In my expert opinion, a man’s wardrobe has a direct correlation between his personality and his demeanor. In a word, a man’s wardrobe closet can tell a lot about him. However, no matter what his style is, each and every man has a collection of t-shirts that he constantly wears throughout the year. Whether it is a graphic print, solid color, added pocket, or a striped tee, there is truly never a bad time to have several key tees in your wardrobe rotation.
In today’s society, there are less and less menswear rules to follow. For some, this is seen as a negative sign, however, I look at this path forward as a positive sign. Yes, there will always be rules of how to wear certain pieces (i.e. always unbutton your suit whilst sitting) but this free reign –that today’s society has given menswear, allows men to experiment their individual style preferences. More to my point, a t-shirt is the best way to do so.
Due to the variety of styles and various fits of t-shirts, you can dress them up or dress them down; depending on how you deem fit for that particular occasion.
The origins of the t-shirt date back to the late 19th century, when laborers would cut their jumpsuits in half to keep cool in warmer months. The first manufactured t-shirt was invented between the Mexican-American War in 1898, and 1913 when the U.S. Navy began issuing them as standard undershirts.Even then, it had taken until 1920 for the actual term “t-shirt” to be inducted into the English dictionary; thanks to F. Scott Fitzgerald being the first person to publish the word in his novel This Side of Paradise.
Although the t-shirt was created in the early 20th century, it was rare to see it worn as anything other than an undershirt. Moving forward however, in 1950, hollywood leading actor Marlon Brando famously donned a white t-shirt as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, only to be followed by cultural icon James Dean in 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause.
Thanks to these two founding fathers of hollywood machismo style that resonated with American men from coast to coast, the popularity of the t-shirt as a stand-alone outerwear garment skyrocketed in sales. Not only was the t-shirt now worn as an outer-garment thus becoming acceptable in American society, but it was also being associated with a movement of rebellion.
Though graphic t-shirts and t-shirt printing began in the 1950s and 1960s, it wasn’t until the ’70s that t-shirts became the powerful messaging platform as we know them today.
Now that colder weather is upon us, men tend to think that their favorite t-shirts are not suitable for use. False. You can grab your favorite graphic tee and pair it with your best pair of jeans, throw on a jacket for a classic weekend afternoon or even a casual weekend evening. This style makes for a timeless outfit.
For a more formal and sophisticated evening, I suggest that you style your favorite suit and pair it with one of your best solid tees. This style is elevated and much more comfortable then wearing a suit and tie. Nevertheless, there are countless ways to style t-shirts this fall/winter 2021/22. Here, I have compiled a detailed list for you of my picks of a variety of styles and prices that would be great for your wardrobe.
ALEX MILL
Alex Mill – Alex Mill’s take on the perennial vintage tee is soft and drapey with faded seams, a chest pocket, and a casual washed look. Made of 26% recycled cotton and 74% BCI cotton. $58
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen – Cream organic light jersey t-shirt with a screen-printed McQueen Graffiti logo and an Alexander McQueen signature. $390.
Bellemere New York
Bellemere New York – This cashmere cotton tee is a must have this fall! With high quality elastic soft fabric and thick material, this top makes an ultra-stylish wardrobe staple, adding an extra layer of luxury to any look. $180.
BUGATCHI
BUGATCHI – BUGATCHI’s Short sleeve Solid OoohCotton performance Crew Neck T-Shirt is crafted from their innovative fabric which provides enhanced thermal comfort and higher breathability, using its quick dry technology to ease naturally the evaporation of moisture and keep the skin dry and at a constant body temperature. OoohCotton Tech fabric also features antimicrobial coating for odor control and freshness for up to 50 washes. The 8-way stretch allows optimal movement and flexibility compared to previous generations of shirts. $85.
CELINE HOMME
CELINE HOMME – $415.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy – Black-owned premium streetwear brand DIPLOMACY partnered with Charlotte Hornets player, Wes Iwundu on the Free the Future capsule collection. This high-quality graphic t-shirt is made with combed cotton for a luxe fit. A portion of proceeds from the capsule will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Houston, an organization near and dear to Iwundu, which delivers high-quality afterschool programs to their communities’ most at-risk youth. $85.
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana – The “DG TOGETHER” runway show celebrates the freedom to express ourselves through fashion. The designers have observed the new social trend through the media, to create a youthful and contemporary collection that focuses on individuality. $795
Goodlife
Goodlife – Goodlife’s premium t-shirts work all year round, but we particularly like the Sun-Faded Slub Crew which now joins the Goodlife line-up as one of the brand’s four core fabrics. The slub crew is a slightly heavier weight, making it a perfect choice for fall weather. Over time, the crew will continue to soften and fade, giving the t-shirt even more character. Shown here with a scallop hem and a round neck, the t-shirt is also available in a v-neck and henley. $60
Maison Kitsuné
Maison Kitsuné – Parisian independent fashion brand Maison Kitsuné and South Korean creative label ADER ERROR have teamed up for a fourth collaboration further exploring ‘The Bluest Fox’ concept from last year’s collection. For the newest collaboration, the signature ‘Blue Fox’ loses track of time as it gets lazy and drowsy, so in this collection the ‘Blue Fox’ is seen taking it easy, yawning, and stretching! $170.
Oliver Spencer
Oliver Spencer – The Conduit T-shirt is a must-have luxury wardrobe staple piece. The Epworth style features a multi-coloured stripe with colours that you can complement with other elements of your casual look. Oliver Spencer uses organic cotton and recycled fabrics, all brought to life in a late ‘70s-inspired colour palette for his AW21 collection. The title of the collection comes from Oli’s observation of style during lockdown last year and in particular a neighbour of the store, who deftly mixes Oliver Spencer pieces with vintage clothing. $106.
Throwback
The 007 Moon T-shirt is part of the Throwback x 007 TM collaboration. , just in time for the No Time To Die release this fall. The six-piece unisex capsule collection pays tribute to iconic moments from James Bond’s on-screen legacy, and celebrates the release of No Time To Die, in theatres 30 September 2021. Italian digital artist, Gianpiero D’alessandro, has reimagined classic moments from the 007 archive, portrayed on Italian made, 100% Cotton t-shirts and hoodies. The new Bond collaboration includes unique behind-the-scenes stills from Dr. No (1962) and Moonraker (1979), as well as images from GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). On the back of each piece are production anecdotes, giving further insight into the 007 universe. The collection highlights the importance of connection and sharing through the world of fashion, music, film and art, a strong philosophy of throwback.
Bond only wears this iconic Space Exploration suit in the Moonraker poster, but the film is full of many classic 007 outfits. For a boat chase through the canals of Venice, he chooses a grey dupioni silk suit. As the crew filmed his Gondola transforming into a hovercraft, the Gondola kept capsizing and Bond’s silk suit had to be replaced for each take. There were only five suits available, but luckily the fifth take was a success. $100.
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