LISTEN GUYS: A 2007 study published in the Archives Of Sexual Behaviour found that women were more attracted to men whose shoulders and waist conformed to the ‘Golden Ratio’. So, if your waist size has a value of 1, your shoulders should be 1.6. Put another way, if your waist measures 29 inches, then your shoulders should be just about 46.4 inches.
My body metric – along with the golden ratio – is a comfortably fitting white T-shirt (same brand for 30 years) and this has been my simple go-to staple for most of my life, with the occasional digression. The goal of a great white-T is that you put it on and then you forget about it; it’s the ability to wear it without thought. The key is to pay attention to the fit and style, so it becomes a versatile, classic piece of clothing that feels great and looks sharp.
People who know me say that me wearing a white-T is as synonymous as my name; it’s my second skin. I love the aesthetic simplicity of a well-fitted white-T and how it dictates my mood, influences my posture, mannerisms, and bodily movement. And how its outward appearance delivers a message without words; communicating an image of clarity, positivity and confidence.
But finding a basic white T-shirt that fits perfectly is no easy task. Paying attention to the fit and style is what makes it a versatile, classic piece of clothing that feels great and looks sharp. Also, for me – being a creature of habit and very particular about T’s – they need to hold their shape after washing and not get sloppy after wearing all day.
So, does the perfect white T-shirt exist? The truth is, not all white T-shirts are created equal so you need to know what to look for when buying one. And, when you do find your perfect white T, stock up on them.
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THE FIT
Size/Tightness. Any T-shirt should be neither too tight nor too baggy. If you’re in decent shape, you can wear it tighter over looser.
Shoulder seams. The seams where the sleeves attach to the body should ideally align with where your shoulder ends.
Sleeves. A T’s sleeves should hit about halfway up your upper arm. Sleeves that extend a little farther down make you look scrawny, rather than showing off your biceps.
Length. The bottom hem should rest around the hip area, and ideally extend a couple inches below it.
Shape. Avoid baggy T’s that wear like a sack. It should be cut so that it follows the shape of your body a little.
TOP T’S
Zimmerli £70
The Royal Classic is not Zimmerli’s top of the range T-shirt but it’s still handmade in Switzerland with the finest pure cotton. They’ve been making and improving on their classic T-shirts for over 100 years. Incredible high craftsmanship — great fit and fabric —the most perfect white T. The sleeves are just the right length, the collar is really nice and thin, and the proportions are perfect.
Asket £30
A white T essential is Asket’s signature crewneck heavyweight T-shirt. This is a solid piece for any wardrobe and will stand the test of time, being made from a sturdy cotton fabric, and it’s a good fit and great packaging. It’s not as expensive as it could be and, because of its relative low price, you know you’re getting value for money.
Uniqlo £10
The inexpensive Uniqlo signature white T’s have the heavy feel and boxy fit that you’d find hanging in a designer store for triple the price. You can count on Uniqlo for affordable basics. Their white T is simple and modern, made with a heavy cloth that keeps its shape far longer than average.
FINAL WORD
You might not have given it much consideration before, but there is something incredibly stylish about a simple white T-shirt. It looks crisp and pulled-together while still oozing style, and this is why it’s called a wardrobe essential. Bear in mind that Michelangelo’s David was created with the Golden Ratio….. You don’t have to be 1.6 but the closer you get to that ratio, the better you’ll look in a white T-shirt.
