Style Guide: 5 Ways to Style a Classic T-Shirt (White or Black) for Any Occasion
A simple T-shirt can be the most versatile piece of clothing in a man's wardrobe. Classic colours like white and black in particular are indispensable: they work with almost any outfit and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Many people think of the T-shirt as something casual, something you just throw on on the weekend – but in fact, a good quality basic T-shirt can be part of everything from a relaxed everyday look to a semi-formal outfit. In this style guide, we present 5 different ways to style a simple T-shirt from Main Copenhagen, so you can get the most out of your basics. Whether you're going to the office, to a party or relaxing at home, you can find inspiration here on how black and white T-shirts can be part of your look with style.
1. Casual everyday look with jeans and sneakers
The classic everyday look never goes out of style: Combine your white T-shirt with a pair of well-fitting jeans and your favorite sneakers. This combination is timeless and exudes an effortless cool. The trick here is to make sure that each piece fits well: a well-fitting T-shirt (like Main Copenhagen's crew neck, which is neither too tight nor too loose), a pair of dark blue or black jeans that compliment your body shape, and clean, neat sneakers. A white T-shirt gives a breath of fresh air to darker jeans, but you can also choose a black T-shirt for a slimmer, monochrome look. You can tuck the T-shirt slightly down the front of your jeans' waistband for a modern touch, while leaving it loose at the back - this creates a relaxed styling without looking sloppy. Finish the look with a watch or bracelet to add a bit of personality. This outfit is perfect for a walk in the city, a visit to a café, or just a regular day when comfort is just as important as style. With the soft Main Copenhagen T-shirts you get comfort all day long, and the minimalist design without print ensures that the look remains clean and stylish.
2. Layering: T-shirt under open shirt or jacket
Layering is both practical and stylish. Use your T-shirt as a base and add an extra layer to give depth to the outfit. A popular combination is a white T-shirt under an open, checked flannel shirt for a raw, casual look. Alternatively, you can choose a solid-colored overshirt or denim jacket over a black T-shirt for a more rugged style. The layering principle works because the simplicity of the T-shirt balances the top layer. For example: Put on a black T-shirt, leave an olive green light bomber jacket or cardigan open over it, and pair it with chinos or jeans. You get a relaxed but well-thought-out outfit. In the cooler months, you can also top it with an open coat or trench coat - here, a white T-shirt under a navy cardigan and a camel-colored coat will give a nice play of colors of layers. The advantage of styling this way is that you can easily adjust according to the temperature: if it's hot, you throw the layer on and still have a complete style with the T-shirt alone; If it's cool, you'll see the smart layering. Main Copenhagen T-shirts are ideal here, as their minimalist design without large logos fits perfectly as a bottom layer - no distracting elements, just clean lines. Also, try experimenting with letting a bit of the T-shirt collar peek out under a crew neck sweater for a preppy twist.
3. Smart casual: T-shirt with blazer and chinos
Yes, you can wear a T-shirt and still look smart casual or even semi-formal! The secret is to choose a solid-colored, quality T-shirt (preferably in white, black or gray) and combine it with a well-fitting blazer. For a stylish office look or a dinner out, you can take a white T-shirt from Main Copenhagen – the close-fitting neckline and rich cotton fabric make it look elegant – and add a dark blue or charcoal gray blazer. A pair of chinos or suit trousers in a complementary color will go with this set (dark blue trousers with a gray blazer, beige chinos with a navy blazer, etc.). Pair it with clean, nice leather shoes or loafers, and you're dressed for most smart-casual events. The black T-shirt can give a slightly more sophisticated touch: try a black T-shirt under a light gray blazer with black jeans or trousers – it gives a monochrome, streamlined look, which is especially good for a night out. A big advantage of using a T-shirt instead of a shirt in these situations is the comfort: you get a neat look but retain the relaxed feel of the T-shirt without a tight collar. Make sure the T-shirt is completely clean and freshly ironed (no wrinkles) when wearing it with a blazer, otherwise it can look too casual. The combination of a sharp blazer and a quality T-shirt exudes modern confidence – you show that you are relaxed, but still have a sense of style. Remember to keep it simple: no print on the T-shirt here, please – just a clean, minimalist surface, exactly how Main Copenhagen's basics are created.
4. Urban sporty: T-shirt with joggers and hoodie
For days that offer comfort and movement – perhaps a trip to the gym, a Sunday brunch or a casual flight – you can style your T-shirt in a modern sporty outfit. Wear a black T-shirt with a pair of neutral joggers (sweatpants) in grey, black or navy. On top of the T-shirt you can wear an open zip hoodie or a sweatshirt that you can take on and off as needed. This layering with a sporty touch is trendy in streetwear right now, and the key to making it stylish is to keep the color palette simple and coordinate the colors. For example, a black T-shirt, grey melange joggers and a black hoodie on top – always a winner. Or a white T-shirt, black joggers and a military green zip hoodie for a little color play. The shoes could be sporty sneakers or maybe white tennis-inspired shoes to lift it up a bit. The Main Copenhagen T-shirt acts here as a comfortable base layer that absorbs sweat if you are active, but also looks good even when the hoodie comes off. Because the quality is top notch, the T-shirt maintains its fit even when you move a lot – no sagging collars or bulging shoulders after a long day. Add a cap or a sporty bag to complete the urban look. This outfit shows that you can be comfortable without sacrificing style. The athleisure trend (the mix of athletic and leisure wear) is here to stay, and a clean basic T-shirt is one of the cornerstones of that trend.
5. Summery look: T-shirt with shorts and accessories
When the sun is out and the temperature is rising, the T-shirt is your best friend. For a summery outfit, you can pair a bright white T-shirt with a pair of shorts for a fresh, breezy look. For example: a white or light gray T-shirt with navy or beige chino-style shorts. It's a simple look that always works for barbecues, beach trips or summer vacations in the city. If you want a little extra style points, play with accessories: a pair of classic sunglasses, a cool watch strap (perhaps in leather or a colorful NATO strap) and a belt that matches your summer shoes (e.g. loafers, boat shoes or white sneakers depending on how casual it is). You can also roll up the sleeves of the T-shirt a little for a retro touch - it highlights the arms and gives edge, especially on a solid black or white tee. If it gets cool in the evening, you can wear a light cotton or linen shirt with short sleeves that you leave open over the T-shirt (a variation of layering for summer wear). A black T-shirt also goes with shorts, especially if the shorts are light (beige, khaki or even white) – the contrast looks sharp and highlights the tanned skin. Remember that the quality of the T-shirt stands out even more in a simple summer look, because there are so few elements in the outfit. A well-sewn T-shirt in thick but breathable cotton like those from Main Copenhagen will fall nicely over the shoulders and chest and not be transparent or sloppy, like some cheap summer T-shirts can be. It gives you a neat and well-dressed look, even if you are really just wearing a T-shirt and shorts. The summer look is proof that less is more – with the right basics you look stylish without effort.
Final styling tips: No matter how you choose to style your T-shirt, make sure the fit and proportions are right. As mentioned, a T-shirt should be neither baggy nor too tight – find your correct size at Main Copenhagen and you will have the best starting point. Feel free to play around with tucking the T-shirt into the front of your pants for a trendy look, or let it hang loose for maximum casual vibe. Always have both a white and a black version ready in your wardrobe; the two colors can do something different. The white T-shirt brightens up an outfit and signals freshness (think James Dean with a white tee and jeans), while the black T-shirt gives edge and works well for evening wear or a more raw style. Both colors are neutral and can be paired with everything.
With quality tees from Main Copenhagen, you also get the advantage that they keep their color – your white T-shirt stays white and your black one stays black, wash after wash, so they keep looking sharp in your outfits. And because the design is minimalist without a print, you can also use them season after season. So invest in some good basic T-shirts, and try these five styling ideas. You will discover that it actually doesn’t take a wardrobe full of clothes to vary your style – a few well-fitting T-shirts and the right combinations can take you a long way. Style is very much about confidence and comfort, and with the right basics you feel good in anything. So the next time you are considering an outfit, start with the simple T-shirt and build from there. The possibilities are endless, and the style is yours!
Have fun experimenting – your wardrobe’s most underrated heroes, the classic T-shirt, are just waiting to be put to use in new ways. With Main Copenhagen in your drawer, you have a solid foundation for every outfit. Dress up, dress down, layer on layer or solo – the basic T-shirt can do it all, as long as the quality and styling are in place. Create your own signature style with something as simple as a T-shirt, and feel how liberating it is to have a wardrobe that is both practical, comfortable and incredibly stylish at the same time.