You’ve seen them everywhere. On Instagram feeds, at music festivals, and definitely in the "new arrivals" section of basically every major retailer from Zara to Revolve. The cut out t shirt isn't just a piece of clothing anymore; it’s a design philosophy that refuses to die. Honestly, it’s kind of impressive how a simple cotton tee with a few chunks missing can completely change the vibe of an outfit.
But here’s the thing. Most people are doing it wrong. They buy a shirt with a random hole in the shoulder and wonder why they feel like they’re wearing a costume instead of a "look."
The cut out t shirt is a weird hybrid. It sits right at the intersection of "I tried too hard" and "I just threw this on." It’s a garment defined by what isn’t there. When done well, it’s architectural and edgy. When done poorly? It looks like your cat had a very productive afternoon with your laundry basket. We’re going to talk about why this trend works, the specific types of negative space that actually flatter a human body, and how to style these things without looking like a 2014 Pinterest board.
The Architecture of the Cut Out T Shirt
Designers like Alexander Wang and Dion Lee basically pioneered the modern obsession with "slashed" aesthetics. They proved that a cut out t shirt doesn't have to be a DIY project gone wrong. It’s about intentionality.
Think about the collarbone. It’s one of the most universally flattering parts of the body to highlight. A "cold shoulder" cut is the most common version of this, but it’s also the most dated. If you’re still rocking the perfect circles cut out of the tops of your sleeves, you might be stuck in 2016. Modern cut outs are much more aggressive. We’re seeing asymmetrical slices across the chest, "keyhole" details that mimic the look of layered jewelry, and side-waist removals that create an artificial hourglass shape even if you’re built like a ruler.
It’s all about the tension. A heavy cotton fabric doesn't drape; it holds its shape. When you cut into that, the fabric pulls in ways that can either make you look snatched or just lumpy. High-end brands usually use a heavier weight jersey (think 200 GSM or higher) to ensure the edges don't curl up after one wash. If you’re buying a cheap, thin version, those cut outs are going to sag by noon. It's just physics.
Why Negative Space Matters More Than You Think
Fashion is usually about addition—adding layers, adding accessories, adding color. The cut out t shirt is about subtraction.
By removing fabric, you’re creating "frames" for your skin. This is a concept often used in professional photography and interior design, but it applies perfectly to your torso. A vertical slit down the center of a tee draws the eye up and down, making you look taller. A horizontal cut across the ribs can widen the frame. It's almost like contouring, but with fabric instead of makeup.
The most successful versions of this trend right now are the "shredded" looks or the "bra-layered" illusions. You’ve probably seen the shirts that look like a bolero shrug worn over a tank top, but it’s actually just one piece. That’s a cut out. It provides the visual complexity of layering without the bulk or the heat of actually wearing two shirts. It's genius, really.
Decoding the Different Styles
Not all holes are created equal. Let's break down what's actually happening in the market right now.
The Deconstructed Crewneck
This is the "cool girl" staple. It looks like a standard t-shirt, but the neckline is partially detached or there’s a massive slice right under the collarbone. It’s subtle. It says, "I have a personality, but I’m not shouting about it." Brands like Helmut Lang have mastered this. It works because it keeps the structure of a classic tee while adding a "glitch" in the visual.
The Waist-Whittler
These are the shirts with triangular or semi-circle cut outs right at the narrowest part of the waist. They are terrifying to some people, but incredibly effective. By exposing the skin at the sides of the midsection, you’re creating an optical illusion. Even if the shirt is oversized, those little windows of skin tell the eye exactly where your waist is. It prevents the "tent" effect that often happens with boxy shirts.
The Spine Reveal
Back cut outs are the unsung heroes of the cut out t shirt world. Why? Because you don't have to worry about your bra as much if the cut is low enough, and it’s a total surprise when you turn around. It’s the "business in the front, party in the back" of the 2020s.
The Problem With Fast Fashion Versions
I'm going to be real with you: fast fashion often ruins this trend.
When a brand like Shein or H&M tries to mass-produce a cut out t shirt, they often skip the reinforcement. A cut out is a structural weakness in a garment. Without stay-stitching or a double-layered hem around the opening, the fabric will stretch out of shape almost immediately. You’ll end up with a "gaping" hole rather than a "cut out."
If you're shopping for these, look at the edges of the holes. Are they finished? Is there a ribbing or a binding? If it’s just a raw edge on a stretchy fabric, it’s going to look like a rag within three wears. Honestly, you're better off taking a pair of fabric shears to a high-quality, heavy-duty Gildan or Carhartt tee yourself than buying a $5 flimsy version that can't hold its own weight.
How to Style a Cut Out T Shirt Without Looking Messy
Balance is the only way this works. If your shirt has holes in it, your pants probably shouldn't.
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- Pair with structured bottoms: Since the cut out t shirt is inherently a bit "undone," you need something sharp to ground it. Think high-waisted trousers, a stiff denim skirt, or tailored leather pants.
- The Bra Dilemma: This is the #1 reason people give up on this trend. If the cut out is on the shoulder or chest, a standard bra strap is going to ruin the lines. You have two choices: go braless (if you’re comfortable), or lean into the "exposed lingerie" look. A neon sports bra under a black slashed tee can look intentional. A beige granny-bra strap peeking out of a designer cut out looks like an accident.
- Layering over, not under: Don't try to wear a shirt under your cut out shirt unless you're specifically going for a 90s grunge "layered" look. Usually, the skin is the point. If you’re cold, throw an oversized blazer over the top. The contrast between the formal blazer and the "broken" shirt is top-tier styling.
The Cultural Impact: From Punk to High Fashion
It’s worth noting that the cut out t shirt didn't just appear out of nowhere. It has deep roots in punk subculture. In the 70s, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren were literally ripping shirts apart and safety-pinning them back together as a "middle finger" to the polished establishment.
Back then, the cuts were violent. They were meant to look like the garment had been through a fight. Today, the trend is much more clinical. We’ve moved from "ripped" to "laser-cut." It's less about rebellion and more about silhouette. It’s also a way for people to show skin in a way that feels "fashion" rather than just "revealing." There’s a power in choosing exactly which square inch of your ribs or shoulder the world gets to see.
Real Talk: Is This Just a Fad?
Fashion people love to talk about "timeless staples," and a plain white tee is usually at the top of that list. A cut out t shirt is... not that. It's a statement piece.
However, we've seen this specific aesthetic cycle back every few years since the early 90s. It's not going anywhere because it solves a fundamental problem: basic t-shirts can be boring. As long as people want to look casual but also "interesting," designers will keep finding new ways to poke holes in perfectly good fabric.
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The key to making it last in your wardrobe is choosing a version that fits your personal "geometry." If you have great shoulders, get the shoulder cuts. If you've been hitting the gym and want to show off your obliques, go for the side cuts. Don't just buy what's on the mannequin.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Look
- Check the Fabric Weight: Before buying, pinch the fabric. If it feels like a thin bedsheet, put it back. You want something with "heft" so the cut outs stay crisp.
- Invest in "The Invisible Extras": If you're going to commit to this style, buy some nipple covers or a high-quality strapless bra. The wrong undergarment is the fastest way to kill the "edgy" vibe of a cut out t shirt.
- Try the "Half-Tuck": If the shirt is oversized with waist cut outs, tuck the front into your jeans but leave the sides loose. This highlights the cut out detail without making the shirt look like it’s swallowing you whole.
- DIY with Caution: If you're going to cut your own, use a rotary cutter and a template. Drawing a circle with a bowl and cutting it with kitchen scissors will lead to jagged edges that fray and look cheap.
- Wash with Care: Always, always use a mesh laundry bag. Those holes are prime real estate for getting caught on a zipper or the agitator of your washing machine. One wrong spin cycle and your "chic" slash becomes a giant, gaping tear.
The cut out t shirt is essentially a lesson in "less is more." It takes a basic item of clothing and turns it into a conversation piece. Just remember: the goal is to look like you’re wearing the shirt, not like the shirt is falling apart on you. Keep it structured, keep the edges clean, and for the love of fashion, watch where those bra straps are.