A good tee can be made of almost anything but pure cotton is hard to beat. It drapes cleanly, feels soft, and doesn’t shrink a lot through washing, unlike most blends.
The pocket tee is the muscle car of the cotton shirt, and this one from Buck Mason looks like it belongs to Brad Pitt. Add it to dark wash jeans for a dressed-up casual look that’s perfect for happy hour.
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Sunspel Cotton Crewneck
This sweatshirt may look basic, but reviewers call it “smooth, buttery blanket soft” and a “modern take on the classic athletic crewneck.”
Tan France of Queer Eye says this is the only T-shirt he can’t live without; it stays smooth even after a few washes.
It’s made from a loopback fabric with traditional internal-loop stitching, keeping it warm and cozy. Plus, it comes in a wide range of tasteful, rich colors and is surprisingly thin and light.
Unlike other cotton crewnecks, the heavyweight ribbing on the neck, cuff, and hem help Taylor Stitch’s The Fillmore Crewneck hold its shape over time. It’s also super soft, and one reviewer notes that it’s a good fit for his 6-foot-tall frame.
If you’re not willing to splurge on Sunspel, Uniqlo’s Supima cotton crewneck is a great option at under $60.
Reviewers say it’s just as comfortable as the more expensive brand, and it has a relaxed, boxy fit that’s easy to wear. The Supima cotton is made from extra-long fibers, which make it a thicker fabric that doesn’t pill easily.
For those looking to elevate their wardrobe beyond just T-shirts, Sunspel makes pants, dress shirts, and knitwear.
The company has been in business for 160 years, and owner Nicholas explains that it’s all about creating timeless pieces that stand the test of time. That’s why they don’t jump on trends—and you won’t find them in any fast-fashion store.
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CDLP Heavyweight T-Shirt
This is a hefty T-shirt in the truest sense of the word. It’s made from heavier cotton and sized more like a jersey than a ringer shirt, which means it will fit snugly.
The shirts are also treated with a vintage wash, so they look and feel broken in from the first wear.
They come in a wide variety of colors and are preshrunk, so they won’t shrink after washing, which is something you’ll want to consider if you’re looking for a shirt that will last longer than the average cotton T-shirt.
Another Swedish brand that knows how to elevate men’s basics, CDLP’s heaviest tee is a blend of lyocell and long fiber Pima cotton that feels smooth as silk but has superior breathability and texture, plus the 330 GSM fabric will hold its shape well over time.
The shirt’s shape is boxy and relaxed but not slouchy, so it will work well under a work jacket or layered over a crewneck at home.
The tee runs an inch or two longer than standard T-shirts, so it won’t lose its length over time and is a good option for those with shorter frames.
They also offer a slimmer silhouette that should appeal to those who prefer a more form-fitted aesthetic. In terms of sizing, I find this shirt fits me (5’6″, 135) perfectly off the rack. They also offer a short size, which is unavailable for most mall brands.
The hefty cotton of this 3Sixteen tee gives it an aesthetic step above your typical pocket tee, and it’s even softer after a few washes.
The tees are sewn in San Francisco, and the 6.6 oz cotton is heavy enough to feel substantial without being oppressively stiff.
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Buck Mason Pocket T-Shirt
Buck Mason is a brand that makes cool, durable menswear that will last a long time. It focuses on classic styles and fabrics like chambray shirts, tough leather jackets, and sturdy denim overshirts.
Their pieces have a bit of an old-school feel that makes them stand out from J. Crew and other of-the-moment brands but with a rugged, outdoorsy edge.
Their tees are some of our favorites, especially the Slub Classic Pocket Tee. Made in LA from organic cotton, it has a slub texture to give it some extra character.
The fabric is loosely knit for an airy feel, and the garment-dyed color adds subtle texture to this solid shirt. It’s not as slim fit as some other Buck Mason tees, but it isn’t overly baggy, either.
The sleeves hit right at the bicep without looking oversize, and the collar is the perfect size for a button-up shirt (even if you’re not wearing one).
The company prides itself on local manufacturing and makes some of its products in the US. However, they also source fabrics from all over the world and work to ensure their suppliers pay decent wages.
The company is also committed to transparency, and its website says they “work with factories that meet our rigorous standards.”
The newest addition to the line is the Field Spec Cotton T-Shirt, made from an even heavier cotton blend for a harder-wearing shirt. It’s available in a pale, barely-there denim blue, charcoal gray, or slate grey with green flecks, and the shirt gets better and better after every wash.
This is the kind of shirt you’ll want to wear on a warm spring day, but it will also come in handy later on.
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Haspel Dress Shirt
If you’re a fan of seersucker or just looking for something light and summery to wear, Haspel is the brand to go for. The century-old New Orleans company specializes in tailored seersucker, linen, and pincord clothing, including blazers, suits, dresses, trousers, casual clothes, and sportswear.
This shirt’s breathable cotton construction and subtle floral pattern make it a perfect fit for warm weather. Pair it with dark jeans, and you’ll have a look ready for happy hour or that promising first date.
Proper Cloth is a master of custom dress shirts, and once you find the right fit (they have an easy-to-use fit system that combines size and fit preferences into unique options like short and slim), it’s a painless process to get more shirts as your wardrobe needs change.
The company takes great pictures of its shirts, has a solid customer review system, and offers an enviable selection of fabrics—all at a price far lower than your typical off-the-rack button-down. Shirts start at $85.
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Uniqlo Suppima Cotton Crewneck
Whenever people discuss the best tees in menswear, Uniqlo’s Supima cotton crewneck will likely get a mention. The shirts are lightweight, wash beautifully, and have excellent color retention. They’re also very durable.
I’ve owned a few for years, and while they show signs of wear (some are more faded than others) they still look quite good. They’re expensive, though, and the brand doesn’t offer multipacks or discounts.
The brand’s Supima cotton is a premium fabric that comes from long, dense fibers that make it very strong. The shirt is a little more lightweight than many other cotton tees, but it is still a very comfortable and well-fitting shirt that looks great with a suit or a pair of relaxed jeans.
It is a great shirt to have in your closet, especially if you’re looking for something that will last a long time and can be easily layered.
If you’re unwilling to spend more than a tenner on your tees, I suggest the Uniqlo Supima cotton T-shirt. It’s a great everyday tee that washes and wears really well (my 3-year-old ones are still in excellent nick).
The fit is a nice, slightly boxy shape that works on most body types. The shirt is available in a wide range of seasonal colors.
If you’re looking for a tee that’ll last a long time and be versatile enough to work with various outfits, then I recommend the Hanes white T-shirt. It’s incredibly hard to go wrong with it, and it’s cheap enough that you can buy a few extra to have on hand in case of the inevitable spillages and stains.
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