How to Wear a Graphic T-Shirt with an Open Shirt

An open shirt is useful when your usual tee-and-jeans outfit needs a small change. It adds another colour or texture, and you can take it off when the afternoon gets warmer. The outfit works best when the layers feel comfortable together.

Here is how to wear a graphic T-shirt with an open shirt using pieces you may already own.

Begin with a tee that fits comfortably

Try the T-shirt on by itself first. If the neckline pulls or the sleeves feel tight, adding a shirt will not solve it. Check the length too: decide whether you want the tee tucked or untucked before judging the outer layer.

Give the outer shirt enough room

Button the shirt briefly over the tee and move your arms. If the shoulders pull or the sleeves bunch, another cut may be more comfortable. Then leave it open and see how the front frames the design. A rigid outer shirt and a soft casual shirt will create different shapes.

Try three straightforward combinations

Graphic tee	Open shirt	Trousers and shoes
Black	Plain beige	Blue jeans and white sneakers
White	Plain navy	Charcoal trousers and white sneakers
White	Olive	Blue jeans and off-white sneakers

These combinations keep the surrounding pieces fairly quiet. If you prefer a checked shirt, try it with a graphic that has fewer competing details and see whether you like the balance.

Let the artwork stay visible

A front graphic can sit between the open edges of the shirt. Walk around and check where those edges fall naturally rather than holding them in place for the mirror. A back print will be covered while the outer layer is on, so consider which side of the design you want to show.

Choose the trousers before adding accessories

Straight jeans make a familiar base. Chinos can give a cleaner outline, while cargos add more detail. If the tee, shirt and trousers already have plenty going on, simple footwear may be all you need.

Try it with a Tees of Chaos design

The black Akaza tee can work with an open beige shirt and blue jeans. The white version offers another starting point with navy. Check the current colour options on the product page; the other garments are styling suggestions.

For the final check, sit down and reach forward. If the layers move comfortably and you like where the graphic sits, save a photo of the outfit. For more combinations, read our guide to matching T-shirts, pants and shoes.