NO DOUBT, T-SHIRTS are the Alpha and Omega of men’s wardrobe. And the best t-shirts for men should be a mixture of style, comfort, and versatility. Whether it’s moisture-wicking fabrics or burly heavyweight cotton, great tees are made from materials that ensure durability and long-lasting comfort. Maximizing versatility with solid neutral colors, the best t-shirts for men will seamlessly transition from casual outings to semi-formal gatherings, making them ideal for everyday wear or layering. From vintage-inspired boxy cuts, to physique flattering slim fits, your new go-to t-shirt is somewhere on this list.
Best T-Shirts for Men
Every guy needs some graphic-less tees in their wardrobe, but how you wear them goes a long way in deciding how much you should spend. If your t-shirts typically play a supporting role, standing as a clean background for more complex garments, or hidden all together as a base layer, then budget-friendly options will do the trick. Simplified construction and bare bones detailing is all you need. For gentlemen who place their t-shirts in a staring role that can carry an entire outfit, a steadily growing trend these days, then shelling out for fancier fabrics and upgraded manufacturing is a good idea. Clothing brands have been paying more attention to this often overlooked garment, and some of the best t-shirts for men now feature fabrics and detailing once reserved for sweaters and button down shirts.
What to Consider
Fit
In a plain tee, the only thing that makes you “look good” is the fit. While it’s easier for athletic guys to look great in all kinds of T-shirts, men of any shape and body type can also look just as good, if they’ve found the right fit—such as slim, classic, relaxed, etc. For slender bodies, a slim fit will make you look more tailored. If you’re a big dude, a roomy fit will flatter you. If a tee fits tight around your chest, your chest will look big. Lastly, the best T-shirts shouldn’t cover your butt, so choose one that reaches just a tad below your waist.
Material
100% cotton tees are often the gold standard for every day tees, but cotton often doesn’t perform the best, which is why tech, blended fabrics can give useful feats like moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, breathability, or even temperature regulation. Hence, if you’re an athletic or active guys, or maybe you sweat a lot naturally, or are looking for tees for going out, ditch the full cotton and opt for blended fabrics.
Style
Different styles of tees work best for different occasions—don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. A V-neck T-shirt, for instance, works best as an undershirt and can make your neck look longer. A crewneck is your everyday kind of tee that’s great for layering or on its own. Garment-dyed tees look lived-in for a vintage style. And if you want to look dressy in T-shirts, ditch the plain-looking ones that look like undershirts and go for a pocketed tee instead. Better yet, opt for graphic tees to really make a style statement that is true to you.
Length and hem
These are two indicators on whether your t-shirt can—or should—be tucked in or left untucked. With a curved hem, then the tee is best left untucked; it’ll probably look better that way. A straight hem can do both, depending on the length. That is to say, a longer length is thus best left tucked in, unless you’ve got the height or the style magic to offset any disproportion.
How We Selected
To find the best t-shirts for men, our style team, led by fashion director Ted Stafford, have personally tried on over 60 different options since 2020 and tested each of them for at least two weeks by wearing them on different occasions. We vetted our tested options by taking notes of their style, type, comfort, fit, price point, versatility, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability.
We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of movement in different temperatures, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion. We also tested these t-shirts on different body types, from slim to athletic to buff, to ensure the most unbiased results.
Specifically, we’re looking for t-shirt styles that are not trendy or trend-chasing (so no funky graphics, baggy fits, or holes here and there); instead, our picks of the best t-shirts for men all fit great even on buff guys, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now. Keep reading to see our sweet 16.
Personalized Dad Papa Since Father’s Day Shirt
The softness also feels like a second skin without being too warm, and the slim fit is flattering, hugging our biceps and pecs with just the right amount of tightness while still giving our skin enough breathing room
In my experience of wearing this tee to run everyday errands or layering it under another garment, I found that it’s managed to retain its softness and shape wear after wear—courtesy of its recovery collar and strong stitching. Made with anti-odor, stretchy fabric, I’ve also used it as a reliable workout shirt.
Legends Never Die
It’s not easy to satisfy everyone when it comes to apparel, especially when choosing one as a gift – unless you opt for our personalized apparel. A personalized shirt is a perfect gift for all occasions and makes your loved one feel even more special.
Father Personalized Name
- The relaxed fit keeps the wearer comfy in both casual and semi-formal settings while the crew neckline delivers that classic, neat style which makes it perfect for accessorizing.
- All Comfort Colors shirts feature pre-shrunk cotton for size retention and a signature sewn-in twill label.
- Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested.
- The pre-shrunk fabric ensures a consistently great fit. Check all available sizes in our Comfort Colors size chart.
Personalized Supperpapa Gift for Father Custom Name
It is a mid-weight 100% cotton fabric that comes with a lived in feel right out of the box. The color had a vintage faded texture to it as well.
How to Style T-Shirts for Different Occasions?
Casual/Everyday Look: Pair a classic crew-neck or V-neck t-shirt with jeans or chinos (including their shorts variations) for a laid-back vibe. Layer under a denim or bomber jacket for a touch of coolness during cooler weather. Complete the outfit with sneakers or casual shoes like slip-ons.
Going Out: Opt for lightweight, breathable t-shirts. Style them with shorts or casual linen pants for a cool and relaxed look. Slip into comfortable sandals or boat shoes for added comfort.
Relaxed Weekend/Lounging: Pair a relaxed-fit or classic-fit tee with casual joggers or sweatpants for a totally easy vibe.
Beach or Resort: Style a light and breezy t-shirt with swim trunks or linen shorts for a beach-ready look. Wear flip-flops or sandals to complement the vacation vibe.
Athletic/Sports: Pick moisture-wicking or performance t-shirts first, and wear them with gym shorts or athletic shorts or track pants for maximum comfort and flexibility during your activities.
Smart/Business Casual: If you know the dress code allows, pick a well-fitted (usually slim) t-shirt in a solid color and minimal design (no pocket, for instance). Pair it with tailored trousers or chinos for a more polished appearance (make sure to tuck it), then layer it under a blazer. Complete the look with dress sneakers or leather sneakers.