Which color t-shirt matches what?
In the fashion world, trends and styles come and go. These trends can also affect colors but, some colors will always be popular. When it comes to men's t-shirts, I would say the colors men choose, have less to do with fashion and more to do with choosing colors they like. That seems obvious but since color availability can change from season to season (lighter colors in summer, darker in winter) you may not be able to get the color you want when you want it. So, in this article we will go over some of the more popular color choices for men’s t-shirts, we will discuss what other colors pair well with them as well as a couple of other things to consider when making color choices for your t-shirts. Hopefully having this info along with a few items in your closet can keep you looking good all year.
The colors:
- White: No wardrobe seems complete without the timeless white t-shirt. Its versatility makes it a staple in every man's collection.
- Black: Black is another perennial favorite, sophisticated and versatile. A black t-shirt easily transitions from day to night, making it a must-have for most of us.
- Navy Blue: Navy blue is well balanced between casual and refined. Its deep, rich tone adds an elegant look to any outfit.
- Heather Gray: Heather gray offers a subtle alternative to traditional black and white. Its textured appearance adds depth to your outfit.
- Burgundy: Bold, the red alternative to navy blue, this color is far more versatile than you may think and looks good with many other colors.
- Forest Green: A color not seen as often as it deserves, this color is a good replacement for black in many cases.
- Olive Green/Khaki Green: A popular choice with veterans, outdoorsmen and everything in between. A great option when you don’t want to think about what to wear.
There are many lists out there as to which are the most popular colors for men’s clothing. The colors above are consistently popular and they offer a versatile and relatively neutral range that can be easily incorporated into most guys outfits, making them simple choices for men's t-shirts. Since there are seven days in the week, we put seven colors on this list. For me personally, I wouldn’t even need that many options. I don’t mind wearing a black t-shirt everyday with the occasional navy blue or burgundy t-shirt thrown in.
A shirt and pants are usually the first thing to consider when getting dressed and every one of these colors on a cotton t-shirt would look good with blue denim, black denim, gray denim, beige chinos or gray chinos. Olive green chinos can also look nice with white, black and heather gray t-shirts but I don’t think I would pair them with the others. These color combinations can work with any piece of clothing you may wear with your cotton t-shirt. Shorts, jackets, coats and even hats, just don’t combine too many colors at once, keep it simple. Maybe stick to two main colors and just vary the shade or tint of some of the items you are wearing if needed.
In fact, here are some examples of colors that can work well together when layering:
Color layering:
- White T-shirt
- Layer with: Navy blue, gray, or charcoal.
- Other options: Light blue or camel
- Black T-shirt
- Layer with: Gray, white or olive green.
- Other options: Dark red or camel
- Navy Blue T-shirt
- Layer with: Gray, white or camel.
- Other options: Light blue or burgundy
- Heather Gray T-shirt
- Layer with: Burgundy, Navy blue or Olive green.
- Other options: Charcoal gray or Mustard
- Burgundy T-shirt
- Layer with: Olive green, Navy blue or Charcoal gray.
- Other options: Mustard or Cream
- Forest Green T-shirt
- Layer with: Brown, Navy blue or Charcoal.
- Other options: Cream or Camel
- Olive Green/Khaki Green T-shirt
- Layer with: White, Navy blue or Cream.
- Other options: Denim blue or Camel
Undershirt colors:
Another thing I would like to briefly cover that I don’t see written about often is undershirts. The color of these can be important as well, especially if you are trying to look your best. If you are wearing it under a flannel or denim shirt than the color may not matter that much. Either it’s exposed and you can just follow a guide like the one above or you’re wearing a V-neck and it won’t be seen, no problem. However, when you are wearing a dress shirt its important that your undershirt does not show through. The best undershirt colors to wear to avoid being seen through a shirt can depend on your skin tone and the color of the shirt you're wearing. However, here are a few tips that can help:
1. For light colored shirts:
- Opt for a white, gray or flesh toned undershirt, depending on your skin tone. While white may blend in best with the shirt, if you are not wearing a jacket then your skin tone may show through the arms.
- For dark colored shirts:
- Choose a black or charcoal gray undershirt. Dark undershirts are less likely to show through dark-colored outer shirts.
- For medium to dark skin tones:
- If you have a medium to dark skin tone, selecting an undershirt that closely matches your skin color can be effective in minimizing visibility.
- Consider flesh toned undershirts:
- Flesh-toned undershirts are designed to blend with a variety of skin tones. They can be a good option when you want the undershirt to be inconspicuous.
- Avoid vibrant colors and graphics:
- Pretty obvious but, I thought I’d include it.
As trends continually change and evolve, the popularity of certain colors for men's t-shirts fortunately remains unwavering. Properly pairing these colors with other items in your wardrobe can enhance your look. You can go with classic neutrals, earth tones or just wear whatever makes it easiest for that day. The key is to express your personality through your clothing choices and wear what makes you feel good. So, go ahead and embrace the hues that resonate with you – after all, they’re your clothes.
Don’t forget to check out our high quality premium cotton t-shirts and see if there are some colors we have that you may like. If color is what you like, our t-shirts are made from premium cottons that will hold their color depth and vibrancy wash after wash. We will be adding some new ones in and taking some others out so that you can build a nice, versatile collection of colors.
