The Spool - unraveling threads one by one

Big On Style: How to Style an Oversized Shirt

By ShirtSpace | Aug 09, 2023 | Updated Jan 25, 2024

Do you love the oversized look but need help with how to style oversized shirt outfits? We’re here to help! Oversized shirts have overtaken the fashion world, offering a unique blend of comfort and chic street style. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or simply want to stay on-trend, the oversized shirt is a versatile piece that can be effortlessly integrated into your wardrobe. In this article, we'll dive into the art of styling oversized shirts, exploring everything from choosing the perfect fit to accessorizing for maximum impact. So, get ready to unlock the potential of oversized shirts and elevate your fashion game!

Hero Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

Why Choose an Oversized Shirt

The allure of oversized shirts lies in their unique ability to merge fashion and comfort. Unlike traditional fitted shirts, these pieces offer a relaxed silhouette without sacrificing style. Fashion doesn’t always favor comfort, so it’s the best of both worlds when they meet! Now that the oversized look is trendy, you can go from work to play to relaxation time without changing your outfit!

Not only are oversized tees fashionable, but they are also incredibly versatile. This is because you can wear them plain or use one of the many styling hacks that creative t-shirt lovers have created.

Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

Picking the Perfect Shirt for Your Frame

There are many tees to choose from when shopping for the perfect oversized shirt. If not listed as “long body,” “longline,” “oversized,” or “urban,” then you will likely want to go up 1–2 sizes to achieve the roomier fit that you are looking for. Typically, classic-fit unisex t-shirt styles look best for the oversized look, but that’s not to say that you can’t experiment with women’s t-shirts too. Once you’ve selected the best shirt, you can learn how to style an oversized shirt.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Oversized Shirt Look

The beauty of styling an oversize t-shirt lies in the endless creative possibilities it presents. There are many ways to style an oversized tee, so the key is to try on outfits in front of a mirror and see what you feel comfortable with. Then, styling oversize t-shirt outfits will start to come naturally.

The T-Shirt Dress: This is one of our favorite trends since it’s casual and comfy but still trendy. There are a few ways to achieve this look. Women can infuse their oversized shirt outfits with personality by cinching the waist using a statement belt or fanny pack, adding a touch of definition to the silhouette. A sizeable oversized tee can be worn loosely as a dress or over even biker shorts.

Image Credit: Alex Meier

Layering Your Oversized Tee With Other Pieces of Clothing: Layering is another avenue for experimentation. For instance, drape a cropped jacket or a denim vest over the shirt to introduce depth and visual interest.

Image Credit: ANTONI SHKRABA production from Pexels

Playful Sleeves: You can roll your sleeves for a unique look that looks great on all genders. Or opt for an oversized sleeveless tee for a sport look perfect for the gym or the beach.

T-Shirts Pictured: Shaka Wear SHGD Garment-Dyed Crewneck T-Shirt

To Tuck or Not To Tuck?: There are many ways to play with the hem of your oversized shirt. Tuck it in, leave it out, or partially tuck it in the front, back or side. The possibilities are endless!

T-Shirts Pictured (Clockwise, Starting With Top Left): Shaka Wear 6.2 oz. V-Neck Short Sleeve, Shaka Wear SHGD Garment-Dyed Crewneck T-Shirt in “mustard,” Champion T525C in “red.”

How do you make an Oversized Shirt Look Smaller?

If you're concerned about getting lost in voluminous fabric, fret not. There are effective methods to make an oversized shirt appear smaller. Women can embrace high-waisted bottoms to create a clear upper and lower body division. A knot tied at the shirt's hem can also lend structure and prevent a drowning effect. Or fold the shirt inward, creating a double-lined piece of fabric where the bottom hem is the midpoint of the shirt. For men and women, tucking the front of the shirt into pants can achieve a similar outcome, allowing excess fabric to drape stylishly at the back. Or, you can always cut the fabric to remove fabric and make the shirt look smaller.

How do you make an Oversized Shirt Fit Without Sewing?

No sewing experience? These simple yet effective hacks help maintain a polished appearance without alterations.

Effortlessly achieve a tailored look by employing stylish belts, such as chains, studded, leather, or woven, to cinch the shirt at the waist, instantly adding definition.
Knot or tie your shirt to be more fitted.
Utilize adjustable fabric clips or strategically positioned safety pins along the shirt's sides to achieve a similar effect.
If the shirt is too long, you can pull the bottom through the front or back belt loops to adjust the length it hangs down the body.
If you are not concerned is raw seams, you can always cut a t-shirt’s sleeves or body length.
You can also cut along the shirt's side seams and then cut small slits along the sides, creating fringe. Then tie the pieces back together to make the shirt smaller. This method is commonly used for no-sew fleece blankets.

See – sewing skills need not be a prerequisite for flaunting your oversized shirt style!

Image credits (Clockwise, Starting With Top Left): Justin Essah, Jeff Tumale, Instructables

The Best Accessories to Complement Your Oversized Shirt

You may be wondering how to wear oversized shirts with accessories. Accessories wield the power to elevate any outfit, and oversized shirts are no exception. Women can embrace statement earrings, chunky bracelets, and bold necklaces to draw attention upwards and balance the voluminous silhouette. Men can explore the addition of stylish hats, trendy watches, and layered bracelets to inject flair into their ensembles. Remember, accessories are a potent tool to personalize your oversized shirt style.

Pulling off the Oversized Shirt in Your Everyday Look

Image credit: The graphic space

Incorporating oversized shirts into your everyday wardrobe is a seamless endeavor. Women can pair their oversized shirts seamlessly with high-waisted jeans and sneakers for a casual and effortless vibe. Men can confidently sport the oversized shirt with slim-fit jeans and casual loafers or go for a more urban feel and wear it with loose-fitting jeans or joggers and an oversized sweatshirt. The key is experimenting with various combinations until you uncover the formula that resonates with your unique style.

Best T-Shirts For an Oversized Look

You can undoubtedly size up any standard t-shirt for an oversized look, but sometimes, this will result in the shirt being too wide for your body to achieve the desired length. This explains why the following wholesale t-shirts have proven to be excellent options for oversized tees because they also provide length and look natural.

Comfort Colors Tees

Man sitting on a rocky hillside, wearing the Comfort Colors 1745 Adult Heavyweight Color Blast T-Shirt in “amethyst” and a pair of khaki pants.
Shirt Pictured: Comfort Colors 1745 Adult Heavyweight Color Blast T-Shirt in “Amethyst”

All the Comfort Colors unisex styles are great options for achieving an oversized t-shirt look. The ladies’ styles are intended for a more fitted look, but the unisex and youth styles are a classic shape – perfect for that oversized look! Each time you size up, the look completely changes, as seen with the ever-popular Comfort Colors C1717 and their other unisex styles. These shirts are made from 100% garment-dyed cotton and are thick, durable, and super soft. If you want a heavyweight option that doesn’t feel too stiff and scratchy, Comfort Colors delivers! Shop the impressive 75 color options today to match your brand, color palette, or personal taste.

Shaka Wear Tees

Shirt Pictured: Shaka Wear 6.0 oz Curved Long Tee in “white”.

Shaka Wear t-shirts are known for their oversized and urban streetwear flair. The neckline is tighter than many other tees, so you won’t have to worry about sagging, but everything else is oversized! The sleeves, length, and overall fit is roomy, allowing you space to move and extra fabric to style as you please. Tucked in or left out, these tees are a favorite among fans of the oversized look. With mid and heavyweight options and suitable for all genders, this unisex line of apparel will look great on anyone in the market for oversize tees.

Bella+Canvas 3006 Men's Long Body Urban T-Shirt

Shirt Pictured: Bella+Canvas 3006 Men's Long Body Urban T-Shirt in “white”.

The Bella+Canvas 3006 t-shirt is technically marketed as a men’s tee, but we have seen women pull it off as well (hint: it makes a great t-shirt dress!). Made from 100% combed and ringspun cotton (besides the “dark grey heather” color, which is made from a blend of cotton and polyester), it is super comfortable and stylish. And weighing only 4.2 oz, it’s incredibly lightweight and breezy for a tee with extra fabric. With thoughtful details like a rounded bottom hem, drop tail and retail fit – it’s the perfect choice for those who like an oversized tee but want it to scream fashion instead of frumpy. This tee is available in 6 neutral colors and will quickly become your favorite base for every outfit.

Next Level 3602 Men's Cotton Long Body Crew

Shirt Pictured: Next Level 3602 Men's Cotton Long Body Crew in “heavy metal.”

The Next Level 3602 tee is another excellent option that gives you more length and room than a standard t-shirt. This shirt is slightly more fitted than the other options, giving it a retail-worthy and fashionable vibe, but still allowing for comfort. It is made from lightweight combed ringspun cotton jersey and weighs only 4.3 oz, making it breathable and an ideal option for a summer shirt. The scalloped and side seams just add to its enhanced style! Shop the six classic color options to start building your next oversized outfit!

Now Stock Up on Oversized Tees

The oversized shirt is a versatile fashion staple that effortlessly transitions from day to night and from casual to chic. Armed with these styling insights, you can master the art of styling oversized shirts, showcasing your individuality and flair. There are also many great resources on TikTok and Pinterest for oversized t-shirt hacks to check out and get inspired. So embrace the oversized shirt style, and unveil your fashion prowess to the world!