What Is The Difference Between a Crewneck And A Classic T-shirt?

You may have noticed the different terminology when shopping for t-shirts. There are the V-necks, the Henleys, the Polos, the Scoop necks…

And also crewnecks and classic t-shirts.

This all sounds pretty confusing for a simple wardrobe piece that most guys wear pretty much every day! 

But don’t worry, things are much more simple, as you’ll see when we talk about the difference between a crew neck and a classic t-shirt.

Short history

It may be hard to imagine life without t-shirts today, we wear them everywhere, from work to pub to workouts, but in the 19th century, it was just a long undergarment worn mostly by laborers.

The t-shirt shrunk with time and soon was adopted by the US and other militaries as part of their uniform. Made from cotton tees were comfortable, breathable, and could be worn as under or outerwear. 

Around the same time, athletes noticed tees too and started wearing them for practice. The t-shape was perfect for protecting football player shoulders from the pads and scuffing. 

Finally, retailers and garment producers realized that the public wanted to look like the tough navy guys or athletes and started producing t-shirts widely. 

Such famous actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean contributed to the popularity of the tee. 

Crewnecks vs. traditional tees

In the last 60 years, t-shirts have taken over the world and are now available in endless designs, styles, and fits. 

If you go to a shop or enter an online store, you might see categories such as crewnecks, V-necks, Henleys, Polos, Tank tops, etc. But sometimes, you’ll also encounter the term “traditional tees.”

While it’s possible that this refers to something else, generally, there’s no need to wrack your brain. Traditional t-shirts are actually crewnecks! 

Some producers and retailers call them this because the crewneck was the first t-shirt ever made, and since retro and nostalgia trends are very strong right now, this may be a marketing trick.

Crewnecks and traditional tees have a round neckline close to the neck and can be monochrome, patterned, have graphics or logos.

How to wear a crewneck tee

According to the New York Times, 89% of Americans wear a t-shirt at least once a week! So yes, you’re probably in that group too, and since it’s so common, you surely want to look good in your crewneck or traditional tee.

Crewnecks are perfect all year round as in spring and summer, you can wear them on their own, and in colder seasons, they’re ideal for layering under blazers, cardigans, jumpers, etc. 

They can be dressed up or dressed down. If you’re looking for one for the office or a nice dinner and want to avoid stuffy shirts, opt for a nice fitted dark monochrome tee. You can find excellent high-quality options online, like the grey crew neck tee by Fresh Clean Tees.

For simple everyday leisure or weekend activities, go for a slightly larger or oversized traditional tee for freedom of movement. 

How to wear it in spring 

Spring is notoriously unstable, and you want to layer for the most comfort. Here are three awesome ways to wear your crewneck or traditional tee in spring.

With chinos and a blazer 

Ideal for work, lunch, or dinner dates and when you want to feel more put together. Pair a monochrome tee with your favorite chinos and a regular or unstructured blazer, add Chelsea boots or white leather sneakers, and you’re good to go.  

With jeans and a leather jacket

This outfit will never go out of style, and all you need are classic blue or black jeans, a simple white tee, and your favorite leather jacket. We love black leather, but brown or maroon will look fabulous too. 

With cargo pants and zip-hoodie 

If you’re looking for a comfortable outfit for the weekend, pair your favorite tee with cargo trousers and a nice fitted zip hoodie. Add sneakers or hiking boots, and you’re ready for a weekend in nature!