Why You’ll Always Come Back to the Striped T-shirt

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

The Fashionisto

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Published July 3, 2025

From subtle lines to bold bands, the striped T-shirt remains one of summer’s most reliable players.Pin
From subtle lines to bold bands, the striped T-shirt remains one of summer’s most reliable players.

There’s something about a striped T-shirt. Even if you don’t remember your first one, it’s probably in a photo somewhere: a backyard birthday, a beach vacation, or a road trip with friends. Stripes have a way of sticking with you. They show up often and wear well because the best versions never try too hard, and they rarely miss.

The Case for the Striped T-shirt

Abercrombie & Fitch cropped striped T-shirt menPin
Abercrombie & Fitch’s cropped striped tee brings a modern update with a bit more structure. The cut is slightly boxy, the neckline sharp, and it works effortlessly with relaxed chinos or off-white cargos. Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

Striped T-shirts are the rare kind of basic that still feels thoughtful. They’re clean, graphic, and go with just about everything. Whether you’re heading out in faded jeans, linen shorts, or swim trunks and slip-ons, a good stripe adds just enough character to carry the look.

Sunspel Breton stripe T-shirt menPin
Sunspel leans into the classic Breton stripe with a crisp navy-and-white combo that feels straight out of a coastal weekend. Pair it with khakis, canvas sneakers, and a coffee in hand. Photo: Sunspel

The appeal runs deep with striped tees. There’s a subtle confidence to stripes. From French naval origins to Paul Newman off-duty photos, they’ve always had a timeless pull. A Breton stripe still suggests weekends by the water, but today’s versions expand the mood. Some lean sporty, others a little preppy, even a few that nod to downtown skate or surf scenes.

J.Crew striped T-shirt menPin
J.Crew’s striped T-shirt is soft, washed, and classic. It looks like an old favorite right out of the bag. It’s best paired with jeans and boat shoes, or tossed in a duffel for a weekend getaway. Photo: J.Crew

What makes the striped tee stand out is how reliable it feels. You know what you’re getting. From bold block patterns to fine tonal lines, there’s a stripe for every type of guy and every kind of summer.

And it doesn’t take much to make it your own. Dress it up with a jacket and leather sandals, or wear it solo with drawstring shorts. Either way, it delivers.

Gap striped T-shirt menPin
Gap’s wide-stripe tee taps into a bit of ’90s skate nostalgia but keeps the fit clean and wearable. Pair it with black denim or sun-faded shorts for an easy weekend uniform. Photo: Gap

The striped tee has earned its spot as a year-round staple. It works in every setting, from beach towns to city blocks, and fits into nearly any rotation. If you’re looking to fill a gap in your wardrobe, this is the piece that’ll quietly do the job.

Reiss striped T-shirt menPin
Reiss keeps things sharp with this fine-stripe crew neck. Try it with off-white denim or navy chinos for a clean look. Photo: Reiss

A good striped T-shirt keeps things simple. It offers a lot: easy style, everyday dependability, and that unmistakable feeling of summer you can wear. It earns its place and proves itself every time you pull it on.

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