Tested: The Best Classic White T-Shirts for Men

Before graphic tees began taking the world by storm, the simple, plain white T-shirt arguably set the standard of coolness in the fashion world and did so involuntarily, given that it was originally worn as an undergarment. From Marlon Brando to Brad Pitt and every common man in between, it’s easy to assume that everyone has owned a standard white T-shirt at one point, but was it a good one? You could tell yourself it doesn’t matter, but let’s put it this way: do you prefer to wear good jeans or bad jeans?

We can go on and on about this, but it all comes down to getting what you pay for — which is why even finding the best white T-shirts possible can help make or break your outfit based on their distinct feel and cut. At first glance, no one would argue that any two white tees are different, but there are countless options that contrast one another. In an effort to help you notice these differences, we got hands-on with some of our favorite white tees.

How We Tested

It can be easy to overlook just how important a white T-shirt is, especially if you’ve never had the chance to wear a high-quality one. So, we set out to sift through the online noise, reading through hundreds of reviews and threads to determine which tees were worth our time (and yours). After that, we got our hands on each T-shirt and began testing.

Our process started with inspecting the stitching, seams, and overall build quality to make sure that the tee was made well. Then, we put them on and looked for initial reactions to the fit, look, and overall comfort. While T-shirts are certainly a basic piece, there’s no doubt that wearing one is a very personal experience, and we all have certain preferences (which we took into account while testing). Some prefer a baggy, more relaxed fit, and others like a slimmer fit that lends itself better to layering. Below, in the individual product reviews, I made sure to explain how each tee fits me and what I like about it in a subjective way, while also considering what others may (or may not) enjoy about it.

A tee’s fabric is another important aspect to consider before grabbing one, and for our guide, we’ve stuck with 100% cotton picks (and one polyester blend for good measure). There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a white tee that uses a different material blend, but given the history and the space, we feel that 100% cotton is the way to go.

For the styling process, I began by wearing each tee on its own with a pair of classic jeans just to see how each one looked without layers and to keep them all on an even playing field. After that, it was time to throw on some bombers, trucker jackets, and other layers to determine each tee’s strengths and weaknesses. Longer tees, for example, will be a bit harder to layer with because they can sit below the jacket you’re wearing, while shorter tees offer more layering options, but can limit styling choices when rocking it solo.

Shrinkage Test (How We Washed and Tested): There are many ways to wash a tee, and generally speaking, line drying yours will result in more longevity and less shrinkage. However, most people just use a washer and dryer, which is what we did to test out the shrinkage for each tee (washing each one on cold and then drying at a normal temp). I measured each tee from the top of the shoulder seam to the other shoulder horizontally, then the top of the neckline to the bottom of the hem vertically before washing. After that, I provide the post-wash measurements in inches at the end of each individual review.

Measurements: Standing at 6’2″ and wearing 34×30 jeans, it’s safe to say I’m on the bigger side, and naturally prefer a more relaxed fit. I’ll let you know what sizes are available and/or if more fits are offered, but each tee you see me wearing is an XL.

What to Look For

Material: This is ultimately up to you, but if you plan on wearing a white tee in hot weather, lightweight construction and breathable materials like cotton and polyester are best (this goes for active tees as well). Heavyweight construction and wool fabric are good choices if you want a layer or something for cold weather, but the classic choice is 100% cotton (especially for white tees), and a safe bet if you’re not sure what to go with.

Fit: Certain cuts, washes, and material compositions affect the fit of a t-shirt, so it’s important to know how you prefer your tees to feel when you’re wearing them. A slim fit will be better for layers and working out, but a loose fit may be more comfortable for you. A good rule of thumb is to go for a slim fit if you’re layering, and a regular fit if you’re not (this isn’t a hard and fast rule, however).

Weight: This is a trade-off between comfort and durability – if hot weather is in your future, then a lightweight shirt is usually ideal. But if you want a more durable shirt, then a heavyweight option is what you’re looking for. If you plan on working out or laboring out in the sun, a lightweight tee will be more comfortable to wear for long periods. And while heavier tees do offer more durability, they can be cumbersome during the warmer months if you’re using one as a layer.

Pockets: A clean shirt pocket can offer both style and utility, and it’s ultimately a personal preference when choosing between one that has one and one that doesn’t. Generally speaking, a pocketless shirt will look cleaner and work better for layering, while a shirt that has one can add some character if you’re wearing it on its own.

Collar: Most of the time, you’ll be choosing between a crewneck or a V-neck on the collar. V-necks are a bit divisive among fashion heads, with passionate opinions on both sides, but if you’re okay with showing a bit more skin, then go for it. Crewnecks, on the other hand, are tried and true, and likely to never go out of style.

Use: Given the blue-collar history of white tees, some of you may plan on getting your hands dirty while wearing one. If that’s the case, you really don’t want to overlook build quality, and you should go for a tee that fits well with your uniform. On the other hand, if you’re more concerned with the style of your tee, pay closer attention to the fit and consider the outfits you’ll be wearing it with.

Comfort: While comfort is subjective, high-quality cotton (or a cotton blend) and a flattering fit are the two main factors to consider when you’re deciding how comfortable a tee is.

Opacity: There’s nothing worse than grabbing a new tee and realizing that the public is seeing more than you’d like. So, we make sure to test how each tee looks in natural light to see how it looks.

Uniqlo Crew Neck Short-Sleeve Shirt

Best Budget Tee: If you’re familiar with UNIQLO’s U collection, then you already know why this is more than your average white tee. The world-famous Japanese clothier’s line is overseen by Christophe Lemaire, the French designer best known for his eponymous high-end label. And so, the Crew Neck Short-Sleeve tee from his assisted line is one of the best budget options around. It’s crafted from carefully selected, high-quality cotton and is perfect for any occasion.

Personally, this shirt had one of the best fits out of this collection (rivaling the Everlane tee I’ll get into later), with a nice arm length and a fit that falls just at the hip without rising too much. While it does have a relaxed fit, I didn’t feel that it was too baggy and was more true to size, if anything (compared to other heavyweight Tees like Taylor Stitch’s Heavy Bag Tee). The heavyweight construction and jersey knit fabric result in a solid fall/winter pick, providing you with a reliable layering option as well. I felt that even wearing it on its own inside the office was enough to keep me warm, but we’re based in California, so YMMV. Sure, this is a “budget pick”, but the shirt feels quite durable, with a sturdy collar to boot, and I’m confident that it should outlast most other tees in this price range.

As I said earlier, this tee is ideal for cooler temps and may not be as useful as a lighter shirt in the summer. The look is also a little on the boxier side, which is certainly a modern choice (and one that I personally like), but if you prefer a tighter fit (or have a smaller build), then you may prefer something more true to size. That said, I feel that as a larger/taller guy, this shirt’s not-too-baggy fit worked well for me.

Verdict: This may not be a surprising pick given UNIQLO’s track record as one of the go-to brands for affordable essentials, but the label’s white tee is truly one of the best (if not the best) $20 tee you can get. It’s flattering while still being relaxed and made with a durable jersey fabric.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 20”, Neck to Hem – 29.75”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 19”, Neck to Hem – 27.25”

American Giant Classic Cotton V-Neck

Best V-Neck: No matter how you feel about it, it’s hard to argue against the V-neck’s popularity. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or are seeking enhanced breathability, you can’t go wrong with American Giant’s staple option. As the brand’s name suggests, the shirt is crafted in the States using 4.8-ounce cotton for a solid, lightweight feel. For added stability, it has double-needle straddle stitching and a ribbed collar to maintain its shape.

Before all of you V-neck deniers start raising your pitchforks, I need to let you know that I myself have not always been the biggest fan of them either. They certainly have a time and a place, but there’s no denying that it’s somewhat of a bold choice for a T-shirt collar. That’s why the more subtle, wide V-neck that this tee from American Giant has is so nice and honestly won me over. It doesn’t feel flimsy either, using a garment-dyed cotton jersey fabric that’s tough yet soft. The tee gets extra points for having a durable ribbed collar as well, bolstered by double-needle straddle stitching that gave me confidence it wasn’t going to sag. The “slight ease” advertised with the regular fit is the perfect way to describe how it feels: true to size, with a little wiggle room in the torso so you don’t feel constricted (something I really liked).

One minor gripe I have is the length of the sleeves, which I felt could be a little longer. There’s also the fact that no matter how soft or high-quality a V-neck is, there are still people who avoid the style, but American Giant offers the same shirt with a crewneck if you’re interested. And it uses the same soft fabric construction as the V-neck option, meaning you get the same easy-going look and feel.

Verdict: This American-made tee offers that V-neck style without being too revealing, resulting in a more subtle look that’s likely to win over any doubters. The extra room in the torso is also a nice touch for those who like a true-to-size fit that has more ease.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 19”, Neck to Hem – 27.5”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 18.25”, Neck to Hem – 27”

Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee

Editor’s Pick: This is the product that put this L.A.-bred boutique on the map, so it only makes sense to give it the appreciation it deserves. The Slub Curved Hem Tee is as comfortable as a T-shirt can get and has plenty of famous and non-famous fans alike. It is crafted from a breathable cotton jersey fabric and features a curved hem for optimized freedom of movement and a flattering fit. Lastly, it’s finished off with a slub texture and then garment-dyed for a lived-in look.

As an office favorite and the base layer we used in our best bombers guide, it’s no secret that Buck Mason’s Slub Curved Hem Tee is a darling around HICONSUMPTION. The slub texture does result in the shirt feeling slightly rougher, but it’s tempered through the garment washing process and pre-shrunk for a look and feel that’s similar to a vintage-style tee. The flat felled seams add to the minimalist approach of the shirt, along with the durability and overall comfort. Speaking of comfort, Buck Mason strikes the perfect balance between midweight durability and breathability, making it one of the most comfortable picks in this guide. As for the fit, this was also one of the most flattering tees in this guide, for me, fitting in a way that’s true to size but not too constricting.

For the taller guys out there, the curved hem does help prevent revealing too much, and it passes the stretch test for sure, but I felt that the sides did expose just a bit. Fortunately, Buck Mason offers this tee in short, standard, and tall lengths for different needs, and I recommend that anyone with a longer torso goes with the tall length if they want to be safe.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a reliable, American-made tee that has a vintage look and feel, then Buck Mason has your back. This tee is flattering in all the right places, and so soft that you’ll never want to take it off. It’s also offered in three different lengths, so you can get a fit that complements your body/style.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 18”, Neck to Hem – 27”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 16.5”, Neck to Hem – 26.5”

Everlane The Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew

Best Sustainable Tee: You’ll love this choice from Everlane’s Uniform collection if you prefer a bulkier feel. The Premium-Weight Crew is made with dense 6.2-ounce cotton that’s durable enough to take on years of wear. On that note, the shirt is backed by the brand’s Uniform 365-Day Guarantee, meaning Everlane will replace any shirt that gets a hole, shrinks, or loses its color within the first year of purchase. You’ll probably never remember what life was like without this shirt once you pick it up.

Something about this shirt just fit me in all the right ways: the sleeves were a perfect length, and it fit in that Goldilocks zone between relaxed and true to size, even with the dropped shoulders (which I really enjoyed). It’s perfectly midweight, too, feeling heavy enough to wear solo, and while the fabric is certainly dense and feels durable, it’s not too heavy. The way this shirt drapes over the body is also something I really enjoyed, giving me a more relaxed, modern look. This is helped by the shirt not being too long, and having a more contemporary look that falls just past my hip. Also, the density of the shirt didn’t detract from its breathability, and I never felt suffocated while I was wearing it.

I will say that the sleeves are certainly long on this shirt, but this is by design and meant to complement the wider body and dropped shoulders (which I think it does well). However, those on the shorter side (with shorter arms especially) may not like the look which is understandable. Everlane offers the shirt in a slimmer fit if you like, and it uses the same dense 6.2 oz cotton construction. The dry hand feel of the fabric is another plus for me, but some may prefer a softer construction.

Verdict: As a personal favorite on this list, I can easily recommend Everlane’s relaxed, midweight tee to anyone who prefers a modern/baggier-fitting tee that’s durable and stylish. While the sleeves are longer than more traditional tees, I think it adds to the relaxed look and feel.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 20”, Neck to Hem – 28”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 20”, Neck to Hem – 27”

Taylor Stitch The Heavy Bag Tee

Best Heavy Tee: Taylor Stitch claims that this shirt feels like “your favorite decade-old tee” that’s undergone a boatload of upgrades. The Heavy Bag shirt is built to take on gusty winds thanks to its 8-ounce makeup and fully taped shoulder seams. Plus, like most pieces you’ll find from the NorCal-based brand, it is sustainably made using a blend of upcycled cotton and recycled polyester.

Much like Everlane’s tee, this heavyweight shirt has a dry hand feel that’s reminiscent of your dad’s favorite tees or those rare thrift store finds – slightly rough yet still soft, and dense enough to last for years (it’s definitely thicker than it looks online). This tee is also made sustainably with upcycled and recycled yarns, making it an environmentally friendly pick as well. It’s pre-shrunk with a tailored fit, so naturally, it fits a bit tighter around the arms and the midsection (with taped shoulder seams adding to the durability and slim look). I personally enjoyed the more form-fitting style, but I recommend (and so does Taylor Stitch) sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit.

Even as a taller guy, I felt that this shirt ran a little longer than I’d like, especially for one with a tailored fit. There are certainly people out there who like a slightly longer tee, and the fit can help give you a slimmer look, but again, I recommend that anyone who doesn’t like the slim look goes for a size up.

Verdict: Sustainably made with a heavyweight construction that results in a lived-in look and feel, this sturdy tee is perfect for anyone interested in something heavy that doesn’t look shlubby. It’s also a good choice if you want a workwear-feeling shirt that has a more tailored look.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 18”, Neck to Hem – 30”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 17.75”, Neck to Hem – 29.5”

Reigning Champ Midweight Jersey T-Shirt

Best Midweight Tee: The athleisure label’s flagship tee might be available in a variety of colors, but Reigning Champ has said that its primary palette revolves around three shades: grey, black, and white. As a result, the latter is a great option in that category. It has a soft hand feel albeit a sturdy composition, so it’s practically the jack of all trades. The Midweight Jersey also features extended sleeves and a wide-ribbed collar to tackle extra wear and tear, so you can even work up in a sweat in this Canadian-made top.

This one felt a bit wider around the waist and arms, with a nice medium weight that makes it work well as a solo shirt. The jersey knit gives it a softer and stretchy feel but adds to the warmth along with the weight, and the neckline is nice and high, which might make it a bit harder to layer with, but it works if you’re gonna be rocking it solo. Much like Everlane’s tee, this pick comes with drop shoulders and has a more relaxed fit (even though it’s advertised as “Classic”), which is something I personally really like. Regarding the stitchwork, the flatlock seams here are absolutely immaculate, and I couldn’t find a single stray string or mistake. Overall, this pick feels especially sturdy, bolstered by a thick rib collar and sturdy midweight construction, and I feel confident that it could be used for getting active thanks to this durability.

As I said before, the classic fit here is more of a relaxed one, and those interested in a more true-to-size fit should size down. The drop shoulders also result in the arms feeling a little long, which some may not like, but I think it pairs well with the overall drape of the shirt.

Verdict: Boasting a medium weight with a soft, breathable jersey fabric, Reigning Champ proves yet again why they’re an athleisure legend. This tee has a modern, slightly relaxed fit with drop shoulders, and a sturdy construction that lends itself to more than just style. It’s also a perfectly capable

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 21”, Neck to Hem – 30”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 20.5”, Neck to Hem – 29.5”

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

Best American-Made Tee: As we veer our heads into more premium territory, we figured Todd Snyder’s catalog was a great place to start. The popular New York brand’s L.A.-made Handspun Slub Pocket Tee is sure to give the West Coast brands that appear here a run for their money. It is crafted from premium imported cotton, then garment-dyed for a deep color and rich texture, assuring that it will age with nothing short of grace. Plus, it’s the perfect size to wear under a jacket or summer suit but could easily be worn on its own.

The hook with this pick is definitely just how soft it feels (rivaled only by Sunspel’s tee, which I’ll get into below). Using a slub yarn that has a texture similar to Buck Mason’s slub tee, you get an incredibly soft shirt made with ringspun cotton that’s been reactive garment-dyed to add to the handcrafted look (which has almost a striped pattern when you look at it up close). I’ll get into how it fits in a bit, but man, I just did not want to take this tee off – the best comparison is those extra soft pajama shirts, but with a more sophisticated construction and look. Fit-wise, this shirt is true to size and slightly on the slimmer side, resulting in a flattering fit that falls just below the waist. It’s also very lightweight, which, coupled with the fit, makes it a great layering choice, and it’s finished with a buttoned shirt pocket that certainly sets it apart from the pack.

The only drawback I can think of for this shirt is that the lightweight might not be ideal for wearing solo during the winter, as you may get cold. The fabric is also slightly sheer, and while I was wearing black jeans with the shirt, you could slightly see them in natural light. Also, given the more snug fit of the shirt, you might want to go for a bigger size if you like roomier tees.

Verdict: As one of the most comfortable shirts on this list, Todd Snyder’s lightweight pocket tee has a delicate slub texture that just feels incredible on the skin (so good that you won’t want to take it off). On top of that, it has a snug fit and style that lends itself to layering, with a buttoned shirt pocket tying it all together.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 18.5”, Neck to Hem – 28”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 17.75”, Neck to Hem – 27.5”

Sunspel Classic T-Shirt

Best Premium Tee: While it’s up for debate, Sunspel is often heralded as the clothier responsible for manufacturing the original white cotton tee, leaving us with no choice but to acknowledge the British heritage brand that’s been churning out a version of this top since 1860. Today’s luxe version is crafted from California-sourced Supima cotton, which results in an unrivaled level of softness and comfort. Whether you’re wearing it with a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, or even a whole Canadian tuxedo, you’ll love this shirt from the second you throw it on.

The closest examples I can give to describe the feeling of this shirt are those high-quality linen/silk sheets with high thread counts. Sunspel’s very own material blend uses Supima cotton, lauded for being more soft and durable than traditional cotton. This ultra-soft material blend mixed with the lightweight construction results in one of the most (if not the most) comfortable tee I’ve ever worn. Sunspel touts this as the “perfect T-shirt,” and regarding the fit and feel, I’m inclined to take their word for it. It’s true to size in a way that’s slightly snug on me, but it should fit like a classic tee for pretty much everyone (like Todd Snyder’s tee; I recommend going a size up if you like more room). You get taped shoulder seams for more durability, adding to the clean look as well, and it’s no surprise that the overall construction of this piece is super impressive.

The one downside to this luxurious pick is how see-through it is, which is to be expected given the lightweight construction. In natural light, you can see a bit more than I’m usually comfortable with (I’m talking nipples specifically, here), but this will vary based on skin tone and lighting. Again, the fit here was definitely on the snug side for me, and anyone who likes more space in their shirt should size up.

Verdict: If money is no object, then I wouldn’t give a second thought to grabbing this tee from Sunspel, especially considering the label’s history as one of the first manufacturers of the white tee. The luxurious skin feel and lightweight material blend make this one of the comfiest tees you can get.

Before Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 18”, Neck to Hem – 29”

After Washing: Shoulder to Shoulder – 17”, Neck to Hem – 27.5”

White TEes Comparison Chart

White Tee History

In order to understand the history of white tees, we need to go back to where it all started. Sure, T-shirts have been around in some form since ancient times (usually in the form of tunics), but William Cotton, an English inventor, created the first commercial knitting machines in 1864, which helped introduce the world to the T-shirt as we know it. 50 years later, in 1913, the U.S. Navy began using white tees as the official undergarment to be worn under uniforms, and they were made with 100% cotton and a crewneck (looking quite similar to many tees today). Sailors, miners, and blue-collar workers from a variety of backgrounds got in on the action not shortly after, and during the Great Depression, the T-shirt played an important role in clothing farm workers.

It wasn’t until the 1951 movie A Streetcar Named Desire, starring the legendary Marlon Brando, that the white tee became a counterculture icon and a staple in American fashion, shedding its previous status as workwear. Today, white T-shirts are making quite the comeback (any fans of Hulu’s breakout hit The Bear have probably seen the buzz over Carmy’s white tees), and the space is ripe with heritage labels and new players offering high-quality takes on the classic tee.

Key Phrases to Know

V-Neck: V-necks are characterized by two diagonal lines that start at the shoulders and reach down to the chest, forming a V shape. Some consider the V-neck to be a bit more sophisticated compared to the crewneck tee, but it’s still a casual look no matter how you slice it.

Crewneck: Crewneck tees have a simple, round neckline that’s classic, versatile, and easy to layer with. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve stuck with crewneck, with one exception.

Cropped: Cropped tees, or crop tops, were historically reserved for women (although Stallone famously pulled one off in Rocky), but as fashion ebbs and flows, the style has made its way into menswear. These tees are cut from the bottom to expose part of your waist, and if you feel confident enough to rock it, then go for it (results may vary).

Jersey Knit: Blending a soft feel with stretch, jersey-knit cotton provides flexibility without using plastic-based material. This gives you a slightly stretchy and soft skin feel that’s less likely to wrinkle and more durable.

Supima Cotton: Supima is a U.S.-based non-profit that researches and promotes the use of American Pima cotton. This premium cotton only accounts for 1% of the cotton grown around the world, making it highly sought after for its strength and quality.

Pilling: Pilling happens when fabric fibers become loose over the course of a shirt’s lifetime. This is usually a result of the fabric rubbing up against things, and results in small balls of lint.

Honorable Mentions

White tees are getting a lot of buzz right now, which is thanks largely in part to Carmy wearing them on The Bear. While this isn’t the exact one he wears, the Merz b. Schwanen 214 Loopwheeld T-Shirt is from the very same company, and it’s made with loopwheeled organic cotton.

Hailing from our hometown of Los Angeles, Lady White Co.’s T-Shirt is a premium pick made with USA cotton and features a tubular, side seamless design. This results in a vintage look that will only look better with time, while still being modern.

The heritage brand behind this minimalist top was allegedly a favorite of the late, great Steve McQueen, so the Velva Sheen Regular T-Shirt is a great choice if you’re looking for some retro ’70s style. It’s made in the USA and features a standard-fitting ribbed crewneck for a timeless look.

Los Angeles Apparel’s Short Sleeve Garment Dye Pocket Tee serves as a clean, garment-dyed pick that’s super soft and expertly crafted in the States with US cotton. It’s also in the sub-$30 range, making it a budget pick that’s very high quality.

For workouts and hotter days, Nike’s Dri-Fit T-Shirt is a tried and true active tee using Nike’s signature fabric. It’s ideal for those in need of a moisture-wicking option that looks good, too.

Tested: The Best Hoodies for Men Right Now

White tees can go with just about anything, and since winter is in full swing, you might want to check out our best hoodies guide.