Are you a V-neck kind of guy? These are our top picks for reliable, high-quality V-necks that you can buy right now.
The V-neck tee shirt is a misunderstood garment. While it often gets associated with a certain kind of “bro fashion,” the V-neck started its life in a much different place.
The term V-neck goes back at least to 1882, but it’s difficult to pinpoint where, when, and why this crew neck variation first entered the world.
Most sources agree that it was created to be an undershirt that could be worn underneath an unbuttoned outer layer for a neater look. While a crew neck’s collar is visible under an unbuttoned shirt, a V-neck’s collar is not.
V-necks exploded in popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, popping up in every style from prep to emo.
During this period, men switched to wearing the V-neck as a single layer, just like you’d wear a normal crew neck. However, due to the more exaggerated neckline, this garnered some flak in many fashion circles.
This was especially true for the “deep V,” an almost comically exaggerated type of V-neck with a low neckline. Some of these necklines were so deep that they reached the stomach — “yikes.”
Today, V-necks are still looked down upon by many guys who associate them with certain cringe-worthy styles.
However, a regular (shallow) V-neck still has a place in menswear. It can be worn as it was originally intended to hide underneath an unbuttoned layer, and if you style it right, a V-neck can look pretty good as part of a summer outfit.
Will a V-neck be your everyday tee? Probably not. But will it come in handy when the time is right? Absolutely.
Quick Take
Here are our recommendations from the list:
Boasting a sleek and minimalist design with a subtle neckline, this classic T-shirt is crafted from 100% organic cotton for unparalleled comfort and quality. Every inch of this wardrobe essential is carefully crafted to perfection, ensuring a perfect fit that flatters your frame.
Whether you prefer a discrete undershirt or a base layer, this versatile tee has got you covered. With its premium construction and sleek design, the Softspun V-neck is the perfect addition to any wardrobe seeking both comfort and style.
This V-Neck is a perfect example of the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Crafted with premium materials and refined with blind stitching and slightly longer sleeves, this tee is the ultimate fusion of comfort and style.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
8 Best V-Neck Tees for Men
With that in mind, here are eight V-neck options to check out if you’re considering adding one or two to your closet:
Pact Softspun V-Neck
The Pact Softspun V-neck is a ribbed tee designed for layering, so it can be either a hidden undershirt or a base layer.
Pact is known for its sustainable wardrobe staples, and this T-shirt is no exception. It’s made in a Fair Trade Factory in India using 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
The Softspun V-neck is currently available in ten colors and four sizes. You can pick one up for $24, which is a great price for a sustainable shirt.
Organic Basics Lite Tee
Organic Basics call its Lite Tee a “slightly cropped crewneck” shirt, which is essentially code for “shallow V-neck.”
It’s made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. Thanks to its moisture-wicking properties and silk-like softness, Lyocell works well as a T-shirt material.
The Lite Tee is available in either black or dark green, and its sizes range from S to XXL. If you want a seriously soft V-neck, the Lite Tee may be exactly what you’re looking for.
prAna V-Neck
prAna is best known for its outdoorsy clothing, but it has some basics that shouldn’t be overlooked, and that includes this humble V-neck.
This shirt is Fair Trade Certified, which means the organic cotton used to make it and the factory in which it was made are both certified. That’s a nice bonus (even though the shirt is 40% recycled polyester) that underscores prAna’s overall mission.
This V-neck comes in ten colors and sizes from XS to XXL, and at a retail price of $35, it’s a solid upgrade if you’re used to store-bought T-shirt packs.
Boody Men’s V-Neck
Boody is an Australian brand best known for its sustainable underwear, but the company also offers wardrobe essentials like this Men’s V-Neck.
This breathable tee is made from bamboo viscose for a soft and light wearing experience. There’s also a bit of elastane added to provide a touch of stretchiness.
It’s available in four color options; however, sizes only go from S to XL. It’s competitively priced for a bamboo shirt at $44 USD.
The Classic T-Shirt Company Mens Short Sleeve V Neck
With the Classic T-Shirt Company, you get exactly what it says on the tin: trusty tees that will fit into any closet.
The brand’s Short Sleeve V Neck is a great example of that ethos. Refinements such as blind stitching and slightly longer sleeves reflect attention to detail.
Like all Classic T-Shirt Company shirts, this V-neck is made in the US from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS. It comes in 13 colors and sizes from XS to 3XL (although the sizing does run small).
Everlane Uniform Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee
Everlane’s Uniform collection offers wardrobe staples at affordable prices, so you get quite a bit of value for money.
This Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee has just about everything you could want from a basic T-shirt. It’s clean and minimal with a subtle neckline, and as the name suggests, it’s 100% organic cotton.
It’s available in sizes from XS to XXL, but it does have a slim fit. If you like your shirts on the loose side, make sure to size up.
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck Tee
If you’re looking for a classic American T-shirt, look no further than Buck Mason. The brand offers some excellent T-shirts that are entirely made in the USA — even the cotton is grown domestically.
The Slub Curved Hem V-Neck Tee features several of Buck Mason’s signature design elements that make this shirt a bit different from the average V-neck.
The curved hem provides a more tailored look, and the sturdy 145 GSM cotton jersey fabric strikes a balance of robustness and comfort.
It retails for $45, which is excellent for an American-made tee, and comes in six colors and sizes from XS to XXL.
Mack Weldon Pima V-Neck T-Shirt
Mack Weldon is another brand known for its luxurious underwear. While the boxer briefs may be the star of the show, the company’s shirt collection has a lot to offer.
The Pima V-Neck is a slim-fitting tee that features strong ladder stitching for improved durability. The enzyme-washed cotton is soft and comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about any scratchiness.
Due to the slimmer fit, this shirt is a great option if you’re looking for a V-neck to wear as an undershirt.
V-Neck FAQs
Still wondering about V-neck shirts? Here’s a wrap-up of some FAQs:
Is it okay for guys to wear V-necks?
Yes, guys can wear V-necks! While you can wear them solo, V-necks work best as undershirts below an unbuttoned shirt or shacket.
Who should wear V-necks?
V-necks work best for guys who like to wear unbuttoned shirts.
How do you make V-necks look good?
You can wear V-necks in a few different ways. You can wear them as multipurpose undershirts, base layers below unbuttoned outer layers, or by themselves.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t worn a V-neck tee in a few years, consider giving this style a chance. There are a lot of great options out there. Just make sure to avoid ridiculously deep V’s.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
But the ridiculously low V is exactly what I want. I wear open collar shirts primarily, so the white V-neck is purely functional. Nothing worse than SEEING the V-neck under a collar shirt. Sidebar: While cotton/spandex material feels great, the V-neckline quickly shrivels up like fried bacon. That’s where I’m at. Still looking. Good article. Thanks.
I think you’re talking about undershirts, not regular t-shirts you’d wear as an outer layer. I agree with you that a lower ‘v’ is better for undershirts than a higher one.