From time immemorial, a solid-color t-shirt has ruled the realm of men’s casual clothing. Certainly a versatile basic, but sticking with colors we take for granted is denying oneself a very powerful avenue of expressing one’s self: the printed shirt. The realm of shirt print men is an expansive and exciting world of everything, from subtle textures to outspoken graphics, that add a personality, flair, and sense of individuality to any wardrobe. When one steps out of the single-colored tee, the possibilities of style start to unleash: That’s when the males can start to show their interests, humor, and taste through their attire.
One of the most easily accessible introductions into the world of printed shirts is represented by the classics. Stripes in their many manifestations-from nautical Breton stripes to pinstripes all the way to big horizontal bands-have a classic appeal should fall somewhere between a casual and a tad sophisticated. Checks too, ranging from the rough flannel of lumberjack shirts to the fine gingham of smart casual button-downs, provide some texture and visual interest without competing to be loud. These patterns serve as a basis for solidly dressing, easily mixed and matched with jeans, chinos, or even tailored pants to add a personal touch.
Stepping off the safe turf of traditional patterns, graphic ones project even bolder statements. Anything from band logos to vintage-spirited designs to abstract artistic works and just plain witty statements. Graphic print men’s shirts stand out when you look at the print’s message and context in which you’re wearing it. A tee with the name of a band can take you through a weekend, while an abstract design or gentle minimalistic graphic can lend your style more for a smart-casual setting. The print on a graphic tee is equally important along with the fitting of that tee in determing if a graphic tee is basic or stylish.
This has also been the time when nature prints, too, have really found their rightful place. From understated floral prints that emanate bohemian charm to dramatic tropical prints that bring a vacation state of mind, these patterns offer a healthy alternative to geometric patterns and graphics. In pairing nature prints, scale and palette are worthy of consideration. Smaller, more muted floral prints might be quite flexible to style, while bigger floral prints of brighter colors embody summer and paradise vibes.
A whole interesting avenue within the realm of shirts print for men is in artistic and abstract designs. These shirts are essentially canvasses for artists, featuring extremely unique patterns, textures, and combinations of colors that have nothing to do with recognizable motifs. Abstract prints offer a more refined, understated means of asserting individuality, allowing the wearer to stand out without resorting to obvious graphics or logos. Keeping outfits simple, pairing them with understated bottoms and accessories, allows artwork to shine.
The very nature of a print also finds life in the fabric and style of shirt itself. A large graphic on a crisp button-down shirt tells a whole different story than that exact print on a relaxed-fit jersey tee. Textured fabrics, think linen or slub cotton, also offer a whole new world of possibility when it comes to really layering up even the simplest of printed pattern making them even delightful to look at. Play around with shirt styles and fabric to discover just how prints can best serve your personal style and the occasion.
The art of going outside for a very practical application of stepping beyond the plain tee toward an interesting range of the shirt print man would be to allow the easy infusion of personality and charm to come into ones repertoire. Whether this means an allegiance to the classic with patterns, loud graphics, nature designs, or abstract graphics, the essence is in picking prints that please the wearer and wearing them with utmost conviction. It is indeed limitless, as there are prints to awake in you the spirit of the world beyond the sober solids widely available across Canada.
