If you’re a man who’s looking for a shirt that’s equal parts versatile and stylish, look no further than the henley shirt. This classic design has been around for decades and can be a staple item in your wardrobe for years to come.
If you’re not familiar with this piece of clothing, a henley shirt is a pullover with a vertical opening that can be closed with a line of buttons. It may have a ribbed or contrasting crew neck. Henleys come in a variety of solid colors, stripes, and patterns. They are perfect for layering under other garments like cardigans or jackets. The guide below offers more tips on how to style a henley shirt.
Tips for Styling Henley Shirts
If you’re wondering how to style a henley, the first step is to consider how this versatile shirt fits into your style aesthetic. Purchasing the right fabrics and colors is the key to stylish pairings with pants and jeans.
Some quick things to note about styling a henley include:
- Henley shirts are a staple of modern style.
- Henley shirts are versatile and can be dressed up or down to fit your look.
- Henley shirts aren’t that expensive and go with just about any outfit.
Below, you’ll find some more tips and outfit ideas.
Wear a Henley Casually or Formally
The best thing about henley shirts is that they can be worn casually or formally, depending on the occasion.
For instance, if you’re heading out to lunch with your friends, you might want to wear a comfortable henley shirt with jeans and loafers. But if you’re attending an afternoon wedding in an outside, casual setting, it could be appropriate to pair with khakis and dress shoes.
If you have a business meeting in the afternoon, then a henley may pair nicely with a smart blazer for a professional but trendy look.
Picking the Right Henley Shirt for Your Outfit
To style a henley shirt, it’s best to mix contrasting fabrics that complement your whole look. For example, the texture differences in a flannel shirt with a henley make it a great choice for comfort and casual style.
However, you could also pair a henley with a sports coat or blazer. It works well as a layering shirt under most jackets and hoodies.
- Pick a henley shirt that is made of high-quality fabric. If you’re going to spend money on one item, make it count. You’ll want something that will last for years and can be worn in multiple ways. Look for something with some stretch or give in the fabric, as this makes it easier to move around in.
- Choose a henley shirt that fits well. Don’t buy anything too loose or too tight.
- Henley shirts should fit slightly loose around the body but a little tighter at the chest and arms.
- Henley shirts have different sleeve lengths but most commonly come with a quarter sleeve. A long sleeve henley is better for winter weather to wear under a jacket as a layer. Choose a short sleeve henley in warmer months.
Wearing a Henley to Work
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Is it okay to wear a henley shirt to work? Yes, a henley is a comfortable work shirt that works with most dress shirts, flannel shirts, jackets, and blazers. However, it may be too casual to wear alone on the job, depending on the dress code at your workplace.
When styling a henley shirt with a blazer, consider the material of both pieces. You may not want to wear a wool jacket with a cotton henley or wear the same colors for both. Instead, you can layer with contrasting hues, such as a tan henley with a gray blazer.
If you’re looking for a new style to try, consider dressing up in a faux leather jacket. This type of jacket is perfect for adding an edge to any outfit and can be styled in many different ways. You can wear it with skirts or pants, and it will look great with boots or sandals. If you’re feeling more daring, try pairing it with a high-waisted skirt or dress. Either way, you’ll look amazing and feel comfortable at the same time.
With an Unbuttoned Dress Shirt or Flannel
If you’re looking for a third option for wearing your henley casually, try pairing it with an unbuttoned dress shirt or flannel. It’s the perfect balance of casual and chic, particularly if you want to add a bit of texture and contrast to your outfit.
With a Hoodie or Jacket
Almost any outerwear goes with a henley, but many like to style this shirt underneath a solid color hoodie or even a rugged leather jacket. Field jackets also work with this style of shirt. If you wear neutral colors with your henley, such as white, gray, or navy, you can match it with any color hoodie or jacket.
Finding a Henley for Your Aesthetic
No matter how you decide to style your henley, remember that it’s all about choosing the best fit for you. The right fit and color will make you look good and feel good, which will help you make a positive impression on others. This can work wonders for your confidence and make sure that everyone sees the best version of yourself.
