‘Tee’ parties: Men’s Springwear
Monday, May 9th, 2011As spring replaces winter, coats are thrown off revealing t-shirts once again as the focus point in designer fashion for men. With a springtime nip still lingering in the air, layering chunky knits over the centre piece is the perfect way to take advantage of the designs available this season before the summer months take hold.
The t-shirt, undoubtedly an item of simplicity, is effective nonetheless and versatile as a layering foundation for any outfit. It crosses weather boundaries with ease as a stand alone item or matched with top-layers and transcends formality restrictions with the swift addition of smart trousers and an overlying jacket. The t-shirt itself is a blank canvas for variety, coming in pattern or plain, an array of necklines (v-neck, crew neck, scoop neck, Y-neck or granddad, to name but a few) and different-length sleeves, the male t-shirt is truly a must-have item.
This spring the male t-shirt has been drafted in to express a nautical element of fashion inspiration. No garish buttons or fringed lapels; this season the seafaring mariner is a rough and ready working sailor. Norse Projects have delivered a simple but effective blue and white tee that embodies the look, while Libertine-Libertine, Vivienne Westwood and Sixpack France all reference anchors, pirates, portholes and ropes in their designs. Armor-Lux and YMC (You Must Create) twist the classic Breton stripe with bold dashes of red and blue stripes with differing size bands.
If homage to the ocean waves is not your cup of ‘tee’, then there are many more men’s fashion styles to choose from in the coming seasons, including striking slogans from Jack & Jones and the amusing musings of Second Son. Tribute tees to our favourite famous faces are also a popular choice this spring by the likes of La Redoute and Ringspun, while flying the flag for patriotic designs are Religion, River Island and Ben Sherman. Brand recognition is also strong with the self promoting slogans of Diesel, Superdry, Polo by Ralph Lauren and Pretty Green by Liam Gallagher.
Heavily patterned and eye-catching designs come from the new Glass range, causing a buzz with their inspirational range designed by up and coming graphic artists, wannabe designers are encouraged to send their own ideas into Glass Boutique, the online outlet. If you prefer the plain t-shirt then why not look to Won Hundred’s reversible tees, two looks for the price of one and an essential for any holidayers this spring.
The t-shirt has not only stood the test of time as a major fashion staple in men’s designer wear, but it continues to be reinvented and redesigned in fresh and fun ways. While fashion may totter between different cuts and colours and preference for plain over pattern may swing, our love for the common t-shirt will remain a constant throughout.
T-shirts have been versatile items of men’s fashion as they are practical, useful and trendy and can put with pretty much anything. Penfield are just one of many brands stocked by Glass Boutique, why not check them out

