Tested: The 7 Best Men’s Henleys for Any Outfit

Devised all the way back in the 1830s, this slick, three-button staple has stood the test of time as one of menswear’s most important layering pieces. It began as a collarless polo used primarily for rowing, before making its way into the spotlight for style-minded consumers. Over the years, the design has continued to capture the hearts and minds of men everywhere, thanks to its simplified, layer-savvy design, calling upon a recognizable long-sleeved demeanor, two-to-five-inch front closure, and ribbed cuffs, helping to regulate body temperature during the colder months. Today, the style is as prominent as ever, reinforcing its role as one of the most important garments of all time. Below, we’ve curated a list of our favorite offerings from some of the genre’s most renowned outfits for our hands-on guide to the best men’s henleys.

How We Tested

As we do with every tested guide here at HICONSUMPTION, we begin by surveying the landscape (both on and offline), taking into account each brand’s reputation, and only including picks from labels that we trust and rock personally. After pouring through reviews and talking with colleagues, we narrowed it down to some of our favorites to take a closer look at.

We start by taking a look at each henley on its own, inspecting the softness of the fabric, the weight, and the build quality. Then it was time to put each henley on, and we decided that the best way to do it was wearing them without a shirt. After taking note of the weight on the body and the feeling of the material, each henley was paired with other garments to see if they worked better as solo pieces or layers (or both). We also made sure to test how see-through each pick is, because henleys may be designed to complement your body, but not everyone wants to reveal too much. While henleys aren’t particularly known for their warmth, we also made sure to test out how each pick holds up to cold weather.

Measurements: I’m 6’2” and wear size 34×30 pants – regarding henleys, I find that XL is the perfect size for me, and each pick you see in the guide is an XL. I also prefer my henleys to be a bit baggier, but I understand that everyone’s tastes are different, and I make sure to be as objective as I can when going over the pros and cons of each pick.

What to Look for

Material: Cotton and linen (or a blend using one of the two) are the most common materials used in henley construction and offer that soft and lightweight breathability you’re looking for. Labels will sometimes shake things up, though, and may use materials like wool or silk to offer something different and/or a little more heavyweight. 

Fit: You want a henley to have a straight fit that’s not too tight but not too loose, giving you a flattering fit that accentuates the shape of your body without feeling constricting. A lot of henley fans enjoy the style because it can highlight your physique, but you don’t have to be ripped to get the most out of the silhouette.

Weight: Classic henleys are naturally more thin than other long-sleeve shirts, making them more lightweight, but there are plenty of mid-heavyweight options out there if you want something different. 

Hardware: There’s nothing wrong with classic plastic buttons, but the most premium henleys will use mother-of-pearl buttons to elevate the piece (a nice middle ground between the two choices is Corozo buttons).

Taylor Stitch The Heavy Bag Henley

Best Heavyweight Henley: Taylor Stitch knows a thing or two about the construction of long-sleeved staples, and the henley is no exception. The brand’s Heavy Bag offering features the same fan-favorite fabric that’s been utilized in its Heavy Bag t-shirt lineup, gifting it with a substantial, heavyweight construction lauded for its unique feel. This means that the garment is almost twice as heavy as its traditional, mid-weight counterpart, complementing its handsome appearance.

We got a chance to get hands-on with the T-shirt variant of Taylor Stitch’s Heavy Bag Tee over on our guide to the best white tees, and it was one of my favorite heavier tees in the guide. Now, we have the long-sleeve version (minus the pocket this time), made with a similar ratio of upcycled cotton and recycled polyester and about twice the weight of a standard cotton tee (which you can definitely feel). You’re getting a three-button half-placket front with cats-eye buttons for a unique look, with a tailored fit that’s tighter around the shoulders and chest (something I also definitely felt). The fabric here is soft and has a smooth hand feel, with an interior that almost feels like French terry (something I really liked). Given the weight here, this henley is definitely on the warmer side (keeping me plenty warm at around 55 °F here in California), but that also means it’s a bit more difficult to layer under something like a flannel (although wearing it under a jacket is super easy).

The fit here is definitely flattering (and fits just like you want a more lightweight henley to fit), but it was a little too tight in the shoulders for me. That said, I have broader shoulders, so this shouldn’t be a problem for everyone, but if you’re like me, then I recommend going for a larger size. Also, the weight here is a lot different than a normal henley, which may not be for everyone.

Verdict: While traditional henleys are more lightweight, Taylor Stitch is offering a heavyweight take that’s perfect if you want something warmer and thicker than usual. It’s also a sustainable option, as it’s made with upcycled cotton and recycled polyester.

Buck Mason Pima Curved Henley

Best Supima Henley: Buck Mason’s Pima Curved henley is a testament to the origins of the original garment. Calling upon its history as a staple within the world of rowing, the brand has created a versatile utilitarian version catered toward stylish poise. At its core, a soft-spun Pima cotton makes the curved henley lighter and more breathable than its counterparts, allowing it to take on the role of a perfect mid-layer.

As we did with Taylor Stich’s Heavy Bag Tee, we got hands-on with Buck Mason’s Pima Curved tee in the same white tees guide, and we’re such big fans that we figured the henley version had to be just as good. And after testing this, I can confidently say that not only is it just as lightweight and comfortable as the tee, but it’s one of the softest (if not the softest) picks in the guide, thanks to the Supima cotton construction and garment washing process. Seriously, the quality here is insanely impressive for the price point and reminds me a lot of how Sunspel’s white tee felt as far as skin feel goes (which is a very premium brand). Other than the curved hem, which I’m personally a big fan of as a taller person, this fits and looks like a quintessential henley, accentuating the chest and shoulders with a more relaxed fit in the bottom half. As for the placket, you’re getting four buttons here instead of the usual three buttons, and it’s finished with a reinforced box stitch for added durability.

My only (very minor) grip with this piece is that the button holes are a little small, so it makes fastening and unfastening a little tricky. Also, given the thinner fabric construction here, this isn’t quite as warm as thicker picks like Jungmaven’s, but it works as a great mid-layer and was super easy to layer under a jacket. While this is definitely on the thinner side (and looks a little sheer in the photo above), I found that it didn’t reveal anything while wearing.

Verdict: Buck Mason’s Pima tee is one of our favorites over here at HICONSUMPTION, and we love this henley version just as much. It’s made with Supima cotton and has a lightweight feel that’s incredibly luxurious.

Jungmaven Mountain Henley

Best Thermal Henley: As one of our favorite sustainable brands, it only makes sense to ring Jungmaven back in here for another closet staple. While we’re big fans of the clothier’s plain t-shirt, its typical blend of organic cotton and hemp deems this henley just as noteworthy. The garment-dyed piece comes in more colors than there are in the rainbow and even boasts a 4 button placket in contrast to most of the 3-buttoned options you’ll find through our guide.

Hemp is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a quality fabric that’s super durable, and Jungmaven is blending it with organic cotton in this outdoor-inspired henley. This material blend comes together in a soft jersey fabric that has a more textured skin feel and weight that’s right in the middle. You’re also getting a four-button placket instead of the traditional three buttons, with a neckline that flirts with a v shape. Weight-wise, this is right in the middle and leans a bit towards heavy (compared to other henleys in the guide). As for the warmth, this was one of the warmest henleys in the guide, and I could definitely see it working as a solid solo piece during winter and fall. Layering with this pick was easy with jackets and the like, but the thicker construction makes it slightly harder to wear under something like a shirt jacket (but it’s definitely possible).

The sleeves ran a bit too long for me, and the cuffs were also a bit large for my tastes, but these are really small nitpicks that don’t detract from the piece at all. Other than that, the fit here was perfect for me and hit all of the henley hallmarks (accentuating the chest and shoulders with room in the bottom half). No need to worry about revealing anything, as the thick construction means it’s not see-through.

Verdict: Jungmaven has given that classic henley style a bit of an outdoor slant here, and it results in a wonderful medium thickness that’s noticeably warmer than your average henley.

Reigning Champ 1×1 Slub Henley

Best Slim-Fit Henley: Reigning Champ’s offering is available in a handful of looks, including this brand-new British Racing Green colorway. Drawing inspiration from the early days of Grand Prix, the athleisure label managed to tack the voguish shade onto one of its most famous pieces and pulled it off with ease. The handcrafted 1×1 Slub Henley is rounded out with semi-raglan sleeves and flat lock seams to ensure freedom of movement and no skin irritation.

Reigning Champ has mastered the delicate balance between activewear that’s comfortable yet still modern and stylish, and this henley is a great example. It’s made entirely with slub cotton for a soft yet textured finish, and has a nice lightweight feel that’s perfect for layering or rocking solo once spring rolls around. Even though this is leaning toward lightweight, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth it provided here, but given the nature of slub cotton (which creates small pockets of air between the material), I found that wind was a bit of a problem. Details include a three-button placket with corozo buttons, self-fabric rib collar and cuffs, and flatlock stitching to cut down on weight. As for the fit here, Reigning Champ advertises it as “slim,” but I found that it wasn’t much slimmer than the other picks (other than the extra tightness in the arms). 

I will say that this ran a bit too long around the waist, and the sleeves also ran just a tad too long as well. Also, the tag on the neck was just a tad itchy, but the inclusion of a locker loop is a nice little detail. In the photo, it looks a bit sheer, but I can confirm that it doesn’t reveal anything while wearing (even with the light shining directly on you).

Verdict: Reigning Champ’s basics are always elevated with details that impress, and this henley manages to capture that classic style while keeping things modern. You get a unique texture thanks to the slub cotton and a truly classic-style henley that’s made with care in Canada.

Freenote Cloth 13 Ounce Henley

Best US-Made Henley: Based in sunny Southern California, Freenote Cloth places a big importance on the hardware used to manufacture quality goods and the fabric itself, with founders and brothers Matt and Andrew Brodrick working hard to keep their production stateside. They’re a one-stop shop for refined and unassuming casual clothing, just like this 13 oz. henley made entirely from reactive dyed cotton. 

We’re big fans of Freenote Cloth over here at HICONSUMPTION, and it’s apparel like this henley that reminds us why. Similar to Taylor Stich’s Heavy Bag Henley, this is a heavyweight pick that’s made with 13 ounces of reactive-dyed cotton that feels lived-in right out of the box. Everything about this pick just screams luxury (which is especially impressive for the price point), from the custom mother-of-pearl fisheye buttons sourced from Italy to the retro label on the neck (also from Italy). You’re also getting flatlock seams and contrasting chambray on the inside of the three-button placket. Given the heavyweight construction, warmth here was definitely a plus, keeping me insulted in around 56°F weather in California, and the thickness makes it almost feel like a shirt jacket (something I personally really liked). As for layering capabilities, I wouldn’t recommend anything with a zipper as you don’t want to scuff up the buttons, but the fit lends itself to plenty of layering opportunities. 

My only complaint here is definitely a personal preference, but I would’ve liked a cuff on the sleeves to keep them from going past my wrist, but luckily most henleys (especially this one) look good when you roll the sleeves up. The sleeves also run just a little too long, but again, rolling the sleeves looks especially good with this pick. Given the thick construction here, there’s no need to worry about the fabric being see-through, and I didn’t experience it while testing.

Verdict: Made in the States with cotton binding from Japan, this is the most premium henley in the guide, boasting mother-of-pearl buttons and a heavyweight construction for extra warmth.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley

Best Wool Henley: Proof is a Huckberry house brand that specializes in heavy-duty performance apparel that’s meant to last a lifetime. The 72-Hour Merino Henley is the perfect example of the label’s blend of style and utility, and as the name suggests, it’s guaranteed to last 72 hours without stinking. And this isn’t a baseless claim, either, because it’s been taken around the world and passed the sniff test every time. 

Henleys may not be known for their outdoor capabilities (although they got their start as rowing gear), but Proof is looking to change that with the 72-Hour Merino Henley. Using a lightweight blend of micron Merino wool and nylon, this henley leans on the natural properties of wool (moisture control, odor resistance, and temperature regulation) to guarantee that you can wear it for 72 hours straight without any sign of smell. It’s also rated for UPF 30+ sun protection, making this the perfect travel companion for your next adventure. The wool has been responsibly sourced from three New Zealand farms, giving it a sustainable edge over other wool picks. This is by far the lightest henley in the guide (and also the most form-fitting), with an incredibly lightweight construction that still manages to be surprisingly warm (thanks to the wool construction). I also really liked the use of snaps on the placket, setting itself apart from your average henley. 

The fit here is certainly how you want a henley to wear, with a tighter fit chest and shoulder, but I personally find it was just a little too tight in the stomach area. And while I personally liked the snaps on the placket, some may prefer the classic button hardware (also, the neck was just a little too tight with the top snap fastened). I was pleasantly surprised to confirm that this pick isn’t see-through, though, which is especially impressive given the thin material.

Verdict: Outdoor adventurers and weekend warriors should definitely give this henley a look, as it’s the perfect travel companion, given its lightweight construction and 72 hours of guaranteed odor resistance.

RRL Waffle-Knit Henley Shirt

Best Waffle Henley: Like most pieces from RRL, the brand’s waffle-knit henley is a testament to timeless Americana, practically serving as a brand-new form of vintage clothing. Composed of lightweight thermal material, the Ralph Lauren-owed line’s ready-to-layer top features a set of ribbed cuffs to trap heat and a sateen-weaved placket for a lowkey touch of style.

Ralph Lauren is one of the most important influences when it comes to henleys, taking the style in the ‘70s and reimagining it into what we all know and love today. The RRL sublabel (pronounced “double RL”) is dedicated to celebrating both Ralph Lauren’s and America’s style history, elevating classic styles with modern design. You’re getting exactly that with this thermal waffle-knit henley, and it’s made entirely with cotton with a soft vintage look and feel. You’re getting a three-button placket with fish-eye buttons with a sateen finish on the inside, and a super cool vintage-style tag on the neck. Personally, this was one of my favorite henleys in the guide from a style perspective, and given the thermal construction, it was also one of the warmest in the lightweight category. The waffle knit here also means that it’s not see-through at all.

As for the fit, I really have nothing to criticize; it accentuated my chest without feeling constricting and fell just past my waist. The fit here also makes this a great pick for layering with all kinds of apparel, especially jackets and flannels. If I had to pick something to criticize about this henley, it would probably be the price point. It’s not outrageous, but $150 for a henley is definitely nothing to sneeze at.

Verdict: Hailing from an undeniable authority in the henley space, this waffle-knit pick from RRL is an absolute classic, and gives you some extra warmth thanks to the thermal construction.

Henley Comparison Chart

WHY ARE THEY CALLED HENLEYS?

The design originated in the English town by the name of Henley-on-Thames, where it was the garment of choice for the uniforms of rowers that lived there. Since 1839, this quaint town has hosted the most prestigious rowing race on earth: the Royal Regatta, where the henley shirt became a part of sportswear history. Henleys were mostly relegated to sports until Ralph Lauren came along in the ’70s, and reimagined the shirt into the versatile and stylish garment it’s appreciated as today.

WHAT ARE HENLEYS FOR?

Henley shirts have many applications, and the style alone can go with shorts if you’re enjoying a summer night (especially since the collar is so relaxed and the material construction is usually thin), or pants if you want to elevate them into something more stylish. They make for convenient layers in colder weather, too, as they’re low-profile and come in thermal options. The shirt should have two to five buttons, but the material construction and sleeve length can vary (cotton and thermal being the most popular).

How to Style a Henley

Henleys are incredibly versatile and offer plenty of styling opportunities no matter what time of year it is. For a casual vibe, you can pair it with some jeans or chinos (and kick it up a notch by rolling up the sleeves), along with some sneakers or loafers on the feet. For a more dressy look, pairing one with tailored pants or some dark denim with a blazer elevates the overall look, and layering under a jacket (or sweater) is also a great choice for both style and warmth in colder weather. Accessorizing with things like a belt, watch, or necklace can also help class your henley up super easily.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re looking for a super high-quality budget henley, then J.Crew’s Garment-dyed Slub Henley is definitely worth a look. It’s made entirely with garment-dyed slub cotton, giving it a soft lived-in look and feel right out of the box.

Longtime readers probably expected to see Todd Snyder mentioned somewhere in this guide, and the label’s Made in L.A. Long Sleeve Premium Jersey Henley is one of our favorites. It’s made in our hometown of Los Angeles with premium cotton jersey and reactive garment dyed for a smooth hand feel. 

Worn by James Bond in No Time to Die, the Rag & Bone Cotton-Jersey Henley T-Shirt is made with a soft cotton jersey and makes for the perfect understated layer or solo piece. It’s Bond-approved as well, so you know you’re getting real quality. 

Tom Ford’s Lyocell Cotton Rib Henley is a luxurious premium pick for those of you who want something a little more classed up. It’s made with a soft blend of silk and cupro and finished with a cotton modal brushed back fluid rib. 

The Bonobos Pima Performance Long Sleeve Henley offers the same style and comfort as your average henley but elevates it with some added utility, featuring UPF 35-rated sun protection and DRYTEX fiber for moisture control.

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