So you finally invested in some nice fitting, stylish tailored shirts. Maybe you got a couple for work, a few for weekends, one or two for evenings and special occasions. Armed with your new threads, you’re ready to conquer the big bad world with an air of sophistication and style, regardless of the situation, right? If only it were that simple. Whether you realize it or not, a poorly chosen undershirt can sink your highbrow look faster than the Titanic, and your new duds will be for naught.
There are a few really common, and completely avoidable, ways guys typically fumble the pass, so be sure to keep in mind the following rules when you’re getting dressed.
First, make sure the length of your undershirt sleeve does not exceed the length of your dress shirt sleeve. This is usually a blunder exclusive to short sleeve shirt wearers who want a casual look. However, exposed undershirt material poking out from your sleeve is going to take your look from “casual” to “couldn’t care less” in no time. If you’re afraid of this happening to you, do yourself a favor and splurge on a bag of properly sized Fruit of the Looms the next time your in the supermarket.
If short sleeves aren’t your thing though, there are still a few ways long sleeve wearers can get tripped up, especially as summer time approaches. Of course, one of the preferred ways to keep cool during the dog days is to go with thinner, more sheer fabrics. But beware of pairing fine linen or Egyptian cotton dress shirts with vibrant logo-bearing T-shirts, like the kind available for purchase on the streets of Harajuku or Hooters gift shops. Non-senior citizens are also encouraged to steer clear of the tank tops (sometimes known as “wife beaters” in the US).
Finally, if you’re going to wear your collar unbuttoned, make sure any exposed undergarment matches your shirt. In casual situations, it doesn’t really matter if you wear a v-neck or rounded undershirt, provided it’s not too colorful or distracting – you don’t want that exquisite tailor-made shirt you’re trying to show off overpowered by a few square inches of neon underclothes. If you insist on a little pizazz though, be sure to do a quick color wheel refresher first if your matching skills are rusty.
The great thing about dress shirts, especially tailor-made dress shirts, is that they lend an air of sophistication and class to any look. Regardless of the occasion a dress shirt, when worn properly, is usually going to command respect. Unless, of course, you totally screw it up with an embarrassing undershirt gaffe.
Tags: Advice, Fashion Faux Pas, Putting Together An Outfit, Undershirts
