Yahoo LifestyleThe 35 Essential T-Shirt Brands Every Man Should Know
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The 35 Essential T-Shirt Brands Every Man Should Know
We're living through historic times for the T-shirt. The basic tee, once imbued so indelibly with ties to the counter-culture courtesy of associations with on-screen badasses like Brando and Dean, is now so innocuous it's downright mainstream. These days, you could even say the T-shirt has become the de facto building block of the everyday outfit, long since replacing stuffier counterparts like the collared shirt, let alone (*checks notes*) the suit. The best brands understand this, which means there have never been more options to choose from. And while we're ever-thankful for the variety, it can sure get a little overwhelming.
Luckily for you, we sifted through the nearly endless supply of T-shirts available now to track down the 35 brands responsible for our favorites, with the recommendation that, if you happen to find a style you dig, you stock up on it—and fast. From tees that are cut cropped and boxy, to ones that are longer and trim throughout the body, to still others that cling to your torso in exactly the way you want them to, we cover 'em all. And if you're looking for an ultra-sturdy option, or an option made out of super-soft cotton, or something you could work out in, or a T-shirt studiously crafted out of some of the most sustainable materials on the planet, we got them, too.
Scroll through below to find the best T-shirt brand for you, and then wear yours with literally every single piece in your closet.
Elaine Chung - 2/36
Alternative
Alternative
amazon.com
$9.48
For years now, Alternative's been churning out some of the softest tees in the business. (A subtle slub only adds to the appeal.)
amazon.com - 3/36
Comfort Colors
Comfort Colors
amazon.com
$11.47
For more than four decades, Comfort Colors has been making T-shirts, refining its technique, resulting in styles that live up to the brand's name. It's no wonder that the label has a large and devoted following.
amazon.com - 4/36
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials
amazon.com
$14.60
When Amazon introduced a private label business, it took a slow-and-steady approach, gathering as much consumer feedback as possible to offer styles that were up to snuff. The plan worked, and the rave reviews that Amazon Essentials receives is proof.
amazon.com - 5/36
Uniqlo U
Uniqlo U
uniqlo.com
$19.90
Without question, Uniqlo's beloved U line, conceived in collaboration with French designer Christophe Lemaire, is one of the best places to snag any number of elevated essentials. The Japanese retailer's perfectly beefy T-shirts are a favorite in the Esquire offices and among average Joes looking to stock up on quality tees.
uniqlo.com - 6/36
Carhartt
Carhartt
amazon.com
$21.99
At this point, it goes without saying that anything Carhartt touches will probably (read: definitely) outlast whatever else is in your closet. The brand's tees very much included.
amazon.com - 7/36
Nike
Nike
nike.com
$20.97
In the world of athletic apparel, Nike, particularly its Dry-FIT collection, is a cut above the rest. It was 30 years ago when The Swoosh introduced the line, which is made of moisture-wicking, lightweight microfibers that do the most at the gym or any scenario that involves exercise. And over the years, it has only improved upon the technology.
nike.com - 8/36
Hanes
Hanes
amazon.com
$24.14
An oldie but goodie, Hanes's value packs elevate a weekend essential to the rarified realm of an everyday staple.
amazon.com - 9/36
Everlane
Everlane
everlane.com
$30.00
Pro tip: Heavier weight tees, like the one made by Everlane here, tend to wrinkle less and hold their shape better in the long run.
everlane.com - 10/36
Brooklinen Prospect Tee
Brooklinen Prospect Tee
brooklinen.com
$28.00
Many know about Brooklinen, the bedding brand that makes some of the best, softest, most long-lasting sheets. But few may know that it has a T-shirt that shares the same qualities as the rest of its home goods.
brooklinen.com - 11/36
Kotn
Kotn
kotn.com
$35.00
Kotn's essential crew is the rare wardrobe staple actually worthy of the moniker. Cut slim (but not, y'know, skintight) and made out of a durable midweight cotton, it's a tee that you'll be able to wear day in and day out for years to come.
kotn.com - 12/36
J.Crew
J.Crew
jcrew.com
$29.99
From winter coats to suits to socks, J.Crew carries it all. This, of course, includes some of the best tees, especially this one made of organic cotton and recycled fibers that is broken-in for a maximum flex.
jcrew.com - 13/36
Buck Mason
Buck Mason
buckmason.com
$35.00
Buck Mason's signature curved hem tees look better roughed up, so no need to treat 'em gently.
buckmason.com - 14/36
Forty Five
Forty Five
huckberry.com
$35.00
Forty Five, named after the famous vinyl records, offers some of the most relaxed tees around. And like the 45 rpm, its Supima crew tee is made to be played over and over again.
huckberry.com - 15/36
Everbody.World
Everbody.World
everbody.world
$29.00
In a few short years, Everbody.World's Trash Tee, made from 100 percent recycled cotton, has become a go-to blank for a who's who of emerging labels that care as much about the planet as they do their product.
everbody.world - 16/36
Madewell
Madewell
madewell.com
$39.50
Madewell's tee, made of 100 percent organic cotton and cut to hang on the body gently, lives up to the brand's name.
madewell.com - 17/36
American Giant
American Giant
american-giant.com
$40.00
Made entirely in the U.S., American Giant offers a range of T-shirts and other basics that are made of highly durable cotton. The tee offers maximum comfort and what the brands toots as the "prefect fit."
american-giant.com - 18/36
Mack Weldon
Mack Weldon
mackweldon.com
$42.00
Mack Weldon, maker of one the mightiest sweatpants around, also has an ultra-soft, antimicrobial shirt, named the Silver, that first the bill.
mackweldon.com - 19/36
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
nordstrom.com
$42.50
Because no list of everyday essentials of any kind would be complete without mention of the brand that made designer basics a bona fide thing.
nordstrom.com - 20/36
Vuori
Vuori
vuoriclothing.com
$44.00
From the moisture-wicking tech fabric to the flattering fit of its signature tee, called Strato, it's no wonder why Vuori is considered one of the best athleisure brands out there.
vuoriclothing.com - 21/36
Good Man Brand
Good Man Brand
nordstrom.com
$58.00
Former footballer Russell Wilson set out to change the culture around clothes when he found Good Man Brand several years ago. Along with offering quality basics that are meant to stand the test of time, encouraging less consumption, the brand always donates a percentage of sales to Wilson's Why Not You Foundation.
nordstrom.com - 22/36
Reigning Champ
Reigning Champ
mrporter.com
$50.00
Cut and sewn in Canada from ring-spun cotton and then reinforced with flatlock seams, Reigning Champ's tees offer a slice of what the brand does best, one perfectly unassuming silhouette at a time.
mrporter.com - 23/36
Pangaia
Pangaia
pangaia.com
$55.00
Pangaia wants to make the world a better place. The brand's goal is to make incredible wardrobe staples that use minimal dyes as well as chemicals, and repurposes as much upcycled materials as possible.
pangaia.com - 24/36
Lululemon
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$58.00
Reading is what? Fundamental. And so is this aptly titled shirt from the always-dependable Lululemon.
lululemon.com - 25/36
Goodlife
Goodlife
goodlifeclothing.com
$60.00
When the entire Goodlife brand is built on the power of a simple T-shirt you know it's going to be, uh, good for, uh, life.
goodlifeclothing.com - 26/36
Fear of God Essentials
Fear of God ESSENTIALS
endclothing.com
$69.00
Fear of God Essentials, like the main line, is al about celebrating quality and simplicity—but at a much more affordable price.
endclothing.com - 27/36
Velva Sheen
Velva Sheen
endclothing.com
$69.00
Velva Sheen is an iconic American brand recently returned to its former glory by a renewed commitment to how things were done in the good ol' days.
endclothing.com - 28/36
James Perse
James Perse
mrporter.com
$70.00
A soft, cotton-jersey tee perfectly encapsulates James Perse's particular brand of West Coast cool.
mrporter.com - 29/36
Proof
Proof
huckberry.com
$72.00
As its name conveys, this tee was made to be odor-free and keep its shaped for a whole 72 hours, even in adverse conditions. And its been tested and proven several times over.
huckberry.com - 31/36
Theory
Theory
mrporter.com
$75.00
Theory's range of quality basics needs no introduction. But if you need a refresher, just take a look at the the color, cut, and soft modal-blend jersey fabric of its T-shirts.
mrporter.com - 32/36
Darryl Brown
Darryl Brown
jcrew.com
$80.00
Darryl Brown has lived many lives. Before founding his eponymous brand, the designer was Ye's head stylist and, before he caught the fashion bug, was a railroad engineer for General Motors. All these stages in his career are reflected in his collections, which blend utility, luxury, and bit of angst.
jcrew.com - 33/36
3sixteen
3sixteen
3sixteen.com
$95.00
3sixteen's Andrew Chen is a denim expert of the highest order. The brand might be famous for its premium selvage, but its pima pocket tees are the true sleeper hit. Cut soft and silky with all the details you'd expect from a brand of its calibre (and made in the USA, naturally), it's beefy enough to wear on its own or under the brand's sturdy flannels.
3sixteen.com - 34/36
Sunspel
Sunspel
matchesfashion.com
$98.00
Sunspel makes soft, sumptuous tees ideal for layering or for wearing on their own. So buy 'em in a range of colors and patterns to upgrade any outfit.
matchesfashion.com - 35/36
Oliver Spencer
Oliver Spencer
mrporter.com
$105.00
Oliver Spencer's tees, especially the Conduit, are cut thick so as to drape the body in a way that imbues richness and class.
mrporter.com - 36/36
Zegna
Zegna
nordstrom.com
$595.00
Like its suits, Zegna's tees are made of the finest materials soaked in richest dyes, which are then cut to precision.
nordstrom.com
