The humble white T-shirt is a wardrobe staple, but which tees stand above the rest? Here are my top 10 picks.
Chances are you own quite a few white T-shirts and have never given them much thought. And it makes sense — after all, the white tee is about as basic as you can possibly get.
But the fact that something is basic doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be just as good as other pieces in your wardrobe.
That’s a sentiment more consumers and brands alike are expressing, so it’s a great time to reexamine this essential piece of clothing and decide that you maybe want something better than the cheap $5 shirts you’re currently wearing.
Today, there are plenty of T-shirt manufacturers that use premium fabrics and heritage techniques to create some extremely comfortable tees that are well worth their elevated price tags. However, there are also many brands offering more wallet-friendly shirts that provide a ton of bang for your buck.
Quick Take
Here are our recommendations from the list:
Think of a classic white T-shirt, and you'll likely envision something akin to this American Giant tee. Made in the USA from lush slub jersey cotton, it maintains its structure and drapes perfectly—a step above cheaper alternatives.
Carhartt T-shirts, particularly the Loose Fit Heavyweight Pocket Tee, offer outstanding value. With nearly 100k Amazon reviews and a 4.6-star average, it's known for sturdy yet soft construction and excellent durability, especially for those with a larger build.
This Japanese-manufactured shirt boasts an impressive 409 gsm, making it one of the thickest and heaviest tees available. Ideal for those who prefer exceptionally structured shirts.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The 10 Best White T-Shirts for Men
I’ve handpicked 10 of the best white tees you can buy right now — here they are in alphabetical order according to their brands.
American Giant
When you think of a classic white T-shirt, you probably imagine something that looks almost identical to this tee from American Giant.
It’s a regular fit shirt that’s made in the USA from a lush slub jersey cotton, and unlike cheaper options, this tee retains its structure while draping just the right amount.
Asket
If you’re looking to upgrade from your old tees, The T-Shirt from Asket is a compelling option. This 180 gsm shirt is made from organic long-staple cotton and features twin-needle stitched hems.
The classic fit is truly classic, making this a shirt you’ll reach for day after day.
Barbell Apparel
If you’re a muscular guy, you’ve likely had trouble finding a T-shirt that actually fits you well. That’s where the Havok Short Sleeve from Barbell Apparel comes in.
This stretchy tee is made from a poly/spandex combo and has a tailored athletic fit for optimal performance.
Battenwear
Battenwear is one of those hidden gems in menswear that you don’t want to tell anyone about. The S/S Pocket Tee is a good summary of what the brand is all about high-quality construction, timeless style, and attention to detail.
It features a slightly roomy fit and comes prewashed for maximum comfort.
Buck Mason
Buck Mason started out as a made-in-USA brand, and while it’s largely moved away from that model, its T-shirts are still American-made.
Combine that USA-made quality with Buck Mason’s popular curved hem design, and you get the Slub Curved Hem Tee, which is supremely comfortable thanks to the flat stitch finish and self-neck binding.
Carhartt
Carhartt’s T-shirts just might have the best value for money of any brand in existence today.
Its Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt is especially popular — we’re talking nearly 100k reviews on Amazon with a 4.6-star average — thanks to its sturdy yet soft construction and amazing durability. (This tee is an especially good option if you have a larger build).
Lady White Co.
Few brands have gained a name for themselves with just one product, but that’s exactly the case with Lady White Co. and its famous T-shirt (simply referred to as Our T-Shirt).
This is a thick, hardy tee made from USA-grown cotton and produced using circular knitting machines that don’t create a side seam (this process is known as loopwheeling).
The result is a uniquely cozy T-shirt that features some of the best stitching you’ll ever see on a tee.
Merz b. Schwanen
If you have Hulu, you’ve probably seen this shirt before — it’s the instantly recognizable T-shirt worn by Jeremy Allen White in “The Bear.” And as it turns out, it’s a pretty amazing T-shirt that’s produced on original loopwheeling machinery using organic cotton.
This might be the closest you can get to a vintage T-shirt without actually going vintage.
Mott & Bow
Mott & Bow is mostly known for its denim, but the brand isn’t limited to jeans alone — it also makes a mean T-shirt, for instance. The Classic Crew Driggs Tee is a 140 gsm shirt made from luxurious combed cotton, and it’s prewashed to prevent shrinkage.
If you like your tees soft and relaxed, this might be the one for you.
Wonder Looper
The loop wheeling method produces some of the best T-shirts in the world, but does this artisanal approach warrant a tee that’s priced at over $100? Wonder Looper’s Double Heavyweight Crewneck is a compelling argument for answering that question with a resounding yes.
At a whopping 409 gsm, this Japanese-made shirt is one of the thickest and heaviest tees around, and it’s perfect for guys who like super structured shirts.
Is a Basic White T-Shirt Worth Splurging On?
Absolutely. It might feel strange to think about spending a significant amount of money on a basic white T-shirt. But it’s likely you wear T-shirts every day, and they touch your body from dawn to dusk.
When you splurge on a nice T-shirt, you’re not blindly buying into hype — you’re investing in all-day comfort.
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