No, pleats and drapes aren’t just for women! The Otto T-shirt proves just that, breaking the mold of traditional men’s fashion. This is not your average tee — it’s both basic and bold, designed for men who appreciate subtle yet striking details.

From the front, Otto might seem like your classic short-sleeved crew neck, but a closer look reveals a standout feature: a wide pleat draped from the neckline to the hem on one side. It’s an elegant architectural touch that transforms a casual staple into a piece that wouldn’t be out of place on a runway.

The design is clean, minimal, and supremely wearable — a perfect blend of comfort and creativity. Whether you style it with relaxed trousers or dress it up under a blazer, Otto delivers understated flair with ease.

Sizing and Skill Level

This pattern is available in men’s sizes S to XXL, and is suitable for confident beginners or anyone comfortable sewing knits. The pleat construction adds an interesting twist to the process, but it’s accessible with clear instructions.

Fabric Recommendations

Otto looks best in medium-weight cotton jersey, interlock, or modal knits — fabrics with enough structure to highlight the pleat while remaining soft and wearable.

Otto T-shirt Sewing Instructions (Translated from French)

1. Preparation

  • Place the pleat on the front piece as indicated in the pattern. Mark the pleat line with chalk or a disappearing marker.

2. Sew the Pleat

  • Fold the pleat toward the side seam and topstitch it down. This creates the signature draped effect of the T-shirt.

3. Join Shoulders

  • With right sides together, sew the front and back pieces at the shoulders. Finish the seam allowances.

4. Neckband

  • Sew the short ends of the neckband together. Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.

  • Pin the neckband evenly around the neckline and sew, stretching slightly as you go.

  • Finish the seam allowance and topstitch if desired.

5. Sleeves

  • Sew the sleeves to the armholes, matching notches. Finish the seams.

6. Side Seams

  • Sew the side seams from the sleeve hem to the bottom of the T-shirt. Finish the seam allowances.

7. Hems

  • Fold the bottom edge and sleeve hems under by 2 cm and stitch in place with a twin needle or stretch stitch.

Why We Love It

The Otto T-shirt reimagines what a basic tee can be. It’s perfect for the fashion-forward man who wants to elevate his casual wardrobe without sacrificing comfort. And let’s be honest — we could all use a bit more drape and drama in our everyday wear.

Want to make your own? Download the free pattern here:
🔗 Otto T-shirt – Free Sewing Pattern