Tested: The Best Long Sleeve T-Shirts for Men to Wear

Long-sleeve tees are considered men’s ‘basics’ for a reason. They’re simple, dependable, and essential to any closet — you’d be remiss if you didn’t have at least one. That being said, buying the best long-sleeve shirt for your needs is anything but basic; in fact, there’s a lot you have to consider for such a seemingly straightforward garment, which is why we’re here to help with our hands-on guide to the best long-sleeve tees.

How We Tested

We’re at it again with another entry into our Tested series, this time getting hands-on with a simple yet versatile wardrobe staple, the long-sleeve tee. As usual, we begin our testing process by hunting down some of the best tees on the market, referencing our real-life experiences as a team while considering the online landscape – this leaves us with a collection we can stand by with brands we wear and trust.

We begin by inspecting each shirt off the body, taking note of the build quality, and looking for any loose threads and the like. Then we put each tee on to try out the initial fit and feel, putting the material blend to the test, along with any brand claims of supreme softness or breathability. Some like to wear short sleeves under their long-sleeve tees, so we made sure to test that out as well, along with the overall layerability of each piece. Style is important to consider as well, so each pick is paired with the same pair of jeans from Flint and Tinder.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear a size XL shirt, and each shirt featured in the guide is an XL. I prefer a slightly relaxed fit and went for that where I could, but certain long sleeves are designed to be a bit more form-fitting, which is something I take into consideration when giving my opinions.

What to Look For

Material: Your preferred material will often be based on what you’re doing throughout the day. While genuine ones like cotton or wool deliver a traditionally sturdy feel and natural temperature regulation, they do lack some of the elements you’d find in synthetic options. If you’re seeking breathability and moisture-wicking properties, options from most athleisure brands will typically deliver what you’re looking for.

Fit: If you intend to wear a long-sleeve on its own as a top layer, we recommend going for a boxier-fitting option instead of something that fits tight — it’s not flattering, no matter who you are. That said, do as you wish, but if you plan on wearing it underneath a sweater or jacket, that’s the optimal time to purchase a tighter option to avoid any bunched-up sleeves under your outerwear.

Style: Long-sleeve tees come in all kinds of styles, from crewnecks to henleys, to cotton jersey and waffle knits; there are quite a few options to choose from. We have a solid selection here in the guide, but if you’re not sure about which one to go for, the classic crewneck is always a safe bet (and why we went with that style for the guide).

Buck Mason Long Sleeve Slub Curved Hem Tee

Best Slub Cotton Tee: Los Angeles-based Buck Mason is one of the best in the business when it comes to high-quality, heritage-inspired men’s basics — more specifically, any sort of everyday shirt. In the case of its American-made signature long-sleeve tee, this means that you get a premium slub cotton construction that’s soft, breathable, and tough, just like the good ole days. And because it’s cut with the humble boutique’s curved hem, you can rock it on its own or slip it on underneath a jacket as a low-profile base layer.

Longtime readers know how much we love Buck Mason here at HICONSUMPTION, which is why the label’s short-sleeve version of this pick (the Slub Curved Hem Tee) is one of our absolute favorite T-shirts. It’s a favorite of Buck Mason’s as well, which is why they used it as the inspiration for this long sleeve, along with those classic baseball tees. Made with a soft cotton jersey that’s hit with a slub texture, the fabric here has been cut and sewn at BM Knitting Mills in Mohnton, PA, and pre-shrunk for a reliable fit (and garment washed for a lived-in look and feel right out of the box). This shirt just feels incredible against the skin, with a nice midweight construction that complements the buttery-smooth hand feel of the slub cotton (seriously, this is one of the softest shirts in the guide). Fit here is true to size and flattering without being constricting, with a length that falls just below the fly. I also really liked the old-school/minimalist look of this shirt, giving you plenty of styling options and layering opportunities. Given the somewhat tighter fit here, it was difficult to layer a tee underneath, but it makes for a great base layer.

Also, like the short-sleeve version, the slub texture can be a bit sheer (especially in the light), which may not be ideal for everyone. The sleeves are a bit on the baggy side as well, which I personally didn’t find a problem, but others may want some ribbed cuffs.

Verdict: Soft as silk and cut/sewn in the States, few long sleeves in this price range can stand up to Buck Mason’s luxurious Slub Curved Hem Tee. You’re getting a classic look and a build quality that guarantees it’ll be with you for years to come.

Carhartt WIP Chase Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Heavyweight Tee: Taking Carhartt’s workwear build quality and looks and hitting it with a streetwear slant, the label’s WIP offshoot is one of the most consistent out there, perfecting a blend of durability and style. This is exactly what you’re getting with this tee; it’s clean and minimalist, sporting only an embroidered Carhartt C logo, while being built for the long haul with combed cotton jersey.

Carhartt’s basics are well-known and appreciated at this point, and the label’s streetwear-focused WIP sublabel is catching up quickly with the help of super clean pieces like the Chase Long Sleeve T-shirt. It’s made with combed jersey cotton, giving it that soft yet dry feeling on the skin, and it’s part of the label’s jersey fabric-focused Chase collection. You’re getting ribbed cuffs on the neck and the arms to keep them from getting too baggy, and it comes in this loose fit that’s really nice for layering underneath, especially with the lightweight construction. It’s finished with a small embroidered Carhartt C logo on the left chest, and everything about this shirt is relaxed and stylish, leaning into that streetwear look that WIP is known for. 

Given the relaxed fit, others may want to go for a size down if they’re looking for something more true to size. The longer length also makes this a bit harder to use as a base or mid-layer, but going for a size down should help with that too. 

Verdict: Effortlessly clean and undeniably modern, this tee from Carhartt WIP has a super soft and lightweight jersey construction with a relaxed fit that keeps everything easygoing. 

American Giant Heavyweight Pocket Tee Long Sleeve

Best US-Made Tee: In contrast to most brands who’ve moved its manufacturing overseas in order to bring down production costs, American Giant continues to keep its supply chain stateside in the interest of local communities. The fabric in its Heavyweight Pocket Tee is a true cut above the rest, offering a rich texture, excellent shape retention, and an understated aesthetic that’s exceptionally versatile.

American Giant is so good at delivering reliable, comfy, and durable basics that always look good, and for this guide, we went with the label’s heavyweight take on the long sleeve. It starts with a heavy cotton jersey to give you that look and feel of a vintage long-sleeve you’ve owned for years (in a good way), and made with care here in our hometown of Los Angeles. The elastic cuffs and neck give you that sporty look (and keep the sleeves from bagging up), and it’s finished with a single chest pocket to really drive home that old-school look. American Giant advertises the fit here as “regular with slight ease,” and I can attest that it feels exactly like that, feeling mostly true to size in the shoulders with some extra room in the chest and waist. The baggier fit here also makes it a great pick to layer something underneath, and it’s not baggy enough to prevent you from layering over. 

The heavyweight build mixed with the jersey cotton definitely makes this a beefier pick, which is great for cold weather, but I was getting pretty warm outside with the sun out at around 70°F. Other than that, this is an incredible medium/heavyweight pick that just feels great to wear. 

Verdict: Made in Los Angeles with care, this heavyweight long-sleeve from American Giant is made with a cotton jersey that feels like a warm hug, and finished with a single chest pocket.

Reigning Champ Midweight Jersey Long Sleeve

Best Midweight Tee: Heavier than a shirt yet lighter than a sweater, Reigning Champ’s Midweight Jersey Long Sleeve is a great garment to have when dressing for those tricky transitional seasons. As you’d expect from the Vancouver-based brand, the attention to detail is top-notch, with features like dropped shoulders for an uninhibited fit, extended sleeves for some extra coverage, and flatlock seams throughout for an added element of durability.

Similar to our Buck Mason pick, we had a chance to get hands-on with the short-sleeve Midweight Jersey T-shirt from Reigning Champ over on our guide to the best white tees, and there’s a reason why it’s the label’s flagship shirt. There’s just something about the feeling of cotton jersey that feels so satisfying; the dry yet soft hand feel mixed with the natural stretchiness works perfectly for wardrobe staples like this. With this tee, you’re getting that jersey cotton construction with a midweight feel, along with drop shoulders and sem-raglan sleeves to enhance the relaxed look/feel of the shirt. Of course, in true Reigning Champ fashion, build quality is fantastic, with flatlock seams and ribbed cuffs for the arms and neck. Although the fit is advertised as “classic,” I found this to be more relaxed, if anything, with a good amount of extra room in the sleeves and the chest (it definitely didn’t look baggy, though).

If you’re looking for a more true-to-size fit, then I highly recommend going for a size down, as the slightly relaxed fit here may not be for everyone if I personally enjoyed it. Also, like American Giant’s long sleeve, the mid-heavyweight construction makes this a great Spring pick (as cotton jersey is still breathable), but I could see this getting hot in the summer. 

Verdict: Made in Canada with care, this long sleeve boasts a midweight cotton jersey construction that just feels incredible, with that clean and modern look Reigning Champ is known for.

Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Homespun Slub Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Pocket Tee: Long-sleeve shirts are an essential component of every wardrobe because they can be worn pretty much year-round. Todd Snyder’s Homespun Slub tee proves especially true because it’s light enough for layering, and it can be worn with everything from jeans and sneakers to a jacket and loafers. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s made in LA’s legendary garment district, serving as part of the New York label’s testament to keeping things local — at least when it comes to the States.

Todd Snyder’s Made in L.A. Homespun Slub Long Sleeve T-Shirt is another slub cotton pick similar to Buck Mason’s tee, and features some extra details that really elevate the look and feel. It’s crafted in the label’s Los Angeles factory with “Homespun Slub,” an in-house fabric that’s made with ring-spun cotton yarn and given a slub texture to give you that handmade look. It’s then reactively garment-dyed to prevent any fading and drive home that lived-in feel, resulting in an incredibly soft and lightweight long sleeve that feels a lot like a henley (thanks to the relaxed drape and lightweight construction). Finally, it’s finished with a buttoned chest pocket and a slightly relaxed fit that makes this a perfect warm-weather pick. 

I do have to say that the neckline of this shirt is a bit loose, which I personally didn’t have a problem with, but others may prefer a more cleaned-up look. Thankfully, the slub texture here didn’t make the shirt see-through, but we got hands-on with the olive colorway and this may be different for the white shirt. Also, while it may look a bit sheer in the photos, I didn’t find it to be see-through at all.

Verdict: A classic pocket long-sleeve tee is an incredible wardrobe staple that doesn’t often get the shine it deserves, but Todd Snyder is here to change that with this Los Angeles-made pick, made with a supremely soft cotton slub fabric. 

Freenote Cloth 9 Ounce T-Shirt L/S

Best Vintage-Inspired Tee: Weighing in at a hefty 9 ounces, Freenote Cloth’s option takes the cake in the long-sleeve department. Size aside, the handsome essential is fully crafted right in the USA, and that includes each meticulous step right down to its garment-dyeing process. While the shirt is only delivered in a sole shade of Tobacco, it’s hard to overlook the attention to detail that goes into constructing this long-lasting staple.

Crafted in the States with care (down to the custom labels), Freenote Cloth’s 9-ounce long-sleeve tee keeps things basic while focusing on high-quality design, fabric, and Stateside manufacturing. You’re getting a super lightweight cotton knit that has a soft hand-feel (with a bit of dryness similar to a jersey knit), and a clean, brand-free look that lets the garment-dyed colors really shine (we went with tobacco). As for the fit, you’re getting a true to size look that’s a bit on the slim side in the chest, making it look and feel a lot like henley. That means it was a little tricky to layer a short-sleeve tee underneath, but it makes this an incredible base/mid-layer.

As much as I loved the henley-like look and feel of this pick, some may prefer a more relaxed fit. If this sounds like you, then I recommend going at least a size up. Also, the sleeves don’t have ribbed cuffs, which I personally prefer, but I get that others like the secure fit it offers. 

Verdict: Lightweight and beautifully minimalist, Freenote Cloth’s long-sleeve tee has a vintage look and feel that gives it an elevated vibe bolstered by the high-quality USA-made construction.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Active Tee: It’s hard to find a shirt that won’t stink up after a few days, making this a fantastic, albeit pricier, alternative to the anti-odor-treated option from lululemon. Proof’s 72-Hour top is made to wear as long as its name suggests — that’s right, the technical brand’s flagship offering is even comfortable enough to sleep in if necessary. Most of all, the enviously soft long sleeve is crafted of merino wool, a material known for its natural temperature-regulating capabilities that are sure to serve you right whether you’re working out or hitting the town.

Proof has a lineup of apparel that’s guaranteed to last 72 hours without smelling, using a blend of micron Merino wool and nylon that’s incredibly lightweight and designed to wick moisture, regulate temperature, and keep odor at bay. While we didn’t have a chance to wear it for the full three days, I wore it in the office for a whole day to put these claims to the test, and I’m happy to report it passed with flying colors. The super soft and lightweight wool construction almost makes this feel like a second skin, and I really appreciated that the fit wasn’t too tight, giving me a slim look and feel without feeling constricting. It’s also rated for UPF 30+ sun protection, making it a reliable outdoor pick that’ll keep you protected while traveling, on the trails, or just in day-to-day life. Even though it’s thin, it makes for an incredible insulating layer thanks to the wool construction and kept me warm on its own outside in around 65°F weather. 

Proof (and myself) recommend going for a size up if you want a roomier fit/plan on wearing this mostly on its own, given the slim fit of the shirt, and there’s no denying the somewhat lounge-weary look that comes with the thinner build (not a bad thing, but others may prefer a more classic look).

Verdict: Any travelers, hikers, and adventurers should give this lightweight wool shirt a look; it’s guaranteed to remain odor-free for 72 hours and has a lowkey look and feel that makes it super versatile.

Lady White Co. Raglan Thermal

Best Thermal Tee: Hailing from one of our favorite boutique sportswear brands, Lady White Co. resides and makes everything in our hometown of Los Angeles with a minimalist edge that places build quality and style above all else. What started as a dedication to the perfect jersey tee has led the label to expand its offerings with some of the best basics we’ve come across, and in the guide, we’re taking a look at the Lady White Co. Raglan Thermal, a beefy long sleeve made with a soft waffle knit.

Knit, cut, and sewn just mere miles from the label’s design headquarters in Los Angeles, the Lady White Co. Raglan Thermal is made with a dry cotton thermal knit with a waffled texture, giving you some nice warmth bolstered by the heavyweight construction. You’re getting a ribbed collar and cuffs, and it’s finished with an overclocked raw hem that adds a lot of character and is reinforced with double-needle stitching. This is definitely one of the heavier picks in the guide, and it kept me quite warm thanks to the thermal properties of the waffle knit and has this super nice dry and textured hand feel. Small details like that overclocked hem and the raglan sleeves really elevate this piece into a more sophisticated long sleeve. 

This pick definitely has a relaxed fit (especially through the shoulders), so anyone who wants a more true-to-size fit should consider going for a size down. Also, given the thicker thermal construction here, you’ll be getting a bit hot wearing this in the sun if it’s warm out.

Verdict: Made with love here in our hometown of Los Angeles, this pick from Lady White Co. boasts a wonderfully textured waffle knit that looks great and acts as an amazing insulator.

Long Sleeve Comparison Chart

Why should you get a long sleeve instead of a short sleeve?

Besides the obvious difference (the inclusion of arms), long-sleeve tees offer a number of advantages when compared to their short-sleeve counterparts. First off, they give you more coverage and warmth, which is great for those chilly Spring days (or if your office tends to crank the AC). You also get some natural sun protection by covering up your arms, giving you one less thing to worry about if you’re spending the day outside. The style also offers more layering/style opportunities compared to a short-sleeve tee, and they’re definitely more professional, meaning you can confidently rock one to a business meeting.

Honorable Mentions

While UNIQLO’s $10 tees are something of a phenomenon, the additional fabric that appears on its long-sleeve iteration is worth the extra money — and it’s safe to say we wouldn’t mind paying a bit more of it. Not only is U AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt available in more colors than you can imagine, but the go-to essentials brand’s proprietary AIRism fabric is soft to the touch and ideal for warmer weather, so there’s no better way to battle unforeseen forecast changes that you might see through the transitional season.

Admittedly, lululemon makes any number of shirts that we’d feel confident recommending. However, we liked the lululemon License to Train Long Sleeve in particular because it looks every part of the traditional tee whilst still offering enough performance qualities for workouts. Add to that details like Silverescent technology for anti-stink and a locker loop for easy hanging, and you’re left with one shirt that’s a clear winner.

Using an innovative blend of eucalyptus, seaweed, and organic cotton, it’s clear the brand’s adherence to keeping things fully sustainable is virtually unrivaled. What’s more is PANGAIA’s signature PPRMINT treatment, which uses natural peppermint oil to help maintain freshness and, most of all, reduce the need for washing to save water in the long run. Whether you admire the PANGAIA Long Sleeve T-shirt or PANGAIA’s transcendent sense of awareness, there’s no room for error here — as long as you don’t mind paying $95.

Those familiar with John Elliott are well aware of why the eponymous clothier’s high-quality catalog is often priced so high, and it comes down to one thing: craftsmanship. Even pieces as self-explanatory as a long-sleeve shirt undergo a meticulous construction process, with the John Elliott University Tee merely serving as one example. The oversized, L.A.-made top is made using recycled cotton and finished with a vintage-inspired blind stitch detail to give it an old-school touch that’s hard to pass up.

In terms of affordability and wearability, KOTN arguably sits right up there with brands like UNIQLO and Los Angeles Apparel, although often accompanied by a slightly larger price tag. Nevertheless, KOTN’s Essential Longsleeve is one of many well-constructed options available, as it’s crafted using buttery smooth brushed midweight jersey material and a relaxed cut for easy layering.

Tested: The Best Bomber Jackets for Classic Style

You might want a jacket to layer over your new long-sleeve tee, so check out our guide to the best bomber jackets for some help.