How to Choose a Shirt That Compliments Your Skin Tone

Finding a shirt that fits well is important—but choosing one that compliments your skin tone? That’s what separates the stylish from the effortlessly sharp. At Wessi, we know that true style is all about harmony. Wearing the right color shirt can brighten your complexion, enhance your natural features, and elevate your entire look. Here’s how to make sure the shirts you choose work with your skin tone, not against it.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Tone

Before you start choosing colors, you need to know your skin’s undertone. Most people fall into one of these categories:

• Cool Undertone: Skin has hints of pink, red, or blue. Veins appear bluish.

• Warm Undertone: Skin leans toward yellow, golden, or olive hues. Veins appear greenish.

• Neutral Undertone: A balanced mix—neither too warm nor too cool.

You can determine your undertone by looking at the veins on your wrist, seeing how your skin reacts to sunlight, or testing with gold vs. silver jewelry (gold flatters warm tones, silver flatters cool).

Step 2: Choose Shirt Colors Based on Your Undertone

Once you’ve nailed down your undertone, selecting flattering shirt colors becomes easy.

For Cool Undertones:

Opt for colors with blue or jewel tones.

• Best shirt colors: Navy, emerald green, burgundy, charcoal, icy grey, lavender, crisp white.

• Avoid: Earthy browns, mustard, and orange tones—they can wash you out.

Wessi offers tailored shirts in rich cool tones that bring out the natural clarity of cool-toned skin.

For Warm Undertones:

Lean into earthy, golden, and autumnal hues.

• Best shirt colors: Olive, camel, rust, mustard, warm white, terracotta, soft peach.

• Avoid: Super icy tones or bright neon colors that contrast too harshly.

Wessi’s warm-toned shirt options, including soft pastels and muted browns, complement these skin types beautifully.

For Neutral Undertones:

You’ve won the style lottery—most colors will suit you well!

• Best shirt colors: Navy, teal, grey, soft rose, or off-white.

• Avoid: Colors that are too bright or too muted—stick with mid-tones for balance.

Step 3: Consider the Occasion and Layering

Matching your shirt to your skin tone is just the first step—pairing it with complementary pieces seals the look.

• Casual day out? A peach or olive shirt for warm tones, or light blue for cool tones, paired with chinos.

• Formal event? A deep navy or soft grey shirt works for nearly all tones, especially under a sharp Wessi blazer.

• Layering tip: When wearing a bold blazer or patterned jacket, choose a shirt that supports—not competes with—your outer layer.

Step 4: Play With Patterns and Textures

Color isn't the only way to complement your skin—texture and pattern can help too.

• Subtle stripes or prints can break up solid blocks of color and soften contrast.

• Matte-finish fabrics like brushed cotton or linen absorb light and create a muted look.

• Glossy finishes like sateen pop more—great for evening wear, especially when matched to your undertone.

Wessi Style Tip

When in doubt, try the shirt on in natural light. Your skin tone can look different under artificial lighting. Stand near a window, look in the mirror, and trust your instincts. If the shirt makes your eyes pop or your skin look radiant, you’ve found a winner.

At Wessi, we design men's shirts that aren’t just stylish—they’re thoughtfully crafted to enhance your natural tone and personal flair. Whether you're dressing for a boardroom, a date night, or a special occasion, the right shirt can make all the difference.