When you look your best, you feel your best—but finding “your best” can take some finesse! For the smart-casual man, closet staples are key to building a functional style with personal flair. Long sleeve, cotton t-shirts are an effortless staple to add to your wardrobe, both as a firm base to build upon or as a standalone piece. This classic essential is a must-have for any man worth his styled “salt,” so to speak, but what makes this tried-and-true look stand out?
Long sleeve cotton t-shirts are great, not only for their visual appeal but for their all-weather flexibility as well. A long sleeve t-shirt made from light material is a breezy pairing for hot days and offers a bonus of sun protection if you're going to be outdoors for some time. Come Autumn and Winter, they make a reliable base layer for cool weather looks that won't weigh you down.
Perk Clothing offers many different men's long sleeve shirts that you can use to fill out your wardrobe. For advice on styling these pieces, let's cover the key style tips that can help you pull off a long sleeve t-shirt. We promise this read won't take “long!”
Pair a long sleeve t-shirt with jeans
If you don't own a pair of jeans—what are you doing with your wardrobe? A long-standing, time-tested garment, classic blue jeans pair well with many different tops and shoe choices. Long-sleeve t-shirts are no exception to this rule! Boot-cut jeans with a flattering fit strike a laid-back, yet clean, silhouette.
For a simple and reliable look that you can always fall back on, pair your favorite white long sleeve shirt with light or dark blue jeans and sneakers for a casual fit. To elevate the look with some bad-boy flair, throw on a set of Chelsea boots and a matching belt. This is a simple look that you don't have to overthink and always looks great.
When deciding on your spring wardrobe, this option comes highly recommended.
Layer your long sleeve shirt
Another option you may have not considered is using your long sleeve cotton t-shirts as a base layer. By layering a graphic tee or other short sleeve shirts on top of your long sleeve tee shirts, you can achieve a different look.
This style is more in the realm of streetwear or even “skater-style” but can work for many different style options just by choosing the right color palette and keeping the look simple. Experiment with some shirts you already own and figure out if this is the right look for you.
Cool and casual style with Chinos
Right next to jeans, Chinos are the pants that every man should have at least one pair of in their wardrobe. Just like jeans, Chinos are also incredibly versatile and can go a long way in making the most of any wardrobe, including when paired with long sleeve t-shirts. Men looking for a way to add some style with a casual feel, consider adding some chinos to your options.
When pairing Chinos with long sleeve tee shirts, what can bring the whole look together are the shoes. For instance, pairing a long sleeve white t-shirt with khaki or navy chinos, and then adding some boat shoes (brown leather or navy) can present a nice casual look.
What is great about this look also, is that it is fairly weather resistant. For warmer spring and summer days, it should not be too hot to handle throughout the day. On days when the weather is a bit cooler, or if you were out on the water, you might desire a bit of warmth. The extra coverage of the sleeves and pant legs will then serve you well.
Dress it up
We've covered more casual styles so far, but long sleeve cotton t-shirts can also function fairly well as a more semi-formal option. We also discussed layering before, and that it is one way to approach adding some formality with your long sleeve tee shirts.
Adding a nice coat over the top of your long sleeve t-shirt and following up with dressier pants and shoes on the bottom can tie together a nice formal outfit. It won't be as formal as a turtleneck or dress shirt pairing, but it will act as a comfortable middle ground between casual and formal.
What To Wear With a Long Sleeve T-Shirt?
Chinos
Right next to jeans, Chinos are the pants that every man should have at least one pair of in their wardrobe. Just like jeans, Chinos are also incredibly versatile and can go a long way in making the most of any wardrobe, including when paired with long-sleeve t-shirts.
Men looking for a way to add some style with a casual feel, consider adding some chinos to your options.
When pairing Chinos with long-sleeve t-shirts, the shoes can bring the whole look together. For instance, pairing a long-sleeved white t-shirt with khaki or navy chinos and then adding some boat shoes (brown leather or navy) can present a nice casual look.
What is great about this look also is that it is fairly weather-resistant. For warmer spring and summer days, it should not be too hot to handle throughout the day. On days when the weather is a bit cooler, or if you are out on the water, you might desire a bit of warmth.
Flannel Shirts
For a relaxed, layered look, consider pairing your long-sleeved t-shirts with flannel shirts. The flannel shirt adds a rugged vibe, and the combination creates a casual style that works great for cooler weather.
Opt for a plaid or solid-color flannel, and leave it unbuttoned over your long-sleeved t-shirt for a laid-back look.
Jackets
Adding a jacket over your long-sleeved t-shirt is an excellent way to create a smart-casual outfit. Denim jackets, bomber jackets, or even leather jackets can be used to add some edge to your personal style.
Choose a jacket that looks good with the color of your shirt and pants for a cohesive look.
Cardigans and Sweaters
Cardigans and sweaters are great choices when you want to layer up while keeping your outfit stylish. A lightweight cardigan over a long-sleeved t-shirt offers a relaxed but polished look. In colder weather, opt for a chunky knit sweater over your long sleeves for added warmth and texture.
When to Wear a Long-Sleeve T-Shirt?
Long-sleeved t-shirts are versatile pieces that fit various occasions. For casual outings, they are perfect for pairing with jeans, chinos, or even shorts during warmer months.
If you're heading to a semi-formal setting, layering them with jackets or sweaters allows you to maintain a stylish yet comfortable look. Whether it's a laid-back weekend event, a casual dinner, or a relaxed office day, long-sleeved t-shirts can work well for any occasion.
Discover key wardrobe additions at Perk Clothing
If you're looking for ways to revamp or add a bit more style to your clothing options, then Perk Clothing has the insight and clothing for you.
Browse our selection of long sleeves and Henleys, and find your new favorite shirt today. You can also check out the rest of our fashion advice and learn from the experts on how you can move your style forward and feel confident and comfortable in your clothes.
