The Perfect T-Shirt

by Tracy Brent August 25, 2023

T-shirts come in many shapes and sizes. Do you know what's best for you?

Basic T-shirts are a staple in every closet. We wear them more than many other clothing items They are versatile, comfortable, and appropriate in many casual work environments. This makes it important to find the correct shape and fit for your body and your style.

Not only are they comfy and versatile, T-shirts can be fashionable.

T-shirts are versatile and are easy to build upon. A solid-color tee is a classic look, especially when paired with smart trousers and shoes. Wear a Tee under an open shirt for relaxed formality, or tuck it under a sweater for a bit of extra warmth.

A color-block or print shirt, with complimentary garments, can make for a striking look. Animal prints are a great base for a statement outfit. Pair a print with professional trousers and a jacket to put a modern twist on your everyday work clothes.

There are plenty of joys to be found in a T-shirt, but that’s only if you can get one to fit right, which can be harder than it sounds. Check out our handy guide to the perfect fit based on women’s body shapes:

Rectangle. This body shape is fairly straight, with weight event distributed – slim or classic cuts will work best.
Triangle. Also described as a pear body shape, this body shape has wider hips and bottom, with a defined waist and slim arms and shoulders – a slim cut T-shirt will put emphasis on the waist.
Hourglass. This body shape has even hip and bust measurements, with a narrower waist. A slim or classic cut will be flattering here.
Inverted Triangle. Also known as the apple shape, this means broader shoulders and bust, with narrower hips. A slim cut t-shirt will emphasize the shoulders, but a straighter cut will have a more even look.
Round. A round body shape has a large bust and a bigger midsection – a classic cut will give the most relaxed, flattering look.

Slim

Slim fit t-shirts are best for those after an athletic, “muscle” or body-hugging fit. This is a cut that will hug the body more tightly, with sleeves that will be tighter around the arms. For a really sporty fit, choose T-shirts that have a more elasticated material that means the sleeves can stretch around the arm muscles while keeping the rest of the T-shirt tight around the body.

Classic

The classic cut is smart and flattering, with well fitted shoulders and sleeves that have a comfortable amount of space around the arms. It should hang straight, just below the waist without excess material.

Baggy

The oversize T-shirt has become much more popular in recent years. You could choose a T-shirt specifically cut in this way – which means it will fit around the upper body better – or opt for a size or two bigger. While the baggy shirt has been associated with the skater or hip hop look, recently it’s become a smarter style too; a crisp oversized T-shirt in black or white can look just as smart when worn right.