The Best Henley Shirts to Upgrade Your Casual Outfits
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The SPY team has reviewed countless products for our tech, fitness and style guides. But there’s one category we’ve invested more time into testing than any other, and that’s our search for the world’s best T-shirt brands. After exhaustively reviewing dozens of T-shirt brands, we believe we know this product category better than anyone. And that includes who makes the best henley shirts.
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If you’re a modern man, your wardrobe should feature at least a few of the best henley T-shirts. Your favorite celeb loves them (see: Ryan, either Gosling or Reynolds). They convey rugged appeal, toughness and a sense of edgy-yet-classic cool. When worn with all the buttons buttoned, henleys also look slightly more dressed up than a simple tee, especially when paired with chinos or khaki shorts.
Henley shirts offer a nice change of pace from a plain crewneck tee (although you surely need those in your rotation, too). The henley shirt also comes in several knit designs like ribbed or waffle, which makes the fabric more breathable and more absorbent than traditionally knit henley shirts.
Given their style and variety, the best henley shirts can stand on their own or make perfect base layers for fall and winter. Flannel jackets and flannel shirts are go-to pairings, but you can also easily style up with a nice blazer and some fancy dress sneakers. (We’re big fans of lounging around in flannel pajamas too!)
After testing so many T-shirts, we’ve gathered our favorite henleys for you based on style, overall fit, comfort and longevity. Below, you’ll find the top long-sleeve and short-sleeve henley shirts available for purchase right now. And if you see a short-sleeve or long-sleeve option you really love, most of the brands here make both.
1. Buck Mason Pima Long-Sleeve Curved Hem Henley Shirt
BEST OVERALL
Buck Mason’s old-school sensibilities shine through in producing this rugged henley, which looks just like timeless sporting options worn in days gone by. The curved hem is flattering on lots of different body types and the four-button placket is visually interesting and allows you to customize your fit. Plus, the Pima cotton fabric is super-soft and comfortable on your skin. These are so well-made (we should know, we’ve tested Buck Mason tees extensively!) that you’ll want to snag at least one.
Buck Mason Pima Long-Sleeve Henley
2. Cuts Clothing Curve-Hem Henley T-Shirts
RUNNER UP
Cuts is a favorite for a reason when it comes to guys who need a basics upgrade. Its tees and henleys always fit extremely well. We love this henley shirt because its fabric is soft and stretchy and its color options are unparalleled. The short-sleeve option is a nice change of pace from the brand’s fan-favorite long-sleeve henleys, too. The curved hem is also a great styling detail that flatters even guys who fall under the “Big and Tall” end of the spectrum because it elongates the torso. This rugged yet soft henley is a winner all around.
Full Review: Cuts Clothing Tees Are Worth the Splurge
Cuts Clothing Curve-Hem Henley
3. Fresh Clean Tees Short-Sleeve Henley Shirts
BEST VALUE
When you find one of the best men’s henley shirts for under $30 (scratch that — under $25!), you should certainly jump on it. However, the key to buying a henley or four from Fresh Clean Tees is the fact that you’re still getting plenty of high-quality design and bang for your buck at a low, low price. Take your pick from 10 vibrant, versatile color options (including a goes-with-anything black or white option), then revel in the super-breezy, comfortable, yet substantial fabric, the kind that won’t droop or sag with all-day wear. At that price, we’re of the mind you should certainly pick up more than one.
Full Review: We’re Obsessed With Fresh Clean Tees
Fresh Clean Tees Short-Sleeve Henley
4. Faherty Short-Sleeve Heathered Henley
BEST UP-AND-COMING BRAND
Fabric is critical when purchasing a henley shirt, and Faherty knows this all too well — in the best way possible. The key here is the fact that they’ve taken their knowledge of fabric across the board, from rugged-yet-soft flannel shirts and long-sleeve henleys, and turned it into a seriously soft take on the henley shirt. The slub texture and cotton-poly blend look great when worn casually with a denim jacket — while also breathing easy — yet this is the kind of henley shirt you should feel free to wear all on its own.
Faherty Short-Sleeve Heathered Henley
5. Vuori Long-Sleeve Ever Henley
BEST MULTI-PURPOSE
Henley shirts are more than just a standout casual style move. They can also be worn in plenty of different ways and for plenty of different pursuits. Be it casual weekend coffee runs, day hikes, road trips or high-low layering with a lightweight summer blazer; the best long-sleeve henley shirts are the ones you can wear multiple ways. Performance menswear brand Vuori uses soft cotton, elastane, and sustainable fibers to deliver a versatile and rugged henley that is meant to go from day to night with ease.
Vuori Long-Sleeve Ever Henley
6. Carhartt Men’s Heavyweight Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt
MOST RUGGED
This relaxed-fit heavyweight thermal henley from Carhartt is built to last, whether you’re hard at work or hardly working. It has a looser fit for comfort and is available in various colors. The tee has a large pocket featuring Carhartt’s “C” logo. These tend to run large, and they’re made from 58% cotton, 39% polyester and 3% spandex for just a little bit of form-fitting.
Carhartt Men’s Heavyweight Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt
7. Tom Ford Tencel and Cotton-Blend Jersey Henley T-Shirt
BEST LUXURY
The henley shirt gets an impossibly cool, laid-back, yet seriously luxurious upgrade via the menswear expert that is Tom Ford. Even when reworking timeless picks like denim, Tom Ford’s touch always shines through, and that’s certainly the case with this splurge-worthy henley. The soft Tencel-cotton blend jersey feels great and looks even better, with a flattering fit and a downright sexy off-white color. Wear it with Tom Ford jeans to drive home the idea of simple-yet-stylish casual looks on the daily.
Read More: The Most Stylish Designer T-Shirts To Wear in 2022
Tom Ford Tencel and Cotton-Blend Jersey Henley T-Shirt
8. J.Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Henley
MOST COMFORTABLE
We’ve done quite a bit of work rounding up the best henley shirts in all areas, so to call a henley “most comfortable” is high praise. But J.Crew takes the cake quite handily here, using a garment-dying process to give this henley a lived-in feel right out of the box. It retails for under $50 no matter the versatile, eye-catching color you select, and a range of both Classic and Tall options allows you to dial in the perfect fit. Did we mention this henley is super-soft and light to the touch? Because it really, truly feels great.
Full Review: J.Crew’s Tees Are a Modern Wardrobe Staple
J. Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Henley
9. L.L. Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Henley
BEST WRINKLE-RESISTANT
Have you been working out lately and are finally ready to show off your biceps? Well, you’ll find this henley from L.L. Bean fitting and flattering for your ripped arms. It’s made of 100% cotton that resists everything like wrinkles, shrinking and fading. You can get this bad boy in seven colors, which comes in regular or tall sizing.
L.L.Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Henley
10. Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley
SOFT AND HEAVY
For a classic Americana look and feel, don’t look further than Taylor Stitch. The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley is made from an 8-ounce upcycled cotton-recycled polyester blend fabric for a soft yet sturdy feel and comes pre-shrunk, so you don’t have to worry about your washing machine taking it down a size. Put it to work or chill on the porch in comfortable style.
Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley
11. Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley
GREAT PERFORMANCE WOOL HENLEY
The Proof 72-hour Merino Henley was made for men with stuff to do. A merino wool-nylon blend ensures the shirt is durable, comfortable, and machine washable. Wear it solo or use it as a breathable base layer.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley
12. Katin Folk Henley
BEST TWO-BUTTON HENLEY
Have you noticed that most henley shirts usually are designed with two or three buttons? It comes down to the preferences of each brand and designer, but sometimes, two buttons are more your speed: It’s visually interesting, it can look breezy and cool, and it’s nice to have options among your rotation of the best henley shirts. Katin makes one that’s cool and modern, especially in a faded blue that works well with tan chinos. an indigo denim jacket and white high-top sneakers.
Katin Folk Henley
13. Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Short Sleeve Jersey Henley
BEST AMERICAN-MADE
It seems that stylish gear made in the U.S.A, and made the right way, is in short supply at times, which is what makes Todd Snyder’s commitment to making select knitwear in the States so impressive. Los Angeles is a standout hub for textile production, which means it’s also the perfect location for Snyder to produce his durable, premium henleys. The color options are classic; the shell buttons are a nice, upgraded design touch, and the jersey cotton should prove soft and smooth. Upgrade your henleys rotation ASAP with Todd Snyder.
Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Jersey Henley
14. Flint and Tinder Herringbone Jacquard Henley
SHARP HERRINGBONE JACQUARD
For a little more flair to the humble henley, pick up the Flint and Tinder Herringbone Jacquard Henley shirt. The brand stitched recycled nylon into the cotton to create a soft, durable and stylish herringbone twist on the classic henley. Ribbed cuffs help keep you warm, too whether you’re showcasing this henley on its own or layering.
Flint and Tinder Herringbone Jacquard Henley
15. Hanes Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt
BUDGET HENLEYS
We love all the henleys here, but let’s face it, dropping $30+ on a shirt isn’t always fun. That’s where the old faithful Hanes Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt comes in. It’s simple and basic, made with a cotton-polyester blend, and is among the cheapest henleys money can buy without feeling thin and stiff.
Hanes Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt
16. Uniqlo Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley T-Shirt
GO-TO WAFFLE HENLEY
Lots of brands make great basics, but few are as consistently successful as Uniqlo. The Uniqlo Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley T-Shirt has a nice roomy fit, a classic henley neckline, and a waffle knit to help wick moisture and keep your body cool.
Uniqlo Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley T-Shirt
17. Reigning Champ Henley
BEST THERMAL
When it comes to muted sportswear that’s simple, stylish and free from overt branding, Reigning Champ is the, well, reigning champ. This shirt has a thermal honeycomb design that keeps you comfortable no matter the temperature. It comes in gray and navy and is made from 100% cotton. It’s pricey, but it’s made with care in Canada.
Reigning Champ Henley
18. Mr. P Henley
BEST DESIGNER
Leave it to Mr. Porter’s in-house label, Mr. P, to upgrade the basic henley. This option is made from organic cotton and features a longer, five-button placket, giving it a sophisticated yet casual look. It has long sleeves and is available in blue or white.
Mr. P Henley
19. Wolverine Walden Long-Sleeve Thermal Henley Shirt
BEST FOR THE OUTDOORS
The Wolverine Walden Long-Sleeve Thermal Henley Shirt is exactly the kind of shirt you won’t mind sweating in while in the great outdoors. A relaxed fit and rolled shoulders give you plenty of mobility, the cotton-polyester blend keeps things comfortable, and the waffle knit helps regulate your body temp with its moisture wicking.
Wolverine Walden Long-Sleeve Thermal Henley Shirt
20. Tecovas Waffle Henley
BEST RUGGED
Tecovas specializes in some of the coolest Western boots we’ve seen in some time, and they’ve also got a full lineup of apparel to go along with those boots. This henley is the definition of rugged, with 100% smooth Pima cotton construction to keep you cool, plus ribbed cuffs to keep those sleeves in place through the most grueling of tasks on your to-do list.
Read More: The Best Long-Sleeve T-Shirts for Men
Tecovas Waffle Henley
How to Style Henley Shirts
Known for its comfiness, the best henley T-shirts pair well with sneakers and men’s jeans or khakis, and its simplicity allows the shirt to be styled up or down depending on the situation. The great thing is, men’s henley shirts work especially well any time of year — a guy’s closet needs both long-sleeve and short-sleeve options.
The best henleys are made from comfortable blends of cotton, polyester or wool (useful for fall and winter), and these shirts layer well under sweaters and flannel shirts as it gets chillier. Especially in the warmer months, a short-sleeve henley is the right way to go — on its own, or else underneath a denim jacket. The button placket on the henley, once used by sporting types as an athletic shirt, is cooler-looking than a standard tee, while short sleeve henleys in particular allow you to show off that hard work in the gym.
When styling the best henley shirts, here are three ways to plan your outfit:
Clean and classic: Take a short-sleeve henley. Roll the sleeves up a touch. Unbutton a button (or two). Pair with dark blue jeans and canvas high-top sneakers. Boom: Gosling mode activated.
Rugged yet refined: Take a short-sleeve henley shirt in a light color with a textured weave. Add your favorite summer-weight navy blazer, one with soft shoulders and no lining. Pair with light wash jeans and leather Chelsea boots.
Easygoing for every (weekend) day: Your short-sleeve henley looks great on its own, right? Consider wearing it underneath an unbuttoned floral or chambray short-sleeve shirt. Then, add some nicely tailored lightweight chino shorts and trusty low-top sneakers. Up next? Grab yourself a cold beer. You’ve earned it.
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