Plain or striped T-shirt
Short answer: A plain T-shirt is easy to combine and suits almost everything, while a striped one gives more expression and can hide small stains. Choose by wardrobe, occasion and how much pattern you want.
The pattern decides what the T-shirt can be used for
A T-shirt is one of the most worn items of clothing, and the pattern decides how many places you can wear it. Plain is calm and easy to combine, and striped is denser and more personal. Neither is better than the other, but they solve different tasks. Think about what you already have in the wardrobe and what you lack.
Plain: the easy basis
The plain T-shirt suits jeans, chinos, shorts and under a shirt or jacket, without the clothes competing for attention. It is easy to combine with patterned trousers or a striped cardigan. Neutral colours such as white, grey, black and navy are the most versatile. The drawback is that plain shows stains and sweat more clearly, and it can look anonymous if everything else is plain too.
Striped: more expression and variety
A striped T-shirt gives a classic, nautical mood and breaks up a plain wardrobe. Narrow stripes look fine and close to plain, while wide stripes are more striking. Stripes can hide small stains and creases better than plain. The drawback is that they are harder to combine with other patterns, and stripes can emphasise the shape of the body. Choose stripes that are not too dense, to avoid restlessness in the pattern.
Under another layer
If the T-shirt is to be worn under a shirt or jumper, plain is the safe choice, because stripes can show through thin fabric. Use a light grey or skin toned T-shirt under a white shirt. Worn alone in summer weather, stripes can add a little life. See bamboo underpants for men and bamboo underwear for men for a basis in neutral colours, so the whole run of layers stays calm.
Fabric and fit matter more than pattern
Whatever the pattern, the T-shirt must fit well. Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth against the skin and absorbs moisture, and a fabric with some stretch follows the body. The sleeve should end halfway down the upper arm, and the hem should lie at belt level. If the fabric is too thin, it can show the pattern of your underwear, so check the fabric in daylight. See also Moodies for more styles.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose plain if you want a versatile basis, will wear the T-shirt under other clothes or prefer a calm expression. Choose striped if you want more life in summer or weekend clothes and the rest is plain. Many have both and switch according to mood. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees inside out and let it dry flat so that colours and shape hold.
Frequently asked questions
Can stripes show through a shirt
Yes, especially under pale and thin shirts. Use a plain, skin toned or light grey T-shirt under a shirt.
Do stripes make me look wider
Stripes can emphasise the shape, but their size matters a lot. Narrow stripes often look calmer than wide ones.
Which colour is the most versatile
White, grey, black and navy go with almost everything. Choose by what else you have in the wardrobe.
See our range of bamboo t shirts for men.
