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The 13 Best T-Shirts For Men, According To Style Editors
What Are the Best T-Shirt Brands for Men?The most popular and reputable t-shirt brands for men that consistently deliver high-quality tees often happen to be the best clothing brands for men. For instance, Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Sunspel often churn out classic tees in premium materials suitable for both casual and smart-casual occasions. Buck Mason, Outerknown, and Billy Reid are known for making casual pocketed tees with a lived-in vibe and garment-dyed fabric.
Athleisure brands like Vuori, Lululemon, and Rhone make t-shirts that are versatile for all kinds of physical activities. Trendy brands like CDLP, Everlane, and Richer Poorer are what you should go for relaxed-fit, oversized tees. For undershirts or tees for homebodies, Tommy John, Jockey, Calvin Klein, and Hanes have you covered.
Our all-time favorite, tried-and-tested t-shirt brand, however, is Mack Weldon that makes tees that are soft, versatile, long-lasting, well-fitted, and can do no wrong.
What Kinds of T-Shirts Should Men Wear?That depends on the occasion and personal style. For a casual look, you can't go wrong with a classic crew neck t-shirt (especially those that have gone through the wash to look more vintage and lived-in). V-necks add a touch of flair and work great as undershirts. Graphic tees let you showcase your personality, while t-shirts with a pocket let you look a bit more sophisticated. For athletic activities, moisture-wicking and performance t-shirts are a no-brainer when you go to the gym or hike.
How to Care for and Maintain the Quality of T-Shirts?Providing the right care to your tees will help keep them looking sharp and feeling comfy for eons. First up, read the damn label! Make sure you follow the washing instructions. Also, be sure to separate colors when you wash t-shirts—darks with darks and lights with lights.
When you wash, make sure the water is cold because the temperature will help preserve colors and prevent shrinkage. Turning t-shirts inside out can also help protect the outer fabric from friction and fading. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to help maintain the shape and fabric, too.
Additionally, skip the dryer and air-dry if possible because high heat can cause shrinkage (use low-heat settings if you must air-dry). We also recommend folding instead of hanging t-shirts because the latter will stretch out the neck of the tees and cause them to lose their shape.
The 22 Best T-shirts For Men, According To Extensive Wear And Wash Tests
Best overall: Mott and Bow Classic Crew Driggs Tee Kara Thurmond/Business Insider
You're probably more familiar with Mott & Bow for its ridiculously comfortable jeans, but the brand also makes just as soft and supple T-shirts for men. The Driggs Classic Crew is one of its best sellers for good reason. Made from 100% Peruvian cotton, they have a sensuous hand feel and hang really nicely (not too tight, not too boxy).
The Driggs, made in Peru, comes in 21 colors and the brand loves to throw more colors into the rotation pretty regularly. I've had several of the Driggs Tees for more than a year, and wear them all the time. I've run them through many wash cycles and they're still looking fresh with no fading, pilling, or loose threads.
If you follow the washing/drying instructions, they'll last a long time. You can save a few bucks if you bundle them as well (3 and 6 packs are available).
Read more about our experience with the brand in our full Mott & Bow jeans review.
Best budget: Uniqlo Dry Crew Neck Short-Sleeve Color T-Shirt Uniqlo
If you're looking for an inexpensive tee for men in various colors that also helps keep you cool in hot weather, then the Uniqlo Dry Crew Neck tee may be for you. It comes in at under $10 and uses the brand's DRY technology that helps keep you feeling cool and dry. This T-shirt has a silky feel with a cotton outer lined in polyester and offers a good bit of stretch. With the price and color range, you can stock up on these tees for everyday wear or to supplement your collection.
Best heavyweight: Buck Mason Field Spec Heavy Cotton Tee Buck Mason
Buck Mason, one of our favorite menswear brands, produces high-caliber quality staples that are truly built to last. Good thing the brand is all about timeless style too since you'll be wearing their clothes for years.
Case in point: the Field Spec Heavy Cotton Tee. It's made from rugby-weight cotton for a super-sturdy shirt that drapes nicely and is cut so it's not clingy but not super boxy either. It's the perfect T-shirt for men in transitional weather. Considering its heft, I was surprised at how soft it was, with a lived-in feel straight out of the package.
"I got this T-shirt for my fiancé, but he only wore it once before I immediately claimed it. The cotton feels cool and the weight of it makes it feel substantial and high-quality. Buck Mason has some of the best cotton textiles that I've ever felt — and there is no greater testament to this than the fact that I wear it to sleep because I love the way it feels against my skin." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.
Best undershirt: Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt Tommy John
The Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt is designed to stay in place and lay flat against your skin under your dress shirts, but feel free to wear it solo as well. Tommy John founder Tom Patterson couldn't find an undershirt that wouldn't bunch up under his dress shirts, so he set out to create one of the best T-shirts for men himself.
The Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt fits close to the body but isn't constricting, stays tucked into your pants, and lays flat against your skin for a neat and trim appearance under your dress shirts. Just because Tommy John designed it to be worn as an undershirt doesn't mean you can't wear it solo, especially if you want to show off those gains.
Read more about our team's experiences with the brand in our full Tommy John reviews.
Best budget pack: Fresh Clean Threads Fresh Clean Threads
Fresh Clean Threads (formerly known as Fresh Clean Tees) is another young direct-to-consumer brand that's becoming one of our go-to sources for men's basics. They offer a ton of colors; the tees are especially soft thanks to the brand's StratuSoft poly-cotton fabric and they're cut to emphasize the positives (arms and shoulders).
You can build your own bundle of five tees and save $10 or choose from 3, 5, and 10 packs. Fresh Clean Threads also often drops limited-edition and mystery packs. You can subscribe and get free shipping and early access when new colors and styles arrive. Choose your 3-pack (you can swap out packs down the road) and how often you want them delivered. You can also cancel anytime.
Learn more about the brand in my Fresh Clean Threads review.
Best athletic/workout: Rhone Reign Short Sleeve Top Rhone
I've been wearing Rhone's products for about four years, mostly for running and workouts. I typically run several miles three times a week as well as work out with weights so their gear gets a steady amount of use and laundering and still looks impeccable with no loose threads, holes, pilling, or color fading.
I typically use the brand's purpose-designed products that, not surprisingly, look like they're made for exercising. Their Reign T-shirt for men nicely blends the best of the brand's hardcore workout gear, like odor-resistant ColdFusion technology, moisture-wicking fabric, built-in UPF 50+ for extra sun protection, and a lot of stretch with a style that works well as an everyday tee. It's the best of both worlds and comes in 20 different colorways.
For a deeper dive into the brand, check out our full Rhone review.
Best loungewear: Bombas Pima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt Bombas
Bombas has rightfully earned its reputation for always being comfortable. You might know the brand for making the best socks we've ever tested, but they also make other wardrobe basics like underwear and T-shirts.
The Bombas Pima Cotton T-Shirt, in particular, is one of my favorites for lounging because it's incredibly soft, has a comfortable, relaxed fit when ordered true to size, and holds up well in the wash. Whet
What's more to love about Bombas is that with any purchase, one item gets donated to those in need.
Best black: Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-shirt Kara Thurmond/Business Insider
We've been singing the praises of Merino wool for a while now. It's naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making it a versatile fiber for a variety of uses. Unbound Merino takes this fabulous material and creates a handsome crew neck tee with amazing hand feel, a beautiful drape, and a fit that's neither too loose nor too tight.
It comes in a rich black (along with eight other colorways) that, in combination with the material and style, earns Unbound Merino our top spot for best black T-shirt. Pair it with the brand's Merino Travel Pants for the ultimate travel outfit. Note: moths love wool, so I store all my Merino clothing in a container when not in use.
Best cotton: The Everlane Organic Cotton Crew Uniform Everlane
Everlane's Organic Cotton Crew, part of the brand's Uniform Collection, is appropriately named since T-shirts and jeans have become the go-to outfit for many of us. Everlane ups the game with a big dose of sustainability by using organic cotton and ethically sourcing its production.
Another big part of the sustainability puzzle is longevity. Cheaply made garments quickly end up in landfills. When designing their best T-shirt for men, the brand ran it through more than two dozen washes and other tests to make sure this tee would last. Plus. It's a soft, super comfortable T-shirt that's available in more than a dozen core and seasonal colorways and comes in at $35.
Read more about the Uniform Collection in our full Everlane menswear review.
Best striped: Alex Crane Sun Tee Alex Crane
For me, Alex Crane really shines with its lightweight summer wear, that's not to say that the brand doesn't also do an amazing job with colder-weather clothing. But Alex Crane's use of lighter fabrics, especially among the best linen shirts, is truly exceptional when combined with its timeless but never fussy style.
The name says it all. The Sun Tee in the Rio colorway will be your go-to warm-weather T-shirt with its classic yarn-dye striped linen fabric. They sustainably produce the linen in France and knit it in Portugal. The shirt throws off heavy seaside vibes and, like all the brand's clothing, it's meticulously crafted to last for years. Pair it with my favorite summer trousers, the Cham Pants, and a linen Kite jacket for the perfect summer look.
Best streetwear: Psycho Bunny Mens Classic Crew Neck Tee Psycho Bunny
Psycho Bunny neatly combines the best of streetwear — a coolly casual style that doesn't take itself too seriously, strong graphics, and daring colors — and classic men's wear with elevated tailoring, razor-sharp attention to detail, and real craftsmanship.
While the brand is best known for its bold, in-your-face polos, Psycho Bunny also makes some singular T-shirts for men that fall squarely on the streetwear side of the fence, but keep the kind of elevated details you expect from the brand. They produce the Classic Crew Neck Tee in Peru from super soft Pima cotton. It has a relaxed fit and features the brand's iconic stitched bunny and crossbones logo.
Best pocket: Walter Sky WS-T02 Kara Thurmond
Walter Sky, a young direct-to-consumer clothing brand, creates timeless, technical, well-made clothes that can take you from a night out in the city to a strenuous mountain hike. I know, because I've done both wearing the brand's clothes. I've had the WS-T02 — a pocket tee like no other I've owned — for more than three years. It's among the best T-shirts for men I own, and still looks brand-new after tons of hard-wearing.
The technical aspects are wildly impressive. The storied Japanese company Toray Industries, known for its innovative fabrics, designed the shirt's fabric. It's synthetic but feels and hangs like a natural fabric. They sew the shirt using another Toray first, a patented odor-eliminating thread. Pair this tee with the brand's WS-B01 pants and WS-J02 jacket and you'll be ready for any adventure, whether in the urban jungle or an actual one.
Best v-neck: True Classic V-neck True Classic
Everything I've gotten from True Classic is ultra soft and stretchy. It's kind of the brand's thing. They make their V-neck from a cotton-poly blend for extra softness and stretch in a cut that emphasizes your arms and shoulders while de-emphasizing the midsection to help give us ordinary mortals that classic inverted triangle shape without having to do planks for hours.
With an extensive 27 colorways to choose from, you'll probably have a hard time just getting one of their best T-shirts for men. And yep, they offer bundles so you can save money when you pick up a bunch in a rainbow of colors.
Best henley: HNLY Bourdain Henley Kara Thurmond/Business Insider
With a name like HNLY (pronounced henley), you'd hope the brand would deliver a great henley-style T-shirt for men, and indeed it does. Actually, it goes beyond. The Bourdain Henley combines style, comfort, and sustainability in a long-sleeve shirt that feels like you've been wearing it for years straight out of the box.
They make it in Los Angeles from 100% organic cotton jersey. The shirt has an athletic cut that's not constricting and offers a bit of natural stretch. Nice touches include the slight drop hem for ease of movement, the metal buttons on the placket, and subtle distressing at the neck. HNLY garment-dyes the Bourdain for a soft finish with beautiful color depth.
The olive colorway is a particular favorite. The shirt is preshrunk, so you're less likely to ruin it in the wash (tip: follow the recommended laundering instructions if you want to get the longest life out of your clothes).
Best logo: Burberry Logo T Burberry
Burberry, the legendary British label best known for its outerwear, especially trench coats, offers an upscale take on the tee featuring a bold logo across the front. Made with organic cotton jersey, their best T-shirt for men comes in seven colorways, including an eye-catching vivid blue, and is cut with a relaxed fit for a super-stylish upgrade to any casual outfit.
Best white: Bleusalt High-T Bleusalt
The Malibu-based brand Bleusalt offers elevated basics you'll never want to take off. They make their High-T in the U.S. Using sustainable Tencel Modal and spandex for a shirt that's incredibly soft, breathable, and stretchy. The Unbleached colorway is a warm white that's truly elegant. Wear it with the brand's Tide Trouser and you'll look smart but feel like you're still in your pajamas. Their inclusive sizing system is atypical, so be sure to check out their sizing guide to find your perfect fit of the best T-shirt for men.
Best Pima cotton: DUER PurePima Tee DUER
Vancouver-based DUER takes performance and style to the next level with eco-friendly fabrics and cuts that are flattering and fashionable but never faddish and ultra-comfortable. This shirt, made out of 100% Pima cotton, is a standout pick because of the high-quality fabric. Pima cotton has longer fibers and a softer feel than traditional cotton. Plus, you can definitely tell the difference in durability and texture.
Pair it with their No Sweat Pant, and this long-sleeve tee will become your go-to T-shirt for men in cooler temps.
Read about another of their cold-weather men's wardrobe staples in our full DUER jeans review.
Best athletic fit: Public Rec Go To Crew Public Rec
We've written about Public Rec a good bit and for good reason. The brand has become beloved for its innovative and stylish athleisure wear that combines technical properties with impeccable minimalist silhouettes. Their Go to Crew has an athletic fit that's not too clingy but moves nicely with the body.
They use a custom blend fabric made from Pima cotton, spandex, and Tencel, for an impressive combination of softness, stretch, and durability. Public Red also uses flatlock seams for this tee in which they butt together the fabric ends and stitch them so there are no rough edges (a practice more common to outdoor gear) for durability, a sleeker design, and extra comfort without chafing. The tee comes in eight outstanding colors.
Read more in our full Public Rec Go-To Tee review.
Best workwear: Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-sleeve Pocket T-shirt Carhartt
Long before the fashion world co-opted the style, the American heritage brand Carhartt was making hard-wearing workwear, and 100+ years on, it continues to excel at its trade. The brand introduced its loose-fit heavyweight short-sleeve pocket T-shirt back in 1992 and it continues to be a bestseller.
They make it from a durable but soft heavy-weight 100% cotton jersey cut for a looser fit so you don't feel constricted while you work. That being said, just because it's billed as a work shirt for men doesn't mean it can't be for play too. And with 21 colors to choose from, everything from Pale Apricot to Brite Orange, you can let your wild side show if you want. The shirt also features a left-chest pocket with the iconic Carhartt patch logo and comes in a vast range of sizes.
Best curved hem: Cuts Clothing AO Curve-Hem Tee Cuts Clothing
Curved-hem tees offer certain advantages over the classic straight-hemmed style. They draw the eye upwards to emphasize the vertical for a slimmer appearance. The curved hem also elongates the leg so you appear taller. And in the name of practicality, it's easier to access your pants' pockets with this type of tee.
California-based Cuts Clothing takes the curved hem style and elevates it with its AO Curve-Hem Tee. The brand uses a proprietary cotton/spandex/polyester blend fabric that's soft, stretchy, and wrinkle-resistant.
They also engineer the shirt to prevent shrinkage and retain its color. This top T-shirt for men comes in two different fits — signature, which is an athletic cut that's fitted around the chest and arms and tapers towards the waist, and classic, which is roomier — and 10 contemporary colors.
Best moisture-wicking: Nike Dri-FIT Primary Top Dick's Sporting Goods
Since its founding in the 1960s, Nike has pushed boundaries with its innovative athletic gear. The Nike Dri-FIT Primary Top incorporates the brand's Dri-FIT technology, a unique polyester microfiber fabric that draws sweat away from the body to keep you cool and dry when you're working out.
Vent holes in the pits also help keep your body temperature regulated while you work out. The Nike Primary Top incorporates some sustainable elements (organic cotton and recycled polyester) but at only 10% of each of these materials, it's not the most eco-friendly shirt on the list, though at least a start.
Best oversized: Tomorrows Laundry Modern Pocket Tee Tomorrows Laundry
Tomorrow's Laundry is a young subscription box service for lovers of high-quality T-shirts for men and other basics. The brand offers a $75-per-month plan in which you'll receive T-shirts or one hoodie. You can skip months and cancel anytime. You don't have to be a member to shop at the site. The tees start at $55, but with the plan, you save about 35% on all orders, and the shipping's free.
The brand's Modern Pocket Tee is a handsome oversized T-shirt (1.5 inches longer than the standard) that's cut for a modern boxy fit and features a single chest pocket. A high stitch count for longer life, sustainable production practices, and ultra-touchable cotton fabric from Peru that comes in some unusual colors make this the perfect oversized tee.
Read more from Amir Ismael on the brand's T-shirts in our full Tomorrows Laundry review.
How we considered and tested men's T-shirts
Some of the main considerations for men's T-shirts include the quality of the materials used, the overall cut and shape of the shirt, and the price. We used real-world testing, including wearing the shirts in our everyday lives, washing, and drying them. We've also recommended shirts from brands we know and love for their quality and style.
14 Very Best Black T-shirts For Men
Photo-Illustration: Retailer
White T-shirts get a lot of attention, but let's not forget their equally versatile counterpart: the exceedingly wearable, deceptively simple black T-shirt. It's a staple you can wear to work, the gym, and on a date. Plus, as Justin Vaughan, a perfumer and the founder of the incense brand Ponsont, told us, the best black tees make a perfect high-low uniform. "I can just as easily kick it with a farmer in Virginia as I can take a meeting in the city," he says.
There's certainly no shortage of well-made (and nice-looking) black T-shirts on the market — and a big part of choosing the right one will come down to personal preference. To narrow the vast field of tees, I cast a wide net of 13 stylish guys to tell me about their favorites, and I tested some standouts myself to consider the material, fit, style, and weight. Below, you'll find my recommendations for closed-loop T-shirts, V-necks, utilitarian crewnecks, and more. If you have your heart set on a certain type of black T-shirt already, use the table of contents to take you directly there. And for even more menswear advice, check out our roundups for supersoft long-sleeves, dependable oxford shirts, and more.
Update on March 12, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
All of the shirts on this list are cotton. That's because it's breathable, machine washable, and durable, so you don't have to replace them regularly. If you're looking for something made out of recycled materials or Supima cotton, we made sure to include a couple of choices on those fronts too.
This comes down to preference. Shirts come in slim, oversize, and loose fits. You'll see a wide selection of each with options for big and tall men.
Depending on the season or just overall preference, the weight of a shirt is important to consider. As we've noted in our roundup of the very best white tees for men, "A thicker weave results in a heavier tee, while thinner strands of cotton create a more lightweight shirt." Generally, three ounces is considered light, 4.5 to 5.3 ounces is medium, and six ounces and over is heavy. We've included plenty of options ranging from light- to heavyweight T-shirts.
T-shirts come in a variety of necklines, and the most popular by far was the classic crewneck. We also included other picks, like V-necks and scoop necks, in case that's more up your alley.
Material: CottonFit: Loose fitWeight: Medium weightNeckline: Crewneck
It's no surprise that our best men's black T-shirt overall is from Buck Mason — the brand also came out on top in our roundup of the best white tees. I've crowned the Slub Curved Hem Tee our top choice for its mid-range weight and comfortable fit that works for a range of body shapes — plus, the under-$50 price tag doesn't hurt. As I tested the shirt, I found it to be breathable and ultrasoft and loved that it's only gotten softer with more wear and washes. (I've also tested the women's version of this tee for several weeks, and it's quickly become my favorite shirt for layering or wearing on its own, too.)
And don't just take it from me: The men I spoke to praised this Buck Mason tee for its Goldilocks fit, too. My boyfriend, who's become my in-house menswear tester, likes the tee's modern cut — not too slim, but not too boxy for his athletic build — that he can dress up or wear more casually with sweatpants. "The neck is especially well shaped, and the curved hem is a nice detail," Carlos Huber, founder of Arquiste Parfumeur, says. Actor Cheyenne Jackson, who owns "maybe 20" of them, counts himself a fan too. "I'm a dad, and I'm running around a lot, so I live in T-shirts. I like something that isn't too schlumpy, isn't too tight, and has some weight to it," he says. Jackson adds that as a "bigger guy up top," he appreciates "how these fit me in the shoulder; they fit my frame well and I feel good wearing them." And you can buy the top in a short or tall length without compromising the slub-style fit.
Material: Preshrunk cottonFit: Loose fitWeight: HeavyweightNeckline: Crewneck
If you're looking for a standard black T-shirt you can buy in bulk and not worry about, this is it. It's not as soft or luxurious-looking as the Buck Mason tee, but it's a durable, no-fuss shirt thanks to its heavyweight preshrunk cotton. I've owned a couple tees from the brand for years, and they hold through workouts and whatever incorrect wash cycle I've likely thrown them in. Season Three co-founder Jared Johnson prefers this shirt for precisely that reason. "If you're afraid to sweat or get a little dirt on your T-shirt, you're making poor life decisions," he says. "Buy some Gildan tees, wear them until you're done with them, and replace them. Life is better." Jon Caramanica, pop critic (and former men's Critical Shopper) for the New York Times, also buys Gildan tees. While they're not "terribly glamorous," he likes that they're "cut wide but not in any way boxy and with an unflappable crew neck."
Material: CottonFit: Slim fitWeight: HeavyweightNeckline: Crewneck
For those with a taller build, two men we spoke to called out Uniqlo's U Crew-Neck (also featured in my roundup of the best white T-shirts). Noah Sylvan, a senior product manager for electronics at Uber, is "tall and lanky," so it's hard to find shirts long enough and still slim. "The medium size fits me perfectly — it's tall enough for me but not so wide that I look like I'm wearing a sack," he says. According to Sylvan, the shirt has withstood many a wash without shrinking. "It's pretty much the only black shirt I own these days, and I have tons of them," he says. "I wear them at least three times a week." Photographer Malcolm McNeil, who's also over six feet tall, "always keeps a fresh stack of these" because he loves the weight, breathability, and fit.
An enthusiast of heavyweight tees, my partner Connor decided to try the U Crew Neck, and it's quickly become a staple in his rotation, too. He's around five-foot-11, and this tee works especially well for his muscular build. The cut of the shirt hits a sweet spot between being boxy and fitted, and the sleeves hit just past the bicep. The collar is structured and keeps its shape nicely, even after being stretched over multiple hangers and put through regular machine washings. The heft of the fabric also helps this one feel sturdy without being stiff. The material is thicker than other shirts on this list, but I still think it's airy enough to wear during the warmer months.
Material: CottonFit: Slim fitWeight: LightweightNeckline: V-neck
Another favorite for tall men is this V-necked tee from Gap that comes recommended by musician and paramedic Hayden Frank. "I wear so many black tees that I feel borderline tropical if I so much as branch out into gray palettes," Frank says. His favorite of them all is Gap's Essential V-Neck, which he says is one of the few he can find in a medium-tall size that works with his slender six-foot-four frame. "If I buy a large, it's almost the right length, but I'm swimming around in it like scrubs, and if I buy a medium, it fits better in the abdomen but with the unfortunate side effect of showing off my happy trail to innocent bystanders," Frank says. "The medium-tall Gap V-neck hugs my shoulders and chest and stays slim down past my waistline." He praises the shirt's versatility, saying it "works just as well at the gym as at the restaurant."
Material: Preshrunk CottonFit: Slim fitWeight: LightweightNeckline: Scoop neck
If V-necked shirts aren't quite your style but you still want something with an open neckline, consider a scoop-neck, like this one from Keepr. Christopher Clermont, head of DEI+ at Vox, owns multiple "supersoft" Keepr shirts: It's so flattering that it's become part of his day-to-day "uniform." "I love how it sits. It just seems to always fall naturally in the right place, right around my clavicle," says Clermont. Fit-wise, it "contours to your waist and butt" rather than a loose-boxy cut and is long enough to tuck in effortlessly. Clermont loves its versatility (he has worn his to sleep, on hikes with his dog, and to work), and that after several washes, the shirt "still feels the same. It's maintained its shape, form, and comfort," he says.
Material: Supima cottonFit: Loose fitWeight: LightweightNeckline: Crewneck
Supima cotton is a strong cotton that won't easily lose its shape and will maintain its color for longer. For an affordable Supima cotton T-shirt, Matt Schonfeld, founder and host of podcast NOT 97, says this "light and breathable" option from Uniqlo has some stretch and is "hands-down the best black T-shirt I own." He told us he bought two of them on his first-ever trip to Uniqlo about six or seven years ago, and those two are still in his weekly rotation of tees. "You can't really beat this," says Schonfeld.
Material: 50 percent Pima cotton, 50 percent cottonFit: Loose fitWeight: Medium weightNeckline: Crewneck
Another T-shirt made with strong, extra-long fibers is the All Day Tee from Cozy Earth, which has 50 percent Pima cotton. After testing the women's version, I knew my partner needed to try the men's All Day Tee, too. We both love that the mid-weight fabric is soft yet substantial and that it's a slightly structured T-shirt that fits loosely through the torso. The hem hits right below the waist, with sleeves ending halfway down the biceps. Though my boyfriend has only had his All Day Tee for a short period of time, I must say it washes very well. I suggest air drying or using a low-heat setting in the dryer.
Material: CottonFit: Loose fitWeight: Medium weightNeckline: Crewneck
Madewell's Relaxed Tee has a similarly loose silhouette to the Cozy Earth tee, but the cotton it's made from has a rougher, more lived-in feel. It also features a wide and sturdy collar. I'd recommend this one for someone who prefers T-shirts with a boxier fit through the torso or who wants longer sleeves that hit closer to the elbow. My boyfriend tried this one and appreciated the vintage look, while the non-body-skimming fit felt modern and comfortable. He loves to pair it with sweatpants or blue jeans for casual afternoon errands to the grocery story or while walking our dog. Since the Relaxed T-shirt is 100 percent cotton, I'd say to machine-wash this one on cold and hang it to dry.
Material: Cotton jerseyFit: Oversized fitWeight: HeavyweightNeckline: Crewneck
On the other side of the spectrum are heavyweight tees. Along with being one of the sturdier options on our list, this Lululemon T-shirt is also the only pick that's made from a blend of cotton and jersey, which means the fabric is dense yet breathable. My boyfriend, who owns the top in three shades including black, says the heavyweight tee is his go-to because it has a relaxed fit that offers extra room for his athletic build. I've borrowed the T-shirt on several occasions, and must say it has a wonderfully worn-in feel. If you prefer longer sleeves that fall closer to your elbow, this definitely fits the bill. It's also held up incredibly well after multiple washes, but I suggest hang drying to avoid any shrinkage in the dryer.
From $58 at Lululemon
Buy
Material: CottonWeight: Medium WeightFit: Loose
The Big Favorite is a sustainable brand that operates on a closed-loop cycle, meaning when you're done with your clothing, you can send it back to the company to recycle in exchange for credit toward a new piece. Its pima-cotton shirts are buttery soft and midweight. While it's not as structured as heavier tees on this list, it's a great option for hotter months. Our writer Arielle Avila says she's worn hers on sunny 90-degree days and has barely broken out in a sweat on her walks to the subway. As with the entire line, sizing is gender neutral, though Avila says it skews more toward traditional men's sizes. She owns the XS, which is her typical size in women's, and the T-shirt is still slightly oversize.
$36 at The Big Favorite
Buy
Material: CottonFit: Oversized fitWeight: HeavyweightNeckline: Crewneck
Unlike other tops on this list, Heavyweight Collection's Classic Fit T-Sshirt is made a full size larger than you're used to buying, which gives it a generous oversize cut — and means purchasing a size L will fit more like an XL. It comes recommended by production designer Greg Jackson, who says "black T-shirts are a part of my daily uniform." He prefers shirts on the looser side, which is why it's his go-to. "It's a heavyweight, 100 percent cotton T-shirt with an oversized boxy fit that's also made in the USA," Jackson says. "It holds its color for a long time — and if you're looking for that more fashion-forward, heavy-duty fit, but that's still simple, then this is the one."
From $27 at Heavyweight Collections
Buy
Material: CottonFit: Loose fitWeight: Medium weightNeckline: Crewneck
For those who like their tees to do more than just clothe them, Vaughan says a black T-shirt with pockets is his go-to "because I lose sunglasses easily." His pick is the Carhartt WIP Pocket T-shirt, which, he specifies, stands out from other Carhartt tees. "The Carhartt WIP T-Shirts fit a little slimmer and are softer than the standard Carhartt K87," says Vaughan. "They're soft, hard wearing, and high-low in the best possible way." Plus the price is right: "The cost-benefit analysis is sound — I wear some that are over five years old."
Material: CottonFit: Slim fitWeight: LightweightNeckline: Crewneck
This affordable option comes recommended by lawyer Chuka Ugwu-Oju, who says the price makes the T-shirt a "no-brainer." But it's the shirt's cut that he says is its main draw: "It's somewhat fitted but isn't tight at all. It isn't constricting in any way, but it manages to retain its shape." The material is on the medium to thin side, which makes it ideal for wearing on its own or layering. "If it isn't too cold out, I like to pair it with a pair of light jeans or khakis, then throw a big coat over it," says Ugwu-Oju.
Material: CottonFit: Slim fitWeight: Medium weightNeckline: Crewneck
Though Rag & Bone's Base Tee is the priciest option on our list, it's well worth the splurge as it drapes handsomely and has a flattering slim silhouette. "Wearing black is an industry standard on film and photo sets," says Velem senior video editor Jose D. Cota, who likes this T-shirt for days he's working. "It's something I feel good in on fashion sets," Cota adds. The fit is a big part of the appeal: "It's a quality shirt that sits just right on my shoulders but also tapers through the middle without being form fitting," Cota says. "I always buy a bunch because you can never have too many."
$95 at Bloomingdale's
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• Arielle Avila, Strategist writer• Jon Caramanica, New York Times pop critic• Christopher Clermont, head of DEI+ at Vox• Jose D. Cota, senior video editor at Velem• Hayden Frank, musician and paramedic• Cheyenne Jackson, actor• Greg Jackson, production designer• Jared Johnson, Season Three co-founder• Malcolm McNeil, photographer• Matt Schonfeld, founder and host of podcast NOT 97• Noah Sylvan, senior director of product at Xeal• Chuka Ugwu-Oju, lawyer• Justin Vaughan, founder of incense brand Ponsont• Wouri Vice, stylist
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