Most T-shirts look similar on a hanger. The difference reveals itself in the first wash, on a humid afternoon commute, or when you catch your reflection and the drape simply… works. This is a field guide to understanding what makes a T-shirt quietly exceptional so you can curate a wardrobe that feels refined today and still looks sharp a year from now.
1) Fabric First: What You Feel Before You See
GSM (grams per square metre)
Think of GSM as the fabric’s “body.”
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180 GSM: breathable everyday layer; ideal for tropical heat.
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220 GSM: The sweet spot wear —structure without weight; holds shape, resists cling.
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260 GSM: premium heft; elevated drape, great for dressier casual looks.
Staple length & yarn
Long-staple cotton (and ringspun yarns) create fewer loose ends, so tees feel smoother and pill less. Compact knitting further tightens the surface, which means less see-through and better colour retention.
Knit type
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Single jersey: classic, breathable, versatile.
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Interlock: denser, silkier handfeel, slightly more formal.
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Piqué: subtle texture; pairs well under blazers.
Finish Enzyme wash for softness; silicon finish for glide; bio-polish for a cleaner surface. The right finish gives a luxe handfeel without compromising breathability.
Aviazzo note: Our 220 & 260 GSM tees are cut to drape cleanly across the shoulders and chest, with just enough weight to feel premium in Indian climates.
2) The Drape: Where Elegance Lives
Luxury shows up in motion. Two tees can share the same size label and look different because of pattern engineering—the hidden geometry that shapes the silhouette.
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Shoulder line: A fractionally forward shoulder seam creates a tailored stance.
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Armhole & sleeve: A slightly higher armhole improves mobility and sharpens the silhouette; sleeve graces mid-bicep without strangling it.
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Chest to hem ratio: The subtle A-line prevents cling at the midsection while keeping the chest clean.
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Back sweep: A 1–1.5 cm longer back hem helps the tee sit right when you move or sit.
3) Fit Codes: Regular vs Oversized (when to wear each one)
Regular Fit
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Purpose: polished, versatile; tucks neatly into chinos or sits clean over denim.
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Pair with: blazers, lightweight jackets, office-casual looks.
Oversized Fit
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Purpose: relaxed, contemporary; best when fabric has structure (220–260 GSM) so it doesn’t look sloppy.
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Pair with: tailored trousers or structured shorts to balance volume.
Pro tip: If you’re between sizes, choose the fit by shoulder accuracy first—shoulder alignment beats chest measurement for a premium look.
4) Colour Theory for an Indian Wardrobe
A refined rotation builds around neutrals with character: Bone, Charcoal, Ink, Sand, Olive. Then add two accents—Rust or Deep Red if you like warmth, Cobalt or Forest for cool contrast.
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Morning meetings: Bone/Ink under a navy jacket.
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Dinner: Charcoal or Forest with tapered black denim.
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Weekend: Sand or Olive with ecru chinos and minimal sneakers.
5) The Longevity Equation (Cost-Per-Wear)
A premium tee isn’t about a single perfect day—it’s about 60 perfect wears.
Quality becomes the more economical choice when you measure cost the way your wardrobe actually lives.
6) Care Rituals That Keep Luxe, Luxe
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Cold wash, gentle cycle. Heat fatigues fibres and collars.
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Inside out. Protects colour and surface.
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Avoid fabric softener. It coats fibres and reduces breathability.
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Air dry flat or on wide hangers. Gravity is real so don’t give it the collar.
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Steam, don’t iron hard. A quick steam revives drape without shine marks.
7) Styling Grids (Plug & Play)
Elevated Minimal
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220 GSM Tee (Ink) + grey tailored trousers + loafers + slim watch.
Quiet Evening
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260 GSM Tee (Charcoal) + black denim + Chelsea boots + light jacket.
Weekend Monochrome
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Bone Tee + ecru chinos + white court sneakers + linen overshirt.
Travel Smart
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Olive Tee + technical joggers + knit blazer + slip-on sneakers.
8) Why Weight Matters in Indian Weather
Heavier doesn’t mean hotter—breathability is a function of fibre & knit, not just GSM. A well-constructed 220 GSM tee with compact knit and long-staple cotton breathes better than a flimsy, clingy 160 GSM that traps moisture. The Heft adds opacity, shape, and confidence—especially under the office AC and evening outings.
9) Build Your Core: The 7-Piece Capsule
1. Bone (Regular)
2. Ink (Regular)
3. Charcoal (Regular)
4. Sand (Oversized)
5. Olive (Oversized)
6. Deep Red / Signature Aviazzo Red (Regular)
7. Seasonal Limited (260 GSM) for evening looks
This capsule covers 90% of your week without repeating a vibe.
Our Closing Thought
The best T-shirts don’t perform for attention, they perform for you. They move when you move, breathe when you need them to, and age with grace. That’s the architecture of a perfect tee: thoughtful fabric, intelligent patterning, and quiet, lasting quality.
Aviazzo was built on that belief. When you choose well once, you dress well every day :) !
