sleeves and throw it over a pocket t-shirt, and you’ve got an easygoing, carefree look that’s great for summer or even spring.

#8: Pocket Tee & Chinos

The pocket t-shirt is usually worn in more casual outfits, but you can easily work it into a smart casual look.

Here it’s paired with a pair of crisp salmon chinos, white sneakers and a stylish hat. (The watch is another cool touch, but I’m a bit biased.)

#9: With a Cardigan

The cardigan is a surprisingly versatile garment. Most of the time, it’s one layer in a multi-layered look, but you can also just throw it over a t-shirt and look great.

That said, this tends to work best with thinner cardigans, but some thicker cardigans will work.

For instance, a chunky shawl neck looks great over a t-shirt, but a belted cardigan might look a little odd.

#10: Henley with Cardigan and Jeans

Henleys also work really well with cardigans.

The t-shirt with jeans look is fantastic on its own, but add the cardigan into the mix and you’ve got a casual yet sophisticated outfit that’s perfect for fall and spring.

#11: With a Blazer

Yep, you read that right. It sounds like a mistake you’d make while half-asleep, but wearing a t-shirt underneath a blazer actually makes for a great business casual look (although it’s admittedly more on the casual side).

It’s another good outfit for early or mid-spring when the weather heats up.

#12: As a Layering Piece

When you’re layering, a t-shirt is usually going to be your base layer. So why not work it into the outfit itself?

This works especially well if you use contrasting colors. In the outfit above, the gold-brown t-shirt complements the cool tones of the blue vest and grey cardigan.

Conclusion

I hope this article has inspired you to rethink the role of the t-shirt in your wardrobe. It’s a garment a lot of us take for granted, but it packs a hefty punch.

How do you style your t-shirts? Did any of these outfit ideas catch your eye? Tell us how you’re wearing tees in the comment section below.