When the temperature hits the high 60s, t-shirt weather has officially arrived. You can give or take a few degrees, of course, depending on your tolerance for the cold. Some people won’t declare it t-shirt weather until the temperature reaches the low 70s. In terms of seasons, t-shirt weather usually rolls around in the spring. Basically, though, it’s t-shirt appropriate weather if you can go outside comfortably without long sleeves.

Different ways to define t-shirt weather

T-shirt weather isn’t defined solely by whether it’s warm enough to go outside in short sleeves, however. A warm but breezy spring day, for example, could call for a t-shirt with a light jacket. Just because you have to layer doesn’t mean it’s not t-shirt weather. You can also wear a loose-knit cardigan with a t-shirt on a breezy day.

T-shirt weather can also be defined by answering this question, “Can I wear short sleeves without looking ridiculous?” When everyone else around you is in parkas and sweaters, you might get some odd glances if you’re sporting a t-shirt. Regardless of whether you’re freezing or roasting, you want to dress in seasonally appropriate clothing.

Feelin’ hot, hot, hot!

Once t-shirt weather arrives, it’s here to stay as the thermometer keeps climbing. In fact, the hotter it gets, the more you’re going to thank your lucky stars for t-shirts. A light cotton tee can keep you cool into the hot summer months. Put on a t-shirt, a pair of shorts and some flip-flops and you’ll be good to go. If the temperature hits the triple digits, though, you might see t-shirt weather turning into tank top weather.

Falling leaves, falling temperatures

As fall approaches, the temperatures begin to drop, but you’ve still got a couple of good months of t-shirt weather left. Even though department stores start putting out the coats and sweaters in August, in most places you’ll still have warm days into September and even October. A t-shirt with a sweater vest, for example, is a perfect back-to-school look.

Snowflakes and t-shirts?

Some might argue, though, that there is no such thing as “t-shirt weather” because you can wear t-shirts year round. You can pair a short-sleeve t-shirt with a long-sleeved shirt for a funky layered look. You could also wear a t-shirt with a blazer during the colder months. So, you don’t necessarily have to pack away your t-shirts during the winter.

Most people sleep in t-shirts, which could technically make any time of the year t-shirt weather if you look at it that way. Depending on how warm you keep your house, you might opt for a t-shirt and boxer shorts in December rather than flannel pajamas.

Traveling

Temperatures – and therefore t-shirt weather – varies from state to state and country to country. Always check the forecast when you plan to travel because the temperature might call for t-shirts at your destination even if you’re currently wearing sweatshirts. Also remember that when you travel overseas the seasons themselves can be different. No matter where you’re going, it’s always a safe bet to pack at least a few t-shirts.