For those who fetishize an outfit’s details as much as I do, the act of simply wearing a crewneck t-shirt or button-down is much too easy–a sartorial copout if you will. Is this a bit far-fetched? Probably, but welcome to my style of psychosis. There’s something magical about the hint of a white t-shirt peeking from beneath a crewneck sweater or a glimpse of a contrasting fabric beneath a cotton tee’s hemline.
In essence, layering t-shirts is totally Y2K. You know what I’m talking about: Aeropostale tee on top of a lacy Hollister cami or, even worse, graphic dinosaur tee over long sleeve shirt—often sported by 7-year-olds at recess. But that’s where the styling comes into play. With the right silhouettes, fabrications, and pairings, the tactic adds a hint of much-needed subversion to otherwise over-sophisticated ensembles. Ahead, we’ve broken down the art of layering t-shirts, whether that’s with a similar silhouette like yet another tee or something totally different like an oxford shirt.
T-shirt on T-shirt Layering
Short-sleeve T-shirt + Short-Sleeve T-shirt
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
I stumbled upon this photo while browsing Net-A-Porter last week, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. The two thin materials are the perfect combination, and I love the way the outer sleeves are slightly rolled. Feminine footwear adds the perfect finishing touch.
Long-sleeve T-shirt + Long Sleeve T-shirt
Turtleneck + Turtleneck
Photo: Courtesy of Gauchere
Ever since I saw the Gauchere Spring ‘24 collection, I’ve been obsessed with this unique tactic of layering two turtleneck t-shirts. Make sure you stick to super thin fabrications otherwise it might get a little stuffy.
Short-sleeve T-shirt + Long-sleeve T-Shirt
This is a combo I’ve been wearing quite regularly. To circumvent the teenage-boy-in-the-early-aughts connotation here, make sure you shake it up with whatever you wear on the bottom. Like the above photo, I tend to gravitate towards more feminine skirts (mini, midi, or maxi).
T-shirts with Other Items
T+shirt + Crewneck Sweater
This one is all about the details. These days, I almost never don a crew-neck sweater without a t-shirt peeking out of its neckline. Bonus points if it sticks out from beneath the hemline, as well!
T-shirt + V-neck Sweater
Unlike the above pairing, the t-shirt packs a bit more of a punch in this category as more white cotton is exposed. I would love the rest of the ensemble in similarly dark hue so the white layering staple really pops.
T-shirt + Button-Down
Photo: Courtesy of Bally
When you add a classic shirt, the amount of t-shirt exposure is up to the wearer—all thanks to those handy buttons. I’d advise clashing with the tailored vibe of the top and opting for another fabrication like leather or suede.
T-Shirt + Sweater Vest
When dealing with a school-girl-esque sweater vest, opt for a menswear-style oversized fit in the t-shirt. A gritty heather gray provides the perfect contrast to the colorful knit.
Long-sleeved Striped T-shirt + Sweater
We’ve stuck mainly to solids lately, but it’s always fun to throw a pattern in the mix. I love the striped shirt in this How to Spend It editorial styled by Jermaine Dailey. Make sure the tee pops out of both the hemline and the sleeves.
