The t-shirt. You may think you know all about this simple staple, but in case you have any doubts, we’re here to bring you the ultimate guide to the types of t-shirts to wear and care for. Humble, modest, soft to the touch – especially if from Wordans – and present in everyone’s wardrobe.
The t-shirt has no doubt accompanied you through many of the pivotal moments in your life– first day of college, that one date we don’t mention, and a whole bunch of vacations.
So you should probably know about the multitude of t-shirt styles available, which let you style them in countless ways, for any occasion. Read on to see just how many different types of t-shirts you recognize!
Contents

Source: Men’s Folio
Can you imagine a time when you didn’t have a t-shirt? We can’t either.
Since its inception, this classic piece has continuously evolved to bring you many different types of t-shirts. Yet, because of its importance in our lives, we often forget that the t-shirt is relatively young!
Although originally worn by veterans and workers in the 19th century, the history of the tee stretches back to 1868, but not in the clean format that we’re used to today. Known as a “union suit” this full-length piece grew bothersome and stifling to wear. We can only imagine: picture your grandfather’s long-johns, but with a t-shirt on the upper-half. They gained popularity in 1913 when they were officially incorporated into the standard US Navy uniform.

What’s the difference between a t-shirt and a shirt you ask? The key components are composition, dress-code formality and patterns.
The t-shirt, unsurprisingly, gets its name thanks to its resemblance to the letter “T”. T-shirts are typically casual pull-over garments and layering options. Shirts will have a stiff collar, while t-shirts have a relaxed neckline, and shirts have buttons (or occasionally zips), which gives them a more formal look.
Sleeve types can vary for both different styles of t-shirt and shirts as both can be long-sleeved or short-sleeved, but shirt normally have buttons on the sleeves, unlike t-shirts, which rely on being a bit stretchy.

Now, time to discover all the styles of t-shirts. There are a lot of different terms for t-shirt, but we’ve divided them into three categories: collars, fit, and sleeve. You probably already own a lot, and know what a crew neck is, but you might not know what a scoop neck is.
With our complete guide of types of t-shirts, you’ll be ready for anything. The next time someone says: “I love your shirt style– what are you wearing?”, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to reply : “Oh, this *insert t-shirt fit here*?”
The different styles of t-shirt are mostly determined by the collar, so when you’re thinking about the look you’d like to go for, the first thing to think about is your collar.
Crew Neck
Have you ever had to search “what is a crew neck?” We’ve all heard of this cut, but what does it actually mean?
This classic cut may be the default cut of a t-shirt that springs to your mind. Known for their round and collarless necklines, crewneck t-shirts (or crew necks) are also known as round necks, and are the epitome of casual wear. They can be worn under sweaters, or over long-sleeved t-shirts for the skater look.
V-Neck
Taking after its predecessor, v-neck t-shirts get their name from their v-shaped neckline. The ubiquitous v-neck is a flattering choice for both men and women; the fit of the t-shirts creates a complimentary silhouette and can accentuate the shoulders. They’re more formal than crew necks, and are often used in uniforms where staff need to look a bit smart, but also need freedom of movement and to not get too hot.
How low can you go may be your mantra if you’re thinking of going for a deep v-neck t-shirt. The plunging neckline has become a hugely popular look for both men and women, and works even better when layered underneath a jacket.
Scoop Neck
Lower than a crewneck, scoop necks are round necklines that drop and reach lower than your typical neckline and are wider. The scoop neck is a type of design is made to be a bit revealing, and are fashionable to wear to social events. Wearing these flattering tops on a night out can be very alluring if you have the right neckline.
They’re also popular choices for the gym, as they keep you a little cooler, and some people also like to be alluring while they’re working out.

Boat Neck
Boat neck t-shirts feature a wide, horizontal neckline that typically runs from shoulder to shoulder, offering an elegant and understated look. This design highlights the collarbone and works beautifully for both casual and semi-formal settings.
Popular for their chic appeal, boat neck t-shirts can be paired with tailored pants for a polished look or casual jeans for a relaxed vibe. Either way, they offer a touch of sophistication.
Polo Shirt
The polo is a t-shirt style that you will definitely have heard of, and is the most formal t-shirt style. The typical polo shirt features a placket with two to three buttons, a stand up collar, with some featuring a breast pocket. Its short sleeves and ribbed cotton piqué style have conquered the delicate balance of smart and casual. The long-sleeved version is also very popular.
Although popularized in the 1920’s by Jean René Lacoste, the original polo debuted in 1896 by John E Brooks after watching a polo game! Nowadays, polo shirts are still worn at polo games, as well as on golf courses and tennis courts, to work and to the disco.
Henley
You may not have known the name of this cut of tee, but Henley t-shirts (or y-necks) are basically just polo shirts without the collar– the button placket forms the stem of the Y.
Described as the perfect blend between a t-shirt and a polo, Henley t-shirt collars look similar to the Mandarin (or grandad) collars you see on shirts. The Henley t-shirt is another that is popular with both long and short sleeves.
Fun fact: Henley t-shirts get their name from the quaint British town, Henley-on-Thames, where the style first rose to popularity after the local rowing team.
Pocket Tee
The one style we’ve included that isn’t based on its collar, but to be honest, we didn’t know where to put it. A pocket tee is the style of tee that combines funcitonality and fashion.
With a pocket t-shirt, you have a place to pose your sunglasses, cards, pens– the world is your oyster. The pocket does also change the look of the t-shirt, and makes it look a bit classier. Pocket t-shirts are typically characterized by their left breast pocket and are usually the go-to for a casual outfit or loungewear.

Once you’ve chosen the t-shirt style, you need to think about the fit, which depends on the look you want, and your body shape. Get the collar right, and your t-shirt will look great on the hanger, but if it’s going to look great on you, you need to get the fit right too.
Regular Fit
Many of these are fairly self-explanatory. The regular, or standard fit t-shirt is made for people who aren’t especially tall or short, chunky or skinny, who want a t-shirt that isn’t super tight, but doesn’t hang off them either. If you need a one-model-fits-all t-shirt for business reasons– regular fit is for you.
Relaxed / Loose Fit
Another easy one. Loose fit t-shirts have a bit more space then the regular fit. People like them because of: a) the look, b) the extra comfort and freedom of movement, c) the fact that they’ve put on a few, and don’t want to advertise it to the world. An especially popular choice for wearing around the house.
Fitted / Slim Fit
People often think fitted and slim fit are the same, but there’s a little difference. A slim fit is a style of t-shirt that doesn’t need any introduction. It does exactly what it says on the…tag?
Both fitted and slim fit t-shirts are snug and cling to the body, and their narrow cuts enhance the silhouette of the wearer, providing a sharper look. So what’s the difference? Fitted shirts are designed to hug the whole torso, while slim fit t-shirts taper in a bit more around the waist. These t-shirts are also usually made of finer materials.
You also have muscle fit in this category. The objective here is different, you want the shirt tight across the chest and arms, but the cut is actually pretty much the same as a fitted t-shirt, they just assume you’ll have extra muscles to show off.
Tall / Longline Fit
The year is 2014. Kayne is seen sporting a sweatshirt that reaches to his knees. It’s not a male tunic; he didn’t accidentally swipe a dress from Kim’s closet that morning in haste– it’s the longline t-shirt!
These fits are also often confused, since they are both longer versions, but again there’s a subtle difference. Tall fits are simply designed for taller people, whereas long (or longline) is more of a change in style.
The longline t-shirt has slowly shifted from skatewear to streetwear. It exudes a casual tone when combined with skinny jeans thanks to its long hemline. Try layering it with bomber jackets or under your favourite knitted sweater.
Short / Boxy Fit
What are short, and boxy fits? The above, but in reverse. Short fits are designed to look the same as a regular t-shirt, but on shorter people. Boxy fit is more of a style, the t-shirt is squarer, and creates a trendy, urban look.
On men, the shirts usually go down to the waist, but are wider. Women wear this version too, but often go for the smaller version, where instead of extra width, the tee is cropped extra short, and is basically a crop top with sleeves.
Oversized Fit
The latest in fashion, oversized t-shirts are all the rage right now. Again it’s fairly easy to guess what they are– big t-shirts. Unlike relaxed fit, this isn’t about just giving you a bit of extra space. These shirts are much bigger and wider, and normally made of thicker fabric. The result is a seriously comfy tee that packs a big street vibe.

The final decision you have to make with your t-shirt is which sleeves to go for. One type springs straight to mind of course…
Short Sleeves
The first thing we think of when we imagine a t-shirt is short sleeves. They stop somewhere between the shoulder and the elbow– normally about halfway, but they can be a bit longer or shorter. Once they make it to the elbow, we tend to call them half sleeves.
Long Sleeves
When the colder weather starts to creep in, we quickly say goodbye to our short-sleeved t-shirts. We reach into our wardrobe for our long-sleeved t-shirts and voilá, we have the perfect standalone piece. This t-shirt is available in both loose and slim fits, so it can be adapted to the required occasion. They work on their own, as layers, and even pajamas.
And if you’re feeling reminiscent about the early 2000s and “Sk8r Boi” is playing on loop in your head, a long-sleeved tee is the style for you. Layering a graphic or tie-dye t-shirt over your long-sleeved tee adds another dimension and leads you into the realm of streetwear.
Sleeveless / Tank Tops
We’ve all heard “sun’s out, guns out”, and it’s likely that the person saying this was missing something– sleeves that is. Tank tops, aptly known as sleeveless t-shirts, are typically worn in the summer, or by gym goers (or as an undershirt).
If you’re looking to flex your hard earned biceps, sleeveless is the way to go. Their lightweight and breathable fabric makes this form-fitting piece a dream to wear when you are looking for restrictive-free days or even when you want to layer it under a blazer or shirt.
Cap Sleeves
In terms of the t-shirt family tree, cap sleeves are the very similar first cousin to short sleeves. What sets them apart is the length of the sleeve; cap sleeves are a little shorter, extending just slightly over the shoulder. Made to sit perfectly at the top of the arm, this type of sleeve shows off the arms, and is a more popular option among women.
Raglan / ¾ Sleeves
Two very different concepts, but often seen together, in what’s known as a baseball tee. Raglan t-shirts have a different seam, and a sleeve which is typically a different color to the body of the tee, giving them a simple yet striking look.
The baseball version is also easily recognizable by its unique ¾ sleeve design– which is a sleeve that stops about halfway up the forearm. The raglan sleeve doesn’t have a traditional shoulder seam, which allows for freer movement for baseball players. Even if you’re not a baseball player, it still means increased comfort for you!
Which Tee Will You Try?

From crewnecks to v-necks, longline to slim fit, the classic tee has evolved to bring you all these types of t-shirts.
Yet despite the shifting styles, the common denominator has remained constant: the importance of high-quality fabrics and foundations (you can find these at Wordans *wink, wink*).
What’s your favourite style?
When choosing the right t-shirt, take into account the occasion. Comfort is also an essential, so choose which fabrics help you feel best.
Fashion is too subjective to answer this, but crewneck t-shirts are probably the most universally liked, and oversized is probably the most fashionable right now.
The main types of t-shirt printing are Dye Sublimation, Direct-To-Garment (DTG), Screen Printing and Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing. Check out this guide for more information.