#OOTD: How to Upgrade Your Pocket Tee This Spring

Morning (or afternoon … or evening), folks! Thanks for being with us as we talk how to upgrade your pocket tee this spring. In the men’s style world, never underestimate the importance and utility of a great-fitting T-shirt — especially one that you can wear in a way that’s slightly different from other spring style moves. Once you figure what size works for you, you can use said T-shirt to take on the world in style — particularly as the thermostat climbs. And if you want to switch up your T-shirt game, take a good, hard look at the humble pocket tee. Unlike a standard white tee, it’s got more going for it in terms of versatility and visually interesting looks — the chest pocket draws attention to, well, your chest, for starters. It’s the small details that make a stylish pocket tee suitable to wear on its own or layered up — as you’ll see in today’s #OOTD. We’re mixing a bit of a mononchromatic color palette with a statement-making tee, classic spring sneakers and all of the stylish everyday carry pieces you can get your hands on. It’s the sort of #OOTD you can reliably wear on a weekend coffee date or a spring bar crawl …. or both. What’d ya say? Let’s go to it. For style inspiration all 365 days of the year, follow along on Instagram.

Richer Poorer

A unique take on the pocket tee, accented with classic, spring-friendly style essentials.

The Pocket Tee: Richer Poorer Crew Pocket Tee in Pink, $32 — Think pink isn’t a color that’s made for you? Think again. We’re seeing a lot more of this dusty pink shade across menswear and women’s style, and using it as your base is a significant style upgrade.

The Shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $35 — Why are we layering up our pocket tee with a stylish chambray shirt? For one, it’ll help combat any spring and summer breezes. And, number two: If you’re wary of the pink T-shirt, it takes some of the focus of it. Plus, a chambray shirt is a rugged essential for the entire year.

The Denim: Abercombie and Fitch Super Skinny Denim in Light Wash, $59 — Here’s where that monochromatic style we talked about earlier comes into play. This pair of stretch denim blends retro style with comfort — feel free to wear them to your next rock concert, too.
Greats

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hermosa Regatta Sneaker, $88 — We here at The Style Guide absolutely love what’s being done by SeaVees across the board — the Hermosa Regatta Sneaker blends a unique spring color with a light weight and quite a lot of comfort and style.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98  — If you’re going to break out classic SeaVees sneakers, some no-show socks are in order — yes? Darn Tough makes some of the best around. Pricey, but comfortable and much-needed.

The Watch: Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch, $498.98 — We’ve waxed poetic about the durability and style of the rugged Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch, and its simple design makes it ideal for pairing with laidback pieces.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Madronas Sunglasses, $55 — Every so often, you want shades that are simple, stylish and affordable — that’s where the Sunski Madronas sunglasses come in very handy indeed. Yes indeed, these are definitely worth adding to any list of the best men’s sunglasses.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — To keep the sun off your face during interminable hours sipping patio beers, reach for the vintage-inspired, well-made Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

Beckett Simonon

Looking through the above #OOTD has me positively dreaming of cracking open a cold one on a patio somewhere — hopefully, you’re in the same boat. The key to this outfit revolves around the unexpected pink shade of the pocket tee, plus visually interesting layering via a classic light chambray shirt and slim light wash denim. Of course, it wouldn’t be an #OOTD without stylish spring sneakers — that’s where the Hermosa Regatta Sneaker has you covered.  And in that regard, you’re going to need a tough casual watch to take on spring excursions — that’s what the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch can do for ya. And it’s with two personal favorites of mine that we close out this outfit — there might not be a more stylish ballcap out there than the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, and for classic, functional spring style, it’s tough to get better than those Sunski Madronas shades. Would you wear your pocket tee in a similar fashion? Leave any feedback over on The Style Guide Facebook page, and join us tomorrow for a new Online Shopping Picks entry.

Stay stylish, my friends!

-Beau

Oxfords under $50 CAD_250x250

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Pocket Tees

Just but one example of how to wear a stylish pocket tee. The Tee Shirt in Heather Grey by Richer Poorer. Stringer Dune Shorts and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Watebury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

Just but one example of how to wear a stylish pocket tee. The Tee Shirt in Heather Grey by Richer Poorer. Stringer Dune Shorts and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Watebury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

The small details that can make or break an outfit are a big focus at the ol’ Style Guide. Everything from the break of your pants to the cut of your slim polo to the quality of the buttons on your favorite classic Oxford should be up for consideration. And it’s with that in mind that we’re talking about (all together now) the style upgrade (Ding, ding!) that comes with one of the best men’s pocket T-shirts seen below. What’s the big deal about a pocket T-shirt? And why should you grab one (or two, or three) the next time you want to hit ‘Refresh’ in your closet? For one, it’s got more visual interest and styling potential than a basic tee – the chest pocket and the fact that texture is a big part of a great pocket T-shirt speak to that. And two: It can be worn on its own, it can be slipped on underneath a chambray shirt in the spring, or layered up under your favorite crewneck sweater in the fall or winter. For one T-shirt, that’s a lot of versatility. So ready your mouse, pull up a chair and read away. To see how to style a pocket T-shirt, check out yours truly on Instagram or Twitter, too.

#1. Richer Poorer The Tee Shirt in Heather Grey — $54 (Two-pack)

A soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable pocket tee.

A soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable pocket tee.

For a company that started out making socks, Richer Poorer has done an admirable job expanding its line of basics step-by-step. As of late last year, that includes a selection of easily wearable, slim-fitting and practically essential pocket tees in a range of versatile colors that runs the gamut from a crisp Black to a pleasing off-white Natural shade. The Heather Grey color shown here — and as I wore on a Memorial Day trip upstate — might just be the best of the bunch, with soft fabric and enough visual interest to be worn under an unstructured blazer in the summer  (not to mention a shawl-collar cardigan in the fall and winter).

#2. Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck in Indigo Heather — $34

Well-fitting basics are what Mack Weldon does, and this Indigo Heather tee is no exception.

Well-fitting basics are what Mack Weldon does, and this Indigo Heather tee is no exception.

For a company that makes basics that are sometimes thought of as simple, Mack Weldon sure does things the right way. Everything from the brand’s 18-Hour Jersey Trunks to its boxers are made with quality, comfort and style in mind. Those are underrated qualities when it comes to stylish basics, but the brand’s got it on lock. Mack Weldon is a Style Guide favorite for that very reason, and this pocket tee – in a great shade of heightened indigo – is just the ticket for wearing with your favorite khaki blazer in warm weather, or a washed crewneck sweater when the weather gets breezy. The price ain’t half-bad, either.

#3. Buck Mason Steel Slub Pocket Tee — $32

Visual touches like a rounded hem and a trusty pocket set this T-shirt apart.

Visual touches like a rounded hem and a trusty pocket set this T-shirt apart.

If you’re not hip to what Buck Mason’s doing yet, I’d suggest you acquaint yourself with our latest Style Guide Q&A, first. All good? Great – let’s get down to business. The brand makes a mean pocket tee, crafted with rugged-refined fabric and pleasing design details like a rounded hem. The Steel color shown here is just different enough from a typical light grey, and that difference adds a bit of an edge – in this case, it’s the type pocket tee to wear with off-white chinos and tan suede chukkas for a slightly monochromatic look. And, the quality of this T-shirt is such that it can be worn under a lightweight navy blazer or a chunkier cable crewneck sweater.

In a neutral color like black or navy, you've got all sorts of styling options.

In a neutral color like navy, you’ve got all sorts of styling options.

When is a basic T-shirt more than a basic T-shirt? When it’s made with soft, slubby fabric right in America, that’s when. Add in the fact that this particular Steven Alan T-shirt plays well with other refined, minimal staples from the brand, and you’ve got a pocket T-shirt worth the investment. In this instance, you should look to pair the navy color with everything from the brand’s slim black denim for a night out, to a pair of crisp light grey trousers alongside an olive blazer (see how we’re really working that neutral color angle?). Of course, you can easily wear it sans jacket with your favorite pair of chino shorts the rest of the summer.

#5. Abercrombie & Fitch Striped Pocket Tee — $20

Still thinking of the old Abercrombie & Fitch? Think again, my friends.

Still thinking of the old Abercrombie & Fitch? Think again, my friends.

Since when did Abercrombie & Fitch become so stylish? Well, the short answer is that the brand’s always had rugged heritage and solid knitwear, yet the overall line required a bit of … freshening up, if you will. Design head Aaron Levine – of Club Monaco fame – has so far upgraded the brand’s look and feel admirably, and that means pieces like this striped pocket T-shirt work well alongside new classics, such as this stellar field coat. The fit of this T-shirt is slim, the stripes add that crucial visual interest, and there’s not a logo in sight. Buy a couple of these for your T-shirt drawer — or save the extra cash for whatever the brand dreams up next.

Still think a pocket tee is something to put aside in your search for a stylish wardrobe? If you’ve got your basic #menswear essentials covered, think again. Particularly if you like stocking up on new items every now and again, it’s a style you can and should reach for consistently in months both warm and cold. Whether grab a slim Todd Snyder pocket T-shirt or one of the picks above, there’s no doubt that even the smallest of details – like the rounded hem on that Buck Mason pocket tee – can elevate the humble pocket tee from just another T-shirt to something that can be a focal point of your outfit. Tuck it in a bit, roll up the sleeves, toss it on under a denim jacket or go clean-cut with a breezy linen blazer – there’s not really a way these stylish pocket T-shirts can’t be worn.

Got questions on these tees? Think I missed one? Chime in on Twitter to get this #menswear feud going (wink, wink).

Circle back on Friday for our weekly menswear recap – we’ll see you then,

-Beau

Florsheim

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

When the weather warms up, there’s probably no style I love to rock more consistently than a slim pocket tee made from durable fabric.  Of course, I always appreciate a rugged short-sleeve henley, too. But a pocket tee is a great visual go-between for when you don’t just want to throw on a plain T-shirt. Is it the fanciest item of clothing in the world? Certainly not. But hey, who said T-shirts weren’t essential items of clothing for the weekend — or under a slim navy blazer? No one, that’s who (had to put my foot down there). What’s more, looking great in a T-shirt is another plus of warmer weather. So with all that  being said, allow me to introduce this week’s Style Pick of the Week: The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee from Stock Mfg. Co. The brand, like so many other Style Guide favorites, is all about refining  (and re-defining) American classics, like the humble T-shirt, with great fabrics, modern fits and a dash of heritage quality. In fact, the brand’s Sage Linen Buttondown was a summer style favorite of this writer. The fact that the brand produces its garments in a family-owned factory that also makes non-combat military garments is applause-worthy in and of itself, and this T-shirt is no exception.

The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee is made from a durable 6.6oz. cotton that should hold up quite well over time thanks to the heavier weight (a flimsy tee from a fast-fashion retailer, this is not). The pigment dye and enzyme wash should give it an exceptionally soft fabric feel, too. That means it’ll feel just as well-worn (in a good way) as your favorite broken-in tee. That quality gives it the styling potential to be paired with everything from white sneakers and lightwash denim to an unconstructed blazer and slim tan chinos (a favorite combination of your humble author, in fact). Plus, the lighter blue allows it to play nicely off a tough denim jacket for a nice way to mix up your blues. You’re paying quite a bit more than you would for a standard white tee, but you also get all kinds of styling potential through spring and summer (feel free to throw it on under a grey shawl cardigan in winter, too). Just a T-shirt? Anything but.

Happy shopping and thanks so much for reading!

-Beau