The most indispensable items in our wardrobes are basic necessities. A t-shirt is one of those necessities. Even if you spend most of your work days in suits, you still can't go without a few t-shirts in your closet. We are looking at 8 most versatile t-shirts every man should have in his clothing arsenal.
Why not wear a white crew-neck t-shirt with navy jeans? Both of these items are super functional and look amazing when paired together. Why not complement your ensemble with a pair of black leather casual boots for an added touch of style?View Details
History of the T-shirt
A T-shirt is a style of shirt named after the T shape of the body and sleeves. In contrast to shirts that are made of woven cloth, t-shirts are typically made of jersey, which makes them light and easy to clean.
Today it's perfectly fine to have a t-shirt as the only piece of clothing on the top half of the body. However, originally t-shirts were worn as undergarments.
The earliest slip-on shirts without buttons date back to the early 20th century. They were white cotton crew-neck shirts with short sleeves that the U.S. marines used as undershirts and wore under a uniform.
Soon t-shirts became popular among farmers and workers in other industries as a bottom layer of clothing.
Because they were inexpensive, easily fitted and easily cleaned, t-shirts became a popular garment for kids as well.
After the World War II, it was common to see veterans use their uniform trousers and a t-shirt as casual clothing.
And after Marlon Brando wore one in 1951's Streetcar Named Desire, the t-shirt cemented its status of a fashionable, stand-alone garment.
Types of T-shirts
There are several types of t-shirts that are mostly distinguished by their necklines.
The original and most basic one is a crew-neck t-shirt.
Rock an olive crew-neck t-shirt with tan shorts to achieve an interesting and current relaxed casual outfit. To add more class to your ensemble, finish off with tan leather boat shoes.View Details
Next, there's a v-neck t-shirt.
Perfect the casually stylish outfit in an olive v-neck t-shirt and tan shorts.View Details
A polo shirt (also known as a golf or tennis shirt) is a t-shirt with a collar and a placket with two or three buttons.
No matter where the day takes you, you'll be stylishly ready in this casual pairing of an orange polo and beige horizontal striped shorts.View Details
A henley shirt is a collarless, round-neck t-shirt with a placket with 2 to 5 buttons.
A grey cotton blazer and navy chinos paired together are a perfect match.View Details
All of the above are usually short sleeve t-shirts, but they can also have long or 3/4 sleeves.
A black long sleeve t-shirt and black chinos are a good pairing worth having in your off-duty repertoire.View Details
Finally, t-shirts can also be sleeveless. These are called tanks and typically have a round neckline.
Consider wearing a grey tank and tobacco shorts if you're on the hunt for a look option that conveys edgy style.View Details
Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to what t-shirts in particular will make your clothing lineup more versatile.
8 Most Versatile T-Shirts A Man Should Own
1. White Crew-Neck T-Shirt
The original white crew-neck t-shirt is hands-down one of the most versatile pieces in your casual line-up.
You can pair it with shorts, chinos or jeans and wear as a stand-alone top in your casual summer looks.
Pair a white crew-neck t-shirt with grey jeans for both stylish and easy-to-achieve look. Tan leather work boots are an effective way to infuse a sense of stylish effortlessness into your look.View Details
Extremely dapper, this off-duty combination of a white crew-neck t-shirt and blue jeans will provide you with amazing styling possibilities. Let your styling credentials truly shine by finishing this outfit with tan suede chelsea boots.View Details
This combination of a white crew-neck t-shirt and navy chinos is perfect for casual settings. To bring out an elegant side of you, grab a pair of yellow suede loafers.View Details
Inject personality into your day-to-day casual routine with a white crew-neck t-shirt and beige shorts. Introduce white leather low top sneakers to the mix and off you go looking incredible.View Details
Alternatively, the white crew-neck is an indispensable layering piece. As a neutral color, white works with absolutely any other color (perhaps, with the exception of white, unless we're talking about a well put-together total white look).
To pull together a relaxed casual getup with a fashionable spin, rock a grey cardigan with khaki chinos. For times when this getup is just too much, tone it down by sporting a pair of white low top sneakers.View Details
Display your sophisticated self in a grey overcoat and black jeans. Round off with a pair of black leather chelsea boots to punch up this outfit.View Details
This combination of a red plaid long sleeve shirt and olive cargo pants will cement your prowess in men's fashion even on weekend days. Want to break out of the mold? Then why not complete this ensemble with a pair of burgundy leather casual boots?View Details
A black leather bomber jacket and navy jeans are a nice pairing to have in your day-to-day fashion mix.View Details
Teaming a black blazer and grey chinos is a guaranteed way to inject an elegant touch into your styling collection. For an on-trend mix, introduce white plimsolls to the equation.View Details
Consider wearing a navy bomber jacket and navy skinny jeans for killer menswear style. For a classier feel, complement your getup with a pair of brown suede derby shoes.View Details
Marrying a grey blazer with black shorts is an on-point idea for a casually sleek menswear style. A pair of black leather low top sneakers instantly revs up the cool of this ensemble.View Details
A grey plaid blazer and charcoal dress pants are an incredibly dapper combo to try. Add white low top sneakers to the mix to make a mostly classic look feel suddenly fun and fresh.View Details
This look with a navy shawl cardigan and beige chinos isn't super hard to score and easy to adapt according to circumstances. For a truly modern hi-low mix, finish with brown leather double monks.View Details
For a casual outfit, try teaming an olive quilted bomber jacket with navy jeans — these two items go beautifully together. Finishing off with a pair of tan suede brogues is a guaranteed way to add a bit of fanciness to this outfit.View Details
2. Grey Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Another neutral colored item, a grey crew-neck t-shirt works great by its own when paired with jeans (from light wash and indigo to charcoal and black) and when layered under cardigans, blazers and bombers, again in practically any other color apart from grey (or at least the same shade of grey).
If it's comfort and practicality that you're seeking in menswear, consider pairing a grey crew-neck t-shirt with light blue jeans. And if you want to easily dress down this look with footwear, why not add a pair of violet high top sneakers to your outfit?View Details
Put the dandy mode on in a charcoal suit and a grey crew-neck t-shirt. Puzzled as to how to finish? Complement your ensemble with a pair of white low top sneakers to switch things up.View Details
Consider teaming a blue denim jacket with light blue jeans for a comfy outfit that's also well put together. With shoes, take the casual route with a pair of tan suede work boots.View Details
A light blue denim shirt and white denim shorts combined together are a savvy match. Give a fun feel to this getup by rounding off with white canvas high top sneakers.View Details
Combining a navy blazer and light blue jeans is a surefire way to breathe personality into your daily wardrobe. Complement your ensemble with black leather brogues for a dose of elegance.View Details
Try pairing a blue denim shirt with charcoal jeans to put together an interesting and current off-duty outfit. Introduce a pair of black and white low top sneakers to the equation for extra style points.View Details
This pairing of a white and black horizontal striped cardigan and black jeans is on the casual side yet it's also seriously stylish and extra sharp. Complement your ensemble with black leather casual boots to completely jazz up the look.View Details
This combination of a red cotton blazer and white jeans is proof that a pared down getup doesn't have to be boring.View Details
Marry a grey crew-neck t-shirt with beige chinos for a straightforward ensemble that's also put together. Add a pair of white low top sneakers to the equation and the whole outfit will come together.View Details
This combo of a navy double breasted blazer and navy shorts strikes an interesting balance between formal and off-duty. Feeling creative today? Jazz up your outfit by slipping into brown leather loafers.View Details
3. Black Crew-Neck T-Shirt
A basic black tee is a wonderful alternative to shirts when you're going for a smart casual and evening-appropriate look. Wear it with a blazer and dark denim or chinos for drinks after work, to a club or to a semi-casual date.
For a casually sleek look, wear a black blazer with black jeans — these pieces fit beautifully together. Finishing with a pair of dark brown suede chelsea boots is an effortless way to breathe a dose of sophistication into your outfit.View Details
Team a navy bomber jacket with navy dress pants for a truly stylish ensemble. Black leather derby shoes are a tested footwear style here that's full of personality.View Details
Why not try pairing a grey double breasted blazer with grey ripped jeans? As well as very functional, these pieces look awesome worn together. Complete your ensemble with white low top sneakers to effortlesslly boost the street cred of this ensemble.View Details
This off-duty combo of a camel overcoat and light blue skinny jeans is extremely easy to put together in no time, helping you look sharp and ready for anything without spending too much time combing through your wardrobe. Go for a pair of white low top sneakers to inject a dose of stylish effortlessness into your ensemble.View Details
The pairing of an olive bomber jacket and black sweatpants makes this a kick-ass casual menswear style.View Details
This look proves it is totally worth investing in such menswear staples as a blue blazer and white chinos. Here's how to inject an extra touch of style into this getup: black embroidered suede loafers.View Details
A semi-casual pairing of a charcoal wool blazer and navy jeans is appropriate in a multitude of situations. Bring an element of stylish casualness to with a pair of black leather high top sneakers.View Details
This combination of a navy blazer and beige chinos is the perfect base for a casually sleek ensemble. Tan casual boots pull the outfit together.View Details
This combination of a grey blazer and black dress pants will add refined essence to your getup.View Details
A black suit and a black crew-neck t-shirt are the perfect base for an outfit. If you need to easily bump up your ensemble with one item, why not introduce black leather oxford shoes to your ensemble?View Details
4. White and Black Striped Crew-neck T-shirt
The easiest way to spice up a basic combination you've been wearing all week is to swap your solid t-shirt with a printed one. The safest pattern to go with would be white and black/navy stripes.
A tan cardigan and black jeans are great menswear items to have in the off-duty part of your wardrobe. Not sure how to complete your ensemble? Rock dark brown leather loafers to smarten it up.View Details
This pairing of a black suede bomber jacket and grey chinos is proof that a simple off-duty ensemble doesn't have to be boring. And if you want to effortlesslly tone down your look with shoes, throw white low top sneakers in the mix.View Details
A navy bomber jacket and blue jeans make for the ultimate laid-back look for any modern gent. You know how to elevate this look: dark brown leather casual boots.View Details
A navy blazer and blue jeans paired together are the perfect combination for those dressers who appreciate effortlessly classic combinations.View Details
For an outfit that's very straightforward but can be styled in plenty of different ways, wear a white blazer and blue jeans. Let your styling expertise really shine by complementing this ensemble with brown suede desert boots.View Details
A grey suit and a white and black horizontal striped crew-neck t-shirt are absolute must-haves if you're picking out a smart casual wardrobe that holds to the highest style standards. White leather low top sneakers will give a laid-back touch to an otherwise all-too-safe ensemble.View Details
In situations comfort is essential, consider teaming a beige cable sweater with beige chinos.View Details
A black blazer and red chinos are definitely worth being on your list of essential menswear pieces. Puzzled as to how to finish off? Add a pair of white plimsolls to the mix for a more casual touch.View Details
Team a black blazer with olive wool dress pants - this look is guaranteed to make a fashion statement. When it comes to footwear, this look is rounded off nicely with black leather dress boots.View Details
A light blue denim jacket and blue ripped jeans are certainly worth adding to your list of menswear staples. Tan suede tassel loafers are an effective way to bring an extra touch of refinement to this getup.View Details
By the way, as far as patterns are concerned, stripes are a neutral. So if you decide to go further and try some pattern mixing, go ahead! Here are a couple of ideas: introduce a paisley pocket square into your tee and blazer combo, layer a fair isle cardigan over your striped tee, or pair it with printed shorts for a summer look.
You'll be surprised at how very easy it is for any gentleman to pull together this casually smart outfit. Just a grey cotton blazer and beige chinos.View Details
Showcase that you do smart casual men's style like a pro in a black pea coat and khaki chinos. Go ahead and complement this getup with dark brown suede desert boots for a more casual spin.View Details
For a casual getup, pair a light blue denim jacket with white shorts — these items work perfectly well together.View Details
For a relaxed casual ensemble, try pairing a blue check blazer with blue jeans — these pieces work really well together. For a dressier take, why not complement this ensemble with brown leather loafers?View Details
If the setting permits a relaxed outfit, go for a white and black horizontal striped crew-neck t-shirt and navy jeans. Complement this outfit with white canvas low top sneakers and the whole ensemble will come together quite nicely.View Details
5. White V-Neck T-Shirt
Arguably less dynamic, the white v-neck tee is none the less a good alternative to your white crew-neck t-shirt when you want some variety.
Wear your white v-neck t-shirt just like your crew-neck: combined with jeans in your basic layered pairings under long sleeve shirts, cardigans, blazers and denim jacket, etc.
Show that you do classic and casual menswear like an expert in modern men's style in a black blazer and blue jeans.View Details
A grey long sleeve shirt and navy jeans paired together are a match made in heaven. For extra style points, complete your ensemble with a pair of dark brown leather desert boots.View Details
Fashionable and practical, this relaxed pairing of a navy denim jacket and black jeans will provide you with wonderful styling opportunities. If you're puzzled as to how to round off, add a pair of brown suede desert boots to the equation.View Details
If you appreciate comfortable style, consider wearing a beige knit cardigan and navy jeans.View Details
A navy wool blazer and grey wool dress pants are a refined ensemble that every dapper guy should have in his sartorial arsenal. On the shoe front, this look pairs wonderfully with black leather tassel loafers.View Details
Pair a dark brown leather bomber jacket with navy skinny jeans to create an incredibly dapper and current relaxed ensemble. As for the shoes, you can follow a more classic route with a pair of dark brown leather casual boots.View Details
Consider wearing a blue chambray long sleeve shirt and navy skinny jeans to assemble a seriously stylish and modern-looking off-duty outfit. The whole ensemble comes together brilliantly when you introduce white low top sneakers to this look.View Details
A black wool suit and a white v-neck t-shirt are an easy way to infuse some refinement into your casual routine.View Details
Wear a navy plaid blazer and blue jeans for an off-duty and trendy ensemble. Not sure how to finish off this look? Rock grey suede loafers to amp it up a notch.View Details
If you're after a laid-back and at the same time sharp outfit, wear a brown shawl cardigan and navy jeans.View Details
6. White Polo
Polos are great because they work in basic, casual combos just as well as they do in more elegant looks. And a polo in the neutral white color will go with any bottoms - dark denim, pastel chinos, you name it. Pair your white polo with jeans for a simple but put-together summer outfit or wear it with chinos and a blazer for a semi-casual dress-down-Friday-ready look.
If you're a fan of casual pairings, then you'll love this pairing of a white polo and blue jeans. Feeling bold? Switch things up with brown leather chelsea boots.View Details
Go for something effortlessly sleek and contemporary in a grey wool blazer and aquamarine chinos. Complement your look with a pair of tan leather brogues to instantly dial up the classy factor of this look.View Details
Marrying a blue denim jacket with navy plaid chinos is a comfortable and stylish option. A trendy pair of brown suede tassel loafers is an effortless way to inject an added dose of refinement into this ensemble.View Details
A white polo looks so cool and relaxed when worn with black jeans. Channel your inner Idris Elba and dress up your ensemble with brown leather chelsea boots.View Details
This smart pairing of a navy blazer and blue chinos is super easy to throw together in no time, helping you look amazing and ready for anything without spending a ton of time combing through your wardrobe. Feeling venturesome today? Break up this look by finishing with a pair of grey plimsolls.View Details
Opt for a white polo and mint chinos to parade your styling credentials. Navy canvas boat shoes are a smart idea to complement this look.View Details
Dress in a light blue vertical striped blazer and navy chinos to be the picture of masculine elegance. For something more on the daring side to complete your outfit, add a pair of white low top sneakers to the mix.View Details
For an ensemble that's truly envy-worthy, reach for a navy plaid blazer and white dress pants.View Details
This combo of a black blazer and white chinos is beyond versatile and provides a clean and proper look.View Details
7. White Henley
A white henley shirt is most appropriate for relaxed 'tee and jeans' combinations as an alternative to a white crew-neck. For a lumberjack look that ladies will love, wear an unbuttoned white henley under a red flannel shirt, paired with dark jeans and brown moc toe boots.
A white henley also looks cool when layered under long sleeve shirts and cardigans.
Go for a red and black gingham long sleeve shirt and navy jeans to create an interesting and modern-looking off-duty ensemble. We're totally digging how a pair of black leather boat shoes makes this look complete.View Details
This is hard proof that a white long sleeve henley shirt and navy jeans look awesome when paired together in an off-duty getup. To bring some extra zing to your look, complete this ensemble with brown leather brogues.View Details
The pairing of a white long sleeve henley shirt and brown chinos makes for a solid off-duty ensemble. For something more on the elegant side to complete this ensemble, introduce a pair of dark brown leather casual boots to the equation.View Details
For an outfit that's super easy but can be flaunted in a myriad of different ways, pair a navy bomber jacket with grey jeans. Complete your ensemble with a pair of grey plimsolls and you're all done and looking amazing.View Details
If you don't like spending too much time on your combos, try pairing a grey fair isle shawl cardigan with khaki chinos. Brown leather work boots are a surefire way to give a touch of stylish casualness to this outfit.View Details
Nail the casually stylish getup by opting for a grey herringbone wool blazer and khaki jeans. Throw dark brown leather casual boots into the mix for an instant style boost.View Details
This combo of a black blazer and blue ripped skinny jeans is pulled together and yet it looks relaxed and apt for anything. For a fashionable hi/low mix, add red plimsolls to the equation.View Details
Such pieces as a blue long sleeve shirt and blue jeans are the perfect way to introduce toned down dapperness into your casual styling arsenal. Now all you need is a cool pair of black leather desert boots.View Details
A beige shawl cardigan and navy wool dress pants are a good combination that will earn you the proper amount of attention. If you wish to immediately dress down your ensemble with a pair of shoes, introduce a pair of white leather low top sneakers to your outfit.View Details
This combo of a grey cotton blazer and olive chinos can only be described as seriously dapper and casually neat.View Details
8. Charcoal Crew-Neck T-Shirt
For a look in the darker palette, appropriate for evenings or colder weather, a charcoal crew-neck t-shirt will be a great option.
Marrying a charcoal wool double breasted blazer with dark brown wool dress pants is a nice idea for a smart and sophisticated outfit. Add burgundy leather derby shoes to the equation to immediately amp up the style factor of this look.View Details
We love the way this semi-casual combo of a blue suit and a charcoal crew-neck t-shirt immediately makes any man look dapper. Dark purple leather derby shoes are a fail-safe way to infuse a sense of polish into your getup.View Details
This combo of a navy shawl cardigan and navy jeans is very easy to throw together and so comfortable to wear as well! If not sure as to the footwear, stick to a pair of brown leather boat shoes.View Details
Try teaming a navy cotton blazer with grey chinos for relaxed refinement with a manly finish.View Details
Team an olive trenchcoat with black skinny jeans for both dapper and easy-to-achieve outfit. Take your look down a smarter path by rocking black leather chelsea boots.View Details
A burgundy plaid long sleeve shirt and a charcoal crew-neck t-shirt are the kind of a fail-safe casual outfit that you need when you have no extra time.View Details
Combining a charcoal wool blazer and charcoal chinos is a guaranteed way to inject personality into your wardrobe.View Details
A black leather bomber jacket and charcoal jeans are an easy way to introduce effortless cool into your casual fashion mix. Boost the formality of your look a bit by wearing black leather casual boots.View Details
This pairing of a blue denim jacket and brown cargo pants looks pulled together and makes you look instantly cooler.View Details
For a laid-back and cool look, try teaming an olive field jacket with charcoal skinny jeans — these pieces work beautifully together. Want to dress it up in the shoe department? Introduce brown leather derby shoes to the equation.View Details
Bonus: Layering Tips or How To Layer Sweaters Over T-Shirts
• Layer sweaters over crew-neck t-shirts
Wearing a basic crew-neck tee underneath a sweater is an easy way to add a touch of effortless style to your looks.
Crew-neck t-shirts certainly give you more layering opportunities than v-necks when it comes to sweaters.
So as you can see, it doesn't take that much effort for a man to look effortlessly classic. Just marry a navy pea coat with a grey crew-neck sweater and be sure you'll look awesome.View Details
This combination of a camel overcoat and charcoal chinos is a real life saver when you need to look dapper in a flash.View Details
This classy combo of a camel overcoat and brown wool dress pants is a favored choice among the sartorially superior gents.View Details
Try pairing a tan crew-neck sweater with blue jeans to pull together a truly sharp and modern-looking off-duty outfit.View Details
We love how this smart casual combination of a black overcoat and grey jeans immediately makes men look dapper.View Details
This combo of a black blazer and navy jeans is on the line between classic and casual.View Details
• Crew-neck's neckline and hem should pop out of the sweater
For crew-neck sweaters, go for the double crewneck layer and wear a tee in a contrasting color that's slightly longer than the sweater.
Putting together a black quilted bomber jacket with navy jeans is an on-point choice for an off-duty yet sharp outfit.View Details
Inject versatility into your daily off-duty arsenal with a blue denim jacket and olive chinos. For something more on the elegant side to finish off this outfit, complete your look with brown leather casual boots.View Details
Go for a white crew-neck sweater and grey shorts to assemble an everyday look that's full of style and character. If you're on the fence about how to finish off, a pair of white low top sneakers is a foolproof option.View Details
Why not consider teaming an olive leather biker jacket with grey chinos? Both of these pieces are totally functional and look cool worn together. We love how a pair of white low top sneakers makes this outfit whole.View Details
A black leather biker jacket and black jeans are a good combination to add to your day-to-day routine.View Details
For an effortlessly classic outfit, try pairing a navy double breasted blazer with navy jeans — these two items play perfectly well together.View Details
You'll be amazed at how extremely easy it is for any gent to get dressed this way. Just a charcoal wool blazer and charcoal jeans. Amp up the cool of your getup by finishing with a pair of white high top sneakers.View Details
• Avoid too high contrast when pairing a crew-neck tee with a v-neck sweater
For a more elegant take, go tonal and opt for a crew-neck t-shirt in the same family color, when layering under a v-neck pullover; or at least don't turn up the contrast too high.
For a casually cool ensemble, consider teaming a grey v-neck sweater with a grey crew-neck t-shirt — these items work really good together.View Details
Marry a grey v-neck sweater with navy jeans to assemble a seriously dapper and current casual outfit.View Details
Display your polished self by wearing a tan v-neck sweater and grey plaid dress pants. Up the ante of your outfit by finishing off with a pair of black leather loafers.View Details
Choose a grey v-neck sweater and black jeans to put together an interesting and modern-looking casual outfit.View Details
This relaxed combo of an olive v-neck sweater and navy chinos is extremely easy to pull together in no time, helping you look stylish and ready for anything without spending too much time combing through your closet.View Details
A hot pink v-neck sweater and navy shorts? It's an easy-to-style look that any man can wear on a day-to-day basis. Let your outfit coordination sensibilities really shine by completing your outfit with a pair of white low top sneakers.View Details
• Layer under zip and button necks
For cold weather, a crew-neck t-shirt popping from a zip or a button-neck sweater and paired with jeans or a pair of wool trousers makes for a great casual or semi-casual look.
This combination of a blue denim jacket and grey chinos is hard proof that a safe casual ensemble doesn't have to be boring. On the fence about how to round off? Introduce blue athletic shoes to the mix to mix things up.View Details
Reach for a navy gilet and grey chinos for a casual and cool and stylish look.View Details
Make a black zip neck sweater and grey jeans your outfit choice for comfort dressing with a modern take.View Details
Team a black zip neck sweater with beige shorts for a laid-back kind of refinement.View Details
An orange zip neck sweater and white shorts are the kind of casual staples that you can wear for years to come.View Details
A black zip neck sweater and black jeans are a good look to keep in your casual styling routine.View Details
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