THE GREATEST DEBATE of our generation isn’t Jordan or LeBron. It’s not chicken or the egg, or even for my New Jerseyans, Pork Roll or Taylor Ham. It’s crew necks vs V-necks.
Choosing the right t-shirt isn’t as easy as going grabbing a three-pack off the shelf. One of the biggest decisions comes down to the neckline. While there are a few to consider (boatneck, highneck, etc.), V-neck and crew neck are far and away the most popular options. They’re the building blocks of all t-shirts, so to speak.
As someone who’s cycled between both for over a decade, I feel qualified to weigh in. Still, this is utlimately about preference—there’s no single “right” answer. But, if you’re trying to figure out which one works best for you, here’s everything you need to know.
Crew Necks: An Overview
A crew neck is the simpler option of the two. The rounded neckline naturally draws the eyes to your shoulders, which is great if you’re trying to look a little broader up top. It works on pretty much everyone, but if you’ve got a slimmer frame or narrower shoulders, this is where a crew neck really shines—adding just enough visual width to balance things out. Where it gets tricky is how you wear them. Because a crew neck can a lot: undershirt, everyday tee, or standalone piece. And those should not all be the same shirt.
For undershirts, I prefer something a little more form-fitting to keep everything in place. Mack Weldon has been my go-to here. The brand’s Airknit tees are snug, stretchy, and actually handles, which is matters if it’s sitting underneath a button-down for hours. For everything else, I need more room. I’ve got a broader, stockier build, so a tight tee doesn’t hang right on me. That’s where True Classic comes in. This label’s crew necks are looser through the midsection but still hit the chest and arms right. Easy to wear on their own, but also easy to layer under a shirt jacket or flannel.
If you want to go a step further, a made-to-measure option is worth considering. Son of a Tailor lets you plug in your measurements and build for a fully customized fit. My advice: Go heavier weight if you’re chasing that Carmy Berzatto look.
Crew Necks We Recommend
V-Necks: An Overview
The V-neck is sharper by design—it open up the neckline, which helps elongate the neck and slim down your face look a bit. Those with a bulkier, fluffier frame, can benefit from the V-neck the most because it breaks things up visually in a way a crew neck doesn’t. It also provides a little more ventilation and less restriction around the neck.
It’s probably the better option for layering. If you’re wearing a T-shirt under a crewneck sweater or button down, you don’t want your collar peeking out. Rule of thumb: don’t stack around necklines. Go V-neck underneath and save yourself the headache.
Lately, I’ve been wearing more V-necks on their own, too. I don’t mind showing off a little chest hair, and I love how they look when I wear my chains. My favorite everyday V-neck once again comes courtesy of Mack Weldon. The Pima V-Neck T-Shirt still features a slim fit, but it’s much roomier in the midsection. It fits my unique build perfectly, and it’s a little thicker than the brand’s undershirts. I have a classic white one, which I’ll wear under a trap blazer, and one in Froth Heather for a simple standalone look. Here’s a few V-necks we recommend.
V-Necks We Recommend
Best Ways to Style a Crew Neck
When it comes to rocking a t-shirt solo, I usually go for the classic crew neck. I love the timeless appeal, and once you find a tee that fits just right, it’s a total game-changer. Otherwise, I’ll wear a crewneck under an open flannel, cardigan, or shirt jacket. May even throw one on underneath a quarter zip if it’s cold. I listed out some of my favorite styles below.
Best Ways to Style a V-Neck
I have been wearing more standalone V-neck shirts lately, but I’ve always preferred them for layering. And while I’ve expanded my t-shirt palette, I still think the point still stands. I’ll wear these under a blazer, crewneck sweater, or long-sleeve tee. The options are essentially endless, but here are some of my favorites below.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but hopefully this makes your decision is a little easier. I found myself in the Reddit rabbit hole on the topic recently and stumbled upon one quote that stuck with me: “I find it interesting that the responses in this thread are 80% crewneck, while 5 years ago, it would have been 80% v-neck.” Honestly, that tracks.
Both are uniquely timeless, and there’s no real right answer. I’ve bounced between the two for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The only rule I actually follow? Don’t layer a crew neck over a crew neck.
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Tim Kohut is the Deals and Trends Editor for Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, Best Products, and Runner’s World. He has extensive product review and gear coverage expertise, particularly in tech, home, auto, and health. Tim was previously the Deputy Commerce Editor of The Drive and a Commerce Editor at BGR. He’s also overseen gear coverage and strategy at Popular Science, Bob Vila, Outdoor Life, and Field and Stream. He has a strong affinity for cats, Batman, and early 90’s Nicolas Cage films, in that order.
As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
