The basic T-shirt is the soul of a wardrobe. It is the most humble and, at the same time, the most powerful garment. It is the blank canvas on which to paint any style, from the most rebellious to the most sophisticated. However, in a world saturated with options, we are faced with the great paradox of fashion: a wardrobe full of clothes and that feeling of not having “nada que poner” .
The solution is not to buy more, but to buy better. This is where the concept of investing in quality T-shirts. Think of it in terms of “coste por uso” A €10 T-shirt that you wear 5 times before it becomes deformed has cost you €2 per wear. A €40 T-shirt that you wear 100 times has cost you €0.40 per wear. Mathematics does not lie.
This is the definitive handbook on how to choose basic T-shirts that not only look great on you, but become the indestructible foundation of your style. It’s the first step to building a capsule wardrobe smart and durable.
The Perfect Fit: How a Basic T-Shirt Should Fit
Fit is everything. A T-shirt can be the best cotton in the world, but if it doesn’t fit you, it will never look good. The perfect fit in a T-shirt is achieved by paying attention to three key points:
- The Shoulders: This is the most important rule. The sleeve seam should fall exactly where your shoulder bone ends. If the seam falls over the top, it will be too small and will reduce your mobility. If it falls down your arm, you’ll be in oversizewhich is a different style.
- Las Mangas: They should gently embrace the arm without squeezing as if you were going to cut off circulation. The ideal length is mid-bicep. This creates a balanced and flattering silhouette.
- Length and width: The T-shirt should skim your torso, not tighten it. You need to be able to move comfortably. The perfect length is about 5-7 centimetres below the waist of your trousers, just enough so that your skin doesn’t show when you raise your arms, but not so long that it creates wrinkles on your trousers. To find belly-friendly T-shirtslook for fabrics with a good weight and a straight or straight cut. regular fit.
The Battle of the Collars: Round or Peaked?
The choice of collar can subtly change the perception of your look. There is no one better than another, but each has its strengths.
Crew Neck: The Universal Classic
It’s the most traditional and versatile option. The round neckline frames the face well, perfect for wearing alone or layering under sweatshirts, shirts or jackets. It’s a safe bet that suits most people. body types.
V-Neck: To Lengthen the Silhouette
The V-neck creates a vertical line that can visually elongate the neck and torso, making it a great option for people of shorter stature or with a wider neck. A word of advice: opt for a subtle, not too pronounced peak for a more modern and elegant look.
[2P]
Build your Collection: The Ideal Colours and Quantities
A capsule wardrobe is all about versatility. Start with the pillars and then expand.
The 3 Pillars: White, Black and Grey
These are the basic colours for T-shirts that cannot be missed.
- The perfect white T-shirt: It is the queen of basics. It goes with absolutely everything.
- The black T-shirt: It adds a more elegant and nocturnal touch. It is infallible for a monochromatic look.
- The charcoal grey T-shirt: It is the in-between option, perfect for casual looks. It is more forgiving of stains than white and less harsh than black.
How many basic T-shirts do I need?
There is no magic number, but a good base from which to start building your T-shirt wardrobe would be to have at least six: two white, two black and two grey. From there, you can add neutral colours like navy blue or olive green, which are also incredibly versatile.
Case Study: Frank Ocean and the Power of the Flawless Basic
If there is one artist who epitomises the “menos es más” that is Frank Ocean. His style, as influential as his music, is a masterclass in how simplicity can be radically powerful. You’ll rarely see him in flashy logos or garish trends. His uniform is based on perfect basics.
Ocean has demonstrated on countless occasions the power of a pristine white T-shirt, often from brands such as Supreme or Uniqlo. He pairs it with classic Levi’s jeans or skinny jeans, letting the quality of the fabric and, most importantly, the fit perfectospeak for themselves.
His style teaches us that true confidence comes not from what you wear, but how you wear it. A basic T-shirt, when it’s good quality and fits like a glove, needs no further embellishment. It’s the ultimate expression of a confident style that doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
Choosing basic T-shirts is not a boring task, it is a strategic act. It’s a decision to build your style from a solid, versatile and durable foundation. When you have a good collection of perfect T-shirts, you realise that you have endless options for looks.
Stop committing mistakes when buying T-shirts that don’t last. Invest in quality, prioritise fit and choose colours that will serve you time and time again. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
What’s your basic must-have t-shirt, do you have a fetish brand you’d like to share, and comment in the comments section below. Serguei and let us know what you think!
Suggested Internal Links:
- “Marcas de Camisetas Básicas que Merecen la Pena por su Calidad y Durabilidad”
- “El Arte de Superponer Capas: Cómo usar tus Camisetas debajo de Sobrecamisas y Chaquetas”
