By Park Yeon-su of Herald Economy — The trend we all worried wouldn’t return is back: Y2K layering — wearing a short-sleeve tee over a long-sleeve — the look that dominated the early 2000s.In 2007, actor Gong Yoo made headlines when he wore this combo on the drama Coffee Prince, pairing a sky-blue shirt with a yellow short-sleeve tee. Even Brad Pitt pulled off the look back then, mixing an orange long sleeve with a fitted dark-brown short-sleeve.
Layering feels carefree and is surprisingly practical. It’s perfect for transitional weather because you can take layers on and off as temperatures change. A thin long-sleeve also doubles as sun protection during bright spring days.
But not all layering is created equal. Mix-and-match colors, fabrics, and fits to shape different moods: the “깔끔st” (clean st) pairs a plain tee with a long sleeve; the “힙st” (hip st) combines a printed short-sleeve with a solid long-sleeve; and the “스트라이프st” (stripe st) uses a striped tee as the focal point. With the right contrasts in color and texture, you can create a fresh take on everyday basics.
More celebrities are leaning into layered looks. Idol group Cortis is a standout: members Juhoon, Martin, and Gunho often build edgy outfits around graphic tees. They’ve even influenced Gen Z trends — from bold layering to sagging pants that reveal underwear — establishing themselves as notable trendsetters.
Model Joo Woo-jae is also a fan. He sticks to solid long sleeves paired with short-sleeve tees, favoring a clean, boyfriend-style look over something overtly edgy. He often coordinates similar tones between layers for a neat, cohesive finish.
Actor Ryu Jun-yeol, known for his love of Polo Ralph Lauren, hasn’t given up on layering either. He often pairs a white long-sleeve with a Polo denim shirt to strike a balance between tidy and casual.With layering back in style, shoppers are snapping up not just individual tees but hybrid pieces — sets that pair long- and short-sleeves as one garment, or raglan tees with contrasting sleeves. If your transitional-season wardrobe feels a little flat, try layering like Cortis and refresh your look with this playful Y2K comeback.
