Classic T-Shirts to Wear With Jeans

The combination of a solid color T-shirt and jeans is an iconic, classic, time-tested look, no matter the season. However, there are some more stylish ways to pull off the look, and not all T-shirt and jeans combinations work. T-shirts and jeans are often the most versatile articles in one’s wardrobe, and when paired together correctly, they create an excellent outfit for many occasions. From social outings to working from home or even the office, high quality T-shirts and jeans are a match made in heaven for anyone who wants to exude casual confidence.

Not sure where to start? Let’s review some of the best T-shirt and jeans combinations. But first, there are some general rules regarding matching tops with bottoms, that we need to mention. Once you understand these “rules” you can experiment with “breaking” the rules and develop your own style.

Related: How James Dean Made the T-shirt a Classic Symbol of Cool

 

 

AVOID BUSY T-SHIRTS AND BUSY JEANS

Always aim to build an outfit that doesn’t look too busy. If your bottoms are bright in color or design, you will want to pair them with a top that has more solid and neutral colors, or a simpler overall design. The same applies to the opposite situation. If your top is looking busy, you’ll want to wear jeans that are simple in both design and color - leave your Ed Hardy jeans at home.

ALWAYS WEAR T-SHIRTS AND JEANS THAT FIT WELL

Fit is essential when it comes to pulling off a great look. When deciding on skinny jeans for example, make sure that you don’t purchase a pair that sticks uncomfortably to your body. If the pockets have to stretch significantly for the skinny jeans to fit, then the jeans are probably too tight. On the flip side, you want to make sure that you do not purchase jeans that are too large and loose. If you are going for a baggy jeans look, go with a pair of jeans that’s designed specifically for that aesthetic.

You’ll also want to aim for the correct fit when it comes to T-shirts. Make sure your T-shirt is not too loose or too tight around your neck and your shoulders. Your arms should be able to move freely without the sleeves riding up too much. 

To learn more about different T-shirt fits, check out our T-shirt guides for women and men.

CAN LIGHT T-SHIRTS GO WITH LIGHT JEANS?

You might have been told to stay away from pairing light-colored T-shirts with light-colored jeans, unless your T-shirt and jeans are both white. Forget about that! While conventional advice says it’s safe to pair light-colored jeans with a dark-colored top and avoid anything too bright, you don’t always have to play it so safe. Based on your style and what makes you comfortable you can always mix and match colors however you want. When it comes to minimalist fashion, nude colors such as copper, blush, or sand are in style and pair well with light colored jeans. Dark on dark is usually fine as well, especially with black shoes.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, here are some great T-shirt and jeans outfits worth trying out.

Related: 8 Reasons Why a Classic T-Shirt Will Be Your New Favorite Shirt.

1. White T-Shirt and Denim Jeans

 

A white T-shirt paired denim jeans is an ever-classic look. Easy to wear and subtly stylish, a classic white tee matched with denim jeans is a must-have outfit combination in anyone’s wardrobe. It is an outfit that works well in any season, especially during the summer so that the white top can help keep things cool and pops nicely in the sun.

2. White T-Shirt and Ripped Black Jeans

Another great look is pairing a plain white T-shirt with ripped black jeans. Wearing a white T-shirt can really help make your top stand out, and creates a nice, clean contrast with rugged and ripped jeans. This was James Dean’s signature look. If it’s chilly, try throwing over a sleek blazer or denim jacket that matches the color of your jeans. It’s an easy way that you can layer up a little while looking super chic at the same time.

3. Plaid Shirt, White T-Shirt, and Light Blue Jeans 

As autumn rolls around, try pairing a light pair of jeans with a white crew neck T-shirt and an open blue plaid shirt on top. The color contrast between the white T-shirt and the blue plaid works exceptionally well. You can also try a green or red open shirt as well, but be mindful of the material of your shirt. If your plaid shirt is too thick, you might look like a lumberjack! The simpler the better. Remember, you can always layer. 

4. Black T-Shirt and Black Jeans

 

Nothing screams confidence like an all-black ensemble. Going for that black crew neck T-shirt with black jeans is an excellent look for every person and every body type. It’s not seen as often during summer days, but black-on-black is a great choice for summer nights and during the cooler seasons. Don’t forget to layer up! Most jackets will work with a black crew neck and jeans.

5. Black V-Neck T-Shirt, Washed Blue Jeans, and Blue Puffer Jacket 

V-neck shirts for men and for women are a great versatile item to have in your wardrobe. The combination of a black V-neck with washed light blue jeans is an effortless combination that can pair well with any jacket. If you want to make your outfit stand out, try throwing on a blue puffer jacket. 

6. Pink T-Shirt and Blue Jeans

 

A pink T-shirt says bold, fun, and confident. Pink tees look great on anyone when paired with the right jeans. Opting for a slightly washed pair of jeans to go with a light pink crew neck T-shirt is a clever and fun look that oozes confidence. Match the outfit with a pair of white sneakers, and you’ll be strutting around looking like a million bucks.

7. Light Henley Shirt and Black/Navy Jeans 

A light-colored Henley shirt matched with a pair of black or navy jeans is a classic and especially popular look. It can work as both casual, and as more formal attire. Try matching your outfit with a pair of boots, and you are good to do. It is a bold outfit choice that can look appropriate for a day at the office, underneath a casual suit.

8. Dark Blue V-Neck T-Shirt and Black Jeans 

Though black and white T-shirts are often known as the most versatile colors that pair well with anything, a navy blue V-Neck is also a great staple item to include in your wardrobe. Try pairing a navy or dark blue V-neck with black jeans whenever you’re going for something chic. You can also swap your black jeans with a darker shade of navy, and it will come across just as sleek.

9. Black T-Shirt and White Jeans

The world isn’t all black and blue jeans. Owning a pair of white jeans is a great way to diversify your style, and can create some killer combinations. One outfit that works is a classic black crew neck T-shirt matched with some well-fitted white jeans. Finish your look with some black boots and accessories to achieve a nice rugged outfit. 

Shop high-quality classic crew neck black plain T-shirts for men and for women.

10. Denim Jacket, White T-Shirt, and Denim Jeans 

Going double denim is a classic look and a must-have in any wardrobe. Rocking this look can be effortless, and all it takes is a well-matched pair of jeans with the same pattern and color jacket. When it comes to the T-shirt, go with a light-colored crew neck or V-neck. The most popular choice is a classic white tee, but we’re also fans of grey.

Classic Tip: Stay away from wearing a blue T-shirt when planning to wear this outfit, because the blue can clash with your denim jacket and your denim jeans.

11. Black Bomber, Grey T-Shirt, and Black Jeans 

Go retro and pull off a super sleek and stylish outfit that’s perfect for the fall season. Pair a black bomber jacket with black jeans and a grey or white T-shirt. With slightly washed black boots, this look is a great way to hit the bars at night and to really stand out. If it gets too warm, taking off your bomber still lets you roam about in a classic white T-shirt and black jeans--an outfit you can never go wrong with.

12. Green T-Shirt and Dark Blue Jeans

 

Beyond the basic light colors, aiming for darker varieties such as a medium toned green T-shirt also works great with blue jeans. This pairing works well when aiming for a casual and simple outfit for low-key occasions, like friend’s cookout. To finish the outfit off, grab some white sneakers to provide some contrast to the rest of your look.

13. BURGUNDY T-SHIRT AND GREY JEANS

Red and burgundy crew necks are becoming more and more popular and they look great with grey or black jeans for a well-thought-out, yet simple piece. Paring these colors with blue or denim also looks nice, and gives your outfit a more casual, approachable, and warm tone. It works really well in fall! 

14. Faded-Purple Long Sleeve T-Shirt and Navy Jeans

 

Long sleeve T-shirts also work well with jeans and are a classic look, especially as the weather gets colder. You can follow the same stylistic choices as short sleeve T-shirts outlined earlier, and you can also experiment with pairing light Earth tone tops with denim. Try pairing a faded-purple long sleeve V-neck or crew neck T-shirt with your usual navy jeans to rock a subtle contrast and simple look.

15. Dark Green Jacket, Light Green T-Shirt, and Khaki Jeans

Khaki jeans are a bold choice but one that can pay off well if paired correctly with other clothing items. One way to make a statement is by grabbing a pair of khaki jeans and pairing it with a lighter-toned green T-shirt (crew neck or V-neck would work fine with this outfit). Match it with a different contrast colored jacket, such as dark green. As a subtle pattern change and to show that you are wearing an outfit that was methodically thought out, utilize a light plaid shirt to add layer and introduce patterns. As for shoes, keep it light-colored and casual for summer wear, or boots for winter.

16. Navy T-Shirt and Burgundy Jeans

A wardrobe with blue, black, white, and khaki jeans is one to envy for its versatility. If that sounds like too much for you, try including a burgundy pair of jeans- it will stand out from the crowd. This color of jeans is great because it goes well with both light and dark colored T-shirts. Pair it with a simple white T-shirt, or match it with a black T-shirt instead, and the outfit will come across as stylish and simple.

Classic Tip: Match the color of your top with the color of your shoes.

17. Navy Pink Patterned T-Shirt and Dark Denim Jeans

An ingenious fashion hack is to find T-shirts with contrasting colors to your jeans, and Earth tones and nude tones are a great contrast to dark denim. For example, grab a sky blue T-shirt and pair it with a pair of dark blue denim jeans. The contrast makes this outfit magnificent for just about any occasion. It’s great for summer days and nights, and pairs well with dark blue or black jackets. If you’re wearing a T-shirt to work, try copper with dark blue jeans for a refined look--this is also a great combination for fall.

18. Navy Blazer, White T-Shirt, and Blue Jeans

T-shirts and jeans are commonly kept in the ‘casual’ group of clothing and are rarely thought of when one thinks of wearing slightly more formal attire. When paired with the right items, however, you can actually create quite a professional look. Grab a navy blazer and pair it with a white T-shirt and blue jeans to create a classy and professional look for occasions that need it. Utilize some off-color suede brown boots to add a contrasting accent to your outfit, and you’ve got yourself a truly refined look.

HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR T-SHIRT WITH JEANS?

T-shirts and jeans are a must-have staple for any wardrobe, and the combinations are endless when you invest in high-quality T-shirts and a variety of jeans. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of classic icons like James Dean or experimenting with something new, feel free to go beyond what we’ve mentioned and embrace your true style with a Classic T-shirt!

Related: Are expensive luxury T-shirts really worth it?