Sometimes it’s a struggle when it comes to finding the perfect fit. And so that’s why I put together this guide featuring some of the best men’s t-shirts brands that I’ve been wearing for a while now.

There are a lot of best t-shirt lists online, but I actually use and tested each brand in this roundup (some for many years) and so you can be sure that my recommendations come from personal experience.

A handful of brands on this list you can find in shopping malls all across the country, and the rest can be found online. 

Without further ado, my top 16 — best men’s t-shirt brands in 2023.

Note: This is a long post and so I’ve turned it into a handy PDF that you can download for free and read at your leisure. Simply enter your name and email and I’ll send it right away.

BEST QUALITY T-SHIRT BRANDS FOR MEN

14 BEST T-SHIRTS FOR SHORT GUYS [Everlane, Ash & Erie, Asket, Twillory + More]

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You can check out the video above that features 14 great fitting t-shirts for men Under 5’10”

Now let’s get into the roundup!

1. UNIQLO

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First up on the list of best fitting t-shirt brands for men is UNIQLO. This highly popular mega-fashion retailer is known worldwide for their affordable quality and timeless basics.

It’s become one of my favorite places to shop. And being a shorter guy (5’6″), their clothes fit extremely well. They also offer in-store hemming for their pants which is super clutch, a service no other major retailers offer.

Best of all, Uniqlo shirts come in a myriad of versatile colorways and sizes. You can read specific details about their shirts below.

» Related: For more details, you can check out this Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirt Review.

Uniqlo Supima Cotton Tee Details:

• Sizes: XXS-XXXL
• Material: 100% Cotton
• Made In: Cambodia
• Colorways: 12
• Price: $19.90

Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirt

It’s no surprise that Uniqlo Supima cotton t-shirts are the best bang for your buck out there. Coming in at under $15, you can pick up a supima cotton crew or v-neck t-shirt that fits impeccably.

Although it’s not quite the value play it once was when it was just $9.90 a t-shirt, but at $15 it’s still one of the best value tees available.

I once heard that UNIQLO was discontinuing these shirts, but I guess customer demand didn’t allow for that. Regardless, the 100% cotton shirts are great for the price point, although there are better supima cotton options out there in terms of fabric weight and quality. Uniqlo’s Supima tees are mid-weight, not thick nor thin.

Shop UNIQLO Crew Neck Tees

In addition to the dark grey v-neck in these photos, I also have a navy v-neck, heather grey crew neck, and a plain white tee crew neck shirt. With the affordability of Uniqlo’s supima cotton t-shirts, it’s a good idea to pick up a few versatile colors in both crew neck and v-neck.

It’ll serve you well for years to come, so long as you wash and allow for them to air dry. The neckline is still as good as new after many, many washes. One drawback is that the shirts might be on the shorter side for taller guys over 6 feet tall.

Shop UNIQLO V-Neck Tees

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to fit and price, no other brand tops UNIQLO in my opinion.

2. ASKET

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Swedish based ASKET is all about the pursuit of less. They believe that the world doesn’t need another fashion brand, and certainly doesn’t need more clothing. I’d have to agree.

ASKET doesn’t design for seasons, instead the create forever collections that stand the test of time in both craftsmanship and design. They are the antithesis to the world of fast fashion.

Similar to brands like Everlane and Mott & Bow, ASKET offers minimalist basics like oxford shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, knitwear (cashmere, merino wool sweaters), trousers like chinos and raw denim, and underwear. 

ASKET White Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XL (Short, Regular, Long)
• Material: 100% Egyptian Cotton
• Made In: Braga, Portugal
• Colorways: 8
• Price: $45

ASKET White T-Shirt

ASKET is the only brand that offers their t-shirt in short, regular and long sizes which caters to a wider range sizes, 15 different sizes to be exact. And it’s the only shirt that has a tag, whereas all the other brands in this roundup are tagless.

The ribbed neckline is clean and perfectly fitted around my neck. It’s quite a refined white tee and could be worn with a suit if you get it longer so that you can tuck it in your trousers.

The white shirt featured here is from their basic T-Shirt collection. It’s really soft due to the 100% superfine Egyptian cotton, and has a thicker weight than any other shirt in this roundup with 180g g/sqm. They also offer a lightweight version (35% lighter) of their t-shirts with 120g/sqm. 

At $45, the Asket T-Shirt is one of the more expensive tees in this roundup. $45 is a bit much for most to spend on a t-shirt, but if you’re looking for a brand that will most likely fit flawlessly while maintaining a clean design aesthetic and high quality standard, ASKET is worth the investment.

Shop The ASKET T-Shirt

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to fit, quality, aesthetic, and range of sizes, ASKET tops the list.

» Readers’ Favorite: The Art of Mix and Matching Clothing Colors (A Master Class in Styling)

3. ASH & ERIE

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Ash & Erie is unique in that they serve a specific audience of men, those that are shorter than average height. A worthy cause indeed. Their mission and message resonates with me because I’m under average height at 5’6″ and so Ash & Erie has has definitely earned a spot in my stylish wardrobe.

Ash & Erie Staple Crew Neck T-Shirt

First off, the fit is perfect, but of course it’s clothing made specifically for me. Many of the other t-shirts on this list run long because they cater more so for the average male height which is around 5’9″. Furthermore, it’s a soft, preshrunk cotton, so no issues with accidentally shrinking the shirt.

It’s a good idea to get the right size ready-to-wear. They don’t mention where the premium quality cotton is sourced, but I’m thinking it could be here in the USA since that’s where some of their other clothes are made. It’s definitely quality fabrics as you can feel the difference. It’s similar in weight to ASKET and Banana Republic‘s Supima Tees.

I’m surprised there is currently no white tee among their selection (may have sold out). But they have black, heather and light blue along with burgundy and heather grey options in a v-neck. UPDATE: Ash & Erie now carries 15 different t-shirt colors. Good stuff.

I’ve worked with Ash & Erie in the past. You can check out their knitwear and casual button down shirts that I’ve highlighted on the blog. I’ve also reviewed them as well; Ash & Erie Review.

Ash & Erie Crewneck T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% Cotton
• Made In: USA
• Colorways: 15
• Price: $32

Shop Ash & Erie Tees

The Bottom Line:

If you’re a shorter guy (5’8″ and under), Ash & Erie is a brand that should be on your radar. Their tees are sure to fit you from the well proportioned shoulders, sleeves and proper body length.

» Related: If you’re enjoying this guide on best t-shirt brands for men, then you’ll probably like this article on the Best Undershirts for Men too.

4. TWILLORY

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Twillory is a quickly growing direct to consumer company that started out with dress shirts and have since expanded to performance pants, accessories, activewear and outerwear like their popular performance coat.

Today Twillory continues to craft garments with versatility, functionality and comfort in mind, all without sacrificing style.

While some of their clothing e.g. their dress shirts, trousers and performance blazer does not fit me all that well (surprise, they’re too big), their line of athleisurewear, tees, outer layers and undertwills do fit me quite well.

Here’s my experience with their performance tee and how it fits on my 5’6″, 135 lbs frame.

Performance Tee

The Twillory performance tee wears like a workout shirt that you can exercise in, but it looks like a basic tee and so it’s appropriate to wear for the gym, lounging at home, or when you’re out and about.

There is a subtle sheen to the fabric and stretch like that of an undershirt. Perhaps the best thing about this shirt, besides the near perfect fit, is how comfortable and breathable it is. It’s definitely a shirt I’ll be wearing plenty of in the warmer spring and hotter summer months.

If you’re wondering whether or not there’s any shrinkage, the performance tee does not shrink in the wash or dryer, and so don’t expect for it to shrink to a more appropriate size after a wash/dry cycle.

Overall, there’s not much to this shirt. It’s super basic and does exactly as its name suggests — it’s meant for performance, keeping you casual, cool and comfortable. 

Twillory Performance Tee Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 100% Performance Poly Stretch Fabric
• Made In: Thailand
• Colorways: 6
• Price: $34

Check Out The Performance Tee

» Related: You might like this hands-on Twillory Dress Shirt Review.

Performance Undershirt

Twillory is known for their performance, non-iron and untuck(able) dress shirts. But what you didn’t know was that they also carry underwear and undershirts, aptly named underTwills.

Twillory’s performance undershirts come in a crew neck or v-neck variety in white or a tan (tonal) color. I personally prefer the tonal undershirt as it blends with my skin tone as opposed to the contrast of a white, though white is still a perfectly fine option.

On the back of the shirt, under the neck is a silver reflective Twillory “T” logo printed which is a welcome design detail. Their performance shirts are made with a sweat-wicking, cooling technology and sleeves that don’t ride up into my armpits. And it’s got a length that’s appropriate to wear untucked or tucked in.

Although Twillory’s performance undershirt is meant to be worn under your garments, it feels and fits the more like a t-shirt, which is why I’ve included it in this round up of tees. The fabric just feels thicker and more substantial than an undershirt. It could easily be worn casually as a standalone shirt during a light run or workout or as a moisture wicking base layer, worn under an oxford shirt, talk about versatility.

At $24 a shirt, Twillory’s undershirt is one of the more affordable shirts in this roundup. Furthermore, you can bundle and save at 2 for $36 or 4+ for $14.50 each. That’s a tremendous value.

Twillory Shirt Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 47% Rayon, 47% Cotton, 5% Spandex
• Made In: China or Vietnam
• Colorways: 2

Check Out Twillory Undershirt

The Bottom Line:

Don’t be mistaken by the Twillory undershirts name. While they can be worn as one, I find that they’re more ideally worn as a basic tee. 

» Readers’ Favorite: You might like this roundup of the best jeans brands (for men).

5. EVERLANE

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Everlane is one of my favorite brands right now. Everything from the minimal style, variety of colors and perfectly fitting basics, off the rack — there aren’t many other brands currently doing it at Everlane’s level IMO. Not to mention the relatively affordable prices and transparency.

You can take a look at GW’s in-depth Everlane Review which includes all the individual pieces from Everlane that I’ve had the chance to review over the years.

Now let’s take a look at the Everlane Organic Cotton t-shirt as well as their tailored crew neck tees.

Everlane Organic Cotton T-Shirt

The Everlane Organic Cotton t-shirt is the latest addition to their popular Uniform Collection. They’ve been wanting to go organic for a while and I’m glad that they’ve finally done it with their tees. Any progress is good progress and so it’s okay to me that they took their time with it.

In terms of the fit, the shirts drape cleanly and aren’t too loose or too tight. I appreciate that they carry XS which is always a good thing for the shorter gents out there. The shoulders hit right where they should and the sleeve length is right around mid-bicep.

The shirt feels good too, it’s soft, and feels like a 100% cotton t-shirt would. It’s got the same texture as UNIQLO, Armani Exchange and Express.

For colors, I picked up Sienna along with Sage, two colors that are different from the typical white, black, navy and gray, but still subtle. In fact, none of Everlane’s colors are over the top, they’re a more muted color palette than some trendier brands.

The organic shirts have a washed look to them. I’d say quality-wise it’s similar to UNIQLO’s Supima tees, maybe slightly higher quality, but not quite on the level of ASKET, Banana Republic or Mott & Bow. You can also opt for an organic cotton pocket tee as well.

Everlane Organic T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% Organic Cotton
• Made In: Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Colorways: 12
• Price: $30 (3 for $75)

Shop Everlane Organic Tees

» Related: You might like this definitive guide to Summer Fabrics.

Everlane Tailored Crewneck Tee

Before Everlane had organic tees, they offered the tailored crew t-shirts (out of stock).

Instead of organic cotton, the tailored tees are made with 100% Pima cotton which makes the shirts smooth, soft and wrinkle resistant. They’re softer than the organic tees with a more substantial feel to them as well.

Everlane’s tailored tees have a more fitted aesthetic and run a bit longer than the organic tees, but keep in mind that cotton will shrink in a proper wash and dry cycle.

They actually designed the shirt to look good with a suit. Since it’s slightly longer with a refined collar, you’d be able to tuck it into your trousers for that trendy suit pants, tucked in t-shirt look. Plus it comes in the 3 most versatile colorways of white, navy or black.

Everlane Tailored T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% Pima Cotton
• Made In: Lima, Peru
• Colorways: 3
• Price: $28

Shop Everlane Tailored Tees

The Bottom Line:

Everlane offers several types of t-shirts, with a pima cotton or organic cotton option, all at affordable prices compared to the competition. And when on sale, these are some of the best tees out there.

5 BEST AFFORDABLE T-SHIRT BRANDS FOR MEN | The Perfect Fit (UNIQLO, Banana Republic, Express, AX)

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You can check out the video above that features 5 affordable, well fitting t-shirt brands.

6. MINISTRY OF SUPPLY

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Ministry of Supply specializes in “workleisure” wear, which is essentially smart casual style, with a focus on professional yet comfortable clothing. You could say that it’s athleisure for work wear.

Ministry of Supply’s Active Tee is true to its name, you’ll want to wear this shirt for when you are most active. It’s currently among Ministry of Supply’s best-selling pieces.

Composite Merino Active Tee

The Active Tee boasts a sustainable, soft and breathable tri-blend that’s built for the most demanding of workouts. Moisture wicking check, natural odor control check, superior stretch check, high quality construction check — it seems that the MoS Active Tee checks all the boxes you’d want in a workout shirt.

I’m actually starting to prefer a little bit of room through the chest and body with my t-shirts. The sleeves are a little bit wider than the other t-shirt brands as well.

Right now, I’d have to cuff them once to get them to wrap fully around my bicep, which is a move I sometimes make in the spring and summer seasons. For the length, they land just under mid-fly which is a is a proper length for most.

I personally like the shirt’s construction and design to the casual cool athletic cut, it really does combine a form and function that’s suitable for the gym or anywhere around town.

The 14% merino wool is visible up close as you can actually see the woolen fibers. This wool blend gives the shirt more of a t-shirt, sweater softness and feeling and less of a lycra feeling.

You’ll also notice the v-cut bottom hem detail and how much stretch the shirt actually has. It’s kind of like the stretch armstrong of workout shirts.

It not only feels great to wear, but looks great too. The clean drape and flowy appearance actually reminds me of the Tani SilkCut Shirt. They recommend to size up for a looser fit, but I don’t think that’s necessary. I went with my usual XS and the shirt seamlessly hugs my body while still having a clean drape allowing room to breathe. And so I’d recommend going with your normal size, unless you want a really relaxed fit, then size up.

As you can see the shirt drapes cleanly on my body. The sleeves wrap comfortably around my bicep and the raglan sleeves accentuate my broad shoulders. Furthermore, the shirt’s length is also on point, hitting about mid-fly and mid-butt around the back. The sleeve hits at mid-bicep and doesn’t scrunch up into my armpits as I move either which is a big plus.

Overall the Active Tee is an ideal workout shirt and has become one of my go-to’s for when I’m engaging in cardio and calisthenics exercises. What I like most about it is that it manages to look great all the while providing ease in range of motion with an effortlessly flowing drape.

Ministry of Supply Merino Active Tee Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 82% Recycled Polyester, 14% Merino Wool, 4% Elastane
• Made In: Taiwan
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $58

Check Out The Active Tee

» Related: You might like this in-depth Ministry of Supply Review.

Responsive Tee

The basic tee is one of the core items that every man should have at least a  handful of in his closet. And so it’s no surprise that the Responsive Tee is one of Ministry of Supply’s best sellers. 

If you like more of a muscle fit with fabric closer fitting to your body, then Responsive Tee is for you. They carry a crewneck and v-neck version, the v-neck being ideal to wear as an undershirt to your dress shirts.

Coming in 2 essential t-shirt colors of black and white, the Responsive Tee is an ideal undershirt and can still be worn on its own as a basic tee so long as you size up.

Believe it or not, the Ministry of Supply Responsive Tee is made with coffee-infused recycled polyester yarn to absorb odor. The shirt is meant to be ‘responsive’ to your body’s movements and dry twice as fast as cotton.

The fabric feels super soft to the touch and is just as lightweight as some of my other undershirts. It certainly has a premium feel and a slight shine under certain lighting. I tested it and there’s no need to worry about bacon collar or shrinkage after washing either.

The recycled polyester is made to pull excess heat and moisture, transferring it away from your body to keep you dry when those workouts are getting intense or if you just tend to sweat a lot.

The shirt also has considerable stretch while still retaining its shape. And so you don’t have to worry about the Responsive Tee getting warped in a wonky wash cycle. I’ve had this happen to some of my other shirts before and the shirt is never quite the same afterwards.

In terms of fit, the Responsive Tee is quite snug on my body — around the chest, biceps and midsection. It definitely wears more like an undershirt than a t-shirt. Size small would likely make for a much better fitting tee.

The sleeves hug my bicep nicely and are the appropriate length (albeit a tiny bit short), slightly above mid-bicep. The shirt’s shoulder area isn’t bunching up and extends right out to my shoulder bone. And as for the shirt’s length, it’s just right — short enough to be worn untucked and just long enough to be tucked in as an undershirt should be.

Overall the Responsive Tee is made for performance, is slim fitting and looks great on guys with a sturdier build. Again, size up if you want to rock this shirt as a tee.

Ministry of Supply Responsive Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% coffee-infused recycled polyester
• Made In: China
• Colorways: 2

Check Out The Responsive Tee

The Bottom Line:

Ministry of Supply tees, while they aren’t cheap (especially the Active Tee), they’re some of the best shirts I’ve come across to wear while working out and then going about my day in effortless casual style.

7. MOTT & BOW

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You can’t find Mott & Bow in shopping malls or retail stores, however, they can be found online. Mott & Bow offers elevated basics similar to ASKET. The ribbed neckline also reminds me of the one on ASKET’s shirts.

Mott & Bow Driggs White T-Shirt

Coming in at a weight of 140 grams, it’s somewhere in-between ASKET’s regular tees and their lightweight tees. It feels ultra soft to the touch and thin, but not cheaply made. It’s about as thin as Express stretch slim shirts and slightly see through.

In terms of the fit, the shirt fits quite well, not too loose or tight. The only problem area is the length is a little long like the Express crew neck shirt. If Mott & Bow offered a short size like ASKET, the fit would be spot on. But of course this all depends on your height, as Mott & Bow’s shirts are ideal for taller guys.

For more details, you can check out this Mott & Bow T-Shirt Review.

Mott & Bow Classic White T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% Combed Cotton
• Made In: Peru
• Colorways: 12
• Price: $30

Shop Mott & Bow T-Shirts

The Bottom Line:

If you’re 5’8″ and above, Mott & Bow is a perfect fitting shirt through the body and sleeves. It looks great and the fabric feels comfortable.

8. PETER MANNING

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Peter Manning is one of the OGs when it comes to clothing catered specifically for short men. From what I know, they have the widest collection of essentials, carrying everything from shirts, pants, outerwear, activewear, suits, sweaters and accessories.

Peter Manning Vintage Crew T-Shirt

Similar to Ash & Erie’s t-shirt, Peter Manning’s crewneck tee is appropriately fitted for my 5’6″, 135 lbs frame off-the-rack. They offer a mix of versatile colors from basic white, black, charcoal and brighter colors like army green, pale blue and pale yellow (featured here).

The t-shirts have a soft, broken-in look and feel with a vintage wash and they also offer a v-neck version, albeit in only 4 colors currently.

As for the how the shirt fits, the shirt length is perfect, hitting around mid-fly and the shirt sleeves are the proper length, hitting around mid-bicep. The sleeves also hug my bicep without any loose fabric which is preferable depending on how you like your tees to fit.

Additionally, the shoulders are properly fitted, hitting the corner shoulder bone and the collar sits high, and it’s restricting around my neck. 

The shirt is a bit tight, particularly around the arms, but there is ample room to breathe around the chest area and through the body. Overall, I think the shirt fits as well as the best fitting tees in this roundup.

» Related: You might like this guide on Smart Casual Outfits featuring Peter Manning.

Peter Manning Vintage Crew T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: 1-4XL
• Material: 100% Pima cotton
• Made In: Peru
• Colorways: 9
• Price: $35

Shop PMNYC T-Shirt

The Bottom Line:

If you’re 5’10” and below, you’re sure to find an ideal fitting, vintage washed t-shirt with Peter Manning. And it’s great that they also offer a wide variety of colors to choose from.

» Readers’ Favorite: You might like this roundup of the best slim wallets (tested & compared)

BEST WHITE T-SHIRTS FOR MEN

BEST WHITE T-SHIRT (Battle) | Asket, Uniqlo, Banana Republic, Express & More

Watch this video on YouTube

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If you’re interested in white t-shirts in particular, the video above might be of interest.

9. BANANA REPUBLIC

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Banana Republic is another mega-retailer that can be found in nearly every shopping mall and outlets across the country. Known for their stylish, slightly more expensive (top of the GAP, Old Navy totem pole) business and smart casual wear, BR continues to offer quality, well fitting clothes for men of all heights.

I’ve shopped regularly at Banana Republic for a decade now. They used to have trendier items, but usually you can find timeless staples for modern-day gentleman. What’s great is that they have tall options and their regular sizes are pretty well tailored for shorter guys in my experience.

Authentic Supima Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt

I have Banana Republic’s Authentic Supima Cotton tees in regular, size XS, navy and white. Off the rack, they’re a bit roomier and slightly longer than some of the other options in this round-up, but not loose fitting where it’s sloppy looking.

I’m actually starting to prefer a little bit of room through the chest and body with my t-shirts. The sleeves are a little bit wider than the other t-shirt brands as well.

Right now, I’d have to cuff them once to get them to wrap fully around my bicep, which is a move I sometimes make in the spring and summer seasons. For the length, they land just under mid-fly which is a is a proper length for most.

Since washing and drying the shirt, it has shrunk down to a perfect fit. The sleeves hug my biceps and the length is right around mid-fly. The shrinkage seems to be common with BR products as is the case with Banana Republic Luxury Touch Polo.

Additionally, the BR tee’s cotton fabric is noticeably thicker — about the same as ASKET‘s shirts. This leads me to believe that they are built to last for a long time.

I personally like the slightly more structured feel of Banana Republic t-shirts. All in all, they look and feel great with a clean drape.

Banana Republic Authentic Supima Cotton Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XXS-XXL
• Material: 100% Supima Cotton
• Made In: Jordan
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $30

Check Out BR’s Tee Shop

Garment Dyed Vintage Pocket T-Shirt

The Banana Republic Supima Pocket Tee is similar their Authentic Supima Cotton T-Shirts with the difference being the pocket detail and a more faded wash.

This pocket tee has a chest pocket detail on the left for added functionality and style. The shirts are soft with a specially-knit cotton jersey that resists pilling and shrinking. 

Additionally these particular BR shirts are garment-dyed, which is a special wash process that produces a soft material and a vintage, color-washed look.

And instead of a straight hem, the pocket tees have vented sides and are slightly longer in the back of the shirt. Finally they retail for $30-40 and often go on sale for 40-50%+ off as with the rest of Banana Republic’s clothing.

Banana Republic Garment Dyed Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XXS-XXXL
• Material: 100% Supima Cotton
• Made In: Cambodia
• Colorways: 7

Check Out BR’s Tee Shop

The Bottom Line:

Banana Republic tees have some of the best fits out there, for skinnier guys and muscular alike.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this article on the best t-shirt brands for guys, then you’ll probably find my other writing on all things men’s style useful. Each week, I share updates, style tips and other things not shared on the blog through my free email newsletter.

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10. ORGANIC BASICS

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Organic Basics (underwent a change in management, but is now back up) knows that the fashion industry is run amuck with seasonal trends and disposable clothing, and so they set out to put sustainable thinking at the core of everything that they do. From the fabrics to the factories that they choose to work with, it’s all about being mindful of the environment.

As its brand name suggests Organic Basics makes clothing ethically made, “Vegan Approved”, with GOTS certified organic cotton. It’s quality basics, meant to last, and sourced the right way.

Organic Basics Organic Cotton T-Shirt

The Organic Basics Organic Cotton Tee has a substantial weight to it, more so than many of the other brands on this list. The GOTS certified organic cotton is heavier than Everlane’s organic tees with a nice stretch to it thanks to the generous 5% elastane.

The shirt fits me well off the rack. They don’t carry XS, but their size small fits me like most XS shirts. It’s fitted throughout the body and shoulders and wraps snugly around my biceps, and a little longer than some of the other brands. It looks pretty good IMO. The length is slightly long, and I tested for shrinkage, it doesn’t shrink as much as some of the other shirts in this roundup.

As I mentioned before, Organic Basics tees have a heftier weight than most other t-shirts, but certainly breathable. Something about having elastane seems to add weight to a shirt from my experience. The shirts are soft and hold up well in the wash.

I went with navy (of course) which is one of the more versatile colors in menswear. They also carry black, white and grey — all muted colors, and right on brand for a brand with basics in its name.

What’s cool about Organic Basics is that they track the Impact index of their cotton production method. 1.7 pounds of CO2 prevented, 15 ounces chemicals saved, and 1 ounces of waste prevented.

Organic Basics Organic T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 95% GOTS organic cotton, 5% elastane
• Designed In: Denmark
• Made In: Izmir, Turkey
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $55 (free worldwide shipping)

Shop Organic Basics Tees

Organic Basics Soft Touch Tencel Lite Tee

While the Organic Basics Soft Touch TENCEL Lite Tee is a base layer, it can fit and wear like a basic t-shirt, which is why I’m including it on this list.

The Organic Basics TENCEL Tee is a soft undershirt that’s made with eco-friendly wood pulp fiber called TENCEL which is softer and lighter than cotton because of the smaller fibers. It feels similar to silk, spandex or bamboo fabric.

In terms of the shirt’s design, there’s a slight v-neck and the shirt is fitted throughout from the chest down to the arms and waist. I personally love how the shirt drapes on my body.

Like the organic cotton tee, it comes in black, white and navy colors. There’s also a dark green (olive) that I have a preference towards.

When it comes to casual basics, premium products usually come with a premium prices, and Organic Basics TENCEL Tee comes in at $65 (though it’s currently on sale for $33), which is the priciest shirt in this roundup. It’s a lot to swallow for a short sleeve shirt, but generally TENCEL products tend to be more expensive than cotton.

Organic Basics Soft Touch T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 95% lyocell TENCEL, 5% elastane
• Made In: Portugal
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $65 (free worldwide shipping)

The Bottom Line:

Like Everlane, Organic Basics is transparent about their where their products are sourced from, which is admirable in a world where many brands choose to hide these facts. It’s a premium product at a premium price. If you’re looking for high quality basics, Organic Basics is definitely worth a look.

11. EXPRESS

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Express was definitely my gateway into the whole menswear game. At least when it came to dressing better, I remember my first time walking into Express around middle school or high school and seeing all of the fancy clothes, I thought I was a true boss player every time I made a purchase.

Fast forward to today, I can’t remember the last time I stepped foot into an Express store. Quick update, I recently partnered with Express, highlighting a few items from their spring and summer collection. I’m definitely digging what they have these days, especially since the fit is perfect without any alterations.

Slim Supersoft White Crew Neck T-Shirt

Express Slim Supersoft shirts are exactly as the name suggests, super soft. And they are lighter weight and more sheer than most of the other shirts in this round up. 

The length runs about an inch, inch and a half long on my frame and it’s unfortunate that they do not carry a short size. Pretty much any mall brand will not have a short option. As with most cotton the shirt will get shorter through a wash and dry cycle which could be a good thing depending on your height.

The shirt is made of a stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and fits snug. So if you like a more form-fitted aesthetic, then these shirts are right up your alley.

Express Slim Supersoft Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% spandex
• Made In: India
• Colorways: 6
• Price: $24.90

Flex Stretch Crew Neck T-Shirt

The Express Flex Stretch shirts fit similar to their Slim Supersoft shirts in that they fit a bit snug, almost as if it’s an undershirt with the moisture wicking properties. They’ve got plenty of stretch if that’s your thing.

And if you’ve got the physique and want to show off those gains, then Express slim fit t-shirts are perfect for you.

They hug your body in all of the right places, accentuating all of your glamour muscles (back, triceps, biceps, and even abs). Express’ Flex Stretch shirts fit a bit tighter than their regular slim shirts from above.

Express Flex Stretch Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% spandex
• Made In: India
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $22.90

Express Flex Stretch Shirts

The Bottom Line:

These Express tees have the best stretch and look really good, especially if you have gains to show off. And they come in at a competitive price point, especially when on sale.

12. RHONE

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“Inspire One Another in the Pursuit of Progress” is what Rhone stands for. It’s all about a seamless integration of fit, form, and function. Clothing that you can feel comfortable wearing to the gym and to the office. The name was inspired by the Rhone river in Europe, a beautiful yet valuable trade route in olden days.

Rhone Element Tee

The Rhone Eco Element Tee is made from long-staple Pima cotton which makes it ultra soft and durable. It’s not the only brand on this list made from Pima cotton, but it is the only one made with SilverTech threads which have antimicrobial properties and help to keep the stink in check.

The shirt is soft with a premium feel much like ASKET, Banana Republic, Organic Basics and Thompson Tee. It drapes nicely, has adequate stretch, and is pretty wrinkle resistant which is a good trait for a t-shirt to have.

They don’t carry XS, but the small actually fits quite well in all areas. It does run a little bit long and should shrink a bit after a wash and dry cycle. Comes in 3 versatile colors of white, black, navy and one bolder azure blue.

Rhone Everyday Pima Cotton T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: Pima Cotton, Polyester, XT2 Polyester
• Created In: USA
• Built In: Peru
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $54

See Rhone Element Tee Price

The Bottom Line:

Rhone is one of the more premium price t-shirts that I’ve come across, but when you take a look at the performance material behind their products from Reign to HITF, Flex-Knit™ and Cloudbend it becomes a little more clear why. Of course at over $50 it’s not in everyone’s budget.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this best t-shirt brands for men guide, then you’ll probably like this article on 5 Types of T-Shirts and How to Wear Them with Style.

13. TANI

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Tani USA is out to set the standard of the world’s best underwear, period. They do this through innovation in every aspect of their garments from patented fabrics, made with high durability, easy washability in mind to ensure a longer lasting garment.

Tani SilkCut Crew Shirt

I included Tani because I love the way the shirt wears as both as a base layer and a basic tee. It fits great, in fact Tani’s SilkCut shirt has the most free flowing drape and some of the nicest feeling fabric I’ve ever felt on a shirt. Trust me, it’s super soft and buttery smooth.

Additionally, Tani fabrics keep you warm when it’s cool and keep you cool when it’s warm — just the type of versatility you want from an undergarment or t-shirt. I also have a set of their SilkCut Thermal Underwear and it’s especially true of the thermals as I’ve been wearing them to bed for the past several weeks.

Back to the SilkCut shirt, it’s form-fitting with naturally moisture wicking fabric. If I were to make a comparison, I’d say the fit and feel is similar to Manual Outfitter’s Baselayer and Organic Basics TENCEL Lite tee.

Tani SilkCut Crewneck T-Shirt Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 94% Micro Modal Air, 6% elastane
• Made In: USA
• Colorways: 4
• Price: $55

Shop Tani Silk Cut Shirt

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to feeling and fit, Tani’s SilkCut shirt is one of my favorites. The Micro Modal AIR technology is legit. You just have to feel it for yourself.

14. THOMPSON TEE

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While technically an undershirt, the Thompson Tee might fit you well as a t-shirt depending on your build. For me, the shirt was huge out of the packaging, but to no surprise, it shrunk down to a proper size after a single wash and dry cycle.

Thompson Tee Sweat Proof T-Shirt

Thompson Tee is interesting because their shirts come with a proprietary design that stops sweat from showing through your underarms, which is a lifesaver for those who sweat profusely down there.

I have to be honest, it feels a little weird having that extra padding under your arms, and while it’s not uncomfortable, but does take some getting used to. You can definitely feel the protection, though. The shirt is nice and soft and definitely has a premium feel to it.

In terms of the Thompson Tee as an undershirt, it’s a bit too heavy weight of fabric for an undershirt IMO, especially with the sweat panels under the arms, and so that’s why I recommend it as a t-shirt. YMMV depending on your build. For reference, I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs.

Thompson Tee Sweat Proof Crewneck Details:

• Sizes: XS-3XL
• Material: 100% Premium Combed Cotton
• Made In: USA
• Colorways: 7
• Price: $29

Shop Thompson Tee

The Bottom Line:

If you want a t-shirt or undershirt with sweat proof technology that’s made in the USA with premium quality fabrics, Thompson Tee is the perfect shirt to take a look at.

15. ARMANI EXCHANGE

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I can honestly say that I haven’t shopped at Armani Exchange in about a decade and surprisingly, that’s when I got these two shirts that are featured in this article.

I think it was around high school that I was getting into men’s fashion and dressing more stylishly and so, Armani Exchange was where all the cool kids shopped. They were known for their clean graphic tees and (from my experience) flawless fit, at least when it came to tees.

Armani Exchange t-shirt quality are some of the best around, especially their pima cotton variety. I’ve owned the green graphic tee (displayed) for over 12 years and it’s been through hundreds of wash/dry cycles.

Although it may be nearing its end, I’m holding onto it because it’s been a staple in my wardrobe for so long and is one of the few graphic tees that I still wear. The fit and quality is what stands out to me. The shirt has kept its shape and is still one of the softest cotton fabric shirts I own.

Their solid pima cotton crewneck and v-neck tees come in a wide range of colorways from white, to navy, and cool colors like jade and slate grey.

Armani Exchange Pima Cotton Shirt Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 100% Pima Cotton
• Made In: Peru
• Colorways: 11
• Price: $30

Shop AX T-Shirts

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to quality, soft pima cotton tees, AX is one of the best there is.

16. MANUAL OUTFITTERS

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Note: Looks like Manual Outfitters The Baselayer is no longer in stock. Alternatives provided.

Manual Outfitters (Goodthreads & Amazon Essentials are great tee alternatives) seeks to replace the clutter and waste in every man’s wardrobe with a small collection of well-crafted, high performance basics. They’re committed to creating apparel that’s worthy of a spot in your collection.

It’s all about products that outperform, outlasts and out-comforts anything you’ve worn before, all the while being mindful of sustainability. Definitely a worthy cause worth getting onboard with.

Manual Outfitters The Baselayer

Manual Outfitters ‘The Baselayer’ comes in a performance blend of fabrics from eucalyptus origin lyocell, cotton and elastane. It’s got a proprietary seam design that helps break tension under your arms, providing free range of motion. It’s definitely more so along the lines of performance and active gear rather than an ordinary undershirt or t-shirt.

When you wear the shirt, you can feel the difference from ordinary tees and undershirts. The seams under the arms provide a performance tech feel. It’s a shirt you’ll want to workout in.

I like the way the shirt fits and is perfect to be worn under your favorite button downs or standalone as a basic t-shirt. It’s got a refined, clean drape — slightly long, but most of the t-shirt brands on this list run long on me. What’s cool is that they have a less medium and more medium size which is ideal for those who may be in-between small and medium or between a medium and a large.

Manual Outfitters Baselayer V-Neck Details:

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Material: 62% lyocell, 30% cotton, 8% elastane
• Cut & Sewn In: Massachusetts
• Made In: Portugal
• Colorways: 2
• Price: $44

Check The Baselayer Price

The Bottom Line:

Manual Outfitters The Baselayer has an exceptional design that’s unlike any of the shirts in this roundup. You’ll feel the difference the second that you put it on. If you like to workout and want to look good while you’re at it, The Baselayer (Goodthreads) is a great option.

IN THE END

A great fitting t-shirt is a menswear staple that ALL stylish men should have in their wardrobe, and it won’t be going away anytime soon. Do you agree?

I hope you got value from this roundup of our 16 picks for the best men’s t-shirt brands. There you have it, 16 great brands—worn, tested and GW approved. Till next time!

What are some of your best fitting t-shirt brands?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.