While slipping on a favorite tee, few of us spare a thought for its remarkable history. The word T-shirt was included in the Merriam Webster dictionary in the 1920s. These versatile, comfortable, all-weather, all-occasion garments can be traced back to the 1898 Spanish-American War. They were issued to US Navy personnel to be used as innerwear and worn under their uniforms. Ideal for working in hot climates, men could remove the upper layers of uniform and continue working in appropriate attire.
These short-sleeved, crew-neck garments became popular as a bottom layer of clothing in many other industries because they are inexpensive, easy to clean, wear, and remove. Tees can be worn alone with jeans or with an open or buttoned-down shirt, layered for winter wear, or with a formal jacket and boots. Today, they’re a wardrobe essential, available in a variety of colors, textures, fabrics, and prints and are a great media for expressing your personality.
These are the 25 best t-shirts for men.
The Best T-Shirt for Men
Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee
If you’re the kind that hangs on to ancient, holey, superannuated tees just because they’re soft and comfortable, this one’s for you. It uses shredded and re-spun recycled, upcycled cotton and polyester yarn and is available in a range of attractive, muted shades. The single chest-pocket adds interest, and the material is pre-shrunk. You’ll find that the white pocket tee stays clean and smart-looking after repeated washes because this is a serious tee, meant to go the extra mile for the long haul.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee
No body odor! You won’t have to take this one off for 72 hours straight while you’re on the road. Made from natural merino wool that has anti-microbial properties, it is fast-drying and keeps you warm too. The wool is sourced specially from three exclusive sheep stations in New Zealand that reputedly provide the softest and toughest merino wool on earth. The superfine 17.5-micron gauge yarn makes this tee odor-proof and very comfortable. Traveling just got a lot lighter, and you’ll pass the sniff test every time.
Todd Snyder Made in LA Broken-In T-Shirt
If you see yourself as the modern gentleman who indulges in effortless, everyday luxury, this is the brand for you. Available around the world in the best big-name stores, Todd Snyder tees are manufactured in their legendary LA factory. The Broken-In T-Shirt is a year-round staple, made from premium garment-dyed jersey cotton and looks great on its own paired with jeans or chinos or under a formal jacket. The rich, unique colors and texture make it a basic plain wardrobe essential. You can choose from Grey Heather, New Pink, Shadow, Navy, White, or Black.
Uniqlo Men Suprima Cotton Crew-Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
If you’ve been on the eternal quest for the basic, classic white tee, you’ve reached your destination. Made from 100% low-nap Suprima cotton that gives a softer texture, the garment has a glossy sheen, and premium feel at a surprisingly affordable price. The slimmer cut around the armholes and shoulder prevents it from bunching up, and you won’t find the colors leaking on to your body or other garments. You can wear it on its own, but it’s also great for layering and is an excellent, lightweight yet sturdy shirt.
Patagonia Line Ridge Logo Responsibili-Tee Regular Fit T-shirt
Blending sustainable mission, style, simplicity, and utility, this is the brand for you. With strong roots in sports, mountaineering, skiing, surfing, and trail running, the Patagonia brand from Nordstrom delivers performance along with minimal environmental impact. The true-to-size tee can be teamed with heavier mid and over layers. The Patagonia graphic at the back and logo in front provide visual brand impact on this versatile T-shirt cut. The garment is made from a blend of recycled cotton and polyester designed to minimize petroleum use in the manufacturing process.
You can even wear it as a running shirt.
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee
For fans of clean, straightforward, timeless basics, Buck Mason is the brand to go for. The signature rounded hem on this classic crew-neck tee gives this simple garment a stylish, tailored look. Manufactured in the USA from local, loose-knit, textured, breathable, 100% slub-woven cotton, this tee will not lose its shape, size, or fit over repeated washes. The color choices include core colors white, black, coal/faded blue/sand Venice wash besides a range of seasonal colors.
Everlane Cotton Crew
Soft the first time you wear it and softer every time you wash it – that’s the T that you’ve always dreamed about. This quietly stylish, casual, iconic t-shirt is available in a choice of 14 subdued shades that follow a basic design element. Everlane believes that making the right choice should be as easy as putting on a t-shirt. The design may run a little long for shorter folks, but you’ll love the look and feel of this iconic everyday tee.
For more must-have wardrobe items, check out our guide to the best undershirts.
Outerknown Sojourn Pocket Tee
Mature, classic and stylish, yet casually elegant, the Outerknown Sojourn Pocket tee is something that you’ll love to have in your wardrobe. Made from 100% soft, organic Peruvian Pima cotton, this is a light tee designed for toughness. The tees are pigment dyed for that well-washed, often-worn look and feel. Since the dyes are individually done, you won’t find another exactly like yours. The neckline design is slightly more relaxed than the normal crews, while the rib trim at the chest, pocket, and sleeves and the signature bite stitch at the hem give it a touch of class.
Mott & Bow Classic V-Neck – Driggs
You’ll love the fit – it’s neither too slim nor too baggy. Woven in Peru using cotton jersey fiber, this tee feels soft, light, and comfortable, and the V-neck gives it a smart, stylish look. Great for travel, an evening out teamed with a lightweight jacket, or to relax at home in, you’ll appreciate the fact that it suits several body types. The fabric is pre-shrunk and garment-dyed to take the edge off the brand-new look. This tee is available in a muted yet strong color palette that would look good no matter what your age. They also ship all over the world.
Columbia Thistledown Park Crew
Specially designed for the outdoors, this tee is manufactured from soft, cotton-blend (67% polyester 33% cotton heather jersey), wicking fabric. This tee is lightweight and highly breathable, and the patented Omni-Wick fabric pulls out the moisture from your body and promotes evaporation, keeping you cool. A great plus point with the Columbia Thistledown is that it dries super-fast, making it a useful travel companion. You get Big and Tall sizing options to fit your body type and a choice of long and short sleeve designs.
Outlier Runweight Merino T-Shirt
If you’re one of Outlier’s cult following devotees, you’ll like this one. Great for daily wear and comfortably functional for work-outs and exercising, combined with gym shorts, the Outlier Runweight Merino/polyester blend tee is versatile and stylish. Super soft merino wool keeps it breathable and fresh, and it’s highly durable compared to others in its class. The fabric is made of lightweight wicking Merino wool with natural anti-microbial and absorption properties. The V-neck design is not too deep, while the crew neck is comfortable.
James Perse Brushed Cotton Jersey Tee
In keeping with this brand’s reputation for producing the softest tee in the market, the Brushed Cotton Jersey tee is available in short and long sleeve designs. The patented DRI-fit fabric is made in Japan and wicks away sweat, keeping you fresh and comfortable all day long. James Perse’s signature lightweight fabric has an ultra-soft, suede-like feel that’s hard to find anywhere else. The neck tape adds durability and comfort, while the lightweight, thin fabric is convenient to pack and travel with while keeping you warm enough if there’s a nip in the air.
Wellen Hemp Tee
Amazingly soft and breathable, this tee is your toast to the earth. Made in China, this product from Wellen is manufactured from 45% soft organic cotton and 55% hemp fiber. This tee is long-lasting and retains its shape and size. You feel great about wearing something that’s made from sustainable, recycled materials. The fit is flattering and easy-going without being baggy and loose. Because the hemp fiber absorbs dyes differently from organic cotton material, you get some interesting, unique visual effects. The material feels cool and is available in attractive shades like Seafoam Green.
For some sporty options, be sure to browse our list of the top running sweatshirts.
Express Mesh Moisture Wicking Nylon Pocket T-Shirt
For ultimate breathability, it’s hard to beat mesh moisture-wicking fabric. The moisture-wicking fabric quickly pulls the wetness off your body and dries immediately, so you feel cool due to the evaporation. The cool cut and nylon pocket on this tee add interest and style while being functional too. If you’re looking for something to go out in or just hang out in, this is the one for you. The cotton-polyester blend helps this tee to retain its shape and size through lots of washing and hard wear.
Bonobos Lightweight Beach Tee
Think summer and forget your regular tank-tops. The Bonobos Lightweight Beach tee is the perfect alternative. Loose-fit, light, 100% slub jersey cotton, this tee is garment dyed. The neat little chest pocket adds interest and functionality while the neck trim provides character and definition. You may find this tee a little long, but it’s also thin and soft, quick-drying, and if you fold it under, it gives a different kind of look. These tees are available in cobalt, gold, cactus green, and pink.
Our guide to the best- rated polo shirts offers some simple but stylish option for everyday wear. Take a moment to check them out.
Big & Tall SONOMA Supersoft Regular-Fit Crewneck Tee
If there’s one thing that’s not so great about being big and tall, it’s shopping for clothes. The sleeve length and vertical length are the biggest issues. But Sonoma’s Big & Tall crew eck tee from Kohl’s is the answer to your problems. Feel-good fashion at its best, these tees are also great value for money, the perfect pick for weekend trips, and also to wear for drinks with the neighbors. The fabric has a good heft to it, and it doesn’t pill after several washes staying soft, comfortable, and cozy.
Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Triblend Tee
Flint and Tinder tees are famous for their softness, durability, and easy care. They’re cut from an exclusive 13oz heathered and textured fabric that gives the tee its unique looks and super soft feel. You can wear them on your own or layer for warmth. The vintage looks come from the pigment dye process while the pre-shrunk fabric holds its size and shape through washing. Available in heather gray, charcoal, and navy, the tri-blend composition is 50% polyester, 38% cotton, and 12% rayon. This blend gives your tee the durability and toughness to last through several washes and also retain its softness and good looks.
Feel free to wear it under your stylish shirt jacket.
ASOS Design Men’s Organic T-shirt with Crew Neck in White
Your quest for the ultimate white tee ends here. This great British brand’s classic white tee is part of their responsible edit with a plain, iconic design that looks great on its own and just as good with layering. Crew neck and short sleeves hark back to the sporty, stevedore look, and the tee comes in tall plus-size options as well. The fabric is soft, soft jersey made from sustainably sourced organic cotton, grown responsibly with minimum water and pesticides. The company ships free worldwide.
Rhone Athletic Short Sleeve T-Shirt
While shopping for workout clothes and gym wear, but this one on top of your list. Modern, purpose-made workout clothes are sweat-wicking, they breathe, and they dry fast. The Rhone Athletic tee highlights your high points and moves along with your body, so you don’t feel restricted in any way. The patented Goldfusion technology prevents “man stink.”
Perfect to combine with your sweatpants.
Everlane Aircrew Tee
Amazingly lightweight slub cotton tees available in Everlane’s signature palette of colors, these tees are subtly textured. They’re designed to push out body heat and let the cool breezes in. Everlane is famous for its transparent pricing policy, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Banks Journal Primary Faded Tee
If you love broken-in convenience and looks, the Banks Journal Faded is for you. These pre-washed, garment-dyed tees are interesting enough to be worn solo or layered under a denim jacket or paired with chinos. They do bleed color, so wash them separately, and they fade delightfully with every wash.
Banana Republic Soft Wash Crew Neck T-Shirt
Banana Republic fans would know that they’re not buying just a tee. It’s luxurious fabric quality, perfect fit, and long-lasting value for money. Always true to size, well-constructed, and available in unusual shades like Golden Oak and Antique Brown, these tees can be worn anywhere, depending on what you team them with.
Mack Weldon Silver Crew Neck T-Shirt
What sets these tees apart from others in the business is the use of real silver in the fabric, giving it unique anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties. Whenever you need to stay fresher for longer, pick this one. Mack Weldon’s attention to detail is evident in the quality and workmanship of this tee.
You may also like these cool hoodies from our list. Take a moment to check them out.
Robert Barakett Georgia Crew Neck T-Shirt
Incredibly versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting, this is the tee that can do double or triple duty when you’re traveling. Pair it with a formal jacket, chinos, or jeans or wear it on its own and attract a second glance wherever you go. The patented Soft-Wash finish is true to size with a little extra room in the chest and body.
Standard Issue Tee
Constructed from styles developed locally in LA, this tee combines classic looks, comfort, and ethical manufacturing. Each one comes in its reusable zippered pouch for easy storage/packing. Available in black, white, gray, and cream, these pre-shrunk tees are easy maintenance and keep their shape through repeated washes.
Be sure to also check out our selection of the top jogger pants for more versatile clothes like this.
