18 Life-Changing T-Shirts You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner (2024)

If you're a one-and-done type of shopper, this tee from Mack Weldon is available in every color you need, from standard white to a cool navy. The softness also feels like a second skin without being too warm, and the slim fit is flattering, hugging our biceps and pecs with just the right amount of tightness while still giving our skin enough breathing room

In my experience of wearing this tee to run everyday errands or layering it under another garment, I found that it's managed to retain its softness and shape wear after wear—courtesy of its recovery collar and strong stitching. Made with anti-odor, stretchy fabric, I've also used it as a reliable workout shirt.

OoohCotton is both the proprietary name of Bugatchi’s specially developed fabric, and the typical reaction the first time our writers and editors tried this t-shirt on. The fabric feels incredibly sturdy, yet has plenty of give to it. It comes on and off easily and allows for easy range of motion, for a relatively slim fitting tee.

After road testing this one, we dug into the stats and figured out how Bugatchi’s special cotton works. Despite the classic cotton tee feel, there is actually 8% spandex woven into the fabric. This high of a percentage tends to give an athletic garment feel in other products we’ve tested, but not there. Which brings us to the other key factor, the use of mercerized cotton. Mercerization is a washing technique that adds strength and softness to natural textiles like cotton, which shows up in the sturdy feeling here.

An affordable, reliable set of tees to wear under your dress shirts and sweaters.

Need to stock up on T-shirts? Gildan has you covered with this bestselling multipack, which has received plenty of five-star reviews on Amazon for its moisture-wicking, soft, breathable fabric, as well as an easy-to-move-in fit.

In my personal testing, not only do these tees work wonders as undershirts layered beneath zip-up hoodies or sweaters but when I wear them as standalone tees, their versatility as either a workout shirt or my everyday basic tee has fitted me like a glove. I also like how soft and thin they are.

Read more: Gildan Crew Neck T-Shirt Review

Lululemon takes the cake for making the best-fitting and flattering T-shirts. This basic tee especially has just the right weight to make it feel like a real shirt and not something sloppy. More importantly, we found out that the fabric is, in fact, not only soft like butter but also it's extra resistant to abrasion, and has stood the test of time for our editors who've been wearing this tee since the spring of 2021.

Better yet, our Fashion Director Ted Stafford has even put this tee to the test in our Spring denim style guide. We're not only impressed by how soft and durable the fabric is, but we're also floored by its superb quick-drying and shape retention, no matter how you move.

Reigning Champ is one of the few clothing brands out there, and the only one on this list, that mills their own fabrics. While the fabric is called mid-weight, it felt sturdier to us than most tees we tried out. The boxy fit was extremely comfortable, with ‘90s inspired sleeves that are on the longer and wider side. This is especially beneficial for guys with broader shoulders and bigger biceps.

The flatlock seam construction along the sleeves, shoulders, and sides is more commonly seen in sweatshirts, with this being the only t-shirt on the list to feature it. It was a nice touch because flatlock seams reduce friction points, which is especially helpful with a heavier fabric like this one. We noticed the benefit after wearing this tee all day, especially along the shoulder.

Everlane has a talent for making high quality, affordable basics that can fit seamlessly into pretty much any wardrobe. The Essential Organic Crew is a perfect example of the brand’s mastery of fit, fabric, and colors that have mass appeal while still looking cool. Boxy shoulders, wider sleeves, and a collar that sat just right provided a relaxed feel in our testing, which was perfect for lounging around and casual every-day wear.

We wanted to highlight the fabric, not only because it is a sturdy pure cotton jersey, but it comes with a unique washed finish. The t-shirt had a cozy lived-in feel that usually requires quite a few washes and wears to achieve. According to Everlane, this also helps prevent shrinkage, which was not a problem for us after a couple of cold water washes.

In our option, Abercrombie nailed the fit that guys are looking for in t-shirts these days. Just a little boxy in the shoulder, a slightly wider sleeve, and a straight fitting body that hugs your silhouette without being tight. We liked how the shoulder is cut to be a little slouchy, which gave a comfortable range of motion. There is nothing fancy about the construction details, but it checks all the boxes for a reliably made tee.

Our editors could tell that Abercrombie put some effort into the washing process before selling this t-shirt. It is a mid-weight 100% cotton fabric that comes with a lived in feel right out of the box. The color had a vintage faded texture to it as well.

Vuori, one of our favorite athleisure brands, uses moisture-wicking tech fabric in its signature crewneck tee, providing unparalleled comfort while you're running a 5K or just running errands.

Unlike with other standard athletic shirts that always fit too tight, I didn't have to go through that trouble myself with this slim fit take, making it a tee I'd actually wear out on its own, because outside is where it shines: to me, its stretch and moisture wicking have made it look and smell fresh time after time. More importantly, I couldn’t believe how soft it felt when I put it on the first time: it was like being clothed in a cloud, and the breathable fabric was able to keep me cool instead of suffocating me.

Read More: Best Workout Shirts

Buck Mason earned top honors on our list by taking matters into their own hands. A couple of years ago, the Los Angeles-based brand purchased two century old knitting mills in Eastern Pennsylvania that were on the verge of closure. Now all of the brand’s t-shirts are produced there, from the raw cotton to the finished products.

Vertically integrated production like that provides a level of quality control that is evident in the Slub Classic Tee. There were no loose threads or out of place stitching, the cut was perfectly balanced, and tremendously sturdy for a relatively lightweight tee.

Our editors love this t-shirt because the weight hits a sweet spot that is surprisingly hard to find. For a while now, most t-shirts have been a little flimsy. Heavyweight cotton tees have made a big comeback recently, but many of these are just a little too bulky. Buck Mason’s slub cotton has a soft feel and loose drape while still feeling sturdy and reliable.

The white tee is slightly transparent, but with a speckled texture indicative of slub cotton. It is truly a do-it-all t-shirt that looks good with everything and fits well on most body types.

Read more: Best White T-Shirts for Men

Winner of our Fitness Awards, Rhone’s Reign is perhaps the most comfortable t-shirt the athletic guys at Men's Health have ever tested and worn to a gym session. "This breathable top moves with you when you reach overhead for pullups and chin-ups thanks to its seamless construction," says our Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S..

In addition, its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric has always come in a pinch for me whenever the gym gets a bit too heated.

In our experience, and probably yours as well, the first thing to go on a t-shirt is the shape of the neck and sleeves. Which is why Alex Mill paid particular attention to these two trouble spots. A heavy duty ribbed collar is wrapped over the neckline and triple stitched on both sides, which held up as the sturdiest collar we tested. The sleeves are bolstered with a band of fabric sewn on at the end, much like a retro “ringer” t-shirt, but in the same color.

This shirt is garment dyed, meaning that it is made out of white fabric, then dyed once the shirt is completed. This leads to a unique texture to every individual shirt, which ages gradually with each wash and wear. Keep in mind that if you order online, the shirt you receive may not precisely match the color pictured online.

Merz B. Schwaman was a IYKYK brand, sought after for paying incredible attention to detail on seemingly simple garments, until being prominently featured on the hit FX series The Bear. No mere product placement, the “Merz B.” 214 t-shirt was chosen by the show’s wardrobe department because it is a real life favorite of fashion conscious chefs. It took all of ten minutes in this t-shirt for us to become fans of the fit, fabric, and functionality.

Merz B. Schwaman was a IYKYK brand, sought after for paying incredible attention to detail on seemingly simple garments, until being prominently featured on the hit FX series The Bear. No mere product placement, the “Merz B.” 214 t-shirt was chosen by the show’s wardrobe department because it is a real life favorite of fashion conscious chefs. It took all of ten minutes in this t-shirt for us to become fans of the fit, fabric, and functionality.

Levi’s blended a vintage look with a contemporary fit in the Gold Tab tee. Although the shoulders were a little boxy, drooping over our shoulders slightly, the body had a straight fit that created a nice, clean look. There is a soft worn-in feel to the fabric that made it really comfortable to wear.

The thing that really stood out in our testing was the collar construction. Levi’s used a wrap over design that we typically see on more expensive t-shirts, but the fabric is not ribbed. It laid well, without showing any signs of drooping, but does not have the durability of a ribbed overlapping collar.

"Sleek was the first word that came to mind when wearing Armani Exchange’s slim fit pima cotton tee. It has the form fitting and minimalist look of an undershirt, but with a slightly heavier cotton that allows it to work as a t-shirt. The tailored and smooth look went really well with a suit for a modern business casual outfit.

Despite the affordable price, this felt about as elevated as a t-shirt can get. The pima cotton, which consists of extra long fibers that make for a softer feel and smoother look, has a luxurious appearance. It also made for a really comfortable undershirt that didn’t add any bulk when layering.

Anyone that's owned merino wool knows the entry price is worth the investment. The fabric is famously breathable, and its natural anti-odor properties and moisture-wicking ability make it so you can wear the garment for longer than you'd expect before it gets, well, gross.

To test out its merino wool performance, I’ve in fact packed this tee for a recent trip and worn it to trail, walk, and commute for a few days. At the end of the day, when I did take it off, I was delighted to find out that it remained as fresh as when I first put it on, after all those hours of traveling in it.

Simply put, this is a quintessential pocket tee available for a very affordable price. It feels like it was pulled from Gap’s ‘90s archive, when the brand was known for great looking basics. The fit was a little boxy, but by no means baggy, and looked flattering on a whole range of body types. Even though the construction details are simple, especially compared to some of the premium tees we tested, it still felt sturdy and reliable.

The weight of this tee came as a surprise, given the look and price. It felt more like a mid-weight cotton that held its shape better than most “basic” t-shirts we’ve tried in the past.

Guys are starting to embrace heavyweight t-shirts again and our editors are here for it. The simple fact is that a burly cotton, like the one used here by Son of a Tailor, will live on in your closet for significantly longer than the flimsier cotton tees we’ve gotten used to. It also uses a heavy duty ribbed collar, which is a little wider than any other collar we tested, in order to keep its shape for a really long time.

Our favorite part about this t-shirt is that it dispels the common preconception that heavyweight cotton always comes in a boxy fit. This one had a flattering fit, with a soft rounded shoulder and a slim sleeve.

Relaxed t-shirts are on trend, but a lot of them look sloppy. This one is anything but that. In fact, this hefty tee is a staple among fashion-forward folk. Its relaxed, oversized fit makes them a wonder to be worn solo and paired with equally relaxed, oversized pants.

As someone who always gives bombastic side eyes to oversized tees, this is one of the few that I actually approve and love wearing. Firstly, its nice heft just feels dependable. Secondly, its relaxed fit ain’t too baggy or sloppy—and when styled right, has managed to look elevated on me instead of too streetwear-y.

How to Style T-Shirts for Different Occasions?

Casual/Everyday Look: Pair a classic crew-neck or V-neck t-shirt with jeans or chinos (including their shorts variations) for a laid-back vibe. Layer under a denim or bomber jacket for a touch of coolness during cooler weather. Complete the outfit with sneakers or casual shoes like slip-ons.

Going Out: Opt for lightweight, breathable t-shirts. Style them with shorts or casual linen pants for a cool and relaxed look. Slip into comfortable sandals or boat shoes for added comfort.

Relaxed Weekend/Lounging: Pair a relaxed-fit or classic-fit tee with casual joggers or sweatpants for a totally easy vibe.

Beach or Resort: Style a light and breezy t-shirt with swim trunks or linen shorts for a beach-ready look. Wear flip-flops or sandals to complement the vacation vibe.

Athletic/Sports: Pick moisture-wicking or performance t-shirts first, and wear them with gym shorts or athletic shorts or track pants for maximum comfort and flexibility during your activities.

Smart/Business Casual: If you know the dress code allows, pick a well-fitted (usually slim) t-shirt in a solid color and minimal design (no pocket, for instance). Pair it with tailored trousers or chinos for a more polished appearance (make sure to tuck it), then layer it under a blazer. Complete the look with dress sneakers or leather sneakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best T-Shirt Brands for Men?

The most popular and reputable t-shirt brands for men that consistently deliver high-quality tees often happen to be the best clothing brands for men. For instance, Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Sunspel often churn out classic tees in premium materials suitable for both casual and smart-casual occasions. Buck Mason, Outerknown, and Billy Reid are known for making casual pocketed tees with a lived-in vibe and garment-dyed fabric.

Athleisure brands like Vuori, Lululemon, and Rhone make t-shirts that are versatile for all kinds of physical activities. Trendy brands like CDLP, Everlane, and Richer Poorer are what you should go for relaxed-fit, oversized tees. For undershirts or tees for homebodies, Tommy John, Jockey, Calvin Klein, and Hanes have you covered.

Our all-time favorite, tried-and-tested t-shirt brand, however, is Mack Weldon who makes tees that are soft, versatile, long-lasting, well-fitted, and can do no wrong.

What Kinds of T-Shirts Should Men Wear?

That depends on the occasion and personal style. For a casual look, you can't go wrong with a classic crew neck t-shirt (especially those that have gone through the wash to look more vintage and lived-in). V-necks add a touch of flair and work great as undershirts. Graphic tees let you showcase your personality, while t-shirts with a pocket let you look a bit more sophisticated. For athletic activities, moisture-wicking and performance t-shirts are a no-brainer when you go to the gym or hike.

How to Care for and Maintain the Quality of T-Shirts?

Providing the right care to your tees will help keep them looking sharp and feeling comfy for eons. First up, read the damn label! Make sure you follow the instructions. Also, be sure to separate colors when you wash t-shirts—darks with darks and lights with lights.

When you wash, make sure the water is cold because the temperature will help preserve colors and prevent shrinkage. Turning t-shirts inside out can also help protect the outer fabric from friction and fading. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to help maintain the shape and fabric, too.

Additionally, skip the dryer and air-dry if possible because high heat can cause shrinkage (use low-heat settings if you must air-dry). We also recommend folding instead of hanging t-shirts because the latter will stretch out the neck of the tees and cause them to lose their shape.