The 14 Best T-Shirts for Men, According to Style Experts

Pros

• Anti-odor Ionic+ silver
• Durable collar keeps its shape
• Strong ladder stitch increases its durability
• Doubles as a workout shirt
• Comes in 15+ colors

At Men’s Health, our fashion editors have worn, washed, and wowed in more t-shirts than you count. That said, when we vouch for one, believe us. My ultimate favorite is this crew neck version from Mack Weldon, which is made with Supima cotton, aka the softest, strongest and most durable cotton. It feels like a second skin, breathes well, and the slim fit is flattering. I’m 5’8 and wear a size small, and it hugs my biceps and pecs with just the right amount of tightness while still leaving plenty of breathing room.

I’ve worn this tee during errands, and I found that it’s managed to retain its soft touch and original shape after multiple washes. The infused stretch makes this a cinch to move in, whether I was reaching for something in a high cabinet or putting my luggage in the plane’s overhead compartment. Plus, every seam is super reinforced so it can handle tons of mileage without a single thread giving in.

I’m not kidding when I say I’ve worn this just about everywhere. Since it’s woven with antimicrobial silver threads that fight odor-causing bacteria, I’ve used it as a workout shirt for serious sweat sessions and stayed smelling fresh. Performance aside, I’ve made this tee work in a bunch of settings: rocking it with jeans for an everyday look, and even layering it under a blazer when I want to dress things up. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors to choose from.

Read More: Mack Weldon Silver Crew Neck T-Shirt Review

Need to stock up on T-shirts? Gildan has you covered with this bestselling multipack, which our editors rave about for its breathable cotton fabric, moisture-wicking finish, and an easy-to-move-in fit. Even though this tee isn’t blended with any spandex or elastane, I was surprised by how easily I could lift my arms and not feel any stiffness or tugging. It didn’t feel like I was wearing a cardboard box. I especially appreciate the classic crew neckline that sits around the neck and doesn’t stretch out after a few wears like most budget packs tend to do.

I typically don’t wear this as a workout tee, but it makes for an excellent undershirt beneath my zip-up hoodies and sweaters. And when I layered it, the tee conforms to my body and stays put. Unlike stretchy shirts that can ride up or bunch, this one stays flat. It’s so soft, thin (but not-see through), and holds shape remarkably well, even after multiple wash cycles.

Now let’s talk shrinkage: I ran it through a normal cold wash and tumble dried on a low heat. It did shrink a bit: about a half an inch in length and slightly in the sleeves. But honestly, that ended up making the fit better for me. It hugged around my pecs, molded closer to the torso, and the sleeves hit a more flattering midpoint on my upper arm to show my muscle gains. Plus, it doesn’t pill as quickly as one would imagine, based on the price.

Read more: Gildan Crew Neck T-Shirt Review

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 marathon 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: Vuori Strato Tech Tee Review

Lululemon churns out tees as flattering as its famed ABC pants, and this one has earned a permanent spot in our rotation. It’s got the kind of perfect middleweight feel that lands between lounging and everyday fits. The cotton-elastane blend is structured enough to wear outside, soft enough to crash in, and polished enough to layer under button-down shirts and jackets.

Let’s start with the fit: the sleeves drop to about mid-bicep, offering a little more coverage than your average muscle tee. So no, you’re not exactly showing off the full pump, but that’s kind of the point. It has a clean, athletic drape that hugs the chest and shoulders but leaves room through the midsection. That comfy-yet-clean silhouette owes a lot to the cotton-elastane fabric, which moves with you whether you’re racing to catch a train or hauling your backpack through TSA.

The material is a soft jersey knit made from organic cotton, and you can tell the difference compared to cheaper tees. It’s got that smooth, buttery finish that’s cool to the touch and resists the dreaded scratchy feel even after multiple washes. Its also incredibly breathable. I wore it during a rush-hour subway commute in peak humidity. I’m talking sweaty backpack, wall-to-wall body heat, the whole thing, and it still felt airy enough to keep me cool and comfortable, like it was letting the steam out instead of trapping it in. It dries fast too, so you’re not stuck with damp pit zones the rest of the day.

One of our favorite touches is the raised collar construction, which subtly sets this tee apart from others we tested. Unlike flimsier tees that end up with stretched-out necklines or that dreaded bacon curl, this one’s collar sits up just slightly higher and has kept its shape since I wore it for the first time three months ago. It’s a minor detail that matters, especially if you’re layering it or wearing it solo.

Read More: Vuori vs. Lululemon

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.

Winner of our Fitness Awards best short sleeve tee, Rhone’s Reign is perhaps the most comfortable workout 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 pull-ups 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. No matter how intense our sessions can be, we still feel and smell fresh after sweating bullets, thanks to the anti-odor technology.

A couple of years ago, the Los Angeles-based Buck Mason 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.

Some necklines on t-shirts tend to droop or stretch after a few wears or washes, but the binding at Uniqlo’s collar helps this one keep its shape. The neckline design is inspired by military vintage tees, which gives it a rugged edge while still looking polished enough to wear on its own. I’ve worn mine at least four times and put it through five wash cycles, and it looks exactly the same as the day I bought it. Not to mention, it’s super affordable, so you’re getting a great cost per wear.

That durability stems from its heavyweight cotton jersey fabric, which feels structured without being overly stiff. It’s thick enough to keep me warm when layered under an opened flannel or leather jacket in cooler weather, though I probably might opt for something lighter in high 80 temps. Unlike thinner tees, this one has a clean drape that looks good untucked or tucked in trousers or jeans. The fit is not too boxy or too slim, so it works pretty much on every body type with sizes up to 3XL. You grab it in a bunch of easy neutrals for the office, but there’s also pops of color like orange or green—the latter being my go-to in the summer.

Sunspel is one of those English brands that just gets premium basics. It’s been perfecting the art of the simple, high-quality clothing since 1860, and its Riviera Midweight T-shirt is proof the makers know exactly what they’re doing. Originally created for James Bond (yep, Daniel Craig wore it in Casino Royale), this tee is elevated but effortless, crafted from a Supima cotton.

We’re big fans of this material because it’s extra-long staple meaning its fibers are naturally longer than regular cotton, increasing its durability and, ultimately, its lifespan. It’s buttery soft yet structured with a tailored-but-not-too-tight fit, making it one of the tees you can dress up or down without a second thought.

During our testing, we found it doesn’t pill or wrinkle easily. The slightly shorter length looks better untucked and drapes neatly over your jeans. Plus, it arrives in a whopping 22 colors, so you have every hue to choose from.

Reigning Champ is one of the few clothing brands out there that mills its 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.

Read More: Best White T-Shirts for Men

Cos offers a ribbed t-shirt that looks and feels much more elevated than your average basic tee. It’s crafted from an organic and recycled cotton-blend jersey that has plenty of stretch and flex, but still substantial in hand. The 230gsm (grams per square meter) fabric gives it a weighty, premium feel without making it stiff or heavy to wear all day. Like the Uniqlo tee, this neckline has a reinforced binding that keeps the neckline from drooping over time. The ribbed texture also adds visual interest, so it feels more styled up than a standard flat cotton top.

The slim fit sits close through the chest and arms, in a flattering way, especially if you’ve got an athletic build. If you’re broader or super jacked, though, you’ll probably want to size up for a little extra room. I usually wear mine tucked in trousers with loafers for dinner or a night out, but it also layers really well under a blazer or lightweight jacket. I toss this tee in the wash and let it air dry to help preserve the shape and texture.

Everlane’s slim-fit t-shirt nails the perfect balance between tailored and relaxed. It’s slim but not clingy, with enough room to let a little breeze pass through the chest and arm area. In other words, you get a shirt that is tailored and polished, but still caps on comfort. The fabric is really where it shines, though.

It’s a premium-weight tee, meaning the material is dense and built to last. It drapes perfectly over the chest, holds shape through countless washes, and gives you that solid substantial feel. We found it’s become softer and softer, the more you wear it. Over time, this shirt doesn’t get dingy or pill like the ones you get from fast-fashion brands. I found that it has held its shape well after using it for the past year. Plus, it comes in a number of neutral colors that make it easy to wear on repeat with any jeans or chinos.

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.