The T-shirt. It’s the most basic, versatile piece in a wardrobe. It comes in all shapes and fabrics. And nearly everybody owns at least one. Here are some tips to turn your tee into a fashion statement.
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Choosing the right fit
Fit is extremely important, T-shirt makers say. You can find slim, classic or relaxed styles.
The slim fit hugs the body and molds to every curve, said Carla Majure, vice president of product strategy at Hanes. The classic fit has a tailored look that still shows off curves without clinging to them. The relaxed fit provides the ultimate comfort. It gives people room to move, Majure said.
Flattering necklines
Necklines play a huge part in accentuating or minimizing body parts, particularly the neck and chest. Large-busted women should opt for V-necks or other semi-plunging necklines.
“V-necks are more slimming,” Majure said. “They draw the eye in a vertical direction, giving the illusion of a slimmer figure.”
Asymmetrical necklines and scooped necklines are another way to camouflage large chests, said Betsy Thompson, a Talbot’s spokeswoman.
Women with small chests can wear higher necks and sleeveless T-shirts to accentuate their arms and shift attention from their bustlines.
Fabric choices
Layering is a great way to wear T-shirts. Tissue weights are a current style that allows for layering. These light shirts are made of fine, sheer knit, Majure said. The tissue weights are a great way for people to wear long-sleeved T-shirts year-round.
“What looks really cute right now is a knee-length skirt paired with a little T-shirt underneath a tissue-weight tee,” she said.
T-shirts made of a cotton and rayon mix afford a dressier look. They usually have some stretch to them and look great underneath jackets or with trousers.
Color
Color is blooming in the T-shirt industry. Everyone knows about the basic white T-shirt, and most people probably own several. But spring colors light up an outfit. From sunny yellow to periwinkle to peach to apple green, T-shirts allow people to add pizzazz to their basic black suits or white cropped pants.
A casual Friday look could pair a white T-shirt with a fitted denim jacket and khaki pants, Thompson suggests. She also recommends turning up the collar on the jacket for a slightly edgier look. A T-shirt with a lightweight sweater tied around the shoulders and a pencil skirt make a great office look, she said.
“There are infinite possibilities,” Thompson said. “The T-shirt is the most versatile foundation piece of a wardrobe.”
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])