Nick Jonas Reveals His Style Icons & Explains Why Nobody Should Ignore Streewear

If there is anyone who knows how to reinvent their wardrobe and reverse their squeaky-clean child star status and come out the other side as one of the hottest stars in the world, it’s Nick Jonas. Having broken out as one-third of Disney Channel favourites Jonas Brothers, Nick re-invented his tween-bopper image into something far too raunchy for Mickey Mouse to ever approve of. Rolled-up blazer sleeves, bandanas and terrible tie knots made way for slick leather jackets, cool denim and an envy-inducing wardrobe of suits.

Ahead of the launch of his new fragrance with John Varvatos, we spoke to the actor and singer-songwriter on the most treasured possessions in his closet, who inspires his style and why you don’t have to pick a side when it comes to tailoring and streetwear.

As a seductive R&B crooner do you feel any pressure to fit that vibe with your outfit choices?

Yeah at times. It depends on the project I’m working on but I think it always comes down to my interests but then also trying to stay on top of trends and even trying to create some of my own at times. As a musician there are moments where being a bit of a rebel is fun and you get a bit of a free pass at times. It really depends on the environment and I like to be a chameleon to a certain degree but I want people to see my outfit on stage and have them recognise me for it.

Tailoring or streetwear?

I like a combination of each. I love traditional men’s tailoring and I have a great stylist who focuses on the tailoring and makes sure I feel really comfortable and confident with whatever I’m wearing. But then streetwear has become such a big part of the conversation and there is so much great stuff out there that I feel like I’m missing out if I don’t draw on that too.

I’ve got to hang out with Kim Jones [creative director of Dior Homme] a bunch of times and get his take on things. He is a great inspiration along with another friend of mine, Richard Chai, a New York designer. They are both pushing that combination of traditional menswear but also embracing the importance of those great streetwear elements too. I love to do that with my style, mixing it up, trying new things and taking some big risks but also just bringing it back to the classic stuff.

So what do you wear for a big date night?

There’s nothing quite like getting suited up with your significant other and feeling comfortable and confident in a good piece of tailoring.

Are there any style icons whose way of dressing influences you?

Elvis Costello was a big inspiration for me. I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time and the way he approaches his style. Then someone like Sting as well. Over the years he has done a really good job of owning whatever he is wearing. You can tell that some of those articles of clothing are things that he has had for a long time and he wears them effortlessly.

Do you feel inspired by any of the younger guys too?

Well, I’m saying all Brits here, not by design here I promise, but David Gandy has been a big style inspiration for a lot of people and of course there is David Beckham who really needs no introduction.

Also, I live between New York and LA and just walking down the street here in New York you’ll see people who just have the best style and make some really bold and exciting statements. It’s fun to just go for a walk, check out what people are doing and sometimes the best style inspiration just comes from a guy you’ve seen on the sidewalk.

What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?

Well, one of the things I’ve had longest is my New York Yankees cap. I grew up in New Jersey and I’m a big Yankees fan but it’s also become this massive style piece as well. It’s a staple of my wardrobe and something I can wear with pretty much whatever.

Another thing I think that every guy has to have in his wardrobe is a pair of white sneakers. And as far as clothing goes you can’t go far wrong with some great denim that you love wearing. A denim shirt especially with a white T-shirt underneath is definitely one of my key looks.

What’s your relationship like with John Varvatos and what was it like creating this fragrance?

My relationship with John began from me picking his brain like I do with Richard [Chai] and Kim [Jones] and he has been a part of my life for many years so getting the chance to create the clothing line we put out at the beginning of the year was fantastic and then the next piece of the puzzle was creating this fragrance. He is one of the best and working with him has been a dream come true.

For this new fragrance I sat down with John and we went through the different scents and I had a say even as far as the bottle. It was a very collaborative process. I’d equate building it up from scratch to making an album. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it but at the end of the day it was just a whole lot of fun. I think a fragrance is an essential part of a man feeling comfortable and confident within himself and that’s something we’ve hopefully been able to create.

6 Fresh Ways To Wear A White T-Shirt

You’ve almost certainly got one. If you’re smart, you’ll have about five on a perpetual rotation in your wardrobe. But what are the best ways to wear a white T-shirt?

The most staple of your wardrobe’s staples is also its most versatile: it dresses up, it dresses down, it’s the blank canvas around which you can you build any outfit. That range brings with it, however, a wide margin for error, too – misjudge the fit or what your wear it with and you look less Marlon Brando, more off-duty David Brent.

To decode this seemingly blank slate, we’ve spoken to industry insiders for ways to wear the white tee, wherever you’re heading.

Open Shirt + White Tee + Dark Jeans

Layering is an art. And the white tee should be the canvas, says Laurent Coulier, head of menswear at Menlook: “Wear the T-shirt under an open casual shirt. There’s an element of tailoring involved, but the unbuttoned touch ensures your look is relaxed.”

Effortlessness isn’t the only benefit. “Staples such as a white tee and black jeans anchor colour and prints, so feel free to mix it up,” says Coulier. “Plus, several buttons fastened around the middle can provide a more continental option.”

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Tucked In White Tee + Trousers

Smart-casual dress codes can be difficult to navigate. Let a white tee be your pilot. “Tuck a crew neck tee into a pair of smart, relaxed-leg trousers,” says Coulier. “It nods to 1950s menswear, but can be updated with a pair of classic sneaks and a neutral worker’s jacket.”

If you’ve not yet dabbled in wide legs, tapered trousers work too. Just make sure the tee is snug (it helps if you know your way around a treadmill).

White Tee + Selvedge Jeans

James Dean’s go-to move has outlived him. But by updating your cuts, you can bite his classic style in a contemporary way. “Take it back to basics with a slightly oversized white tee and a pair of indigo, selvedge jeans,” says Coulier.

A slight taper slims your physique and keeps top and bottom in balance. “Turn up the cuffs a couple of times and finish with some Adidas Originals or Converse.”

For extra Americana points, roll your sleeves. “Not only does it grant a neater edge to your tee, it also makes slight arms look bigger.” Mid-tricep is the sweet spot. Dean never invited anyone to the gun show.

White Tee + Leather Jacket

Dean’s other uniform is the easiest way to introduce some edge to your wardrobe. But you need to tread the line between fire ‘fit and fancy dress, says Mr Porter style director Olie Arnold. This could just as easily be a black T-shirt, but white is classic.

“There’s another side to 1950s dressing. Go for a crisp white crew neck underneath a classic leather jacket. Brands such as Schott offer a great fit with a nice balance of detailing – too few embellishments and your look is plain, too many and it can look overcrowded.”

Reiss

White Tee + Black Trousers + Bomber Jacket

This season, the bomber transitioned from trend to menswear essential. And there’s nothing it works better with than another military veteran, the white tee.

A midsize bomber jacket in black can add shape to your silhouette. Finish off with a pair of black trousers and add a smart-casual balance, with the monochromatic colours tying your look together. Especially if you stick to the murdered-out memo with black trainers or loafers. That will make your tee the focal point.

White Tee + Suit

Your weekend staple can put in an at-desk appearance too. “Wear a soft, high-grade cotton white tee with a well-cut dark suit,” says Freddie Kemp, stylist at Thread. “Wool offers texture and simple block colours contrast well with the white torso.”

As with the shirt whose shift it’s covering, fit is key. Your tee should be slim enough that there’s no billow over your waistband. Yes, you have to tuck it in. No, you can’t wear beaten up Converse. But you can wear a pair of smart white trainers such as Adidas Stan Smith.

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The Best Men’s T-Shirts Guide You’ll Ever Read

The term ‘wardrobe staple’ is thrown around more times than a steak at a vegan party, but the humble T-shirt is one item to which it can truly be applied.

A garment that started off as strictly underwear, developed into workwear and is now a definitive style essential, you would be hard pressed to find a man who has never owned this 100-plus-year-old basic.

The T-shirt’s versatility has a great deal to do with its ability to outlast trends; it’s the only piece of clothing that can be worn for any occasion, from under a shirt, with a suit, to the gym, beach and to bed.

They are true commodities: we buy them in bulk, often from the same brand, and we don’t stop to think about them until they need replacing. But are we really making the most out of our basic T-shirts? To offer a shortcut around the hours, even days, it can take to find the perfect colour, cut and style, here is the ultimate guide to man’s real best friend.

The Perfect T-Shirt Fit

The way a T-shirt fits says a lot about its wearer. Unintentionally baggy, with sleeves flopping sadly from the shoulder and excess fabric creating a tent around your torso, gives the impression of a man who has given up. On the other hand, exploding seams and a stuffed sausage-skin fit sends the opposite message, of a man who can’t get his own reflection out of his head.

The perfect-fitting example emphasises parts of the body you’re proudest of, without drawing attention to the areas you’re conscious of. Confused? Before trying one on, look at your naked torso in the mirror and ask yourself what your best attribute is.

• Arms: Whether rolled or regular, sleeves should hit around the halfway point on your upper arm to show off your biceps and triceps.
• Pecs/Shoulders: Aim for a slim-fitting style that skims through this part of the body, leaving enough room for air to circulate.
• Abs/Narrow Waist: Guys with bigger chests and/or narrow waists should look for tapered cuts that don’t drape around your mid-section.

If not entirely confident of your body – a feeling that affects many of us – or nothing stands out, opt for a classic fit. Don’t oversize in an attempt to conceal the lumps or buy smaller to exaggerate others features, no matter how much you want to show off the results of that arm workout.

Equally, if you feel everything about your upper half is worth flaunting, well, first control the urge to go shirtless, then take up some of this advice that applies to all body types.

• A classic T-shirt should finish around the top of your hips. This will ensure you can raise your hands without turning your tee into a crop top.
• Short sleeves shouldn’t cover more than half of your upper arm and should sit as close to the skin as possible without stretching.
• A perfect-fitting T-shirt isn’t restrictive, allows you to move comfortably and should never feel tight (with the exception of performance attire).
• Even in oversized or longline styles, the shoulder seams should ideally align with the point where the curve of your shoulder ends.

The Best T-Shirt Colours

Neutral T-Shirts

Black, white, grey and navy; these timeless shades set the foundations of any successful capsule wardrobe. T-shirts in these colours are often classed as ‘basic’, but their ability to underpin an existing look, or serve as one all on their own, is anything but.

White: The quintessential T-shirt. For underwear, there’s no better choice, and it’s the best colour (or lack of) to combine with classic indigo jeans – see James Dean and Paul Newman for confirmation.

Grey: Jersey or grey marl is a mixture of different shades, and the final textured effect is extremely flattering – especially if searching for a T-shirt to visually enhance your body shape. That said, guys who naturally sweat a lot should tread with caution as grey will make it significantly more noticeable.

Black: Although black remains a popular shade of T-shirt, it does come with pros and cons. On a positive note, a black T-shirt offers a rebellious alternative to the classic white option. However, the colour is known to fade quickly as well as feel warmer in hot conditions.

Navy: Not always available in standard three-for-two deals or multi-packs, navy is a refined choice that does almost the same job as black but remains day-friendly due to the colour having more depth. It’s ideal for creating tonal looks when combined with denim or blue tailoring.

Coloured T-Shirts

The rise (and rise, and rise) of trends such as athleisure and the relaxing of office dress codes means that T-shirts are now more popular than arguably ever before. However, neutral shades can get a bit samey. Keep things fresh and inject some energy into your day-to-day looks by trying out colours.

There are no strict rules here – making it an easy, affordable and effective way of experimenting with different hues – but, as a rule of thumb, certain colours suit certain skin tones.

Fair Skin: Guys with pale skin and lighter features such as red, blonde or light brown hair and blue eyes better suit colours that clearly contrast with the skin’s tone. That means darker hues like camel, bottle green and bold primary colours work best, whereas soft, pastel shades should be avoided.

Olive/Medium Skin: Anyone with olive or medium skin (or those lucky ones returning from two weeks in the Med) will find they suit a wide spectrum of colours. For best results, avoid shades that are too close to the skin’s tone, such as shades of brown and orange – always lean either a little brighter or darker than the middle ground.

Darker Skin: When it comes to colours, dark-skinned guys have their pick. Make the most of this and go bright and bold with primary shades and jewel tones. Just avoid brown, which can bleed into the skin and make you appear ashy, or worse, naked.

Neck Type

Anyone with more than a passing interest in style will know that there are several necklines to choose from when shopping for T-shirts. Yet rather than complicate a look with everything from deep-Vs (shudder) and boat necks to scooped and raw hems, it pays to stick to the classics.

V-necks naturally elongate the neck, which makes them perfect for shorter guys looking to create the illusion of height, or larger men after a slimming effect. They also provide balance to rounder or wider face shapes.

If you have a small chest or sloped shoulders, a crew neck will likely suit you best. Crew necks draw the eye out and create the illusion of squarer shoulders, making you appear broader and better proportioned. This more substantial neckline also provides balance to men with longer necks or narrow face shapes.

Fabric Choice

Most men tend to favour thicker fabrics rather than lightweight ones; as if the quality is directly related to the weight of the garment. Well, the opposite is actually true for T-shirt materials. Whether worn as a base layer or solo, a T-shirt should feel like second skin.

Almost all T-shirts will be cut from cotton or a cotton blend of some kind. The gold standard is Pima or Egyptian cotton, which are made from long staple fibres that last longer, look thinner and feel lighter.

Cotton blends are also good options. A moderate amount of elastane (stretch fibres) helps to maintain the shape of the T-shirt, whereas cotton-polyester blends come in at a lower price point and often crease less. Other brands look further afield to fabrics like Tencel, which tends to be even cooler than linen, or viscose, which is more absorbent.

Where To Buy The Best T-Shirts For Men

A high-quality T-shirt in a great fit will slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe and you’ll get good use for years to come.

Whether yours comes in a three-pack from the high street or you splurged on a designer take, it’s important to remember that a high price tag doesn’t always guarantee high quality. Therefore, it pays to know the key brands in each price bracket.

Affordable

If T-shirts and sneakers are a part of your everyday wardrobe, affordable options found on the high street are a perfect way to stock up in bulk and are easily replaceable. Though some cheap T-shirts can often twist and lose their shape with a few washes, there are a handful of brands who have managed to cut costs without sacrificing quality.