The classic white T-shirt is a wardrobe staple that transcends eras and trends, making it an essential piece for any man’s closet. The greatest asset of a white T-shirt is its versatility. The garment can effortlessly transform a look for a casual outing to something more polished. Whether you’re going for a relaxed vibe on the weekend or dressing up for a night out, you can rock a white T-shirt.
The simplicity of a white T-shirt allows it to pair with almost any complementary garment—from denim jeans to trousers, or a business blazer or trench. Every style aesthetic—minimalist, maximalist, preppy, or grunge—can benefit from a crisp white T-shirt. With the right fit and fabric, a white T-shirt can be the most important piece in your closet to elevate your look.
The key to wearing a white T-shirt is making sure it’s a high-quality option. If you’re holding onto T-shirts with holes in them or stained pits, it’s time to upgrade. A well-constructed tee not only will last longer but will feel and fit better. Look for natural fibers like cotton or linen to enhance breathability.
Keep scrolling to see how you can use a white T-shirt as the foundation for so many different looks.
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With a Colorful Suit
Image Credit: Getty Images “If you’re drawn to bright colors in your wardrobe, a white T-shirt is the best way to make those pop! The combination of a tee with a colorful suit will help you make a statement.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With a Peacoat and Loafers
Image Credit: Getty Images “A peacoat may seem like an obvious choice to wear with a sweater in the winter, but it’s also a great option for transitional weather when paired with a lightweight T-shirt. Add a nice pair of leather loafers to complete the look.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With A Skirt
Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images. “I do love that men in skirts is really picking up steam, especially in fashion spaces. This one is particularly cool. It’s a two-layer pleated wrap skirt, styled with a white tee, a long overcoat, black sunglasses, and black ankle boots. The skirt is the star, and the T-shirt just let’s it shine, even though it’s the first place your eyes land.” — Aamina Khan, Fashion Writer
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With a Broutfit
Image Credit: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images. “Obviously browns are a pretty major, long-standing trend at this point as an alternative to black, but we don’t talk about it enough. This styling, mixing a cool brown and a warm brown, adds a lot of visual interest that you don’t get with just black alone. The white tee finishes it off perfectly by breaking up the colors.” — Aamina Khan, Fashion Writer
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With A Puffer Jacket
Image Credit: Getty Images “A puffer jacket may initially seem like an item that covers up your whole outfit—but if you choose wisely, it can help make the outfit. I love the above example because the puffer adds structure, and the slate grey color contrasts nicely against the bright white T-shirt. The beanie is the perfect addition for warmth and a subtle pop of color.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With a Classic Denim Jacket
Image Credit: Getty Images “What pairs well with a classic white T-shirt? Another classic! This outfit formula works year-round and will survive the fast-paced trend cycle. I especially love how in this example, the denim jacket has a suede collar—any opportunity to add additional texture is one you should take.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With Simple White Sneakers
Image Credit: Getty Images “This may seem painfully obvious, but a great way to style a white T-shirt is to just let the white T-shirt be the focal point of the outfit. It’s simple but looks polished, especially if you add a pair of bright white sneakers.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With a Cool Jacket
Image Credit: Getty Images “I’m going to save this inspo photo for myself, my boyfriend, and anyone looking for a stellar outfit. It’s modern, yet has a vintage feel. It’s dressy but feels effortless. It’s the perfect way to style a white T-shirt! The buttons and collar on this blazer-type jacket look amazing against the simple T-shirt’s blank canvas.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With a Striped Button-Down
Image Credit: Getty Images “Whether you’re headed to the beach or the city, a striped button-down worn open over a white T-shirt is a go-to look. The button-down shirt gives you room to show your personal style and color preferences while the T-shirt pulls it all together.” — Olivia Marcus, Fashion Writer
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With Baggy Jeans and a Blazer Over The Shoulders
Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images. “I’m so over a polished blazer look. I want suiting pieces that are for dirtbags, that look like a rockstars or like a teenage girl wearing her dad’s clothes in her early throes of gender experimentation or something. I love this street style look from Paris Fashion Week because it does just that. I love the slouchiness of the T-shirt, the nonplussedness of the blazer. I love that the fabric of the jeans is relaxed, like they’ve been owned for years.” — Aamina Khan, Fashion Writer
