The blazer is a men’s clothing item capable of making the wearer elegant but simultaneously “demanding.” It refers to an etiquette that every man who wishes to be a proper gentleman must know and respect. Although contemporary fashion often features models wearing blazers and T-shirts, if you also consider this combination, you’ll see that it can only work under certain conditions.
Can a Well-Dressed Man Wear a Blazer and T-Shirt?
Let’s start with a statement as strong as it is true: a T-shirt under the blazer is poetic freedom. This is because the first is, by nature, an informal garment designed for occasions mainly related to leisure time, as the reconstruction of the meaning of the term made by some would suggest. The letter ‘T’ placed before the English word ‘shirt’ would allude to ‘training” and “teen”. Therefore, it is a garment linked to use in the sports field and suitable for a teenager’s look. On the contrary, the blazer is formal, made, and worn to make any look elegant. Think James Bond.
Do you remember the iconic tuxedo worn by the agent with a license to kill? Well, imagine replacing the shirt with a t-shirt and telling us that, with this change, has the charm of the outfit remained unchanged, or has something been lost? I imagine you agree with us on the second response.
To judge this poetic freedom, however, we must understand how blazers are constructed and evaluate whether they can work in specific contexts. There are cases in which this analogy of male style can work and fit well and others in which it must be avoided.
The T-Shirt Can Be Combined With a Shirt-Blazer
Lardini jacket with Drumohr t-shirt
Deconstructed and completed in a knitted fabric is the identity kit of the ideal blazer to match with a t-shirt. The lack of construction and the less “compact” material make it less formal than it is by its nature and can be suitable to be worn with an admittedly comfy garment. Then, the context suggests whether it is possible to derogate from the rules of elegance. Opt for the combination on convivial occasions with friends and show it off until happy hour, especially when a formal dress code is not explicitly required. A wedding, for example, is not the best opportunity to choose to dare with this combination.
Take a look at our proposals. We have selected the hazelnut-colored blazer by Lardini with a navy blue striped pattern. We paired this lovely piece with a solid blue Drumohr short-sleeved t-shirt, high-necked and without pockets, in crèpe cotton. Why didn’t we choose a printed piece? We wanted to give greater prominence to the pattern of the jacket and create a “neutral” base to let it stand out. Why did we select the round neck? Although the latest trends also offer low-cut versions, it’s best to wear one that allows you to be comfortable in different situations. We prefer to style for longevity! Finally, the absence of further finishing elements of the garment is aimed at seeking as much as possible a simple elegance that brings the T-shirt ever closer to the charm of the blazer. As Coco Chanel said, “Less is more,” on this occasion, it really is genuinely the best explanation!
Let’s see some occasions of use. You could wear this look we proposed for drinks with friends in the city or choose it for an Easter Monday trip to the seaside or the mountains!
If Between the Knitted or Classic Blazer, Choose the Polo Shirt
If you prefer a more classic jacket to the knit version, but don’t want to give up the possibility of replacing a men’s shirt with a less formal item, the most correct combination is undoubtedly the one with a polo shirt. Take an example from Paul Neumann.
Suppose you choose the classic blazer instead of the knitted blazer but want to keep the option of replacing the men’s traditional dress shirt with a less formal garment. In that case, the most correct combination is undoubtedly the polo shirt under the blazer. Take an example from Paul Neumann.
The shirt that first appeared on tennis courts and golf courses and became a symbol of an easy/chic style is a T-shirt with a collar closed with two or three buttons, sometimes equipped with a breast pocket. These shirts are usually made of cotton pique in short- and long-sleeve variants. They are the perfect additions to summer wardrobes and allow casual and business use.
Why is the polo-blazer combination correct, and does it work? Unlike the T-shirt, the polo shirt has an “aristocratic” soul that goes well with the classicism of the jacket, whether it is a single-breasted jacket or a blazer. It combines the pleasure and comfort typical of sweaters with the fit and elegance of the shirt, highlighted by the collar.
Also, the polo shirt is more popular than the T-shirt due to its versatility. It can also be combined with deconstructed garments such as our proposed blazer, especially if worn over tailored cotton trousers. It can also be worn in the evening. An example? The all-white look with a polo shirt is a classic for summer evenings at beach-side events.
So, to answer the question, if you want to respect the etiquette of masculine elegance without giving up a chance to dress casually in your free time, you can create a look by combining a knitted blazer or a shirt combo with a T-shirt, polo, or a classic blazer with a polo shirt.
