WELL CHOOSE AND WEAR THE T-SHIRT

For a long time, I neglected this garment. I had relegated him to the rank of underwear or pajamas. I wore it only under my outfits, which is also its main purpose in the beginning. Until recently I only had some t-shirts in my closet. That is to say! To talk about the t-shirt, I'm going to focus on the most basic model: a white t-shirt. But all my tips are applicable to all men's t-shirts.
As I grew up, I learned to love this garment and to understand that the white men's t-shirt is simply a casual version of the white shirt. I have resumed here all the features and details that make me choose a good t-shirt for men, to guide you in your purchases. You'll also be able to help outlooks to create perfect outfits, and I'll answer all your questions in the comments as usual!

THE T-SHIRT STORY

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This form of clothing, which has 4 openings and a round neck or V has aged. It has existed for centuries and it is difficult to date precisely its creation.
The "T" shirt takes its name from the T-shape it takes when placed on a flat surface. It was originally underwear, sometimes wool or silk, which was intended to absorb perspiration and to protect his clothes from body odors and stains. Because yes, at the time the "on" clothes were not washed as often as the "under" clothes.
With the industrial revolution and the evolution of weaving machines, cotton has gradually become a standard in the manufacture of t-shirts, replacing wool and silk. Thanks to this, the t-shirt has become comfortable and comfortable to wear. A new area could finally begin!
The expansion of the t-shirt as we know it today comes from the regulatory clothing of the military that the military received in staffing. In particular, this undergarment became the US Navy's regulation shirt in 1919, which brought him immense renown. Subsequently, it is alternately farmers, workers, and athletes who have appropriated this garment, before he made his appearance at the cinema, on the back of Clark Gable, James Dean or Steve McQueen and on blankets magazine, like that of Time. As a result, the t-shirt is everywhere today, becoming a classic in men's fashion.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MEN'S T-SHIRT?

As I told you at the beginning of the article, I'm going to focus on the white t-shirt. But you can, of course, apply these tips to all other colors. Because there is not a single t-shirt, there are 1000. With such a simple garment, the slightest detail immediately takes on a disproportionate scale.

WEIGHT AND THICKNESS OF THE FABRIC OF A T-SHIRT

To choose a t-shirt for men, you must first look at the fabric. The thickness of a fabric is judged by its weight in grams per m². This weight is called "grammage".

• Between 125 and 145 g /m², this weight will give a light and very fine t-shirt, which requires to have an extremely qualitative fabric if you want it to last in time. Generally, it's a low-end t-shirt.
• Between 145 and 165 g /m², this is the average weight, found everywhere. It's a weight that can wear your t-shirt in winter and summer.
• Between 165 and 200 g / m²  (and beyond) is the weight of a thick t-shirt, which will generally be of excellent quality, and will keep you warm.

If you do not have information on the grammage, I recommend you to ask the seller, or to gauge the eye if you find that it is a thick fabric or not. Sometimes we have to do with the means at hand!

THE COMPOSITION OF THE T-SHIRT

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You can not go 4 ways, a quality t-shirt is necessarily in a 100% cotton jersey. It is a fabric that will be on the skin, and I prefer not to wear synthetic materials. For some rare exceptions, however, a small percentage of synthetic material can be accepted, to add a little strength (nylon/polyester) or elasticity (elastane), but this must be in small quantities (about 10%).
The ideal is to opt for a Pima cotton jersey t-shirt, the "king" of cotton, with its long fibers that give a resistant, luminous and very soft fabric, or a Giza cotton, but which will be well more expensive. Favor a dense jersey. This is the best way to know for sure if a fabric will be resistant.

WHICH SHIRT CUT TO CHOOSE?

The cut of a t-shirt is its main asset. It must be straight, but never tight or too loose. You must feel good about it but never float.

The seam between the shoulder and the sleeve must fall at the level of the acromion. It is a small projecting bone that is at the angle between the shoulder plate and the extension of the armpit. If he falls lower he will certainly be too tall. If he falls higher he will be too small. A margin of error of one centimeter is acceptable!
For the length, I recommend you to take a model that does not go lower than the first third of the buttock.
The width and length of the sleeves are also very important. For length, I recommend you choose a model that falls in the middle of the biceps. You can make a small hem on your sleeve, from time to time to give style!

WHAT ARE THE FINISHES TO LOOK AT ON A T-SHIRT?

There is nothing really good about making a t-shirt. Just take cotton jersey, cut 4 pieces, and sew. And yet, the simpler it is, the more care must be taken off the last parameter. We must, therefore, pay attention to finishes and small details. The first ones are the seams.

CLEAN OVERCASTING

Once the fabric is cut, it frays on the edges. To stop this phenomenon, the seamstress (or designer) will have to overcast the fabric with a serger. This operation can be more or less well done, and can sometimes let out fabric that frays.

Be sure to always check that this finish is clean, without fraying fabric. This does not change anything about the robustness of your t-shirt, but it avoids having a dangling son and it shows special attention in the making.

TIGHT POINTS ON THE SEAMS

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As with the choice of a shirt, make sure that the seams of your t-shirt are as close as possible. This is another guarantee of quality and especially elegance, because the closer the point is, the less the seam is visible. They are usually 5 points per centimeter.

A CLEANLINESS BAND

It is a reinforcing band that finishes the inside of the collar, at the neck. It covers the seam to have a sharper rendering and especially a better comfort. The goal is not to feel the seams at the neck and shoulders at all.

A quality t-shirt has a clean band on the neck that goes down to the shoulders. A little cheaper t-shirts usually have a band only on the neck.

However, I do not explain why the Sunspel t-shirt I tested does not have a clean band. This is a high-end t-shirt at 80 €. Maybe the brand considers that its cotton is already soft enough. Mystery!

ATTENTION TO LABELS

The label in the neck is a point of weakness on a t-shirt, especially if it is not seen in the right place. If the label is stitched with the side edge and clean band of the neck of the t-shirt, it's a good sign, because it will be hung on a resistant part.

On the other hand, if the label is sewn directly on the fabric in the collar with only 2 seams or 4 points, it will be much less well attached, and will eventually pierce the fabric at the seams, as for this t-shirt. below that, I have for a few years.

WHICH T-SHIRT COLLAR TO CHOOSE?

I have a big preference for the round neck. A round neck t-shirt is always easier to wear and more elegant than a V-neck. The round neck will go perfectly under a jacket, a sweater or a cardigan for example, which is not the case of the collar. V. The round neck is also more classic and timeless. It enhances the torso and all the morphologies.

Be careful, if you decide to wear a V-neck, make sure that it is not too deep, because it is not very elegant otherwise.

THE T-SHIRT WITH POCKET OR WITHOUT POCKET?

Pocket t-shirts are often found in the brands' collections. Is it relevant to opt for such details? It's for you to see!

The pocket gives a much more casual side to the t-shirt. It can be nice to wear a t-shirt with a pocket when you do not put anything on it. It brings visual detail and more. But frankly, for this detail, it's a matter of envy.

A T-SHIRT WITH OR WITHOUT INSCRIPTIONS?

It's nice to have both in his wardrobe. First opt ​​for models without inscriptions, logos or labels to make sure you have basic essentials.

Then, when you have enough basic t-shirts, you can decorate your wardrobe with more original models, with marks or beautiful inscriptions. Just be aware that the more original the inscription/drawing, the more likely it will be ephemeral. We get tired faster of a very original piece.

Avoid humorous t-shirts in bad taste, it's really not chic and timeless!

THE HENLEY, AN ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE

If you find that the classic t-shirt is not original enough, and you want to move on, you can also try the "henley" t-shirt, which has a button placket of the collar. This is a type of casual t-shirt that can be worn alone or under a big cardigan for example. The buttoning gives a much more casual look. It can be worn completely open, or with another t-shirt underneath.