From our perspective tee shirts, or t-shirts, come in three varieties: plain and dressy for a casual yet relaxed look, informal with a graphic or logo (ideally with some personal meaning or connection to the wearer), and underwear. While not typically in our wheelhouse, over the past few years, the humble tee shirt has become a fairly defined menswear category that can indeed stand on its own.
We all wear tee shirts, it just matters how and when. For those of you who scoff at the idea of such a slovenly form of dress, we humbly suggest you entertain the imperfect pleasures of true “casual” wear. Bespoke is lovely, but not ideal for an afternoon by the pool, mowing the grass, or even loafing about the estate with friends and cold (or room temperature) beer.
Leaving aside undershirts, which should only be worn under shirts, this is the realm of the tee shirt. Not dirty, torn, stained, or perforated tees that should immediately find a home in the rag pile. No, we are speaking of tee shirts with style, substance, personality, and quality. Whether paired with some nice shorts, classic khakis, or worn-in jeans, it is a classic combination with universal appeal.
Though a focus on design, materials and fit, some brands have carved out their own sub-markets. For example, Duke & Winston has perfected the cool eccentric tee with historically-themed graphics that have an academic, hipster quality. At the other end of the spectrum, Mack Weldon creates monochromatic, precisely tailored tees that read casual/elegant sophistication without any stylized drama. It’s the sort of tee shirt we imagine a globe-hopping tech executive to wear when relaxing on his custom built yacht.
To this mix, we would like to add Lucky West. Inspired by classic Americana mythology, this U.K. brand’s tee shirts reflect a sun-washed era somewhere along Route 66. Their Las Vegas inspired logo hints at the wide open nostalgia that drives the brand’s vision, but the shirts themselves are another thing all together.
While the brand’s editorial imagery reflects a stylized 1950s vibe, which does mesh with the look and feel of the shirts, we see them in a slightly different light.
To the left, our editor-in-chief sports a more East-Coast Americana take on a Lucky West’s tee shirt (size medium), pairing it with laid back Ecoths shorts, a bright ntandy belt, classic ECCO boat shoes, and an old L.L. Bean tote. Yes, that’s a National’s ball cap – go Nats!
Our first reaction when unpacking the sample was that of being impressed by the dense softness of the cotton and solid attention to construction. The deliberately rough stitch details around the collar and shoulder seams give a vintage, inherited feel, while the overall fit reads thoroughly modern.
The body is trim and slightly longer cut than most tees. This combination allows you to wear it tucked or un-tucked with equal comfort while avoiding sagging or billowing.
The short sleeves are indeed short, and cut slim, reflecting an athletic shirt aesthetic. It’s reminiscent of how we imagine old high school team jerseys fit. The shirt’s design can be described as athletic; comfortably snug around the shoulders and body drop that tapers slightly toward the hem. If you like your tees baggy, you might want to go at least one size up.
These tees blend iconic Americana themes with a modern fit, attention to detail, and a fun sense of nostalgia. However you wear it, we suggest you give Lucky West a try and add a few to your weekend drawer.
