31 Types of T-shirts

31 Types of T-shirts - Necks, Fits, Lengths, Decorations

The types of t-shirts can be classified according to their neck, sleeves, fit, and decorative options. Overall, this results in an enormous number of combinations! This article will go through the most common t-shirt styles. As well as the different t-shirt styles, they can be made from different fibers, from cotton and cotton blends to polyester and moisture-wicking specialty fabrics. They are a highly versatile fashion item that goes with so many outfits and can be worn with sneakers or dress shoes.

Types of T-shirts by Necks

Types of T-shirts by Necks

Necks can vary by style, height, and shape. Here are the 8 most common types of t-shirt collars. T-shirts in the first row tend to be unisex or men's styles and the second row is more commonly found in women's styles. But there are always exceptions - wear what you love.

1. Crew Neck

Crew Neck T-shirt Type

Crew neck t-shirts are what first come to mind when we think of a t-shirt. It is a rounded high neck made from rib fabric or binding. Crew necks are popular for men and women alike and are considered a more casual look.

2. V-Neck

Types of T-shirt Neck

V-Neck t-shirts can vary from sitting close to the neck to ending quite low to show a bit of chest. They can be trimmed with binding or rib-knit fabric.

3. Polo Shirts

Polo t-shirts are popular for workwear and are considered a more formal or conservative type of t-shirt. Their collar is made from a rib-knit fabric, and they have a short placket with buttons or studs.

4. Henly T-shirts

Henley t-shirts have a placket with buttons combined with a high round neck. You can also have henley styles combined with a v-neck. It may have an open neck or button placket.

5. Scoop Neck

Scoop neck t-shirts have a lower rounded neck that is a little wider on the shoulders. Once mainly a part of women's t-shirts, it is now quite common to find it in men's styles as well.

6. Cowl

Cowl necks are featured in women's t-shirt styles, where the neck is draped in a fine stretch fabric. This adds a touch of elegance and softness to the t-shirt as well as making it appear dressier.

7. Boat Neck T-shirts

Boat necks are mainly but not always found in women's t-shirts and go straight across from shoulder to shoulder. A classic boat neck t-shirt is made in blue and white stripe stretch fabric and is styled on a sailor's look.

8. Off Shoulder T-Shirts

Off-shoulder t-shirts are a women's style. It may fall off just one shoulder (think Flashdance in the 1980s) or both.

Types of T-shirts by Sleeves

T-shirts can be classified by the types of shirt sleeves they have. These can range from sleeveless to full length.

9. Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt

Raglan sleeves have a seam from the collarbone to under the arm. They are also referred to as baseball shirts and may have the sleeves sewn in a different contrasting color.

10. Set-In Sleeves

Turtle neck t-shirt

Set-in sleeves have the seam on or below the shoulder. T-shirts are often oversized and the shoulder seam may fall at the upper arm.

11. Attached T-Shirt Sleeves

The attached sleeves are joined to the main body of the t-shirt and include cap sleeves and Dolman ( or batwing) sleeves.

12. Sleeveless T-Shirt Types

Sleeveless Types of T-shirt

Sleeveless is great for the hot weather and showing off your arms. Sleeveless t-shirts can be referred to as muscle shirts, tank tops or even singlets.

13. Cap Sleeves

Cap sleeves end at the upper part of the arm giving a feminine silhouette, perfect for hot weather or as a base layer under jackets.

14. Short Sleeve T-Shirts

Short sleeves end at mid-arm to just above the elbow. Because of the oversized nature of many t-shirts, a short sleeve is often referred to as anything above the elbow.

15. ¾ Sleeve

¾ sleeves end midway between the elbow and wrist. They are a popular fall and spring option. It is common for ¾ sleeves to be paired with raglan sleeves and a crew neck.

16. Long Sleeve T-Shirts

Long sleeves or full-length sleeves end at the wrist. They are the perfect casual wear for cooler months and are a great base layer under a jacket.

Different Types of T-shirts by Lengths

T-shirts can vary in length. Torso lengths may be referred to as cropped, standard, or longline.

17. Cropped T-Shirts

Cropped (or crop) t-shirts end below the bust and above the navel. Popular in high fashion and younger circles, they can be paired with high waisted skirts and pants.

18. Regular Length (Standard)

When purchasing t-shirts, if there is no mention of the length, it is probably a regular or standard length that ends at the hips. This t-shirt style works well for most body types and is great for different occasions.

19. Longline

Longline t-shirts end at or below the bottom at the middle of the thighs and may be referred to as tunics. They are great for layered styling and are popular in streetwear clothing.

20. Asymmetrical Length T-shirt Styles

These t-shirts have an uneven hemline, which can be longer in the back or longer on one side. They add a modern twist to the classic t-shirt design.

Types of Shirts by Fit

There are 3 different shirt cuts for t-shirts - loose, standard or tight. These suit different preferences and styles.

21. Loose Fit T-Shirts

Loose or oversized t-shirts are extremely baggy and are considered one of the most comfortable t-shirt styles.

22. Standard Fit T-Shirts

Standard-fit t-shirts have some ease but are not so loose that they swallow you up. This is the most common t-shirt fit. A good example of this fit can be found in the grey t-shirt in the photo above. A standard fit combined with a crew neck is probably the most popular type of t-shirt on the planet.

23. Tight Fit (Fitted or Slim Fit)

Tight t-shirts or the slim-fit t-shirt are often smaller than your actual body measurements. This is called negative ease and means that when stretched, the t-shirt will hug the body. Tight t-shirts need some spandex or Lycra incorporated into the fabric so they don't go out of shape when worn.

On the label, you might see wording such as 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Tight t-shirts normally have 3-5% spandex or Lycra composition. These are great for layering with a blazer and jeans.

24. Muscle Fit

This athletic fit of t-shirt is tighter around the chest and arms to accentuate a good physique. They are often tapered at the waist.

Types of T-Shirts with Decorations

Why settle for plain and boring? T-shirts can be used to promote a brand or something you believe in or make a statement about who you are or want to be. Here are some of the decorations that can be used for t-shirts.

25. Hooded T-Shirts Type

I love a hooded t-shirt. It makes me feel cozy and warm.

26. Graphic T-Shirts

Graphic tees are a massive category. A different print or color can transform a t-shirt from feminine to rock to grunge and everywhere in between. Stripes are frequently used for t-shirts and logos can be found everywhere. If you have a business or something to promote, design a clever logo and give out some of your shirts.

27. Pocket T-Shirts

T-shirts can have pockets on the breast on either side or both. When used in conjunction with a polo neck, pockets can give a t-shirt a dressier look.

28. Ripped T-Shirt Types

T-shirts can be altered with rips and slashes. Be aware! You will probably pay more for carefully placed rips.

29. Sequined T-Shirts

Covered in sequins, these t-shirt styles sparkle and shine under light. They can have sequins all over, or arranged in a pattern and combined with printing. When purchasing a sequin t-shirt, always check the inside is not scratchy from the thread knots.

30. Embroidered T-Shirts

T-shirts can be altered with embroidery and smocking. (Read fabric manipulation techniques). Embroidery can be used to add details or text and gives it an expensive textured look.

31. Tie Dye Tshirts

Tie-dye shirts with bright patterns are a popular type of t-shirt from the 70s to modern times. Created by folding and twisting the fabric before dyeing, each shirt is a one-of-a-kind piece. These shirts are a staple in casual and streetwear fashion.