Trying to pick the best plain white t-shirt is like trying to pick the “best” red wine. What does it even mean, when there is such a dizzying amount of variation? Buying a new one means figuring out how you feel about the fit, shape and cut — and all sorts of smaller details. Do you want a short sleeve with a shotgun or a wider, nicer sleeve? A traditional straight contour or a curved one for a less basic look?
No “best” plain white t-shirt tops them all (though if we hear otherwise, we’ll let you know). And honestly, that’s a good thing. The wide variety means you can stock up on your drawers in plain white that’s right for any situation.
That’s why we’ve sifted through loads of plain white t-shirts to come up with 17 of our favorites. Slim-fit white t-shirts, athletic t-shirts, platonic pocket t-shirts, everyday bras and even white workout-ready t-shirts. Whatever your preference for plain white t-shirts, we’ve got you. So allow us, the plain white t-shirt experts, to guide you through our list of t-shirts.
The best box-shaped shirt
The Uniqlo mainstream is great if you’re looking for a quality everyday t-shirt, but if you’re looking for an option with a bit more flavor, then Christophe Lemaire’s offering is for you. It still hits the mark on affordability (it’s Uniqlo, after all), but with longer sleeves, a wider bust, and significant vibrancy vibier.
Two packs of the best Tees
Reghting Champ has been making sturdy cotton jackets for 15 years, and it applies the same level of care to its tees as it does to its world-class sweatshirts. A pack of 2 will run you $100, but for that money you’re getting made in Canada, super durable with reinforced collar that won’t break after a few washes .
The Best Complementary
We have nothing but respect for anyone who’s willing to brave the pocket in search of the classic pocket t-shirt that fits perfectly, and is always elusive. But if you’re short on time, rest assured knowing that John Elliott will help you. This designer’s nostalgic t-shirt is cut in soft cotton with a hint of distress around the neck and combined with vintage-inspired stitching to reinforce his commitment to with politics. Oh, and sadness is unique to every tee, so even if the whole team has your backlash yours will still be yours.
The weirdest cozy t-shirt
No, you’re not dreaming: The people behind the sheets you sleep on also make a killer you’ll want to sleep on in. Sleek, streamlined (no nasty tags here) and so soft, Brooklinen’s USA-made t-shirt is designed for classic looks and ultimate comfort, 24 /7.
Best Pocket Tee
Adsum is one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets when it comes to refined menswear done “the right way”: top concern for quality, fit, and timeless design. The brand’s pocket t-shirts have a ’90s cut (square and slightly boxy) that’ll look good no matter which way the trend blows. And the 250-gram, Canadian-made cotton gets it near full-sweater territory, great news for anyone (read: all of us) looking for a t-shirt they can wear wear — and wear hard—All season long.
Best affordable toys
Uniqlo unlocks the harsh seasons, with both Heattech for winter and the company’s Airism technology for sweaty days. You can easily put it on as a bra — in fact, we recommend it, as this poly-spandex composite flight jacket is cool to the touch, wicks away moisture and against odors. But the Airism t-shirt can hang on its own if needed, as it doesn’t have the sheen of other synthetic shirts.
The best Tech-y Tee
Mack Weldon’s technology-focused approach to the basics yields the AIRKNITx bra, a top contender for both summer wear and casual underwear. It’s a combination of a blend of lightweight microfibers, a stretch microfiber, and a breathable mesh texture to let your vapors evaporate. Here’s how you keep your buttons sweat-free. (Although if you need more bra optionswe helped you.)
Best t-shirts to buy in bulk
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Kirkland Signature multi-pack tees are how you get the most out of your t-shirts. Their thick, peachy-soft fabric is made from 100% cotton spun. And like some of the more expensive tees on this list, the straight, slightly boxy look comes without the fussy side seams.
The best bargain t-shirt
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Hanes has served over a billion Beefy-Ts since its debut in the 1980s. The secret to the t-shirt’s popularity is simple: it’s a classic cut in soft cotton jersey fabric. but substantial, at an affordable price.
The best slim T-shirt
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We love Velva Sheen’s tees like a OG . brand, but they also win us over because of their slim lines. They’re super flattering, no matter when was the last day you worked your chest out. And, unlike other tees, you don’t have to downsize just to get the slim figure you want.
The best t-shirt to wear with an outfit
Kicking a tee underneath a vest jacket is a more advanced style move than you might think, with some pitfalls. Perhaps the most important detail is the neck — the crew neck of Sunspel Sea Island is not too high, nor does it hang down like the neck of a boat. Plus, the long collar construction means the collar stays flat and holds its shape, with no need to worry about bacon collars after a few washes. Plus, the Sunspel Sea Island t-shirt can hold its own when the jacket comes off, thanks to its luxuriously smooth sleeves, light metallic finish, and classic hemline. But
The most hardworking Tee
Like all Carhartt products, this t-shirt is stiff yet comfortable, with a stiff cotton blend that keeps you cool while you work — whether it’s Zoom meetings or the garage. It also won’t restrict your range of motion thanks to its spacious cut and raglan sleeves. And cherries on top? The fabric is also stain resistant.
Best Investment Tee
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Need more beef from your teen? 3sixteen’s heavyweight t-shirts are some heavyweight guys, made from a custom-knit all-cotton t-shirt that’s impressively soft and thick at the same time. While there are heavier t-shirts out there, 3sixteen is in just This side of sweater territory — the balance between weight and comfort, like a cozy weighted blanket.
The best curvy t-shirts
All those unbuttoned tees with curvy hemlines you’re seeing these days? It’s because of Buck Mason. They nailed the head with their original curved-rimmed t-shirt, creating a new look that looks good when free-hanging or warped.
Best Tee for Screenprinting
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If you’re looking to start your streetwear brand, you’ll need a patterned t-shirt, and you’ll need to do it on Gildan. Gildan was the canvas for some of the most iconic graphic tees in history, including many Supreme (and check name Frank Ocean). Maybe a year or two from now, we’ll check your label names.
Pale toẹt.
No shirt feels as easy and cool in the summer as a camping button.
