Buying men's shirts and T-shirts: how to choose the right style, size and fabric

Buying a new item of clothing online seems simple, until a T-shirt loses its shape after a few washes or a shirt proves uncomfortable during the working day. When choosing men's shirts and T-shirts, it's not just about the brand or colour. The fit, material, care requirements and intended use all determine whether a purchase is practical.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

• An unclear fit: “slim”, “regular” and “relaxed” are not universal sizes. Always check the size guide and chest measurement.
• Claims about easy care: a shirt described as crease-resistant will not automatically remain completely crease-free. The fabric, washing method and drying method also have an impact.
• An appealing fabric without a composition: “cotton blend” tells you very little unless the proportions of cotton, elastane or polyester are stated.
• The wrong colour for your wardrobe: black men's T-shirts and black men's shirts are versatile, but dark fabrics may require extra care to preserve their colour and shape.

Which specifications are important?

1. Fit and measurements

Choose a fit that suits your intended use and body shape:

• Slim fit: sits closer to the body and works well under a blazer or with smart trousers. A slim-fit men's shirt may offer less room to move around the shoulders and chest.
• Regular fit: a practical middle ground for work, everyday wear and layering.
• Relaxed fit: cut more generously, making it suitable for casual outfits and freedom of movement.

Don't just look at the letter size. For shirts, collar size, chest measurement and sleeve length are important. Size guides for T-shirts vary by brand. For example, the Tommy Jeans V-neck T-shirts in the supplied product information list chest and arm measurements for each size. This makes comparison easier than relying on XS, M or XL alone.

2. Material and comfort

A men's cotton shirt is a logical choice for everyday wear because cotton often feels soft and allows air to circulate. However, check whether the product is made from 100% cotton or a blend.

• 100% cotton: listed for the Calvin Klein Smooth Cotton T-shirt, the LEE All Purpose Shirt and various The North Face men's T-shirts.
• Cotton with elastane: can provide extra stretch and freedom of movement, as with several Calvin Klein stretch shirts.
• Cotton-polyester blend: may be a good option for active use. According to the product information, the Under Armour Sportstyle T-shirt is made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester.

Bear in mind that features such as “breathable”, “quick-drying” or “odour control” may come from the brand's product description. Don't present such claims as a guarantee for every wearer. According to Under Armour's product description, the material is designed to wick away moisture and reduce odours; check for yourself whether these properties suit the way you intend to use it.

3. Care and durability

How you care for a shirt also affects how it continues to look. Before buying, check:

• the recommended washing temperature;
• whether the garment can go in the tumble dryer;
• the ironing temperature;
• whether dark colours should be washed separately;
• whether the label differs from the online product information.

Many of the selected models recommend washing at 30 or 40 °C and air-drying. According to the product information, the Tommy Jeans V-Neck T-Shirt is machine-washable at 30 °C and must not be tumble-dried. The North Face models are made from 100% cotton and likewise recommend washing at a maximum of 40 °C and natural drying.

A men's stretch shirt may allow you to move more comfortably, but it still needs careful washing. Hang a shirt up immediately after washing and always follow the sewn-in care label.

Recommended choices for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Tommy Jeans Men's V-Neck T-Shirt – Black Iris XS

Why it suits this profile: This basic T-shirt is easy to pair with jeans, chinos or under a shirt. The black Black Iris colour and V-neck make it suitable for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it is made from 100% certified organic cotton and includes a size guide and specific washing instructions for 30 °C. This allows you to check the material, size and care requirements before buying.

Key benefit & advantages

100% cotton, V-neck, lightweight jersey fabric and machine-washable at 30 °C according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Calvin Klein Twill Easy Care Slim Shirt Night Sky Men 40

Why it suits this profile: The dark Night Sky colour works for the office, dinner and smart-casual outfits. The slim fit creates a streamlined look when you want to wear a shirt with jeans or smart trousers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions a cotton twill blend, slim fit and easy-care design. However, check the exact fibre percentage on the label before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

Slim fit, twill fabric, button fastening and a dark colour suitable for work and leisure.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

The North Face Men T-Shirts NF0A8E3M Summit Navy M

Why it suits this profile: This T-shirt has a relaxed fit and is designed for casual everyday wear, travelling and layering. The generous cut is practical if you are not looking for a close-fitting style.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states the relaxed fit, chest measurements for each size and 100% cotton composition. This reduces the risk of an overly tight fit or an unexpected fabric blend.

Key benefit & advantages

Relaxed fit, crew neck, 100% cotton, chest pocket and machine-washable at a maximum of 40 °C according to the product description.

From men's T-shirts to shirts: how to combine them

For a versatile wardrobe, it's useful to have a few different styles:

• A men's cotton shirt in black, white or navy for everyday wear.
• A men's polo shirt for a smart-casual outfit without a formal collar.
• A men's stretch shirt for work or occasions when you want more freedom of movement.
• A classic cotton or twill shirt for the office and smart-casual combinations.
• A relaxed T-shirt from, for example, The North Face for jeans, shorts or layering.

A black shirt is easy to pair with denim and light-coloured trousers. A Night Sky shirt creates a softer contrast than black and can be worn with either smart trousers or jeans. Brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Levi’s and The North Face can help you search more selectively, but always check the specific product details rather than relying solely on brand recognition.

Frequently asked questions about men's shirts and T-shirts

Which men's shirt size should I choose?

Measure your chest at the widest point and compare it with the size guide for the specific product. For shirts, also check the collar size and sleeve length. An M from one brand may fit differently from an M from another.

Which is more practical for everyday wear: cotton or a cotton blend?

100% cotton is a straightforward choice if you value a natural fibre composition and a soft feel. A cotton blend with elastane can offer more stretch. Polyester in the composition may be practical for active use, but always check the care instructions and exact percentages.

How can I stop my shirt from losing its shape quickly?

Wash it according to the label, use the recommended temperature and avoid the tumble dryer when advised. Hang the shirt up immediately after washing. Wash dark T-shirts and shirts inside out to help protect the colour and print.