What Is the Difference Between a Crew Neck and a T-Shirt?

When buying a top, one of the most important considerations is the neckline. And for most people, this means choosing between a crew neck or a t-shirt that usually has a scoop neck.
While these choices seem to be simple, there are many people left confused. Since both crew necks and t-shirts have rounded necklines, it’s hard to tell which is a crew neck and which is a regular t-shirt.
So, in this article, we’re diving into the differences between crew necks and t-shirts, when to wear each shirt, and how to style them properly. That way, you’ll have a very easy time choosing the right shirt for your body type, style, and taste.
Are Crew Necks Different From Regular T-Shirts?
At first glance, you might think that crew necks and t-shirts are the same. After all, if you don’t look closely at the details, they may seem identical. However, this isn’t the case – crew necks and t-shirts have subtle differences that separate them from each other.
The difference between crew necks and t-shirts is the neckline. A crew neck t shirt is known for its tight and rounded neckline that sits very close to the neck. These shirts were originally used by crew members on ships, hence the name. You can dress these shirts up and down, making them a great choice for any person that needs a versatile top they can wear with many outfits.
On the flip side, a normal t-shirt either has a scoop or round neckline. These two necklines sit a bit lower on the shirt, giving your neck a bit more space. Because of this, most people say that regular t-shirts are a bit more comfortable than crew necks. However, you can’t get more casual than a round neck t-shirt, so you won’t be able to dress these garments up as much as a crew neck.
When to Wear a T-Shirt vs. When to Wear a Crew Neck
If you need an undershirt or a top to wear casually, a t-shirt is a great idea. These tops are the perfect pair for jeans and a pair of boots or sneakers. You can even wear these shirts at home because they are very comfortable.
That said, if you’re looking to elevate your style a bit, a t-shirt may not be the best option. While t-shirts are great for casual outfits, you can’t really dress them up. So, if you’re going somewhere that requires you to dress up a bit more than usual, your trusty t-shirt may not be the best option.
Crew necks are a bit more versatile. You can always wear these shirts casually, as that’s what tees are made for. However, if needed, you can easily dress up a crew neck shirt with a nice pair of trousers, loafers, or boots.
How to Wear a T-Shirt and Crew Neck Properly
If you’re looking to style either a t-shirt or a crew neck properly, we highly recommend taking the time to learn your size. While there are an infinite amount of ways you can dress up these shirts, none of them will look good unless you have the right size.
You don’t want your tops to fit too loose or too tight. This is why it might help you to try on a shirt before buying. Or, at the very least, make sure you know your exact size before ordering the shirts.
Conclusion
While they may look the same, crew necks are different from regular t-shirts. The defining characteristic of these tops is that they have a tighter neckline.
This allows more space for designs and also makes them great options for dressing up. T-shirts, on the other hand, are the most casual tops you can get, and it’s very important to know this difference when building your wardrobe.