T-shirts: they're the ultimate in easy to wear style for men, and you've worn them since before you even knew what clothes were. But it is their very ubiquity that makes your choice all the more urgent. Luckily, this staple is now taking centre stage with arty, stylish and traditional reboots ramping up the variety. And with the sun coming out you can now flash your graphics, stripes and illustrations with confidence. Try these ten tactics for T-shirt style that sets you apart.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs

You want graphics? Try Marc by Marc Jacobs. You want luxury plains? Try Marc by Marc Jacobs. You want, er, a collage of raw edged wording worked over with embroidery? Guess who does it best... yep, the upscale New York brand is the home of this season's most downright imaginative T-shirts. Wear them with a tailored jacket this summer for a luxe casual look.

2. Vivienne Westwood.

There's a real feeling for hand drawn, illustrative graphics right now. Trust Vivienne Westwood. to get the mood right; check out the torch - perfect for summer and great with shorts or chinos in these core shades of white and grey with just a cheeky pop of colour for the (not very) brave

3. Nudie

While the Swedish denim gurus at Nudie Jeans are best known for their form-defining jeans, it turns out they know a thing or two about creating a relaxed T-shirt too. Linear, illustrative style designs based on cards and dice are designed to complement their jeans. So do just that.

4. Levi's Vintage CLothing

If you like your T-shirts in a good weight cotton, slim fit and in simple retro designs then like us, you'll find these offerings from Levi's Vintage Clothing hard to resist. Now, what it going to be: stripes or slogan?

5. Denham

The black and white T-shirt is the ultimate complement for your blue jeans and olive jacket, balancing just the right level of modernist minimalism and graphic play. Check out Denham's whose oversized illustrations are perfect for statement making.

6. D&G

This summer's most sought after T-shirt will be the bandana prints from D&G's last ever collection. They look casual with jeans and smart with chinos. We can't promise they'll become collector's items but don't say we didn't warn you. When they're gone, they're gone.

7. 3.1 Philip Lim

For a modern take on the patterned T-shirt, go for 3.1 Philip Lim. You may recognise the dip dye from the New York designer's catwalk, where it was the signature design motif. But whether you go for that white-to-charcoal-fade or prefer the speckled melange, we say wear these with the sleeves rolled and bare your arms for head turning high summer style.

8. A Question Of

When it comes to graphic T-shirts, it's time to ditch the ironic statements and cheesy slogans in favour of something a little more sophisticated. Try Danish brand A Question Of, whose collections are created in collaboration with graphic artists and made under fair trade conditions in Tanzania.

9. Saint James

The Breton. In trad blue and white or the slightly more adventurous red and white, the classic cotton fisherman's T-shirt from Saint James looks bang on right now. What makes it modern is the way you wear it so try it with chinos and chambray shirt, or simple jeans and deck shoes. Roll the hem to flash an ankle.

10. Raw power

And the award for the cheekiest new brand on line goes to purveyors of genuine celeb mug shot graphics, Raw Power. The line-up of authentic police images are guaranteed to start the conversation and the white stripe over the eyes is exclusive to us.