Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Best T-Shirt Brand for Curved Hems
Buck Mason
Pros
- Durable fabric
- Flatteringly boxy
Cons
- On the pricier side
Buck Mason's boxy, heavyweight tees look better roughed up, so no need to treat 'em gently. It helps that the fabric is heavy, and durable, too. Personally, I love wearing one of these with just about anything—jeans, chinos, sneakers, dress shoes. It all works.
Material | 220 GSM American-Grown Supima Cotton Jersey |
---|
Fit | Boxy |
---|
Colors | 6 |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Best T-Shirt Brand for Value Packs
Hanes
Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Ridiculously comfortable
Cons
- Shorter hem isn't ideal for longer torsos
An oldie but goodie, Hanes's value packs elevate a weekend essential to the rarefied realm of an everyday staple. In fact, we love these tees so much, we endorsed them.
One reviewer writes: "Right from the start, the quality of the fabric stood out. The cotton is noticeably thick, which I appreciate because it feels like it can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. The comfort level is exactly what you would hope for in a casual tee—soft on the skin with a fit that feels tailored but not tight."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Boxy |
---|
Colors | 11 |
---|
Sizes | S-6XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Affordable Fashion-Favorite T-Shirt Brand
Uniqlo
Pros
- Durable and soft
- Fits true to size
Cons
- White is slightly sheer
Without question, Uniqlo is one of the best places to snag any number of elevated essentials. The Japanese retailer's perfectly beefy T-shirts are a favorite in the Esquire offices and among average Joes looking to stock up on quality tees.
One reviewer writes: "I have sensitive skin and this Supima cotton material is super comfortable on me. After trying it on the first time I just couldn’t go back wearing other T-shirts! And the fitting and colors are very nice!"
Material | 100% Cotton Jersey |
---|
Fit | Relaxed |
---|
Colors | 12 |
---|
Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
---|
Softest Affordable T-Shirt Brand
Alternative
Pros
- Soft, lightweight fabric
- Great price
Cons
- Some buyers find the fabric too thin
For years now, Alternative's been churning out some of the softest tees in the business. (A subtle slub only adds to the appeal.) Our editors love these because they're classic, timeless, and affordable, so whether you snag one to wear alone or a couple to rotate for layering, you're in good hands.
One reviewer writes: "Purchased three of these shirts (different colors) during Amazon Prime Day. Pleasantly surprised to find good quality material, good workmanship, and very good fit. A real value at the regular price."
Material | 50% Ring Spun Cotton, 50% Polyester |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 8 |
---|
Sizes | XS-3XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Cult-Classic T-Shirt Brand
Comfort Colors
Pros
- Pre-washed, soft feel
- Plenty of color options
Cons
- Runs large
You know when you wear a T-shirt so soft that you start looking for the tag to see what it's made of? Yeah, that's what this'll do for you. For more than four decades, Comfort Colors has been refining its technique, resulting in T-shirts that live up to the brand's name. It's no wonder the label has a large and devoted following.
One reviewer writes: "I need durable shirts for my job and this one takes the cake. The fabric is thick and worth the price. The colors go with everything and are just nice to wear."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 31 |
---|
Sizes | S-4XL |
---|
Best T-Shirt Brand for Organic Cotton
Everlane
Pros
- Organic cotton gets softer over time
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Runs slim
Pro tip, from somebody who can't ever be bothered to take out a steamer: Heavier-weight tees, like the ones made by Everlane, tend to wrinkle less and hold their shape better in the long run. So if you want an investment tee you aren't going to need to throw out after a handful of washes, this is the one for you.
One reviewer writes: "Great fit, relaxing feel, comfortable fabric. I am a tall broad size guy and the XXL fits nice and looks good."
Material | 100% Organic Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 4 |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best T-Shirt Brand for Slim Cuts
Kotn
Pros
- Versatile AF
- Not too thick, not too thin
Cons
- Buyers report its slightly sheer
Kotn's essential crew is the rare wardrobe staple actually worthy of the moniker. Cut slim (but not, y'know, skintight) and made of a durable midweight cotton, it's a tee you'll be able to wear day in and day out for years to come. Our editors love how easy it is to dress up or down.
One reviewer writes: "The fit of the tee is perfect for me. I enjoy its summer versatility coupled with top quality cotton and above standard craftsmanship."
Material | 100% Cotton Jersey |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 6 |
---|
Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
---|
Best T-Shirt Brand for Two-Packs
Amazon Essentials
Pros
- Tagless design for comfort
- Ribbed neck trim
Cons
- Buyers report it isn't as slim-fitting as expected
When Amazon introduced its private-label business, it took a slow and steady approach, gathering as much consumer feedback as possible to offer styles that were up to snuff. The plan worked, and the rave reviews that Amazon Essentials receives is proof. Personally, I love these tees for everything from layering to wearing solo—stocking up is made all-too easy when the price is that good.
One reviewer writes: "They're comfortable, stylish, and budget-friendly, making them an unbeatable combo."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Slim |
---|
Colors | 1 |
---|
Sizes | S |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Most Comfortable T-Shirt Brand
Standard Issue
Pros
- Pre-shrunk to retain shape
- Heavyweight design
Cons
- Logo isn't subtle
The T-shirt brand that'd make Brando proud. And when tees come in a pack, developing the basics of your wardrobe becomes oh so easy. Our editors love these because they're simple, sleek, and soft as hell.
One reviewer writes: "These tees fit excellent. I was in the market for a perfect fitting basic and I've found it!"
Material | 100% Ring Spun Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | Black |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Best Affordable Heavyweight T-Shirt Brand
Carhartt
Pros
- Stain-release finish
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Large pocket and logo isn't for everybody
At this point, it goes without saying that anything Carhartt touches will probably (read: definitely) outlast whatever else is in your closet, the label's tees very much included. We love this brand for soft, cozy heavyweight tees that make perfect streetwear pieces, too.
One reviewer writes: "Great quality, can wear with different things, breathable as well. Would recommend!"
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 10 |
---|
Sizes | S-4XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Softest Luxury T-Shirt Brand
James Perse
Pros
- Ribbed trims
- Stretchy fabric
Cons
- Pricey
A soft, cotton-jersey tee perfectly encapsulates James Perse's particular brand of West Coast cool. This is the kind of quietly luxurious basic that seamlessly elevates your wardrobe. Our editors especially love this tee because it makes something as simple as a basic feel like a luxurious garment.
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 5 |
---|
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|
Best T-Shirt Brand for Garment Dyes
J.Crew
Pros
- Pre-washed look and feel
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Limited color options
From winter coats to suits to socks, J.Crew carries it all. This, of course, includes some of the best tees, especially this one, made of organic cotton and recycled fibers, that's broken in for a maximum flex.
One reviewer writes: "Best T-shirt ever. Comfortable from day one. Versatile—can be worn with jeans or shorts for casual look...or under a button down for blazer for dressier. Colors are rich and don't fade. True to size. They do not stretch after wash/wears. Highly recommend!"
Material | Cotton |
---|
Fit | Relaxed |
---|
Colors | 2 |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Most Dependable T-Shirt Brand
Lululemon
Pros
- Anti-stink technology
- Abrasion-resistant
Cons
- Limited color options
This is an aptly named shirt—the Fundamental tee—from the always-dependable Lululemon. With moisture-wicking tech and a stretchiness you'll love, this will surely come to be your favorite workout pal.
One reviewer writes: "Gotta be the favorite T-shirt from Lululemon. Wrinkle-resistant, dries fast, lightweight and easy to wear with anything."
Material | 40% Pima Cotton, 37% Nylon, 13% Tencel lyocell, 10% Lycra Elastane |
---|
Fit | Athletic |
---|
Colors | 3 |
---|
Sizes | XS-5XL |
---|
Best Streetwear T-Shirt Brand
Los Angeles Apparel
Pros
- Thick, durable fabric
- Plenty of color options
Cons
- Runs large
For the cool guy, a basic tee from Los Angeles Apparel is somehow stylish, not boring. Plus, the midweight fabric of this tee is perfect for any pair of pants you own. Talk about understated.
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Relaxed |
---|
Colors | 58 |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
OG Designer T-Shirt Brand
Calvin Klein
Pros
- Great price
- Durable
Cons
- Fabric is thin
Because no list of everyday essentials of any kind would be complete without mention of the brand that made designer basics a bona fide thing. As far as white tees go, this is a personal favorite of mine—CK's fabric unbelievably soft and stretchy, and no matter how many times you throw this shirt in the washer, it insists on keeping its shape.
One reviewer writes: "These are the only undershirts I wear. I also wear them as a casual tee. Fit is great even after washing. Doesn’t shrink in weird ways."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | White |
---|
Sizes | S-XL |
---|
Best Vintage-Inspired T-Shirt Brand
Forty Five
Pros
- Pre-washed look and feel
- Modern fit
Cons
- Fabric is thin
Forty Five, named after the famous vinyl records, offers some of the most relaxed tees around. And like the 45 rpm, its Supima crew tee is made to be played over and over again.
One reviewer writes: "Now own four of these shirts. Regularly find them to be my immediate go-to T-shirt."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 11 |
---|
Sizes | XS-3XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Moisture-Wicking T-Shirt Brand
Vuori
Pros
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Performance fabric is hard to wear outside of workouts
From the moisture-wicking tech fabric to the flattering fit of its signature tee, called the Strato, it's no wonder why Vuori is one of our favorite athleisure brands of all time.
Material | 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane |
---|
Fit | Athletic |
---|
Colors | 11 |
---|
Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
---|
Best Luxe Cotton T-Shirt Brand
Theory
Pros
- Durable stitching
- Unbelievably soft
Cons
- Runs slim
Nothing is better than a soft tee. Using luxe cotton jersey, Theory makes a staple piece feel like a luxury. I'm a fan of tees that feel like the kind of fabric you'd want in bed sheet, and this is definitely that—soft enough to sleep in.
One reviewer writes: "Fabulous material, color, feel, and fit! This is not a relaxed fit tee, but a perfect 'trim' fit."
Material | 100% Cotton |
---|
Fit | Classic |
---|
Colors | 9 |
---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Antimicrobial T-Shirt Brand
Mack Weldon
Pros
- Anti-odor fabric
- Recovery collar
Cons
- On the pricier side
Mack Weldon, maker of some of the mightiest sweatpants around, also has an ultra-soft, antimicrobial shirt named the Silver that fits the bill.
One reviewer writes: "Sleek shirt. Slimming fit."
Material | 85% Supima Cotton / 10% Ionic+™️ Polyester / 5% Lycra |
---|
Fit | Slim |
---|
Colors | 4 |
---|
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|
Best Odor-Free T-Shirt Brand
Proof
Pros
- UPF 30+
- Moisture-wicking and anti-odor
- Regulates temperature
Cons
- Expensive
It's called the 72-Hour, and as the name suggests, this tee was made to be odor-free and keep its shape for three whole days of wear, even in adverse conditions. And it's passed the test several times over.
One reviewer writes: "THIS IS MY NEW GO-TO SHIRT. It’s almost all I wear, as it’s ruined cotton for me. The moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties are amazing, and it feels so, so light (and comfortable)."
Material | 87% 16.5 Micron Merino Wool, 13% Nylon |
---|
Fit | Slim |
---|
Colors | 12 |
---|
Sizes | XS-3XL |
---|
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below