Five Places You Should Never Wear a T-Shirt

Melanie L. Marten
T-shirts have entered the mainstream for fashion. There are t-shirts in plain colors, with humorous sayings or pictures, and ones that support causes, advertise events, or express political and religious views. T-shirts have become acceptable in many places, but there are still a few places where t-shirts should not be worn.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rules. Families or companies that are particularly casual might find it acceptable to wear a t-shirt to the following places. In general, though, it is better to err on the side of respectful caution.

Never Wear a T-Shirt at a Funeral

Funerals are times when people should be on their best behavior. Showing respect for both the dead person and the family and friends is important. Many people would find a t-shirt too casual for a funeral. Better attire would include dark-colored suits or dresses and blouses.

Never Wear a T-Shirt to a Job Interview

There is a general rule about job interviews that states you should dress one step up from what the job would require. Obviously, if you are applying for a corporate job, you would never wear a t-shirt to the interview. The same goes for warehouse and labor jobs. To impress your future boss, skip the t-shirt and instead wear a simple button down shirt.

Never Wear a T-Shirt to a Wedding

Unless the wedding is a very casual affair on a beach, you can pick something more appropriate than a t-shirt to wear to a wedding. Weddings are often formal or semi-formal affairs that require a suit and tie or a nice dress. Even if it more casual, a t-shirt is taking it a bit too far.

Never Wear a T-Shirt to a Corporate Event

There are some events you should wear a t-shirt too, like a corporate barbeque. Still, you should choose a solid color t-shirt with no logos or funny sayings. Better still, nix the t-shirt idea and choose a casual but smart button down shirt and pants. Polo style shirts are more appropriate than t-shirts.

Never Wear a T-Shirt to a Symphony

Or an opera, an art show, or a professional play. You might be part of the audience at these events, but you should still dress appropriately for the class of people and show you are going to see.

While t-shirts are probably the most comfortable shirts around, and acceptable attire for almost every event, there are still some places they should not be worn. If you want to make a good impression, leave the t-shirts at home when you attend weddings, funerals, job interviews, and corporate events.

Published by Melanie L. Marten

Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschoolin...  View profile

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  • Tina Molly Lang6/19/2008

    I went to some concerts at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and so many people were wearing T-shirts--of course this was an outdoor concert and it was 100 degrees. This many be the only time you can wear T-shirts to a symphony lol.

  • Lauren Romano3/19/2008

    I couldn't even imagine some people wearing t-shirts to these places, but unfortunately some do. Great topic!

  • Ariana R. Cherry3/13/2008

    Great tips :) I think Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear would be happy for these tips to be spread around! :)

  • penguins293/13/2008

    more people need to read this article! lol well done :)

  • Pam Gaulin3/13/2008

    Good topic

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