Did you know that the T-Shirts and Singlets market in the U.S. generates over $22 billion yearly revenues?

That’s right!

After all, the average American (as of 2016) buys about five pieces of clothing every month. That translates to about 60 garments purchased in a year.

If that surprised you, wait until you read this:

A study found that Americans haven’t used 82% of their clothes a year before the survey.

One likely reason is that they don’t like how their clothes look and how they look in these garments. Or, they simply haven’t found the best T-shirt style, fit, and material yet. As such, they end up buying more in the hopes of finding the best tees that can make them feel and look good.

Sounds familiar?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how you should go about choosing t-shirts and wearing them like a fashion pro!

The Best T-Shirt Fits You to a T

First, let’s talk about how a tee should fit your body. For starters, it should emphasize your body’s best attributes without being too clingy. It should sit close to your skin without restricting your movement or digging into your skin.

Keep in mind that studies have found a link between skin-tight clothing and heartburn. That’s because super tight clothes can constrict muscles. Such ill-fitting garments may even cause a condition called compartment syndrome.

At the same time, the tee shouldn’t be too loose, or you may end up looking a few centimeters shorter. Baggy shirts may also make you look younger but in a bad, sloppy way. Take note that these apply to both men’s and women’s t-shirts.

Moreover, in women, oversized shirts can make you look like you’ve gained a few pounds. While boyfriend shirts are no doubt comfy, they’re often best worn at home. Unless of course, you feel very confident rocking the “I-woke-up-like-this” look outdoors.

T-Shirt Sizing Tips

Perfectly-fitting t-shirts for men and women are all about comfort and correct sizing. That said, make sure you keep the following sizing tips in mind when trying out tees.

Length

Choose tees that are long enough that you can tuck them into the waistband of your shorts or pants. Make sure they’re not that long that they bunch up at your waist. Stick to a tee length that at least covers the waistband of your pants.

Shoulders and Sleeves

Be sure the seams (the part where the sleeves join the shirt) fall over the bony edge of your shoulders. Also, the sleeves should be loose enough around your underarm area. As for sleeve length, its edge should rest around your upper arm area, or at least, not extending past your elbows.

When you try out a shirt, pay careful attention to the armhole. The bottom-most part shouldn’t be pressing onto your underarm. If it does, it means the shirt is too tight and will constrict your movement.

Abdomen

Too loose tops won’t emphasize a woman’s curves. In men, shirts that are a little too baggy will mask the shape of their body. Too-tight ones, on the other hand, will enhance every detail of the tummy.

That said, go for a top that slightly follows your body’s profile. The safest (and most comfortable) choice in most cases is the tapered-cut style.

Neck

While trying out a t-shirt, raise both of your arms. The hole shouldn’t be too big that the shirt’s neckline reveals more than half of your collarbone. Neither should the gap be too small that it already closes around your throat.

The V vs the Crew

Not a lot of people are lucky enough that they can get away looking awesome in either a V-neck or a crew neck shirt.

In most cases though, crew necks are better for men who have sloped shoulders. The round shape of the neckline helps make the shoulders look broader.

In women, crew neck tops work well for ladies who have a small to medium bust line or a long neck.

V-neck tees are great for men who want to look a bit taller. In women with large busts, the V-neck line helps improve comfort.

Material Matters

Did you know that over 50 million folks in the U.S. suffer from some form of allergy? Unfortunately, some allergens are often found in the clothes we wear. Some of these include polyester, rubber, and nickel.

That said, it may be best to stick to fabrics made of 100% cotton, like what they use in these Souther tshirts. Pure cotton fabrics are hypoallergenic, making them unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. This is also the reason that cotton is always present in medical and health facilities.

Nothing Beats Neutral

All men and women should at least have a few plain t-shirts in basic colors. For one, because monochrome shirts are super easy to match with other clothes. Second, each basic color also serves an extra “look-boosting” purpose.

For instance, white works great on all skin tones. Black t-shirts are the go-to for almost any outfit combination. Gray is great for accentuating body shape.

Bravo for Bold Colors

We did say it’s a must to have some plain tees in your cabinet, but this doesn’t mean you can’t go for other colors. T-shirts are so versatile, so their colors are easy to experiment with. If you’re always wearing earth tones, tees can help you find a bolder hue that complements your skin tone.

You may want to start with dark blues and greens, which can make you look slimmer. Whereas reds and purples can give you a more “assertive”, energetic vibe.

Remember, your clothes — especially their color — can affect the way you feel. That’s why you should have at least a couple of yellow shirts in your wardrobe, in case you’re feeling down and blue.

Stop Guessing What T-Shirt Style Looks Best on You

There you have it, your ultimate guide to choosing the best t-shirt. With perfectly-fitting tees, you can definitely rock the casual look and make it look more fab. Also, you can stop wasting money on shirts that don’t fit you or don’t make you feel good.

The most important thing, however, is that in a way, the best shirts can help you reduce your textile waste. Since you’ll likely use these tops for a long time, you’ll have fewer clothes that end up in landfills. You can do your part in saving the world one t-shirt at a time.

Ready for more inspiration and tips on how to dress like a pro? Then be sure to bookmark the Fashion section of this site so you can keep checking back in for more!

 Share