Navy suit and blue jeans aside, the trusty T-shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. The foundation of any successful smart-casual outfit, it’s not only comfortable but reliable, versatile, and undeniably stylish. Which is something the best men’s T-shirt brands fully understand.

But who are they? I’m glad you asked. I’ve worked my way through the endless array of options and narrowed it down to 15 labels responsible for some of the finest T-shirts in the game. From slim fit must-haves to styles for the big guys, we’re going to be looking at the designs you need to stock up on right now.

Keep reading to get to know all about men’s T-shirts and find the best brand for every type of tee. Warning: you’ll be faced with some serious sartorial upgrades.

Key Takeaways

From the ones showcasing your favorite band to those ideal for dad bods, T-shirts come in many different forms. In order to give you a better understanding of what’s on offer, I’m going to be rounding up the best designs in the game.

And more specifically the creative geniuses who make them. From Everlane’s heavyweight version to Luca Faloni’s luxury silk-cotton styles, there’s an option for every occasion, budget, and taste.

To be crowned one of the best men’s T-shirt brands, you must firstly recognize the importance the garment has to a guy’s wardrobe. Forget about trends, this is about a timeless piece of clothing that you can turn to time and time again.

Everlane doesn’t just understand this mantra, they live by it. The label’s collection of classic T-shirts are the kind you’ll want to wear every day. And not just now—in years to come. This version is made from dense, durable 6.2 oz cotton that offers a structured drape and a slightly heavyweight feel. It features a dropped shoulder, ribbed neckline, longer sleeves, and a wider body. You can wear it alone with jeans or layer it underneath a bomber jacket or flannel shirt.

Luca Faloni sources the finest materials and partners with skilled Italian artisans to produce sustainable garments fit for the sharpest dressers on earth. Amongst its portfolio of luxury basics is a fine collection of T-shirts, made from a wonderful blend of cotton and silk.

Soft to the touch with a crew neckline and curved hem, the high-performance cloth is designed to naturally regulate your body temperature—making it an excellent option for warm days and alfresco dining. Team it with slacks and smart sneakers for a refined ensemble, or keep it casual with jeans and boots.

If you’ve not heard of L’estrange, it’s a London-based brand focused on simplifying the male wardrobe. Stylish and sustainably made, each seasonless piece (including T-shirts) is designed to be worn for any occasion—whether you’re heading to the office or drinking with friends.

The Kapok Tee is cut to a tailored silhouette from smooth kapok fibers and hand-picked organic cotton. 10% lighter than the label’s standard T-shirt, the silky-soft staple is a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their everyday basics. You can wear it with sweats or dress it up with slacks and leather sneakers.

It doesn’t matter if you live near the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean or the rain-sodden city of Glasgow, a slim-fit tee tops the list of essential sartorial purchases. And thanks to the best men’s T-shirt brands, getting your hands on a quality staple has never been easier.

Asket’s lightweight version has been made from superfine Egyptian cotton that’s airy but surprisingly durable. Weather permitting, you could team it with shorts or layer it underneath a sweater with your favorite jeans or khakis.

The graphic T-shirt has come a long way since the 1990s. What was once saved for groupies showing where their loyalties lie, is now a stylish must-have for every streetwear aficionado. And while everyone is in on the act, not many do it better than Represent.

The Storms in Heaven tee is from the label’s highly anticipated SS23 collection. Cut for a slightly oversized fit, it’s crafted from mid-weight cotton with a ribbed crewneck collar and front and back graphics designed by their in-house team. Whether you’re dining on date night or catching up with the guys, finish the look with loose-fitting pants and your favorite designer sneakers.

Long-sleeve T-shirts may offer extra fabric around your arms, but that’s not their only benefit. They’re an ideal option for unpredictable weather and can offer a welcome layer of warmth between seasons. Better yet, you can pair them with pretty much anything in your wardrobe—from cargos to jeans and khakis.

Foret’s graphic version gives a nod to the great outdoors (a recurring theme throughout the brand’s entire collection). It’s made from cotton and cut to a classic fit that’s designed to flatter all builds. Leave it untucked to show off the subtle label at the side.

A white T-shirt with a crew neckline is about as classic as they come. A wardrobe staple trusted by the likes of style icons James Dean and Steve McQueen, it’s the perfect backdrop for your everyday ensembles.

As you’d expect, the best men’s T-shirt brands have them in abundance, including Wax London. The Dean tee is made from organic cotton and presented in a modern boxy fit with a wider body and shorter length. You can wear it with sweatpants or shorts, but it’ll look just as good with jeans or slacks.

Fashion is fickle. One minute jeans should be skinny, the next you’re hearing baggy is best. But T-shirts are different. While certain styles may have a moment, classic cuts, with a V-neckline, never fall out of favor (which is why brands like Closed always have them stocked).

Using organic cotton for ultimate softness, the label has created a versatile essential that can be teamed with everything from cargo shorts to oversized khakis. It also acts as a great base layer for knitted sweaters or flannel shirts.

Founded in 2013, Corridor is a New York-based, independent brand inspired by the city it’s from. They use textiles and garments that are designed in-house, with selectively-partnered, sustainable workshops. The brand’s shirt collection includes some pretty awesome pocket tees.

Pocket tees don’t just offer a place to keep your credit cards close by. They’re a great alternative to plain styles—offering up something a little different for your day-to-day adventures. This one is made from organic cotton in a regular fit that looks equally as good tucked in as it does left out. Pair yours with vintage denim and canvas sneakers for a stylish casual look.

Alongside endless types of shirts, some of the best men’s T-shirt brands can be found on Amazon (which is particularly handy for impatient souls signed up to Prime). With a quick click or swipe, you can be wearing Carhartt’s loose-fitting pocket tee in a matter of hours.

It’s made from heavyweight cotton with a check pocket, ribbed neckline, and signature branding. You’ll find it durable (and comfortable) enough to wear on the job, but I suggest showing it off at the weekend with cargo pants and high-top sneakers.

A decent T-shirt can take you from the bar to brunch with friends and back again, so it pays to stock up on the styles you love. Thankfully, there are plenty of cool men’s T-shirt brands that offer wallet-friendly designs that won’t break the bank. My favorite? H&M.

At under $10 per T-shirt, their regular fit crew neck is an affordable option for your everyday escapades. You can pair them with your choice of pants, or take the formality up a notch by layering them underneath a suit or blazer. My go-to color is gray, but you can take your pick from the likes of red, white, and black.

Not your average tee, the best workout shirts are designed to give your training a boost. They combine soft and breathable fabrics with the ability to wick away sweat and avoid offending the nose of the guy kindly offering you a spot.

Lululemon’s Drysense T-shirt is powered by the brand’s anti-stink technology that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria without clinging to sweaty skin. Wear it while pumping iron, or pounding the pavement, for a classy look that’ll get the job done in style.

Taking cues from the 90s when baggy fits were king, the oversized tee is big news right now—offering instant style cred and the kind of comfort only excessive material can offer. But where should you go to get your hip-hop inspired fix? Y-3 is a good place to start.

The ongoing collaboration between Adidas and Tokyo-born designer Yohji Yamamoto is to thank for some of the coolest T-shirts around. My favorite is this one—printed with the brand’s stylized logo that’s been split between the front and back. Team it with black skinny jeans and statement sneakers for an eye-catching ensemble that’ll take you from coffee dates to summer festivals.

You’ll probably know Axel Arigato for its seriously slick sneakers. But the Swedish-born label can now be considered one of the best men’s T-shirt brands too. Its collection is made up of a range of short and long-sleeved styles, each featuring various prints and embroideries.

This one has been made in collaboration with Mulberry and features a mash-up crest that’ll remain visible even if you decide to throw on a flannel shirt. The organic cotton composition ensures all-day comfort, while the white colorway provides ultimate versatility.

Sustainability has become a central philosophy for many of the best men’s T-shirt brands. Whether it’s awareness of suppliers, packaging choices, or the material they use, ethical style has never been so fashionable.

One label ticking all the boxes is Studiosubtl. The maker of this 100% organic cotton tee, the Dutch brand focuses on transparency, craftsmanship, people, and the planet. Not only are they the world’s first climate-positive menswear brand (ensuring a net positive effect on the planet by offsetting 150% of emitted CO2), but they source only the most eco-friendly fabrics and use natural dyeing techniques during production.

What To Look For In The Best Men’s T-Shirt Brands 

Material

The best men’s T-shirt brands offer styles in a variety of fabrics. However, the majority of designs will be made from pure cotton. This material offers ultimate comfort, breathability, and softness. You may find sportier versions blended with stretchy materials and the most luxurious featuring silk.

Price

Before you start falling in love with a T-shirt that you can’t afford, it’s important to set yourself a budget. Men’s popular t-shirt brands offer styles at various prices. You simply need to find which one offers the best designs for a price you are willing to pay.

Style

Not all T-shirts are the same. From V-neck to pocket tees, there are a plethora of options available. Which one you choose will very much depend on your personal style and when/where you plan to wear it. Long sleeve T-shirts can be great for the cooler months while wearing a black T-shirt is a stylish choice at any time of the year.

Final verdict

Whether you spend your life at the beach or in the boardroom, a T-shirt is a lethal weapon in your everyday arsenal. Which is why it pays to know the best men’s T-shirt brands around.

To set you on the right path, Everlane is a great place to start. The label makes a wide range of must-have basics including some of the finest plain T-shirts. Perfect for every day, the heavyweight cotton version will look the bees knees with everything from selvedge denim to khakis, cargos, and shorts.