Types of T-shirts

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Learn all about the type of t-shirts. There is nothing more comfortable than wearing a t-shirt. Dress it up or dress it down, the humble t-shirt has come a long way and has a place in every wardrobe.

Table of Contents

The types of t-shirts can be classified according to its neck, sleeves, the fit and decorative options. This results in an enormous amount of combinations.

Types of T-shirts Necks

Necks can vary by style, height and shape. Here are the 8 most common types. T-shirts in the first row tend to be unisex and the second row is more commonly found in women's styles. But there are always exceptions - wear what you love.

Crew neck t-shirts are what first come to mind when we think of a t-shirt. It is a rounded high neck made from rib fabric or binding. Crew necks are popular for men and women alike and are considered a more casual look.
V-Neck t-shirts can vary from sitting close to the neck to ending quite low to show a bit of chest. They can be trimmed with binding or rib-knit fabric.
Polo t-shirts are popular for workwear and are considered a more formal or conservative type of t-shirt. Their collar is made from a rib-knit fabric and they have a short placket with buttons or studs.
Henley t-shirts have a placket with buttons combined with a high round neck. You can also have henley styles combined with a v-neck.
Scoop neck t-shirts have a lower rounded neck that is a little wider on the shoulders. Once mainly a part of women's t-shirts, it is now quite common to find it in men's styles as well.
Cowl - Cowl necks are featured in women's t-shirt styles where the neck is draped in a fine stretch fabric.
Boat - Boat necks are mainly but not always found in women's t-shirts and go straight across from shoulder to shoulder. A classic boat neck t-shirt is made in blue and white stripe stretch fabric and is styled on a sailor's look.
Off-shoulder t-shirts is a women's style. It may fall off just one shoulder (think Flashdance in the 1980s) or both.

Types of T-shirts Sleeves

Raglan sleeves have a seam from the collar bone to under the arm. They are also referred to as baseball shirts and may have the sleeves sewn in a different contrasting color.

Set-in sleeves have the seam on or below the shoulder. T-shirts are often oversized and the shoulder seam may fall at the upper arm.

Attached sleeves are joined to the main body of the t-shirt and include cap sleeves and dolman ( or batwing)sleeves.

Sleeve lengths vary from sleeveless, cap, short, ¾ and long.

Sleeveless is great for the hot weather and showing off your arms. Sleeveless t-shirts can be referred to as muscle shirts or even singlets.
Cap sleeves end at the upper part of the arm.
Short sleeves end at mid-arm to just above the elbow. Because of the oversized nature of many t-shirts, a short sleeve is often referred to as anything above the elbow.
¾ sleeves end midway between the elbow and wrist. They are a popular fall and spring option.
Long or full-length sleeves end at the wrist.

Types of T-shirts Sleeves - ¾, Sleeveless and Short

T-shirt Lengths

T-shirts can vary in lengths. Torso lengths may be referred to as cropped, standard or longline. Cropped (or crop) t-shirts end below the bust and above the navel. When purchasing t-shirts, if there is no mention of the length it is probably a regular or standard length that ends at the hips. Longline t-shirts end at or below the bottom and may be referred to as tunics.

Types of T-shirts Fit

There are 3 main types of fit - loose, standard or tight.

Loose or oversized t-shirts are extremely baggy.
Standard fit t-shirts have some ease but are not so loose that it swallows you up. This is the most common t-shirt fit. A good example of this fit can be found in the grey t-shirt in the photo above. A standard-fit combined with a crew neck is probably the most popular type of t-shirt on the planet.
Tight t-shirts are often smaller than your actual body measurements. This is called negative ease and means that when stretched, the t-shirt will hug the body. Tight t-shirts need some spandex or Lycra incorporated into the fabric so they don't go out of shape when worn. On the label, you might see wording such as 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Tight t-shirts normally have 3-5% spandex or Lycra composition.

Types of T-Shirts Decorations

Why settle for plain and boring? T-shirts can be used to promote a brand or something you believe in or make a statement about who you are or want to be.

Here are some of the decorations that can be used for t-shirts.

Hoods - I love a hooded t-shirt. It makes me feel cozy and warm.
Prints/Graphics - This is a massive category. A different print or color can transform a t-shirt from feminine to rock to grunge and everywhere in between. Stripes are frequently used for t-shirts and logos can be found everywhere. If you have a business or something to promote, design a clever logo and give out some of your shirts.
Pockets - T-shirts can have pockets on the breast on either side or both. When used in conjunction with a polo neck, pockets can give a t-shirt a dressier look.
Embellishments - T-shirts can be altered with sequins, applique, embroidery, smocking, tie-dying and even rips and slashes. You pay more for carefully placed rips! (Read fabric manipulation techniques)