In Search of the Perfect T-Shirt: What to Look for

Discover the secrets to finding the ultimate tee! Explore fabric, fit & style tips to snag the perfect t-shirt for your wardrobe.

The closest thing men have to “the little black dress” – the platonic ideal of a versatile workhorse garment – is the t-shirt. Done right, a t-shirt is your best friend. It’s the ideal garment for lounging around the house, but you can also dress it up for a night on the town. It’s utilitarian but sophisticated. It’s durable but comfortable. Basically, it’s like the Swiss army knife of clothing.

In this article, let's delve into what to look for when shopping for that perfect t-shirt. But first, it's helpful to lay the foundation with some critical criteria. When buying a t-shirt, you want:

• Looks: It has to look good. Period.
• Versatility: Ideally, the shirt has trans-seasonal appeal, and you can wear it for the full spectrum of informal/formal occasions.
• Comfort: The perfect t-shirt is soft, comforting and temperature-regulating.
• Wearability: “Wearability” refers to the way a garment interacts with your body. You don’t want a t-shirt that makes you sweat profusely, or one that leaves you feeling itchy.

With those basic criteria in mind, here’s what to look for in the perfect t-shirt.

A Relaxed “Goldilocks” Fit

Not too snug, not too loose – that’s the goldilocks fit. Ideally, you don’t want an article of clothing to cling to your skin (that trend has come and gone), nor do you want a shirt that completely hides your features. Part of finding the right fit is researching a company’s sizing; look at the size guides on a clothing company’s website before buying.

The perfect t-shirt should also straddle the line between stiff and drapey – it should be structured without being rigid. Material plays a large role in structure, leading to our next point…

A Soft, Versatile Material

The perfect t-shirt needs to be comfortable and versatile – as established above. While you can find soft clothing in just about any material, the best option is merino wool clothing. Merino wool is comprised of ultra-fine fibres, making it uniquely pillowy and comfortable. It’s also incredibly versatile; merino wool clothes are insulating and breathable, making them appropriate in a range of different temperatures.

Neutral Colors

Sure, there is room in your wardrobe for one bright green tee – but you don’t want a closet full of bold colors. Preferably, your t-shirts should cohere nicely with a range of middle- and outer-layer garments, so opt for neutral tones over “loud” colors.

Sweat-Wicking and Quick-Drying Features

Finally, as mentioned, a t-shirt needs to be wearable; it needs to interact with your body in a comfortable, agile way. To that end, look for any indication (on the label, or in a company’s online product description) that the t-shirt is “sweat-wicking” and “quick-drying.” The last thing you want is to feel bogged down by your t-shirt after a day in the hot sun.

The perfect t-shirt is out there – you just need to know where to look. Follow these simple criteria to find the best possible shirt for your wardrobe.