by Ian W.

Created on: October 03, 2008

We all know what a t-shirt is. In fact, the name kind of makes the idea of a t-shirt glaringly obvious. I would bet that we have all worn a t-shirt at some point in our lives, as well. I know that statement is about as bold as skyscrapers are tall, but it does not make it any less true. T-shirts are seen as casual wear, not business casual or formal casual, but casual straight up.

Unlike jeans, which can be worn in some semi-formal circumstances like going out to dinner at a fancyish restaurant, t-shirts are a big no no in any kind of formalized enviornment. Even (or especially) tuxedo t-shirts-you know the ones that have a tuxedo print on them so as to look more formal. In fact, unless its Halloween, I would say that it is never appropriate to wear a tuxedo shirt. But, that's just me.

T-shirst should not be worn at weddings, funerals, job interviews, on the job (unless you are a coach, or involved in phyical activities such as ocnstruction or roadwork), at nice restaurants, on first dates (you want to make a god impression with your date don't you? the only impression a t-shirt will make is that you are a slob who does not care about your appearance), or to a dinner party at a friend's home. I know, these rules are strict, and who want's to wear a button-up, collared shirt all the time? I know I don't. People (myself) wear t-shirts because they are comfortable, and that is why they are traditionally thought of as casual instead of formal wear.

There are, however, ways to get around the t-shirt's inappropriateness, and still be comfortable. My favorite trick, for example, is to wear a button-up colared shirt that has short sleeves. Sure, it looks like a t-shirt, but it transcends the t-shirts casualness, thereby making me look more professional and less like a slob. It's a silly trick, I know, but it totally works. I only wear the long sleeve variety when I absolutely have to: when I wear a suit, when I attend a wedding or funeral, and that's probably it. I like to be comfortable in my close, and I do agree that some long sleeved shirts can be comfortable I think they are hard to find, and still less comfortable than the short sleeved variety.

It is unfortunate that the t-shirt is inappropriate for so many situations because it truly is a comfortable piece of clothing, but until society's rules change it will remain a thing for casual wear only.

This is not to say that you can't wear a t-shirt in formal situations, just be prepared to sacrifice your comfort in the environment (people will stare at you, glare at you, laugh at you, and depending on the establishment, ask you to leave) for the comfort of your clothes.

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