Who doesn’t love a good t-shirt? They’re comfy, versatile, and go with literally everything. They are your capsule wardrobe heroes that are easy to style and dress up or down. Whether you’re going to work, keeping it casual, or somewhere in between, high-quality t-shirts are worth their weight in gold. But it’s not just the quality that matters; the fit matters too! And once you find the one, styling it becomes the fun part. From layering with cardis and blazers to pairing with everything from jeans to dress pants, the possibilities are endless.
How to pick the perfect t-shirt
Not all t-shirts are the same. There are so many factors that go into choosing the right one, and we’re here to help. Here’s what to look for when picking your perfect t-shirt:
1 - Fit
Your most important step is to find a t-shirt that fits you like a glove; it makes all the difference! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed fit, oversized, or something fitted, make sure it complements your figure and matches your style. You’ll want the shoulder seams to align with the edge of your shoulders and the hem to fall around your hip, unless you’re looking for something cropped, tunic length, or oversized.
Remember, the goal isn’t to change your body, it’s to dress it in styles that feel good, and feel YOU. If you’re petite, a petite fit t-shirt can help avoid excess fabric. The same goes for plus sizes. Look for styles that were made for your gorgeous body type. Once you find a well-fitting t-shirt, half your battle is done!
2 - Fabric
High-quality fabrics take your well-fitting tees to the next level. A polyester vs. a bamboo t-shirt drapes very differently, and knowing your fabrics can help you find the one. You’ll want something soft and breathable that feels amazing against your skin. Miik is famous for our buttery soft and stretchy Modal and bamboo options for that reason! Spandex or elastane adds stretch to help your tee keep its shape, while high-quality fabrics resist pilling and shrinking over time. So, take the time to learn about different fabrics and see what you like and works for you.
Fabrics like rayon from bamboo and modal are eco-friendly and temperature-regulating, making them a sustainable win too! If you love the fit AND fabric of your tee, you’re most likely to wear it over and over again.
3 - Colour + Pattern
Colours like black, white, and navy are classics and a must-have to complete your capsule wardrobe. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from pops of colours. Once you have your basics down, add in your favourite accent colours and patterns that match your personality, style, and skin tone. Think about what works with your existing wardrobe and have fun mixing it up.
4 - Style details
The little details matter! Things like necklines, sleeve length and hemlines can change the whole vibe of your outfit. Necklines like crewnecks are a classic, while v-necks and scoop necks add a feminine feel. Sleeve lengths matter too; short sleeves are your basics while ¾ or half sleeves add a touch of elegance. Hemlines like curved or shirttail hems elevate the look and make tucking easier, while straight hems are more casual. 
Features like a reversible neckline give you more options without spending more or taking extra space in your closet. With back-to-front reversible options, it’s like having two tops in one!
5 - Sustainability
Choosing to shop sustainably is not just about our planet; it’s good for you, too! Sustainable t-shirts are made with materials that are not only better for the earth but are also long-lasting, which means fewer trips to the landfill. Look for brands that prioritize ethical practices and focus on quality over quantity (like us!). A cheap t-shirt will last you a few months to a year, but a high-quality t-shirt may last a decade if cared for properly. Why does sustainable fashion matter? Check out our blog on the 7 benefits of ethical fashion, and learn more about the negative impacts of fast fashion to see how making mindful choices can make a big difference.
6 - Budget
Paying $90+ for a t-shirt may seem scary at first, we get it, but it’s worth it in the long run. A well-made t-shirt will last you for years to come. They will keep their shape, resist pilling, and maintain colour wash after wash, saving you money in the long run. But that doesn’t help with the initial price shock. But what if we told you there is a way to shop sustainably on a budget?! You can shop secondhand, sell your old clothing, swap items with a loved one, shop sales, and last but not least, plan your purchases and shop with intention!
At Miik, we try our best to make clothing accessible for everyone with our bi-annual slightly flawed sale (everything is up to 50% or 70% off). Click here to subscribe to our email list so you can join us at our next event!
8 ways to style a t-shirt
Now that you know what to look out for, let’s get into how to style a t-shirt. We’ve broken it down to 8 different categories to help you experiment with different styles and see what works for you. These tips will help you take your basic tee from casual to dressy and everything in between.
Layered with a cardigan
Left: Rhianna tee | Lilah cardigan | Asia pant
Middle: Gracelyn tee | Rory cardigan | Lisa legging
Right: Rio tee | Wesley cardigan | Lisa legging
A cardigan is an easy way to add a level of coziness and dress up your t-shirt. But the length of the cardigan can totally change the vibe. A duster cardigan creates a dramatic, streamlined look while a tunic-length, flowy cardigan adds extra coverage. Hip-length cardigans are a classic and versatile choice for layering and creating a polished, everyday outfit.
Matching t-shirt + cardigan/blazer colours
Left: Marianna tee | Wesley cardigan | Valencia pant
Middle: Rio tee | Wesley cardigan | Kimber pant
Right: Marissa tee | Sienna blazer
For a sleek, polished look, try pairing your t-shirt and your top layer in the same colour. Try the matching set with jeans or capris for a casual look, or pair it with a skirt or dress pants for the office. Don’t forget to use accessories when you’re dressing it up to complete the look.
Office-ready with a blazer
Left: Marianna tee | Emily blazer | Jilly skirt
Middle: Marianna tee | Sienna blazer
Right: Reina tee | Emily blazer
A blazer is a great way to elevate your outfit for the office or any business casual setting. Just like investing in your t-shirt, opt for blazers that are classics and will last for years to come. Make sure not to sacrifice comfort for style, and choose something that makes you excited to wear.
Pair your t-shirt with a fitted blazer and tailored pants or skirt for a structured look, or if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, go for a girlfriend fit blazer with jeans.
Psst… Our Miik blazers offer the softness and stretch of a cardigan with the look of a tailored jacket. They’re a great option to pair with your tee!
With casual pants
Left: Reina tee | Valencia pant
Middle: Rhianna tee | Akira pant
Right: Gracelyn tee | Akira pant
T-shirts and casual pants are the perfect everyday duo. Pair your tee with capris for when warm weather hits. Want something even more relaxed? Try a flowy palazzo pant! They’re an easy, comfy combo that always looks put together without trying too hard.
Casual with shorts or skorts
Left: Marianna tee | Tessa skort
Middle: Rhianna tee | Lelenad short
Right: Marianna tee | Irelynn short
Next up is to pair your t-shirt with soft, stretchy shorts or even skorts. Think comfy pull-on styles in breathable fabrics, perfect for lounging, walks, or running errands. It’s a great combo for staying cool while still looking effortlessly put together. Whether you’re keeping it sporty or going casual-chic, you’ll be comfortable and stylish.
Classic with jeans
Left: Rio tee | Lilah cardigan
Middle: Rhianna tee | Sienna blazer
Right: Sutton tee
You can’t go wrong with a t-shirt and jeans! It’s the ultimate combo. From skinny to wide leg, light wash to black denim, the right jeans can totally shift the vibe of your outfit. Want to dress it up? Add a blazer or some bold accessories. This look is classic for a reason; it just works!
Everyday legging look
Left: Marissa tee | Seana capri legging
Middle: Reina tee | Lucy capri legging
Right: Rio tee | Lisa capri legging
T-shirts and leggings are comfortable, easy, and effortlessly cool. Pair a longer or oversized tee with high-waisted leggings for that relaxed, lived-in feel, or go for a more fitted tee and layer on a cardigan or denim jacket. Add sneakers or sandals, and you’re ready.
Elevated with dress pants
Left: Rhianna tee | Reed pant
Middle: Sutton tee | Christal pant
Right: Rhianna tee | Cassie pant
Yes, your favourite t-shirt can look polished for work too! Pair it with your favourite dress pants, whether wide-leg, straight leg, or capri. Add loafers or heels, and a statement necklace to finish the look. Throw on a blazer on top like we showed earlier, and you’re done. It’s comfy, put-together, and totally office-approved (or dinner-ready!).
There you have it, proof that a simple t-shirt is anything but boring. Whether you’re keeping it casual with leggings or dressing it up with blazers and dress pants, the right tee can do it all. It’s all about mixing, matching, and making it your own. So go ahead, try something new! Play with proportions and build a closet full of outfits around that one perfect tee.
With much love,
Your Miik team 🤍
