Different Types Of T-Shirts

Do you know the history of t-shirt, the different types of t-shirt styles and the many ways you can style them? If not? Please continue to read this elaborate post to find out everything about the t-shirt.

History of the t-shirts

The t-shirt has a fascinating history. The prototype of the t-shirt was created in the US in the late 1800s and has since then been modified several times to become the t-shirt as we know it today and one of the most versatile men’s wear.

In 1950, the famous actor Marlo Brando wore a white t-shirt in the movie A Streetcar Named Desire. In 1955, the Actor Jim Stark played the character James Dean and also wore a white t-shirt in the 1995 movie Rebel Without a Cause. These two actors skyrocketed the popularity of the t-shirt as a stand-alone outerwear garment. This transformed the t-shirt from a much-needed workwear garment to currently being an unmissable piece in fashion. This 100-year-old garment is now part of every man’s wardrobe.

Different types of t-shirt necklines

When it comes to t-shirts, the necklines are essential features as they define the look of the t-shirt. Here are the most popular necklines that give the t-shirt its modern aesthetic.

• Crew neck

The crew neck t-shirt is dubbed the most universal t-shirt because men often wear them. The most prominent feature of this t-shirt is the circular neckline that fits snugly at the neck. This t-shirt is best suitable for men with narrow-shaped faces and sloped shoulders. Men who want to create a timeless look can opt for the crew neck t-shirt.

• V neck

This type of t-shirt is characterized by the V shape it forms at the neck.

The V shape neckline is best suited for men with round faces and broad shoulders as it flatters their body type and gives them a slimmer look. The V-neckline t-shirt can be worn with an unbuttoned shirt on top of it to make the neckline disappear from underneath the shirt.

• Henley Y neck

The Henley t-shirt is often denoted as a mix between the V- neckline – and the crew t-shirts. This t-shirt is characterized by its buttoning placket at the neckline that increases the look and its machismo. This t-shirt type is perfect for men with a well-built muscular chest.

• Polo neck

Polo t-shirts became famous because golfers often wear them. The polo neck t-shirt is characterized by its collar combined with buttons which gives it a sense of sophistication and formality. This t-shirt type is best suited for men with lean frames.

• Scoop neck

The scoop neck type is simply a different variation of the crew neck type. With the scoop neck type, the round neckline is lowered to a few inches below the collarbone. This neckline type is best suited for the metrosexual look.

Different types of t-shirt sleeves

The most usual types of sleeves for upper body clothes are Raglan and Set-In.

• Set-in sleeve

The ‘Set-In’ sleeve also known as a ‘Drop Sleeve’ is seamed around the shoulder and the arms.

• Raglan sleeve

The cut and design part of the raglan sleeve is similar to that of the baseball uniforms. This sleeve type is diagonally attached to the t-shirt instead of the common generic straight up and down the seam.

What is the difference between a raglan sleeve and a set-in sleeve?

There are several not-so-subtle differences between these two types of sleeves, however, you might not notice these differences unless there are contrasting colours present in the clothes.

For t-shirt wearers, raglan is a lot easier to move in, however it is also pricier. Set-in sleeves on the other hand are cheaper and can also be produced a lot faster.

Raglan is most notably casual and sporty looking while Set-in looks a little more formal.

Women usually find t-shirts with a Raglan sleeve more flattering as it doesn’t sharpen their shoulders.

People with large upper arms may find t-shirts with raglan sleeves to be more fitting as this sleeve has a wider underarm area.

Types of sleeve length

The fit and cut of the sleeves of a garment can separate the man who knows the shirt that best fit him and the man who only wants to impress. Let’s look at the most known sleeve lengths and who should wear them.  

• Sleeveless

The sleeveless t-shirt has a deep neckline and straps that range from covering the shoulders to very thin straps. Sleeveless t-shirts are often also called tank tops. This t-shirt complements heavy muscular bodies very well as the wearer can proudly show off their toned body.

• Cap sleeves  

The cap sleeves add a funky twist to the regular sleeves. They extend to some distance over the shoulders without coverage under the arm to form a cap-like extension.

• Half, three-quarter sleeve  

The most traditional type of streetwear t-shirt for men. The best way to wear it is to ensure that the sleeve hits the midpoint of your upper arm and hugs the biceps snugly.

This type of sleeve covers the entire upper arm ending below the elbow and reaching varying lengths on the forearm.

• Short sleeve and long sleeve

These types of sleeves need no introduction as they are one of the staple t-shirts worn by most men. Short-sleeved T-shirts are undoubtedly men’s favourite summer wear. It is comfortable and convenient and can be worn with any pants. Long sleeves were always associated with shirts but made the crossover to t-shirts, and the resulting look is nothing shy of a fashion favourite.

T-shirts of different fits

An ill-fitting t-shirt can be the ultimate deal breaker in terms of style. On the other hand, a well-fitted t-shirt will do wonders for your appearance. A good fit means that the t-shirt should fit snugly around your torso with enough room for air to circulate and be able to flatter your body shape.

If your t-shirt appears baggy with the sleeves flopping down and drapes lifelessly over your torso, you know that you have gone up one size too many. Contrarily, if the t-shirt makes your belly and arms ooze out of the tee in weird ways, then it looks like you are trying too hard with a small sized tee. Guys with broad shoulders and a narrow waist should always opt for tapered cuts that draw attention to the waist and projects an attractive V-shaped silhouette.

• Slim fit

A slim fit tee is also known as a body fit tee because it hugs the shape of your body rather than hanging over it lifelessly. It acts as the perfect undershirt and can be paired with a shirt, jacket or a pullover. This is also the type of T-shirt that best shows off your muscles.

• Oversized

These have made a comeback from the 90’s and finds a place in an evolved fashionable man’s wardrobe along with the slim fits. But be cautious that a baggy fit does not necessarily mean oversized but rather something wider and loose in the sleeves area.

• Muscle fit  

Men with broad shoulders and muscular body types can make the most out of these body-hugging muscle fit tees. Gym lovers can flaunt their best assets while donning the muscle tee. Pair it with white chinos, and you are all set.

• Boxy fit

Don’t let the name fool you. The boxed fit longline t-shirt has a purpose, and it’s not just a square, boxy cut. Boxed fit longline t-shirts are perfect for layering and feature longer sleeves that hit at the elbow.

The shoulders are more square than a regular t-shirt and, rather than tapering down, and the hem is almost as wide as the shoulders. There’s ample room underneath the t-shirt, allowing you to pop in a crisp shirt and pull the collars out of the crew neck.

Different t-shirt length

• Longline/ Tall

Longline is a relatively new term in fashion. It describes clothing garments that are longer in length than what would be considered a regular cut or length. So basically in most cases, they are not just longer with also oversized, while it is not necessary that both of those features need to be present together. It totally depends on your personal style.

• Cropped

Cropped t-shirt, the exact opposite of a longline T-shirt, is a short-length shirt. It is a top that exposes the waist, navel, or abdomen. It is a favourite of young girls as this t-shirt gives a vibrant look and shows off their beautiful waistline.

Different t-shirt styles

• Pocketed t-shirt

Pocket tees are just that; they carry a pocket on the left breast of the t-shirt. The pocket is an interesting addition and when in a complementary color can add a dash of vibrancy to any monotone t-shirt.

• Hooded t-shirts

With hoodies,  you get an added level of sophistication that can hardly be found in any other style.. Its athleisure appeal is perfect for gym travel or while playing football with your homies.

• Graphic t-shirts

Oddly enough, the graphic tee finds its origin on celluloid in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. Since then, pop culture has had a significant influence on such t-shirts with all sorts of artistic displays making the t-shirt its canvas. It is an appealing way to make a laid-back style statement.

• Printing t-shirt

From trending slogans to customized prints, wear your heart on your sleeves, and shirt by adding spunk to your monotone outfit. Pair it with blue jeans and smart sneakers to balance out the overall look.

• Plain t-shirt

Plain t-shirts are the staple of a man’s wardrobe. They are called classic for a reason after all. There is nothing more charming than a man donning a white tee that fits perfectly.

• Curved hem

A curved hem t-shirt gets it name from the rounded bottom hemline. The standard hemline t-shirt style is a straight cut, and streetwear styles often favour the curved hem. This means a longer style but with easy access to pockets and a figure-hugging fit.

Some last words

The casual and laid-back look of t-shirts has long been experimented with to give us looks like semi-casual and sporty and everything in between. The cool thing about different types of t-shirts is that it can be modified in a million ways to create umpteen styles and yet it will retain its essence as the longest-standing garment of choice for men.

So if you’re a start-up clothing brand, I highly recommend starting with t-shirts. After all, who doesn’t need a t-shirt that can be worn on any occasion? T-shirt is a big cake, only those brands that can offer customers the t-shirt with affordable, comfortable and uniquely designed gain a piece of the cake.