Tested: The Best Men’s Basics T-Shirts To Wear All Day, Every Day

What few people realize is that the t-shirt got its start only a little over 100 years ago — around the turn of the 20th century when laborers would cut their jumpsuits in half in order to keep cool during the warmer months of the year. However, once the U.S. Navy got word of the veritable garment and its benefits, it wasn’t long before it began to see widespread implementation. Everyone from factory workers to farmhands wanted in on the action, and as it became increasingly popular throughout these labor-intensive industries, it also took on a cultural significance of its own. Thus, by the time the 50s rolled around and Brando and Dean had donned a t-shirt on the silver screen, it was already well on its way toward becoming a staple element of every man’s wardrobe.

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone without at least one tee in their rotation. Because let’s face it: Even if you prefer business casual to active apparel, you’ll at least need a solid undershirt to get you through the day. As such, there are more t-shirts on the market than ever before. And, while the variety is good for the inherent competition that it brings, it also means that you’re left with the unfortunate task of choosing between them. If it’s loud and covered with graphics, it’s easy enough to make that determination for yourself. But when it comes to the basics, it can be considerably trickier. After all, there are only so many kinds of cotton that any one person can reasonably understand. Rather than going it alone and making things harder than they have to be, take a look at our list of the best t-shirts for men where we got to test out our favorite picks.

How We Tested

It’s safe to say there are a LOT of t-shirts available. However, for this guide, we’ve focused on finding our favorites, starting out with mostly boutique brands that offer premium construction methods and materials. We looked at fit type, stitching, and overall design aesthetic before making our shortlist for testing.

After sourcing our units for testing, we spent a considerable amount of time with each t-shirt, looking specifically at fit and feel. We observed if each shirt was true to size, how long (or short) the hems were cut, and how the seams fell on our shoulders. Other attributes we looked at were sleeve length, fabric softness, thickness, and overall feel. We also made a note to see how well or poorly a given shirt was flattering on our bodies.

Measurements: Standing at 6’0″ I’m of a broader, wider stature and naturally prefer a more relaxed fit. However, for classic or tailored fits, I prefer something that doesn’t cling as much in the stomach area. Likewise, I prefer sleeves that fall either halfway down my upper arm or all the way to my elbow. I’m typically a size XL, as are most of the shirts below. For anything different, I’ll let you know.

What to Look For

Material: While a quick pack of tees from Costco or Target may do the trick in a pinch, high-quality materials are what you should be paying attention to if you’re in the market for a good t-shirt – especially if you want long-lasting basics. Generally speaking, basic t-shirts are made with some variation of a cotton blend, as opposed to activewear and other garments that use synthetic material or wool. It’s preferred for breathability and comfort, with higher-quality cotton providing more of each, along with other benefits.

Fit: How a shirt fits you is a balance between subjectivity and objectivity. A good fit can make or break a shirt, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what that means. Most shirts have varying seams, hems, collars, and pre-washes, so you may need to experiment a few times before you find the right fit if you’re not sure (or visit a tailor). A shirt’s fit also intersects with style, so being confident about yours certainly helps narrow things down.

Flint and Tinder The Vintage Soft Wash T-Shirt

Best Starter Tee: These days, it’s really easy to spend a lot of money on a T-shirt. However, with Flint and Tinder’s The Vintage Soft Wash T-Shirt, you don’t have to worry that you’re compromising quality when dipping into a lower price point. Huckberry’s flagship clothing brand specializes in vintage construction methods with a modern-day comfort and this crew-neck tee is no different. Built with 4.5-ounce garment-dyed cotton, it’s made right here in the USA and is available in multiple colorways in both classic and tall varieties (we got hands-on with the classic fit).

The Good

One of the more comfortable options I tested, the Flint and Tinder Vintage Soft Wash T-Shirt will get you a solid bang for your buck. For the build quality, $38 is an incredibly reasonable price point. Not only that but Huckberry gives you a discount when you purchase three of these shirts –– you get the third for about half-off.

And while the classic cut was pretty short at the hem, it was rather flattering in the chest area. The 4.5-ounce cotton weight was right in the middle of a heavy tee and lightweight tee, making this a good, versatile option for any time of year. Flint and Tinder does a great job bringing a level of durability and obvious ruggedness while still allowing their fabrics to feel wearable and practical. Essentially, this doesn’t feel like it’s exclusive to the outdoors. I also loved how true to size it was, not only with the overall fit but even the stitching; the shoulder seams fell almost exactly where they were supposed to.

The Not So Good

Falling to around two-thirds of the way down my upper arm, the sleeves are a bit longer than I’d like. They not only look awkwardly unbalanced compared to the shorter hem but make the shirt feel a lot boxier than desired. However, this is certainly a personal preference. As I mentioned, I tested the classic fit of the shirt, which was too short at the hem. I would probably go with the tall option next time around. On the other hand, some people like the shorter hems.

Verdict: While the short hem doesn’t quite match up with the longer sleeves, the Flint and Tinder The Vintage Soft Wash T-Shirt is a versatile, flattering shirt with an exceptional price tag. Despite its rugged construction, the tee is one of the most comfortable and softest we tested, with a weight that’s good for most times of the year.

TAYLOR STITCH THE COTTON HEMP TEE

Best Hemp Tee: Although Taylor Stitch’s Cotton Hemp Tee is technically considered a menswear basic, in practice it’s anything but. That’s because it’s made with 70% organic cotton and 30% hemp, a combination that allows it to be incredibly durable while still being both soft and lightweight enough to be layered. But the best part is that because it comes pre-shrunk with a tailored fit, you don’t have to worry about losing your look in the wash. On the contrary — it makes for an offering that’s as at home on its own as it is under a blazer.

The Good

For those who aren’t familiar with hemp as a material, it’s known for its insane durability. However, by itself, it won’t always be as comfortable as cotton. That’s why the 70/30 combo is optimal here. If you’re looking for a lightweight feel, similar to a lot of merino wool tees, this is a great choice. Likewise, the fabric is highly soft against the skin. Don’t confuse the thinness here for lack of durability. It may feel more supple than your average cotton tee at first touch but upon further wear, it was obvious this could stand up to even the most durable shirts out there.

True to size, the shoulder seams still do fall a tad below the shoulders. However, I liked the length of the sleeves, which fell just below halfway down my upper arm. Something else I noticed was how the sleeves didn’t bunch a lot in the back. Typically when this is the case, it’s because the sleeves are tight. On the contrary here; there was still a lot of room, with even a bit of give in the front.

The Not So Good

I was a bit surprised at how lightweight the shirt was. While it doesn’t compromise a lack of durability, I don’t typically love thin, light shirts. This was certainly a personal preference that many would disagree with. My biggest gripe with the shirt was its fit. Not incredibly structured, the tee’s most accurate descriptor is “amorphous.” It gave a decent cling but it never formed to any one part of my body, which didn’t ever help in the way of being flattering. However, some won’t struggle in this department; it’s definitely better for skinnier individuals.

Also, while there are currently 10 different colorways available on the company’s store, they’re all pretty neutral colors, so you’ll mostly be out of luck if you’re looking for something with a lot of color.

Verdict: A perfect blend of cotton and hemp, the Taylor Stitch The Cotton Hemp Tee gets the best of both worlds with a soft and durable construction. We loved the sleeve design here, which didn’t feel haphazard, while the fabric’s lightweight properties made this really comfortable. However, we couldn’t help but notice this shirt’s lack of structure was better suited for skinny people, which is great if that’s you!

MACK WELDON PIMA CREW NECK T-SHIRT

Best Daily Driver: Tired of sorting through sub-par underwear and socks at the local department store, Brian Berger founded Mack Weldon specifically for the purpose of bringing better basics to mainstream menswear through first-rate fabrics and original designs. This crew neck t-shirt is a case in point, for though it’s made from super-soft Pima cotton (like some of the other options on this list), it’s also been given an eco-friendly enzyme bath to make it even softer. And because it’s been made with a robust recovery collar and some strong ladder stitches, it’ll be with you for years to come.

The Good

If you’re looking for a t-shirt with more of a stretch, the Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck is a solid choice. It’s incredibly soft, so you can wear this all day with no issues. Likewise, it has an agreeable fit that favors a uniform tightness. I never felt like it clung in one particular area more than another. The feel of the shirt, both inside and out, reminded me of my merino wool workout shirts in both softness and stretchiness. On the other hand, it feels highly durable, unlike some other stretchy shirts.

As for the sleeves, they fell to a perfect length for me, right around halfway down my upper arm. The shoulder seams were also in a perfect spot. I really liked how this shirt looked, with a more flattering look than on other form-fitting shirts. Currently, the shirt is offered in 14 wide-ranging colors. The $40 price tag also not too shabby, with a 2-pack bundle that lets you save 15%.

The Not So Good

Again, this is a rather stretchy shirt, despite being made of pure cotton. Likewise, the cling around my armpit is a bit tight, while the sleeves do roll up from time to time. As for the belly area, this does ride up every once in a while, which got annoying. However, this might not happen as much on skinnier individuals. I should also note that while I loved this for an everyday shirt, it does have this sheen that might make it feel less desirable in less casual situations.

Verdict: Despite being an everyday shirt, the shine on the Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck T-Shirt might steer you away in certain instances. Nonetheless, this is a highly comfortable and soft shirt with high durability that makes it perfect for a daily driver. We thought its texture was reminiscent of soft merino wool shirts while it has an ideal fit with perfect sleeve lengths and an even cling.

BUCK MASON SLUB CLASSIC TEE

Best Vintage Tee: As is often the case, Buck Mason manages to do what everyone else does, but better. For instance, their Slub Classic Tee comes with a vintage-inspired straight hem as well as a slightly shorter body and sleeves. Complimented by a lightweight loose-knit cotton fabric construction, the result is a new shirt that wears just like any old favorite. In fact, you’ll be so happy to slip this one on that you’ll have to make room in your rotation for more.

The Good

There are 9 color options here but only the three “core colors” (i.e., black, classic white, and midnight) have options for short, standard, or tall lengths, which is nice. We went with a non-core color for testing, but the length was pretty great. I’m picky with hem lengths since they never feel appropriate to what the rest of a shirt is doing. However, the Buck Mason tee never affects the rest of the torso. This shirt was highly flattering in the chest and belly areas, while my favorite aspect was the back, which seemed to curve along my body rather than just hanging awkwardly.

If you’re into the vintage-inspired look, the fabric here doesn’t make it too obvious or “gimmicky.” Instead, you’ll have a more naturally-looking line design when it comes to the intentional fading effect. Speaking of fabric, the cotton slub is really accessible; it’s not too soft and not too rough. It feels like a classic shirt is supposed to feel. I also like the thicker collar here, which reminded me of older shirts I used to have back in the day.

The Not So Good

Based on the website’s photos, I thought the sleeves were going to be a bit shorter, but they still fell more than halfway down my arm, which wasn’t terrible. However, my biggest gripe was how easily the sleeves rode up my inner arm towards my armpits. Seemingly every time I lifted up my arm and put them back down, the sleeves bunched.

Verdict: Incredibly flattering in all parts of the body, the Buck Mason Slub Classic Tee has some vintage-inspired markings and even a thick collar. We loved the trio of length options and even how well the hem balanced with the rest of the torso. While the sleeves bunched quite a bit, this shirt is still one of our favorites to wear out and about.

Everlane The Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew

Best Oversized Tee: While this guide mainly features tailor-fit t-shirts with lightweight, fitted cotton fabrics, these are only the most popular type of t-shirt on the market. However, if you prefer a bulkier, heftier feel, this Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew from Everlane’s Uniform Collection is a solid choice. Made from dense 6.2-ounce cotton that’s durable enough to last for years, the shirt still comes with the company’s 365-Day Guarantee, which replaces any tee that shrinks, loses its color, or gets damaged within the first year of purchase.

The Good

Great for accentuating the chest but not the stomach, oversized tees are still popular in today’s scene, but that doesn’t mean they have to be baggy. Case in point, this Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew from Everlane manages to flatter without looking sloppy. It achieves this through its dropped shoulder design and structured sleeves that don’t look bunchy by any means. I’m a big fan of longer sleeves (I’m a frequent visitor to the oversized tee space) and these hit the nail on the head. They fall right to the inner elbows and stay out of the way. It’s important to note that I tested an XXL (not an XL), so it might run a bit small, so keep that in mind. However, the relaxed fit inherently allows for some wiggle room here.

While the hem is pretty short here (more on this below), it does a good job of not getting in the way or bunching when you’re sitting down. Despite being a relaxed fit, you can just tell that this shirt fits true to size. Likewise, the weight of the tee is perfect, with a level of thickness that aids its visual appeal on the body but never gets in the way of its ability to retain softness or pliability. It forms to your body pretty darn well without looking awkward.

The Not So Good

Because of my body type, I wear mostly oversized t-shirts and consider myself somewhat of an expert. And while the Everlane tee is exceptionally comfortable, obviously well-constructed, and flattering in the chest and arms, it’s simply not long enough at the hem –– a design choice mentioned on the brand’s product page. Not only did I feel self-conscious about how short the waist was, but my wife asked me why the shirt’s length looked so disproportionate to the rest of it, noting the baggy sleeves. This length might be fine for some people but I’m not sure why there’s not a “tall” option on the brand’s site. I should also mention that I tested an XXL, not an XL, and yet it was still short.

Verdict: Soft yet sturdy, this Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew from Everlane benefits from its 6.2-ounce cotton construction and perfect proportions that help accentuate your own for a flattering look. We didn’t love the more modern hem length, simply because an oversized shirt feels inherently more Y2K than it does modern anyway. We would have at least liked a “tall” option from the company. Nevertheless, the build quality is obvious here and well worth the price.

OUTERKNOWN SOJOURN TEE

Best Sustainable Tee: Once Kelly Slater wrapped up his sponsored surfing career, he started Outerknown, a boutique brand built with the express purpose of furthering sustainability throughout fashion. The Sojourn exemplifies his philosophy to a tee, using only the highest quality organic Peruvian Pima cotton. Sourced from over 390 local farmers throughout Peru, the Sojourn skips on the chemicals of conventional cotton in favor of providing safer conditions for workers. All that is to say — you’d be hard-pressed to find an offering that does more for the planet and its people.

The Good

Outerknown doesn’t simply rely on its remarkable sourcing and construction methods to get by. Instead, there are enough unique details here to warrant picking this up regardless of its sustainability. I loved how this shirt fit, with a nice accentuation in the chest area without getting too tight in the stomach. The hem length is also pretty perfect and proportional compared to the form-fitting torso.

Unique to this list are the cuffed sleeves, which allow you to slightly adjust them (I tend to roll my sleeves so this is optimal), moving them up and down your arm. Although, they naturally fall halfway down my bicep. Likewise, the cuffs allow these to be rather flattering on your shoulders as well, precluding any sort of awkward hanging or creasing.

The Not So Good

In terms of the cotton fabric itself, I didn’t mind how it felt against my skin. However, it is technically noticeably less soft compared to some of the others in this guide. But the coarseness is not nearly at the level of a cheaper t-shirt. Another thing I noticed was the collar is a bit looser than other shirts. Meaning, it hangs slightly lower, which might bother some wearers.

Verdict: Outerknown’s Sojourn Tee is sustainably made but doesn’t just rest on its laurels either. This shirt has a distinct style and fit, with cuffed sleeves that flatter the shoulder area and a nice hem-to-torso balance. The collar was slightly looser than average tees and the sustainable fabric was noticeably less soft but still much softer than cheaper options.

American Giant Everest Tee

Best American-Made Tee: Based in San Francisco, American Giant is one of the few American-made clothing brands offering their goods at reasonable prices. While a majority of its competitors have moved their manufacturing overseas to bring down production costs, the California native continues to benefit local communities by keeping its supply chain here. Not your average relaxed-fit t-shirt, the Everest Tee won’t be for everyone. Made from 15.2-ounce 100% ringspun cotton with double-needle stitching at the neck and shoulder seams, the boxy shirt is designed to be worn without anything on top.

The Good

Regardless of what you think about the look of the Everest Tee, there’s no denying it’s insanely comfortable. Like a blanket taking the form of a t-shirt, it’s got a beautiful weight that feels complete all by itself (although I’d leave it in the closet on hot days). The construction quality here is obvious; you literally can’t imagine this thing fraying or fading. As a small design note, I especially love the small product info patch on the exterior by the bottom corner of the hem, which adds an extra level of intentionality to the design.

The Not So Good

While I love oversized tees, I’m not a fan of how boxy this one makes me look. I have larger proportions at the shoulder and chest, and this thing hung down on me like a hospital gown (someone actually thought I had escaped!). On the other hand, the sleeves aren’t long enough, falling nearly three inches above my inner elbow, which just felt off considering the bagginess and relaxed fit. I might go with an XXL next time, like the Everlane above.

I also noticed that the top seam kept falling forward for some reason, affecting the look of the shirt. However, every time I adjusted it back a bit, it looked better. And this isn’t just me; the hanger crease was also behind the top seam. Also, I should note that there are only three color options, which feels like not a lot.

Verdict: While exceptionally soft and cozy, the Everest Tee is still a boxy shirt that won’t be for everyone. However, if you fit the bill, you’ll likely love how this shirt feels with its thick construction, subtle design cues, and overall superb cotton quality. However, the sleeve length and top seam alignment are two of the more objective criticisms we had.

Freenote Cloth 13 Ounce Pocket T-Shirt

Best Pocket Tee: Sometimes all you need is a simple pocket to change the entire look of a shirt. For our favorite pocket tee, we went with this 13-Ounce Pocket T-Shirt from Freenote, another California-based clothing brand keeping production stateside. Custom dyed for a unique pigment that looks pretty vintage and broken in, the sturdy shirt is made with, you guessed it, 13-ounce 100% cotton, but also has some subtle detailing such as its squared pocket corners up top and “bar track” accent stitching. There are currently nine different colorways but Freenote also makes a few 9-ounce shirt options as well.

The Good

If you’re looking for something adjacent to a shirt you might find at a thrift store, this Freenote 13-Ounce is a solid choice. Unlike other pocket tees, the pocket here feels actually useful with its sturdy stitching. On the other hand, it doesn’t just look like an afterthought; while it doesn’t seal flush with the shirt, it doesn’t fall open lazily either. It intends to be there.

Fit-wise, the shirt was pretty slimming. Others I tested may have been flattering or not flattering, but this was the only one that was expressly slimming. Also, I liked the sleeve length here, which fell halfway down my arm.

The Not So Good

First and foremost, the sizing here is all wrong. I tested an XL and it was very tight on me. I had to double-check to make sure it was the right size; it fit more like a large. Once you get past that, my main complaints have to do with the fabric feel itself. While it’s very rugged, it’s the softest, albeit not uncomfortable per se. It’s also important to note the $80 price tag which is undoubtedly due to the localized manufacturing. However, it’s still quite steep.

Verdict: Made in the USA and given a worn-in look right out the box, the 13-Ounce T-Shirt from Freenote is a sturdy, rugged shirt with a pocket design that doesn’t ever feel thrown together. While it might run small and not be the softest option around, this is a slimming, albeit expensive, t-shirt.

T-Shirts Comparison Chart

How to Care for Your Tee

Most of the time (if not all the time), primarily cotton shirts should be cleaned with cold water, preferably in a gentle cycle or hand-washed, then air-dried. This is to avoid shrinking and wear as warmer water/temperatures damage the fibers and dyes.

Honorable Mentions

Todd Snyder is another one of our favorite clothing brands. This Made in L.A. Premium Jersey T-Shirt is a whopping $68, which will be a lot for a lot of curious buyers.

UNIQLO makes a solid budget t-shirt with great quality. But the availability of the AIRsm Oversized Crew Neck prevented us from including it here.

Lady White’s Rugby T-Shirt is a popular choice in the online fashion sphere but we simply opted out of this ~$100 t-shirt in favor of other options.

If you’re looking for another solid and affordable t-shirt, check out Bonobos’ Soft Everyday Tee which does a whole lot. However, we opted for some other picks above in terms of a daily driver.

Tested: The Best Classic White T-Shirts for Men

Love simple white tees? So do we. Check out our recent guide where we’ve tested out the best white t-shirts on the market.