In the landscape of men’s fashion, the significance of how and when we were shirts cannot be overlooked. From leisurely weekends to semi-formal gatherings, the choices are vast. However, for those looking to narrow down the choices; T-shirts, shirts, polo shirts, and Henleys stand out as the key foundational pieces in every man’s closet, each with distinct characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. Let's have a look at these wardrobe essentials in terms of their similarities and differences, their costs, stylings, and accessory pairings.
1. T-Shirt: Casual Simplicity for Everyday Comfort
T-shirts epitomise comfort and simplicity, making them indispensable in every man's casual repertoire. Their unassuming nature, coupled with a myriad of styles, colours, and fabrics, makes them incredibly versatile and adaptable to different settings. Do bear in mind that T-shirts are for casual occasions - the beach, a hot walk, around the house etc. I wouldn't recommend wearing a T-shirt on a formal occasion or a date, a gentleman never would. Another thing to note, when choosing your t-shirts, always aim for simple colours and patterns - whether you choose a plain white Tee or a black Tee, that is your choice. But the sophisticated gentleman does not wear logo t-shirts or funny slogan t-shirts. I have plenty that I collected during my years of backpacking, sporting the logos of various beer brands from around the world. But these are not ones that I generally wear out of the house, these are for lazy Sundays or for doing DIY in (caveat, all men should know how to perform basic DIY in their home).
Personally I wouldn't recommend spending large sums of your hard-earned money on t-shirts. The benefits of a t-shirt start to significantly under-weigh the cost if you're spending too much buying them, and a reasonably priced and quality t-shirt will last you a very long time. I buy all my t-shirts (and half of my polo shirts) from Uniqlo as I find their simple style perfect for me, the quality is good and the cost is extremely reasonable. I have 3 black ones, 2 white ones and 2 grey ones, some of which I bought at least 7 or 8 years ago. I tend to replace the white ones more regularly as they end up with stains and marks on them more easily, but it's still no large cost to do so every couple of years.
Benefits of a T-shirt:
- Generally very comfortable
- Available in an wide range of styles, including crew neck, V-neck, and scoop neck
- Affordable and widely accessible
- Seamless integration into both casual and semi-formal outfits
- Ideal for layering beneath shirts or jackets during transitional seasons
Drawbacks:
- Not exactly suitable for formal occasions or professional settings
- Quality may vary across price ranges (remember that T-shirts can cost $3 or $300)
- Susceptible to wrinkling and stretching over time, especially with lower-quality fabrics
Styling Tip: Elevate a plain white T-shirt by pairing it with dark denim jeans and minimalist sneakers for a timeless casual look. For added flair, you can layer this with a bomber jacket or blazer to add a little more sophistication in an effortless look.
2. Shirt: Striking the Balance Between Casual and Refined
Classic shirts, renowned for their button-down elegance, offer a harmonious blend of casual charm and sartorial refinement. Shirts are probably the most important staple of any man's wardrobe, and have been for decades. If you look back in any old images, you'll see men wearing shirts. Shirts are timeless and for good reason, as they define a man's look and are versatile in numerous ways. Available in an assortment of fabrics, patterns, and fits, they cater to an enormous spectrum of occasions and style preferences. Shirts make up a lot of my daily wear, primarily due to the fact that I wear a suit to work, so I have a large number of white and lightly coloured shirts for this reason alone. I choose white shirts when I work for 3 reasons; I don't have to think about it, they pair with everything, they define the term "white collar" over "blue collar" and make you look more sophisticated in a business setting. Bonus reasons are that if I choose to go out after work, I can just unbutton it slightly and roll the sleeves up and I instantly look casual but sharp. Also it helps to accentuate your skin tone - which for a bald man is something we should be considering.
In the past I bought all of my smart shirts from TM Lewin, as again I found their fit and style to be the most suitable for me and my body type. Unfortunately they high street stores closed down during the COVID pandemic and I prefer to try on my shirts before I buy them. So I switched to Hawes & Curtis, who make a very similar range and style at a similar price, which also fit my body well. I also had a number of shirts tailor made when I lived in Vietnam, many of which I still use as they were high quality and have lasted a huge amount of time. If you get this opportunity I would recommend it, however be sure to choose a non-tourist focused tailor as you will more likely get a better product.
Benefits:
- Versatility spanning from casual outings to semi-formal events
- Diverse patterns, encompassing checks, stripes, solids, and prints
- Elevated aesthetic appeal compared to T-shirts, suitable for professional environments
- Amenable to layering with sweaters or jackets during cooler climates
- Longevity and durability when maintained with care
Drawbacks:
- Prone to wrinkling, will need regular ironing for a polished appearance (even many non-iron fabrics will still need a little)
- Higher quality options and brand named shirts may cost significantly more
- Some styles may feel restrictive in comparison to the relaxed fit of T-shirts
Styling Tip: Infuse sophistication into your look by donning a chambray or Oxford shirt paired with tailored chinos and suede desert boots. This smart-casual combination is perfect for leisurely brunches or casual Fridays at the workplace.
3. Polo Shirt: Sporty Sophistication
Polo shirts epitomize sporty elegance, seamlessly merging the comfort of a t-shirts with the polished look of a shirt. Originating as athletic wear, they have become a wardrobe staple, allowing men to give off a refined but relaxed demeanour. Polo shirts are by no means a smart item, in the eyes of a true gentleman they should still be considered casual wear. My rule is that a polo shirt is about as casual as I will go anywhere outside in warm weather if I'm meeting anyone or attending any kind of event (I will still wear a t-shirt to the supermarket or for a walk in the sun sometimes). A bald gentleman should look at a polo shirt in almost the same way he looks at a t-shirt. These should be fairly simple, plain designs, for casual wear, ideally well fitting but not overly tight. The polo shirt is essentially a t-shirt with a collar - which I personally like as it can accentuate your neck if yours is on the thinner side; a lesser talked about trait of the masculine man is a thicker neck.
As mentioned previously, I tend to buy most of my polo shirts from Uniqlo for exactly the same reasons as the t-shirts; the simple style, well fitted, reasonably priced and good quality. For a popular choice that is a step above Uniqlo, try Ralph Lauren (which are synonymous with Polo shirts).
Benefits:
- Can be used for casual outings and semi-formal settings
- Collared design allows for a slight air of sophistication and versatility
- Fabric variations including cotton, pique, and performance blends cater to diverse preferences
- Their tailored fit offers a more sleek silhouette, distinct from standard T-shirts
- Minimal upkeep required as they are quite resistant to wrinkles and unlikely to need ironing
Drawbacks:
- Collar may lose its shape over time, diminishing the overall appearance
- Discrepancies in quality are common across different brands and price brackets
- Somewhat limited colour and pattern selections compared to shirts
Styling Tip: Embrace timeless elegance by pairing a polo shirt with tailored shorts or pants and smart leather loafers, epitomizing a classic summer aesthetic. Elevate the ensemble with a leather belt and sleek sunglasses for a touch of refinement.
4. Henley: Effortless Casual Coolness
Henley shits, a versatile wardrobe staple, embody casual sophistication with their timeless design. Characterized by their collarless round neckline and a short button placket, Henleys effortlessly blend comfort and style with a somewhat rugged appeal. Originally worn as undergarments by rowers in the 19th century, they have evolved into fashionable outerwear suitable for various occasions. Crafted from soft fabrics like cotton or jersey, Henleys offer a relaxed fit ideal for layering or standalone wear. Their simplicity allows for easy pairing with jeans for a laid-back vibe or dressing up with chinos for a more polished look. Whether lounging at home or socializing outdoors, Henley shirts exude effortless charm and comfort yet offering a refreshing alternative to conventional t-shirts, making them a wardrobe essential for the modern gentleman.
One thing that Henleys do particularly well due to their cut and design, is to accentuate the upper body, making you look more muscular. Whether you have the sleeves down or rolled up, a good fitting Henley can help you give you a nice, toned appearance. Henleys tend to come with more limited design options but they look good as plan items, easily layered into outfits.
Benefits:
- Unique design elements set them apart, ideal for those seeking a little distinction from the crowd
- Layer-friendly construction allows seamless integration with jackets or sweaters
- Sleeve length variations cater to year-round wearability
- Effortlessly exudes a laid-back yet put-together aesthetic
- Versatility permits both casual and semi-formal styling options
Drawbacks:
- Relatively lower formal appeal compared to shirts
- Button placket may succumb to stretching or misshaping over time
- May find discrepancies in quality due to fabric and construction variations
Styling Tip: Channel rugged sophistication by layering a long-sleeved Henley beneath a jacket, complemented with slim-fit jeans and leather boots for an ensemble ideal for outdoor escapades.
Cost Considerations and Additional Styling Tips:
Cost: T-shirts typically offer the most budget-friendly option, followed by polo shirts and Henleys (which tend to be around the same price) and then shirts, whose prices vary greatly depending on brand, style and fabric quality.
Accessory Pairings: Elevate your attire with refined accessories such as watches, leather belts, sunglasses, and hats. Opt for minimalist accents to complement the understated elegance of t-shirts, or experiment with bold statements to accentuate shirts and polo shirts. If you are looking to add some juxtaposition you can always use some beaded or leather bracelets to signify a bad boy underneath something sophisticated, it gives more depth to your character. You should always be wearing a good looking watch, but when wearing a shirt particularly you should be wearing a watch to round out the smart look.
The realm of men’s casual shirts offers a range of choices tailored to diverse preferences and occasions. Understanding the nuances of t-shirts, shirts, polo shirts, and Henleys empowers men to design a very versatile wardrobe that can seamlessly combine comfort, style, and sophistication. For the bald man, your wardrobe is your weapon - so don't underestimate it and buy clothes that fit your proportions and character.
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