Top 5 Sleek T-shirts of 2016

This week, we bring to you what we think are some of the top sleek T-shirts of 2016. Granted there are many great T-shirts around in the fashion industry, we have narrowed down to just 5 T-shirts that would definitely turn heads. Your colleagues might never look at you quite the same if some of these shirts made it into your wardrobe.

#5: “Improve” T-shirt

By: Zara

Why: Despite a relatively simple design, the main thing that caught our attention was the blunt message written on the chest – “Improve”. We are particularly encouraged by shirts with empowering messages in them besides a really great design. Hence, that message goes out to you, as well as us, the team at Sleek and Suave – to continue improving every single day, regardless of our current standards.

In terms of fashion, the black base nature makes it easy to pair with many different types of outlook, for different occasions. Above that, adding a tinted line of yellow stripe across the word “Improve” adds a certain design element to stand apart from the work of a high school student.

How much: SGD $39.90

I’d like this in my wardrobe: Go to Zara online shop or click here.

#4: Cross Hatched Curved Hem

By: Armani Exchange

Why: There are so many plus points on this T-shirt that it nearly made it to #2 even. With that said, we are totally torn between choices. We really like the graphic design smacked right in the middle because of its circular shape. By playing with geometric shapes and breaking up the logo, it doesn’t come across as if you are trying too hard to boast about the brand. Yet if anyone looks closely enough, the graphic print tells people which brand you are wearing.

The main focus of this shirt however lies with a small yet aesthetically pleasant difference – the hem. Curved instead of a straight cut immediately sets you apart despite being relatively casual still. Curved hems goes very well jeans pairing especially if you pay close attention to the right fitting. And please, tuck out if you are donning on this T-shirt.

How much: USD $27.00

I’d like this in my wardrobe: Head over to Armani Exchange online shop or click here.

#3: Paisley Print T-shirt

By: Zara

Why: Blended between 2 shades of black, the flower print brings about a sense of sophistication while being casual. We can’t help but felt the design brought about the same feeling as the Batik that Asian Datuks wore. A touch of nature also counterbalance the dominating masculine vibe in you with an approachable identity. In our opinion, we rarely see T-shirts of such designs and that is why we chose this to be among our Top 5.

How much: (SGD $39.90)

I’d like this in my wardrobe: Check out Zara online shop or click here.

#2: Long Sleeved Collared Henley

By: Unknown

Why: This shirt is incredibly unique and nothing like the 10 types of shirts that we have mentioned in previous posts. In naming this shirt with our own terms, we pretty much had question marks in our head when we decided to classify it as a form of Henley because Henleys typically do not have collars but this shirt has a really short one.

The V neck is the main reason why we called it a Henley. Originating as a long sleeved shirt, it seems versatile to convert into a ¾ sleeve or short sleeves whenever intended. We foresee that this shirt is really great for slightly cooler weather conditions or in a casual working environment.

How much: If this shirt is made of great fabric quality, then we are willing to match that up to average Armani prices. Officially speaking, we don’t know the price of this shirt though.

I’d like this in my wardrobe: Us as well, so please do tell us if you know where to get this shirt.      

#1: Waffle Knit Pima Henley

By: Ralph Lauren

Why: It is a Henley. A 100% Pima cotton one. With a soft modal interior blend, it was designed to be comfortable and look good all at the same time. As a long sleeved Henley, it is good to be worn on its own or under a nice outwear. The cuffs are also ribbed, providing a nice grip around your arms, all while looking sleek in it. (Remember what we previously mentioned about standing out with your own fashion style in a casual environment?)

How much: USD $145

I’d like this in my wardrobe: Get it here and don’t forget to send us some too, we won’t mind.

Honorary Mentions

 

 

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Round Neck T-Shirts: Stripes, Prints…Or Just Plain Tees???

For the past 2 entries we discussed about several types of T-shirts as well as types of and their distinct characteristics. This week we are going to go in-depth into a specific topic: Round Neck T-Shirts. We are going to explore the different and unique traits about each type of T-Shirts, we will also be going into details about which types of T-shirts suit you best and how you can make use of their distinct traits to bring out the best in you!

Stripes

You have mainly two options to consider when choosing between the kinds of stripes to wear: horizontal or vertical. Horizontal stripes usually are the less popular choice to go. Unless you want to look like a Sesame Street character or jailbird, horizontal stripes can be funny to look at visually. Vertical stripes, on the other hand, do not carry many negative connotations.

Vertical stripes make you look taller, which can be great if you’re vertically challenged, but might also make you look like hilarious if you are already tall. Wearing horizontal stripes also comes with the unfortunate side effect of making overweight people look even more overweight. It’s an optical illusion to some, but perception is what sticks, it really boils down to how people look at it individually. So anyone with a few extra pounds should be extra wary when wearing T-shirts with horizontal stripes.

Prints

T-shirts with prints are one of the most popular choice among youngsters age between 16-21, mainly because it gives off a very hip and cool vibe. It is also a representation of fun, trendy and young. So the next time you see someone who dons T-shirt with prints, be it big or small prints, you could probably guess that they are some teenagers at the prime of their youth who had just finish their education and ready to take on the world! On another note, it’s rare that an adult to be wearing T-shirts with prints, mainly because they often say them as being kiddy and thinks that it would give off a vibe of childishness and immaturity.

 

The size of the prints is also an important factor because it determine the image that you want to put out there. Big prints are more suitable for individuals who wants to stand out and be the center of attention. They often come across as bold and flamboyant and bound to make heads turn and draw eyes on them. On the other side, small prints are for individuals who wants to keep it low profile and yet wish to look funky at the same time, these are the peeps who are often less daring in their fashion sense and yet want to get in to the mix of being trendy and add some personality to their fashion sense.

Plains Tees

Plain T-shirts are perhaps the most common and go-to choice for most individuals, you could almost see it everywhere on every street almost everyday. It’s the best casual wear on a casual day for most of us, because it does not have any much of a distinctive traits compared to the two other types of T-shirts mentioned above. It might seem ridiculous to put it in this manner but research shows most of us just put on a plain T-shirt when we leave our house simply because we got to have something on covered on our upper body. LOL!!!

Nonetheless, there are ways to make an individual look good just by wearing a plain tee, often that is by using colors to bring out the personality of the person. By choosing the right colors and take into considerations of a person’s skin tone, we can enhance the dress sense of a person. For more details on which colors that suit you best, do refer to our second post of the blog.

In Conclusion

These are the different types of the round neck T-shirts that are trending in the fashion world now, we hope that this article would give u options and help you in your choice of choosing the round neck T-shirts that suits you and also bring out the best in you in terms of dress sense and personal style. Stay tuned with us as we share with you more information on the topic of fashion and join us in our quest to bring out the best fashion sense in you

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(Another) 5 Types of Shirts (Part 2)

In our previous post, we talked about the various types of shirts that you should know and how each of them can help enhance your personal style to the next level. In this post, we talk about the remaining 5 that we narrowed down for your greater understanding of how to sport a shirt like a true man.

Sports

Made of cotton and polyester, Sports T-shirts are designed to provide maximum mobility while providing a certain level of breathability for perspiration to be moved away from the body.

Various sports brands created their own unique fabric technology, playing with different combinations of cotton and polyester (eg. 60% cotton and 40% polyester). This is to leverage on both the strengths of cotton and polyester material. While there are T-shirts out there with 100% polyester material, such shirts are not effective for perspiration control.

Examples of big brands investing in perspiration control includes Nike’s Dri-Fit while Adidas founded Clima-cool technology. Because these shirts also have varying thickness at different parts of the shirt, they create a significant difference in air circulation and hence allowing certain parts of the shirt to dry up faster than the rest.

With that in mind, now you can fully justify your expenditure on a collection of good sports attire. They are (secretly) functional and fashionable, both on and off the field. Best suited for people who want to be in their A-game all the time.

Henley

Want to stand out from the crowd of usual dudes wearing T-shirts? Besides graphical T-shirts, another way of showing off your fashion sense lies in the fundamental style of shirt. Henley shirts could be seen as the hybrid between dress shirts, crew neck and polo-Tees.

It is easy to spot a Henley because such shirts definitely look very differently from normal T-shirts. They have high necklines, similar to or higher than crew neck T-shirts. In cooler climate conditions, high necklines offer a sense of sophistication, almost like a refreshing mint from the usual. Henleys also usually have a button up neckline, pretty much like the collar T-shirts – without the collars.

In both short and long sleeves, Henley shirts are easily paired with outerwear to provide a casual, yet professional outlook. If your workplace does not require you to be in suits and ties, then Henleys can contour perfectly to your fashion style without appearing like you try too hard.

Pocket

You must have noticed that certain T-shirts actually have a pocket at the chest. T-shirts originated from being an undershirt until it became more common to wear them as a standalone in modern days. Functionality aside, having a pocket makes it look much lesser than an undershirt. That is especially true if you like plain T-shirts. 

Pocket T-shirts are also suitable to pair up with outerwear such as bomber jackets and blazers.

Hence, it really depends much on your fashion direction. Just take note that usually pocket T-shirts are typically regarded as a form of casual wear.

Long Sleeved Shirts

Incredibly versatile at pairing especially during colder climates, such shirts are for the lazy bums who want to look equally good. We all remember situations where the temperature is low enough for us to feel uncomfortable yet not cold enough to warrant a jacket. Under such scenarios, what else would be a great option besides a simple long sleeved shirt. (Did Elon Musk’s recent stage appearance struck a familiar chord?)

Without the collar, just like most T-shirts, the long sleeves serve as a comfort wear both at home, in campus and at a casual working environment. Yet should the occasion calls for it, pairing it with a vest or a coat serves both functionality and fashion sense.

Alternatively, long sleeved shirts are great for men who wants their sleeves covering a part of their forearm. Simply pull the sleeves up slightly at your elbows and you have a new taste altogether. As usual, get fitting ones definitely and be warned that such outlooks typically can wear your shirt out within 2 years, depending on usage.

Hooded

In both long and short sleeves, the hooded shirts as its name suggests – has a(functional) hood. When it’s all hoods down, the shirt looks like a normal long sleeved one with a relatively high and tight neckline. Many of the hooded shirts also presents drawstrings which are functional as well as aesthetically different from other usual shirts.

Leveraging on that point, the drawstrings act as accessory to pull off a casual and cool appearance. And depending very much on your bottoms, you can look either you are heading for a run, sleek for work or completely look like a street punk.

Although this article post is mainly on shirts, a word of advice to hooded shirt combinations: Avoid baggy trousers that are threatening to fall off your hips with every step you take. Sweatpants combinations pull off a jogger’s outlook while nice fitting jeans make you look like a Silicon valley entrepreneur.

Same goes for the length of your sleeves. Long sleeves are usually a better bet, because like long sleeved shirts as mentioned previously, you can always roll up to 3 quarters arm length. Short sleeves hooded shirts pull off a parkour outlook.

In Conclusion

There are many different types of shirts available in the market and each of them can help contour your body shape the way you want, or to display the fashion sense that lies quietly within you. Don’t forget, shirts can be incredibly gentlemanly in a world where everyone wants to end up in a suit. You have choices now, make some wise ones on your next shopping trip.

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5 Types of T-shirts (Part 1)

Upcoming, we are going to concurrently deliver a two-part series of the various types of T-shirts available in the market to fulfill the variety your wardrobe deserve to have. With that said, different types of T-shirts serve different purposes and are obviously, suitable for a range of activities.

So before you don on a Henley’s into your next gym session, let us dive straight into the first 5 types of T-shirts.

1. Polo T-shirt

First produced in late 1920s by French seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion, Rene Lacoste, the Polo T-shirt, which was first used by tennis players, quickly spreaded to Polo players and golfers. In today’s world, Polo T-shirts continued to exude a certain vibe of status while remaining practical for outdoor casual attire.

Besides tennis players and golfers, Polo T-shirts became a hot favourite for people who worked outdoors and at the same time, required to look professional. Highly versatile and suitable for both casual sporting events, the Polo Tee must be included in any gentleman’s wardrobe.

Polo T-shirts are usually made of knitted cotton, short-sleeved and designed for comfort. They provide a visual illusion of a fuller upper body, hence more suitable for men with leaner body frames.

2. Collar T-shirts

They might sound similar to the Polo T-shirt, but there are some minor differences. Collar Tees are made of pure cotton unlike it’s kn
itted cotton counterpart. It presents a strategic option to casual attire catered for warmer temperatures. Hence, while maintaining a certain sense of fashion, comfort levels remain very practical for the wearer.

3. Crew Neck T-shirts

As we continue to touch on the different types of T-shirts, you will quickly realize that many T-shirts are categorized by their neckline, fit and outlook. The Crew Neck T-shirt presents a fairly tight hold near to the wearer’s neck. In fact, the very first T-shirts started out as inner shirts. They then transited into the military, intended for labour work and physical exercises. Crew neck T-shirts are short-sleeved, collarless basics that can be paired just as easily with many different outer wear. They are often made of light fabric and can come with various prints.

4. Round Neck T-Shirts

The term “Round Neck” is a general term for T-shirts that has a circular neckline, with a noticeable difference that is lower than the Crew Neck Tee. There are other variations in names catering for various degree of neckline roundings – such as “Scooped” or “U Neck”. Round Neck T-shirts are usually more suitable for warmer weather and can be worn on its own as a basic Tee. U Necks have much lower and looser necklines near or below the collarbone.

5. V Neck T-shirts

Absolutely love the bomber jacket over V neck Tee!

As the name suggests, the neckline of such T-shirts looks like a V. In modern day standards, V neck T-shirts helps a gentleman to show off his personal sense of fashion while at the same time accentuate his hard work from all those benchpress and other pectoral gym workouts.

V Neck T-shirts can be worn on their own or fit nicely under blazers to give off a younger and more casual vibe during business events. This outlook has been noted in many celebrities yet it should not be taken for granted and be worn for really formal events. The V-neck and blazer combination cannot replace a tuxedo. Hence, used for the appropriate occasions, V-necks can showcase an exceptional sense of fashion – or could entirely appear rude altogether.

V neck dips in various degrees, and the deeper it goes, the more feminine. You would want to balance it out with your physique and depends very much on what flavor you would like to bring forth. Men with bigger physiques and a nicely worked out body could probably go for deeper V neckline, otherwise stay about an inch above your solar plexus.

Conclusion

So that’s it for the first part of the two-part series on various types of T-shirts. Start planning on how you can get a few good pieces in your wardrobe to suit any occasion that might turn up on your plate. Stay tuned for more and “Like” our Facebook Page.