Plain long sleeved t-shirts

Short answer: A plain long sleeve t-shirt is one of the most useful tops in the wardrobe. Without pattern or print it can be worn on its own, under a shirt and under knitwear, and it suits most settings from everyday wear to the office.

No print

A top without print can be worn under anything without showing through the outer layer. A logo or a stripe can be seen through a thin shirt, and a print can make the fabric stiff under knitwear. A plain model looks calm and is easy to combine. See the styles in bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men.

Choosing colours

Black, white and navy cover almost everything else in the wardrobe. Black and navy work under dark knitwear and with jeans, while white and light grey work under pale shirts. A fourth colour, such as a muted green or a warm grey, is enough to add variety without making it harder to get dressed.

As a base layer

Under a shirt or knitwear a thin long sleeve top adds warmth without bulk. The sleeves protect against itchy wool, and the fabric takes up moisture before it reaches the outer layers. You notice it most when you move from the cold outside into a warm room. Read more in bamboo vest as a base layer.

For women

The same idea applies to womenswear. A plain long sleeve top can be worn under a cardigan, under a short sleeved dress or on its own with trousers. Choose a fit that sits lightly against the body so it does not bunch under the outer layer. See the matching styles in bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for women.

How many

Three to five pieces cover a normal week in spring and autumn, when a long sleeve top is worn most days. If you use them as a base layer all winter, a few more make sense so you do not have to wash midweek. With fewer, each top is washed more often and wears out faster.

Fit

A long sleeve top should be long enough to stay tucked in when you raise your arms, and the sleeves should reach the wrist without bunching. If it is too tight across the shoulders it pulls at the seams, and if it is too loose it folds under knitwear. Try it with what you wear on top.

Washing

Wash at 40 degrees inside out and let the top dry in the air. Inside out protects the surface from wear in the drum, and air drying is gentle on the fibres and keeps the shape. Skip fabric softener, as it leaves a film on the fabric. More about temperature and detergent in the washing guide.

Replace them together

Tops bought at the same time fade evenly and look like a set when worn in rotation. If you buy one at a time, the new one can stand out next to the old ones. So buy several of the same at once and replace them together. Short sleeves are found in bamboo t-shirts for men.

Frequently asked questions

How many long sleeve tops do you need?

Three to five cover a normal week in spring and autumn. If you wear them as a base layer all winter, a couple of extra ones save you a wash in the middle of the week.

Which colours are the most useful?

Black, white and navy cover almost everything. A fourth colour in a muted tone adds variety without making it harder to combine your clothes in the morning.