{"id":3306,"date":"2020-05-19T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T13:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/?p=3306"},"modified":"2023-02-28T21:20:23","modified_gmt":"2023-03-01T02:20:23","slug":"black-t-shirts-vs-plain-white-t-shirts-a-complete-style-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/black-t-shirts-vs-plain-white-t-shirts-a-complete-style-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Black T-Shirts vs. Plain White T-Shirts: A Complete Style Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Though <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> come in a never-ending rainbow of colors, two options stand out above the crowd: black and white.<\/span> White t-shirts<\/span> may be the timeless<\/span><\/a>, classic and original, but<\/span> black <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> have proven to be<\/span><\/a> a winning <\/span>wardrobe staple<\/span> as well. Whether worn on their own or layered under other garments, these ubiquitous pieces of apparel provide endless comfort, style and versatility. While stocking up on other colors is always a great idea when you want to breathe some new life into your wardrobe, having plenty of white and black tees ensures that you will be ready for any occasion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The humble <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> is a classic, and it\u2019s something that belongs in every closet. It\u2019s a wardrobe essential that can be dressed up or dressed down to make it appropriate for virtually any occasion and situation. Whether you\u2019re going to work, out on a date or even hitting the gym, a simple tee can serve as the perfect top for any event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are like most people, you might not give your <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> a whole lot of thought. While you probably wear <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> regularly, you may have never given much consideration to how to style them or what you need to do to create the perfect look using your favorite black or white shirt. In this style guide, we\u2019ll dive into some of the dos and don\u2019ts to help you better understand how to rock the <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> in <\/span>your closet<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of <\/b>T-Shirts<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before we dive into the specific benefits of each color and when each is most appropriate, let\u2019s take a moment to examine the general benefits of <\/span>t-shirts<\/span>. While countless styles have come and gone over the years, the <\/span>simple t-shirt<\/span> has been around for more than a century. Named for the T shape that is formed by the body and attached sleeves, these shirts were originally made from wool or silk and used exclusively as undergarments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Around the turn of the 20th century<\/span><\/a>, the U.S. Navy started using <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> for sailors as undershirts, and other branches of the military quickly followed. Though intended to be worn underneath uniforms, soldiers and sailors working in sweltering hot climates began removing their uniform tops and working in their <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> and uniform trousers. By the 1940s and \u201950s, tees were commonly being worn as outer garments, especially by boys and young men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> are still commonly worn as both under and outer garments. You might wear yours underneath your work shirt to absorb perspiration, or you might wear it on its own with a pair of jeans. You may even pair it with a nice pair of slacks and a sport coat to create a look that\u2019s appropriate for work. However you wear them, there is a strong likelihood that you wear <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> regularly for several reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For starters, <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> offer versatility that is beyond compare. What other type of top could you wear to work, on a date, running errands, hanging out at home or out with friends?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This type of shirt is extremely affordable, too, regardless of what your budget looks like. Sure, there are<\/span> high-end tees that cost hundreds \u2013 even thousands \u2013 of dollars<\/span><\/a>, but the typical <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> will set you back less than $20. And<\/span> when you buy wholesale <\/span>t-shirts<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s possible to get them for as little as $1 each. It doesn\u2019t get much cheaper than that!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The versatility of tees lends to their affordability, too. Instead of needing to buy individual shirts for every outfit in your wardrobe, you can mix and match just a couple of <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> with other garments to create many, many outfits. And when you have both black <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>white t-shirts<\/span> in <\/span>your closet<\/span>, you can totally change up your look without breaking the bank. What\u2019s not to love?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

T-shirts<\/span> go with anything, too. Whether paired with jeans, sweats, shorts, dress slacks or even a skirt, the humble <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> pairs nicely with all of the bottoms in <\/span>your closet<\/span> and can be used to create any type of style you desire. When you fill <\/span>your closet<\/span> with <\/span>t-shirts<\/span>, it\u2019s almost impossible to mess up your look. This is, of course, a huge benefit for anyone who does not have a strong fashion sense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

White T-Shirts<\/b><\/h2>\n

When you think about the classic <\/span>t-shirt<\/span>, a white <\/span>crewneck tee<\/span> is probably the first thing that comes to mind. <\/span>Plain white tees<\/span> are the most basic of the basic, but they are an important component in any wardrobe.<\/span><\/p>\n

While often worn as undergarments, <\/span>white t-shirts<\/span> can stand on their own and be worn in numerous ways. Since they are so basic, they are generally best for casual situations. If you\u2019re hanging out with friends, picking up groceries or going for a run, a simple white tee is a solid option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind, though, the boxy crewneck style isn\u2019t the only <\/span>white t-shirt<\/span> in existence. There are also <\/span>V-neck <\/span>styles and shirts that are more fitted throughout the body to create a flattering silhouette.<\/span> In our guide to <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> necklines<\/span><\/a>, you can learn more about crew, V and other <\/span>necklines <\/span>to discover which style is best for various occasions and situations. Generally, the crewneck style is best for casual situations while a <\/span>V-neck<\/span> works well when you want to dress things up a bit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Styling a <\/b>Plain White Tee<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

When it comes to styling a <\/span>plain white tee<\/span>, the options are limitless. For a simple and casual yet totally put-together look, try wearing a white tee underneath an open <\/span>button-down<\/span> shirt and dark jeans. This look is effortless to put together, but wearing a <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> under an open shirt creates a tailored yet casual finished style.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can create another timeless look by ditching the <\/span>button-down<\/span> shirt and replacing it with a black <\/span>leather jacket<\/span>. With this outfit, you\u2019ll ooze <\/span>James Dean<\/span>-esque coolness and turn heads everywhere you go. Of course, you can always ditch the \u201creal\u201d leather in favor of more eco- and animal-friendly vegan leather.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going for a laid-back look, try wearing your <\/span>white t-shirt<\/span> with sweatpants or joggers. Throw a zip-up hoodie on over top if you\u2019re in need of some extra warmth. This look takes just seconds to put together and, thanks to the popularity of the athleisure look, is appropriate in a wide range of casual settings. You can, of course, wear this look to the gym or when you go out for a walk. It also works when you\u2019re enjoying a casual brunch with friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Black <\/b>T-Shirts<\/b><\/h2>\n

You can wear a black <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> anywhere you would wear a <\/span>white t-shirt<\/span>. The perk, though, is that a crisp black tee instantly dresses up your look and makes it a bit more appropriate for formal situations. By swapping your <\/span>plain white tee<\/span> for a black one, you can instantly make your grocery store outfit completely appropriate for a casual date or even a lunch meeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, black tends to be more flattering, too. If you feel self-conscious about how you look in a white or light-colored shirt, you may find that you are more <\/span>comfy <\/span>when wearing black. Keep in mind, however, that black absorbs heat. If you are going out for a jog, playing a game of basketball with friends or engaging in any other activity on a warm, sunny day, you\u2019re going to get hotter while wearing black than you would while wearing white.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are<\/span> shopping for a black <\/span>t-shirt<\/span><\/a>, there are many options from which to choose. There are, of course, different <\/span>necklines<\/span> and fits to choose from. Sleeve length is something that varies, too. If you aren\u2019t in the market for the standard short-sleeved tee, there are also long-sleeved tees and <\/span>tank tops<\/span> to choose from. Both black and <\/span>white t-shirts<\/span> offer a lot of versatility in terms of style and fit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Styling a Black <\/b>T-Shirt<\/b><\/h2>\n

When it comes to styling a black <\/span>t-shirt<\/span>, the sky\u2019s the limit. While white tees tend to look best when they\u2019re worn under something else, it\u2019s easy to rock a black tee both as a layering piece and on its own. If you are trying to create an outfit that\u2019s appropriate to wear to work, try wearing a <\/span>V-neck<\/span> black <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> under a black suit. You can also wear one under a black <\/span>blazer <\/span>with a pair of dark, tailored jeans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going for a simple, <\/span>casual look<\/span>, throw on a black <\/span>t-shirt<\/span> with a pair of jeans and you\u2019re good to go. To dress up this style a bit, try adding a belt or lacing up your most stylish sneaks. A pair of aviator sunglasses is always a good addition, too. Black tees work with joggers, sweatpants and shorts, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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When choosing the perfect black <\/span>t-shirts<\/span> for your wardrobe, fit matters. If you are trying to put together sleek, work-appropriate outfits, go with tops that are fitted through the body rather than <\/span>baggy <\/span>ones. A bit of tailoring goes a long way when it comes to ensuring that your outfit doesn\u2019t look sloppy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional T-Shirt Style Tips and <\/b>Outfit Ideas<\/b><\/h2>\n

Black and white t-shirts are classic wardrobe staples that can be worn in countless ways. They are versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. The following style tips and outfit ideas for black and white t-shirts can help you stand out wherever you go:<\/span><\/p>\n