How to recognise it
From the front it looks like the letter T: short sleeves, a round or V neck with a ribbed binding, a straight hem. Usually in cotton jersey.
Where it comes from
In 1913 the US Navy issued white undershirts to sailors. Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and James Dean turned them into outerwear.
Who and when it suits
The basic wardrobe piece: worn alone, under a blazer, a knit or a slip dress. White and black T-shirts go with everything.
Variations and look-alikes
They come with a round or V neck, fitted, loose, oversized or cropped, in white, black, stripes or prints, in cotton, modal or linen. The long-sleeved Breton stripe is a classic of its own. They differ from a polo in having no collar or buttons.
How to style it
- Under a blazer instead of a blouse.
- Choose a denser cotton so it is not see-through.
- Tuck into high-waisted jeans.
- Wash inside out to keep prints longer.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why is it called a T-shirt?
Laid flat it looks like the letter T.
02Can you wear a T-shirt under a blazer?
Yes, plain and neat, in a smart casual outfit.
03What cotton is best for a T-shirt?
Long-staple combed cotton, which is softer, pills less and keeps its shape longer.