No menswear item is arguably more essential than the men’s t-shirt. The versatility and relative affordability of the great t-shirts for men means they can be worn in countless ways, and in virtually any scenario, although the cocktail dress code may be a bit of a stretch.
With that said, the rules of how to wear t-shirts are rather simple. Start with the basic colours like white, black, grey and navy and you’ll have solid foundations for a versatile wardrobe, being able to pair them with just about anything from jackets to knitwear to hoodies to blazers to collared shirts. Once you’ve nailed that you can start playing around with prints, patterns, detailing and materials to really establish your own personal look.
When it comes to buying men’s t-shirts, however, it’s not just as simple as going into a store, picking some up and walking away. At least, not if you don’t want to have to keep making repeat trips due to your chosen best t-shirts not being of good quality, or the correct fit.
In this story…
Finding the best t-shirts for men online
With most brands from budget right through to designer labels sourcing their men’s t-shirts – or at least, the cotton to make their t-shirts – from China and other major regions of clothing manufacture, determining the quality of your t-shirts isn’t always the easiest of tasks.
Fortunately, you have DMARGE on your side, and here are our top tips regarding what to look out for next time you go t-shirt shopping.
The Fabric
- A men’s t-shirt’s softness will be indicated by the number of natural fibres used. This information can usually be found on the label. Obviously, you can just feel the t-shirt, but let it be known that a super soft t-shirt in-store may diminish after a few washes.
- Those after quality should lookout for a 100% cotton tee, especially if you’re in the market for printed men’s t-shirts, as the prints will tend to display better on them.
- A jersey t-shirt is also a fantastic option. You’ll guaranteed stretch and comfort, as well as breathability with a jersey t-shirt.
- Blended synthetic tees (usually those on the more budget end of the scale) have the issue of ageing at a different rate to pure 100% materials, and this may tarnish the look slightly.
- Full polyester t-shirts, on the other hand, will be terrible for moisture-wicking sweat from your body and breathability on the whole. They are, however, better for water resistance, so choose materials based on your requirements.
- Bear in mind that a 100% cotton t-shirt doesn’t necessarily mean high quality as there is both low-end and high-end cotton; try to go for organic cotton, Supima cotton, cotton jersey, or slub cotton.
The Weave
A tighter weave will mean your t-shirt will last longer, being able to retain its quality following multiple wears and washes. One misconception of a tighter weave is that it will equate to a heavier t-shirt, yet this isn’t the case, as a t-shirt’s fabric density is independent of the t-shirt’s weight or thickness.
With regards to the weight of a t-shirt, this information should also be displayed on the label, and will most commonly be measured in ounces (Oz) or grams per square metre (GSM). The higher the number, the heavier the t-shirt, with the heaviest weight you can expect to find being around 300gsm, making it more suitable for colder months.
If it’s a short sleeve men’s t-shirt for Summer you’re after, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for t-shirts in the 130-150gsm range, as these fabrics will be lighter and cooler.
The Stitching Quality
Stitching quality is a tell-tale sign of a men’s t-shirt’s quality. Look out for any loose threads as a sign of poor construction. A higher stitch count also means the garment should be stronger and will last longer. Stitching at the seams is also an important factor to consider when it comes to the amount of stretch your t-shirt is able to undergo.
If you want a t-shirt to have some stretch to it so that it feels more comfortable during wear, then the stitching will also need to stretch with the fabric. You don’t want to be in a situation when you need to swing your arms, for example, and find that the stitching holding the sleeves to the main body prevent you from achieving your full range of movement.
Different Fits And Styles
There’s an array of fits and styles of men’s tees, but the most classic style is a slim fit crew neck t-shirt. However, you can get a relaxed fit if you want something super comfortable. You can get a regular fit if you’re uncomfortable with having a t-shirt cling to you like a slim fit, but you don’t want it to swamp you like a relaxed fit.
If you’re not fond of the crew neck t-shirt because it feels restrictive around your neck, you can go for a scoop neck or a v neck. You can also get a pocket tee if you like having a little extra storage for your everyday essentials. We recommend getting short sleeves but also at least one long sleeve tee, so you’re covered for cooler weather.
The best men’s t-shirt is what you feel comfortable in; so decide what style you like best in terms of both comfort and aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a crewneck tee, v-neck tee, or scoop neck tee, long-sleeve t-shirt or short sleeve t-shirt, these are the brands for men to know if you want the best men’s t-shirts on the market, in your wardrobe.
The full list of the best T-Shirt brands for blokes…
Everlane
1/30BEST EVERYDAY T-SHIRT
Price: From $30
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “I have not been disappointed. It is the perfect fit.”
Everlane is a clothing brand for the modern era and focuses heavily on ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes. Their men’s t-shirts are made in Vietnam in a hand-picked factory from a variety of high-quality cotton. We can personally vouch for the quality of their Air t-shirt, with its perfect cotton crew neck.
In our humble opinion, Everlane makes great t-shirts for men. Price and quality can’t be beat.
Rhone
2/30BEST T-SHIRT FOR ATHLETIC GUYS
Price: From $38
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: Pima cotton
Customer Reviews: “Delighted with this shirt – fits great and very comfortable.”
Premium athletic wear specialist Rhone is a brand all modern professional gents should have on their radar. The brand puts a strong focus on sourcing and developing the finest fabrics that feel super soft on the skin and help you perform to the highest level. Rhone cuts clothing magnificently, so you’ll find their garments fit perfectly.
Away from its gym and athletic range, Rhone also has a collection of everyday clothing, which includes the Element Tee. Available in crew and v-neck styles, the Element is made from a soft and highly durable Pima cotton and benefits from SilverTech to help banish odour, meaning you can wear it multiple days in a row. Cut to a perfect slim fit too, the Element could be the only t-shirt you ever need.
Mott & Bow
3/30Price: From $35
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Combed Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Excellent tee. Soft, perfect fit, washes beautifully.”
Founded in 2013, Mott & Bow is a premium clothing brand who create elevated basics at affordable prices. The brand is mostly known for their extremely comfortable and well-made jeans, as founder Alejandro Chahin spent most of his life working with denim at his family’s denim manufacturing facility. However, Mott & Bow, also make high-quality chinos, tees, shirts, and sweaters.
Mott & Bow have a great range of men’s t-shirts that come in different sleeve lengths and are available in round neck and v neck styles. All tees are made from 100% combed cotton, and come in almost any colour you could want. Mott & Bow tees are seriously stylish and comfortable, and will last you a long time.
Ministry of Supply
4/30BEST SUSTAINABLE T-SHIRT
Price: From $38
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Coffee-Infused Recycled Polyester
Customer Reviews: “The flexibility was awesome, and the fabric and cut perfectly fit my shape. I’m very happy with my selection!”
You don’t typically think of ‘science’ when you’re clothes shopping and yet, science drives everything Ministry of Supply does. They use science and engineering techniques to create garments that are comfortable, breathable, stretchy, sweatproof, are easy to care for, and will give you a full range of motion.
Their range of men’s t-shirts include merino knits for ultimate softness, and coffee-infused tees to absorb odour. All of Ministry of Supply’s will make an excellent addition to any wardrobe.
Outerknown
5/30BEST T-SHIRT FOR SURFER DUDES
Price: From $48
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: 100% Organic cotton
Customer Reviews: “Most comfortable T you’ll ever buy.”
Started by the world’s most dominant competitive surfer ever, Kelly Slater, Outerknown is his own brainchild and legacy. The brand employs sustainable practices to ensure the planet and its fruits can be enjoyed for generations to come. Outerknown’s tees are clean-cut and basic, the best men’s t-shirt for any casual affair. If you’re after a pocket tee, Outerknown has a wide range as well as classic tees.
Tommy John
6/30SOFTEST T-SHIRT
Price: From $55
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: Pima cotton
Customer Reviews: “Softest shirt I’ve ever owned!”
Tommy John is known for comfort. While it may predominantly be an underwear brand (and you really should check out their boxers and briefs) the same commitment to quality fabrics has been applied to other areas of clothing too, including t-shirts. The fabric blend used for the t-shirts comprises, pima cotton, model and spandex for ultimate comfort. All t-shirts are also wrinkle-resistant, unshrinkable and fade-free, so will basically look like new their entire life. There’s literally not a bad word to say about these slim fit cotton crew neck t-shirt.
Quince
7/30Price: From $35
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: 100% Extra-fine Australian merino wool
Customer Reviews: “My skin has never been happier! Soft and resilient.”
San Francisco-based clothing brand, Quince is relatively new to the clothing scene, but aims to shake things up by offering luxury quality and rock-bottom prices. Just one look at the company’s website and we’re inclined to agree, with men’s t-shirts being made from 100% Pima organic cotton that is sourced from Peru, which is also where the t-shirts are made. And, being a direct-to-consumer brand, the prices can be kept incredibly low, to the point where we wonder how they even make a profit.
Their mens’ t-shirts look, feel and fit fantastically, so be sure to stock up your drawers on these shirts for men.
Bonobos
8/30BEST SMART CASUAL T-SHIRT
Price: From $35
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Great quality t-shirt, light and durable.”
Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn’t find men’s pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. They fixed it with their not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos’ pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of men’s waists. Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it!
Bonobos tees are oh so soft, and are available in slim and standard fits that will make you look cool and casual (never sloppy though!). They’ve got classic colours, white, black, grey, navy, but also have bolder colours, stripes, and unique graphic tees if you’re after something a bit more fun.
Todd Snyder
9/30Price: From $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Super soft, great slim fit without being too tight, and just the right weathered great.”
Effortlessly cool US designer, Todd Snyder makes essential wardrobe pieces incredibly well. More premium than the average high-street store yet not quite venturing into truly luxurious territory, Todd Snyder is a brand that professionals really need to consider stocking up on.
The label’s Made In L.A. t-shirt, is as the name suggests, made in the Californian city. Fabricated from a premium cotton jersey, Todd’s tee lends itself to being dressed up or down, depending on the situation you find yourself in. Available in a multitude of colours, this cotton jersey tee is a superb capsule piece.
Flint & Tinder
10/30Price: From $38
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: Cotton, Cordura® nylon
Customer Reviews: “These shirts are comfortable and look great for such a basic tee.”
Flint & Tinder is a small subsidiary of Huckberry which draws its designs from traditional, hardwearing American looks. All of their items are made in the USA to extremely high standards. Their t-shirts are no-frills, practical and stylish. We highly recommend their cotton crew short sleeve tee range.
Saturdays NYC
11/30Price: From $48
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Saturdays NYC was started by a group of friends in New York City who shared a passion for surfing and coffee culture. Their appreciation of these and the aesthetic lifestyles associated with them is the source of inspiration for the label. Their tees combine modern cuts with cool, minimalist designs that ooze urban cool.
American Giant
12/30Price: From $40
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Another home run! Also well-made and durable.”
For outright quality you simply must check out American Giant. The US clothing brand produces its entire catalogue of clothes in the US, which means you can be assured of receiving items that will last.
The brand’s premium slub cotton t-shirt is made from a slub cotton jersey fabric that is the result of a year’s worth of development. Incredibly comfortable and offering up what could be considered a perfect fit, it could well become your new favourite; honestly their range are some of the best men’s t-shirts available.
Unbound Merino
13/30BEST WOOL T-SHIRT
Price: From $85
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: 100% Ultra-fine merino wool
Customer Reviews: “Nice soft feel. Very lightweight perfect for travel. Would definitely order more.”
Always thought of wool as being a material for colder temperatures? Think again. Unbound Merino, a Canadian company specialising in the use of Merino wool, has produced a collection of t-shirts that can be worn all year round. Taking advantage of merino wool’s natural properties, the brand’s t-shirts are odour resistant, moisture wicking, and highly breathable, so will keep you cool and dry incredibly quickly. Three major boxes ticked for men’s t-shirts.
These cotton crew tees look great too, and are available in the essential colours.
ASOS Design
14/30Price: From $20
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Good quality t shirt. Great for summer.”
Since becoming one of the most successful online fashion retailers, ASOS have introduced their own line of clothing – ASOS design. Since they offer a large selection of the worlds best clothing brands on their website, they can draw inspiration from all over to create eclectic designs of their own. This applies to their t-shirts which come in an enormous selection of affordable styles; this is where you can find that pocket tee, curved hem, longer sleeve tee, or whatever unconventional style you’re after.
J.Crew
15/30Price: From $32
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Cotton
Customer Reviews: “All in all, a great shirt which serves its purpose.”
J Crew’s ethos is to make timeless clothing that lasts a lifetime. They have an expansive range of t-shirts for men, available in modern cuts, trendy colours and timeless designs so you’re guaranteed to find the best t shirt for your wardrobe.
Orlebar Brown
16/30BEST PREMIUM T-SHIRT
Price: From $115
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Without doubt the best t shirt in my life right now.”
Orlebar Brown is famous for making swim shirts that are so cool and sophisticated that James Bond wears them. Alongside making the world’s best ‘shorts you can swim in’, Orlebar Brown has a range of slim fit, regular fit, crewneck tee and v-neck t-shirts that match the quality and style of their shorts.
If money is no object, OB makes the best t-shirts for men who are not on a budget.
Unrecorded
17/30Price: From $36
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Organic cotton
Founded in Amsterdam, Unrecorded came about in an attempt to put up a front to fast fashion. As a result of this, all of Unrecoded’s clothing uses high quality, durable fabrics, sustainable production processes and timeless designs that are immune from the coming and going of fashion trends. Whilst basic, their men’s t-shirts are made from organic cotton and feature a timeless, elegant cut. This is probably one of the best places to get that classic white tee.
Paul Smith
18/30Price: From $70
Sizes: S-L
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “You can tell it is a premium T both by feel and by sight.”
Famous for his unique and interesting designs, Paul Smith knows how to make clothing that is in the moment but not of the moment. His selection of t-shirts are crafted from organic cotton and are available with patterns or in plain.
Sunspel
19/30Price: From $83
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Unbeknownst to many, Sunspel is one of the finest manufacturers of wardrobe basics. They’re so good, they’re even the choice of basics for Daniel Craig’s 007. Designed and made in Europe from ultra-high quality fabrics, Sunspel’s basics, like the ever so humble cotton t-shirt, look fantastic and will last you a lifetime.
Outlier
20/30Price: From $88
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Micron merino
Customer Reviews: “Looking good right out of the box.”
Outlier creates clothing with the aim of helping people with the freedom to do whatever they want, without being restricted by their clothing. Above all else, they focus on functionality to help empower the wearer. Their t-shirts are the embodiment of this ethos and are the best t-shirts when it comes to comfort.
Acne Studios
21/30Price: From $200
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Acne Studios was originally a subset of Acne, a Swedish brand that focused on graphic design, film production and advertising. Since then, Acne Studios has taken off to become one of the most influential designer brands. Their t-shirts pair ultra-high quality with distinct, modern designs. These shirts for men are all relaxed; no slim fit here. Another one of the best shirt brands for a modern, edgy look.
Uniqlo
22/30BEST CHEAP T-SHIRT
Price: From $20
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Cotton
Customer Reviews: “I love this shirt! The fit on it is fantastic and it doesn’t shrink even after washing multiple times.”
Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo is a must-visit shopping destination for well-made, well-fitting menswear essentials, but without the price tag of some more premium clothing labels. Uniqlo u offers both short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, in regular fits and playful fits such as a curved hem, or a pocket tee; but it’s the Supima cotton range that has us giddy with excitement. Supima cotton is superior to regular cotton as it exhibits greater strength, colour retention and softness.
Pact
23/30Price: From $24
Sizes: S-XL
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Customer Reviews: “Excellent fabric & fit – plus Fair Trade Certified.”
Pact’s super soft everyday apparel is made using non-GMO organic cotton in a transparent supply chain that improves the lives of farmers and workers. Pact only uses organic cotton because it sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people by using natural farming processes; which means no toxic chemicals and ninety-one percent less water than non-organic cotton.
Their range of men’s tees are super soft, featherlight, and breathable with slim and regular fits. Available in a variety of both classic and bold colours, a Pact tee will make you look and feel good because they’re stylish, comfortable, and sustainably made.
Los Angeles Apparel
24/30Price: From $20
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Combed cotton, combed polyester
Customer Reviews: “Looks great, feels great. The best white t-shirt around.”
Founded in 2016, Los Angeles Apparel has a fantastic collection of men’s t-shirts available in a variety of fits, styles, and colours. Most are made with soft combed cotton, and are surprisingly affordable considering the high quality.
Talentless
25/30Price: From $48
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “My favorite T love fit and looks awesome. I will buy in every color.”
Talentless stand strongly behind their quality goods that last a lifetime. The brand’s goal from the start has been to constantly implement luxurious, timeless pieces that serve as an effortless addition into men and women’s wardrobes.
Talentless has a huge range of men’s t-shirts in both plain block colours and printed graphics. Made with premium fabrics and with multiple fits on offer, Talentless has extremely cool tees that’ll last you for years to come.
CDLP
26/30Price: From $85
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Lyocell, pima cotton
Founded in 2016, CDLP is a design house of focused, luxury essentials within the categories of underwear, tops, swim, performance, and home. Developed with innovation in Sweden, the line is consciously constructed in Europe using future-orientated materials.
CDLP’s large range of t-shirts are all designed with relaxed cuts and precise tailoring. Made of a unique blend of lyocell and pima cotton, and available in a great range of colours.
Public Rec
27/30Price: From $54
Sizes: S-XXXL
Material: Pima cotton, TENCEL®
Customer Reviews: “I love the material/fabric. Very rich feeling.”
Public Rec, founded in 2015, set out to make comfort look good. They achieved this by releasing a line of athleisure clothing that’s stylish, high quality, tailored, and, above all, comfortable.
Public Rec has a huge range of men’s t-shirts all in a relaxed fit. Available in multiple colours and both in crew neck and v neck options, all of Public Rec’s tees are wrinkle resistant, moisture wicking, and highly breathable.
Perk
28/30Price: From $38
Sizes: S-XXXL
Material: 100% Peruvian pima cotton
Customer Reviews: “Feel amazing in the dress up tee that softens & fits after washing.”
Perk is an elevated basics brand for busy men that need reliable, all day comfort and don’t believe in distractions. They have an incredible range of men’s t-shirts in short sleeve, long sleeve, crew neck, v neck, and henley styles. All are extremely well-made and have been crafted with soft Pima cotton.
P&Co
29/30Price: From $38
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Organic cotton
Customer Reviews: “Very soft and thick tops, excellent quality, my favourite brand!”
Provision & Co, shortened to P&Co, was founded in 2014 but has quickly grown to a global lifestyle style brand offering a range of menswear, womenswear, and goods. All of P&Co’s clothing is inspired by custom design, art, music, and ‘pretty much anything with wheels’ with the result being seriously cool clothes.
P&Co has a small but great range of men’s t-shirts that have been designed to be a heavyweight tee; perfect for cooler days. Available in a relaxed fit in four neutral colours, P&Co’s classic t-shirts will become the foundation of your everyday wardrobe.
PANGAIA
30/30Price: From $55
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% Organic cotton
Customer Reviews: “Ive been a Pangaia customer for a couple of years because I love the quality of the products.”
PANGAIA is a direct-to-consumer materials science company bringing breakthrough textile innovations and patents into the world through everyday lifestyle products. Every technology the brand work’s with aims to solve an environmental problem of the fashion/apparel & nature industry. The result is sustainably made clothing that’s impeccably high-performing.
PANGAIA has a huge range of soft, responsibly made t-shirts made from organic cotton. Available in multiple styles and colours, PANGAIA’s t-shirts are a must-have addition to any man’s wardrobe.
