updated by Anne Dorfman on 2/12/2026

Understanding Different Types of T-Shirts

V-neck t-shirt. Scoop-neck shirt. Raglan-sleeve t-shirt. Crop tee. Yes, the sheer number of different t-shirt styles and features could make your head spin. If you’re new to decorating clothing or you’re starting your own t-shirt business (congratulations!), you could use a quick crash course in men’s, women’s and unisex styles. We cover the most popular t-shirt features and styles to give you an idea of what types of basics are available to you from a supplier like Clothing Shop Online (CSO). 

There are so many different t-shirt styles that choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming, if you haven’t searched for t-shirts before. We’ll outline the features you need to know (along with best-selling styles!) so you can browse our top product recommendations.

Whether you’re outfitting yourself, your family, your employees, customers or team members, the most important aspect is choosing the right basics that deliver optimal fit, comfort and style. The t-shirt styles we sell are perfect to wear blank, or to decorate and customize for a one-of-a-kind or branded look.

Tips for Choosing the Right Shirt for You

When you’re looking for the right t-shirt style, there are several aspects you should consider, including function, fit, neckline, sleeve and fabric types. There are so many types of t-shirts, so you should understand the anatomy of a basic tee and how to tell the difference between styles. That way, you can narrow down your choices and select the right shirt for your needs.

Choosing for Function

Function: Depending on how you or your wearers will use the t-shirts, you can choose between regular and premium tees. A regular t-shirt is usually your everyday, soft classic crewneck t-shirt. A premium t-shirt is a higher-quality shirt that offers a smoother, silkier feel and fits the body in a tailored silhouette. Premium t-shirts cost more, but they’re better quality: more durable; made of a softer, thicker fabric; and have a more tailored fit and sleeve.

Choosing the right t-shirt also depends on your budget, how many people you’re outfitting and what you’ll be using the t-shirt for; for example, a regular t-shirt is perfect for the school chess club members vs. a premium t-shirt that you’re decorating for donors to a bigger-ticket fundraiser as a thank-you gift.

Selecting T-shirts Based on Fit

There are lots of fits to choose from, which is great, since you can find a style that flatters your body type. However, you do need to know the difference between them:

1. Regular-fit t-shirts are an average fit, so these tees aren’t too loose or too tight. In fact, they’re usually just right for most people. Regular fit is also called classic fit.
2. Retail fits hug the body more than a regular-fit t-shirt. You’ll also hear this fit referred to as modern or contemporary fit, fashion fit and premium fit. A retail fit enhances the body, so it’s the opposite of a loose, drapey t-shirt.
3. Relaxed fits have a wider body and neckline, and longer sleeves. These t-shirts are looser, but still casual and flattering to the body.
4. Flowy-fit t-shirts are modern, flattering and fashion-forward silhouettes. The fabric drapes away from the body, so flowy t-shirts are looser and slightly oversized. Designers pay attention to making the shirt effortlessly swing and hang on your body.
5. Slouchy t-shirts are generous, making them ideal for plus-size t-shirts or for layering.
6. Boxy fits are sometimes referred to as the men’s version of slouchy. A boxy t-shirt is often a tubular tee, so there are no side seams, making it a more affordable style.
7. Unisex styles for adults generally fall between men’s and women’s traditional sizing. These shirts are universally flattering because they’re designed to fit and flatter the widest spectrum of sizes and body types.

Finding the Right Necklines

There are several different necklines you’ll see on the widest selection of t-shirts. These include:

1. Crewneck tees have a round neckline with no collar. This is the most common t-shirt neckline out there. The neckline piece is sewn on separately, and is designed to absorb sweat and prevent chafing. Most people have casual crewneck styles in their closets, and they wear them under sweaters and leather jackets.
2. V-neck t-shirts have V-shaped necklines of varying depths. The point of the V is either mitered or folded for different looks. Men’s V-necks are a more standard length, while women’s V-necks can range from crewneck length to several inches down. Women can find a V-length that fits with their accessories, or shows off a camisole they layer underneath.
3. Scoop-neck tees, generally only seen on women’s styles, have a neckline that’s rounded and wider than the base of the neck, often falling below the clavicle. While this is a flattering cut, it’s also very daring, and probably not for everyone or all situations.
4. Boat-neck tees have a slimmer, and wider, scoop neck. This neckline skims your collarbones horizontally and accentuates your shoulders.
5. Wide-neck t-shirts have a large neck opening that makes it look like you’re wearing an off–the-shoulder top.
6. A henley t-shirt is a blend of the crewneck and V-neck designs. Henleys are collarless shirts with a round neckline. There’s a placket below the neckline with three to five buttons in a row, a functional and fashionable detail.
7. Polo collar t-shirts have a traditional polo collar and a placket neckline with two or three buttons.
8. A ringer neckline has a contrasting color ring to the shirt. These shirts often have rings on the sleeves as well. These shirts can morph into retro, sporty and classic looks.

Selecting Based on the Sleeves

Like necklines, you’ll see different sleeve types on popular t-shirt styles. For example:

1. Short sleeves are the most common t-shirt sleeve type, covering half of the wearer’s upper arm. This is a flattering sleeve, and it can be loose (usually men’s) or fitted (usually women’s).
2. Cap sleeves on men’s shirts have a hem that curves upward to show off the arms and forearms. On women’s tees, cap sleeves are smaller and cap off the shoulders; they’re usually placed on longer-length t-shirts.
3. Long sleeves let you keep wearing your favorite t-shirt style when the weather’s cooler. These sleeves always extend all the way to the wrist. They can have fitted cuffs (men’s styles) or be cuffless (women’s styles).
4. Three-quarter sleeve t-shirts fall below your elbow. They can be fitted or loose, depending on the shirt style.
5. Raglan sleeves are distinctive, often synonymous with sporty baseball t-shirts. The sleeve is attached to the shirt at the shoulder instead of the armhole. The sleeve is often a contrasting color than the t-shirt body. Both men and women look great in this sleeve style.
6. Sleeveless tees are often sporty, leaving shoulders bare. The arm holes can be hemmed, or or larger and seamless for a more unfinished look. Women often layer another tank or camisole under sleeveless tees.

Choosing the Right T-shirt Fabrics

Let’s take a look at a few fabrics used most often for making your favorite t-shirts:

1. Cotton is the most cotton t-shirt fabric, because it’s a natural, breathable material that’s soft and ideal for sensitive skin. There are several types of cotton t-shirt makers use. Combed cotton is softer, smoother and stronger, since the short strands are “combed” out; this cotton is great for printing. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, and is very soft and comfortable. Slub cotton, which is naturally textured with slight lumps, is light and airy, offering a flowy fit. Pima cotton is very high-quality cotton with extra-long fibers, so it’s super soft, as well as durable, so it resists pilling and stretching.
2. Polyester is the second-most-common T-shirt fabric. This synthetic fabric is quick drying and doesn’t stretch, so the shirt retains its shape. Polyester can be blended with cotton, nylon, acetate and acrylic. 3. Rayon is an affordable alternative to silk. It’s a human-made fiber made from trees, plants and cotton. Rayon is breathable and drapes effortlessly.
3. Rayon is an affordable alternative to silk. It’s a human-made fiber made from trees, plants and cotton. Rayon is breathable and drapes effortlessly.

Types of Men’s T-Shirts

There are many different types of men’s t-shirts, so let’s take a look at the most popular types of t-shirts for men that we sell in the Clothing Shop Online (CSO) shop.

Short-Sleeve Men’s T-Shirts

Short-sleeve t-shirts are a modern wardrobe staple for almost any situation. You can dress these basics up or down. They look great with joggers or under a suit jacket.

Shop short-sleeve men’s t-shirts.

Long-Sleeve Men’s T-Shirts

Long-sleeve tees let you wear your favorite basics all year round. If you’re an athlete, you can also score long-sleeve workout t-shirts that ventilate the body and protect your skin from the sun.

Shop long-sleeve men’s t-shirts.

Men’s Tank Tops

A workout staple, men’s tank tops offer a comfortable fit, and can be paired with workout shorts or joggers. This tank also is a great casual wear piece.

Shop men’s tank tops.

Men’s Workout T-Shirts

Workout t-shirts for men include short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions, as well as sleeveless trainers to offer freedom of movement. Some men’s workout t-shirts add performance features to their shirts, so that the shirt material wicks sweat away from the body or offers UV protection from the sun. 

Shop men’s workout t-shirts.

Men’s V-Neck T-Shirts

These edgy, stylish men’s t-shirts hark back to the rebellious 1960s. You can find t-shirts with differing V-neck lengths to match your mood.

Shop men’s V-neck t-shirts.

Men’s Pocket T-Shirts

These t-shirts have a small or larger pocket on the front left chest. The pockets add style and functionality. Some have a metal mock button for added flair.

Shop men’s pocket t-shirts.

What Are Unisex T-Shirt Styles?

You might have noticed that more brands are debuting t-shirts, hoodies and even joggers in unisex sizing: That means that both men and women can wear them. But what does that mean as far as fit and sizing, and are these genderless t-shirts cut differently than t-shirts for men and for women?

A unisex t-shirt is what it sounds like: a shirt designed for both genders. However, most manufacturers follow men’s shirt sizing and shapes more closely when they design unisex t-shirts. A unisex t-shirt fits like a men’s boxier tee with longer sleeves. If you’re a man ordering a unisex t-shirt, you won’t notice a lot of difference in size or shape than if you ordered a men’s t-shirt.

However, if you’re a woman ordering a unisex t-shirt, be aware that it’ll fit differently than a women’s t-shirt. A shirt that’s cut specifically for a woman’s body will often have a curve-enhancing shape. A unisex t-shirt follows a straighter cut that’s boxier and more relaxed, echoing many popular streetwear brand styles. Many women mix women’s only and unisex styles in their wardrobe to achieve different looks. Bottom line: Women’s t-shirts are more tailored and body-fitting, and unisex t-shirts on women have a more relaxed fit and straighter lines.

Types of Women’s T-Shirts

Like men’s t-shirts, there are many different styles you can choose for women. We’ll cover the most popular t-shirts for women that Clothing Shop Online (CSO) stocks.

Short-Sleeve Women’s T-Shirts

Short-sleeve women’s t-shirts come in lots of iterations, with crew necks, scoop necks or V-necks. They also come in lots of different fits and fabrications to offer variety to any wardrobe.

Shop short-sleeve women’s t-shirts.

Long-Sleeve Women’s T-Shirts

Like the men’s version, now you can wear your favorite t-shirt all year round. You can find more fitted or relaxed options.

Shop long-sleeve women’s t-shirts.

Women’s Tank Tops

The tank is a great wardrobe staple for any woman, since there are lots of styles and fabrications to peruse. Basic tanks can have regular straps or thinner spaghetti straps. A halter tank top has two straps that meet around the neck. Racerback tanks have two straps that meet in the back of the shirt, exposing the shoulder blades; these popular casual tanks are often worn for workouts. Tanks come in varying lengths, from crop to a longer length.

Shop women’s tank tops.

Women’s Crop Tops

Crops have been having a major moment, in t-shirts, tanks, sweatshirts and hoodies. Today’s t-shirt crops come in short-sleeve, long-sleeve and sleeveless styles, in varying lengths to flatter all body types and ages. The crop top is a must-have basic that looks great with high-waisted pants.

Shop women’s crop tops.

Women’s Workout T-Shirts

Like men’s workout t-shirts, women’s versions come in short and long sleeves, along with tanks and sleeveless versions for more mobility. Some workout t-shirts come with performance features, so that the shirt material pulls sweat away from the body or offers UV sun protection.

Shop women’s workout t-shirts.

Women’s V-Neck T-Shirts

Stylish V-necks are a great alternative to crew-neck tees if you want to dress up your look. The V-neck adds visual interest to your top, and you can choose different plunge neckline lengths to wear a necklace with or a camisole underneath.

Shop women’s V-neck T-shirts.

Find Your Next Favorite T-Shirt from CSO!

Choosing the right t-shirt might just be the most important part of outfitting a bridal party or launching your brand’s first t-shirt style. After all, your t-shirt is your blank canvas for your creativity and self-expression! Once you understand the different t-shirt features and styles, the sky’s the limit in choosing the right t-shirt for each wearer, brand, event and use.