- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: Black, white, and many more
- Materials: 56% cotton, 38% modal, 6% spandex
- Fit: Classic
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I have a few perennial quests in my life because I always wonder if there’s something better out there that I missed. The perfect T-shirt is one of them. A simple garment, the T-shirt has been around for a long time—in fact, Hanes started making their white T-shirts in the early 1900s.
Today, pretty much every brand or label has their own version, or two. There are cropped ones, long ones, boxy ones, slim ones, relaxed ones, and more. While there are some great places to order custom T-shirts online, we stuck to solid colored ones (with the exception of one striped) without writing, logos, or images for this list.
To help you wade through all the options, we compiled this guide to the best T-shirts available in a variety of categories. No matter what style you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something that will fit the bill.
Made with just a bit of stretch, the Amazon Essentials Short Sleeve T-shirt is a versatile wardrobe piece at a very attractive price. It’s nothing fancy; just a classic crew neck tee with a close, but not tight fit. Pair it with jeans and white sneakers for a casual, go anywhere look. At $19 for two, you can afford to get some in each of the vast range of available colors.
This is a basic crew neck T-shirt with a classic fit at an affordable price.
As a 70s child, I’m always a sucker for an old school varsity T-shirt. This one from Faherty is cut from a super soft cotton, modal blend with drop shoulders for a relaxed, vintage look. I especially love the faded dusty rose color and stripe details. Pair this with leggings or jeans for a go-to casual outfit.
These are an old school, relaxed fit vintage feel varsity T-shirt made from a soft, drapey cotton, modal blend.
Made from recycled and organic cotton, this Hanes T-shirt from Redone is the perfect balance between oversized and flattering. Redone’s partnership with Hanes consists of reverse engineering the “perfect, vintage inspired, recycled cotton from a 1970s T-shirt.” As someone who was a kid in the 1970s wearing all manner of Hanes T-shirts, I can say that they’ve pretty much nailed it.
This shirt is made from vintage inspired, recycled cotton with an iconic Hanes silhouette.
The brand name Hanes is pretty much synonymous with T-shirts. They’ve been making them since the early 1920s, so it’s no surprise that their aptly called “Perfect” T-shirt would end up on a list of best T-shirts. Simple, classic, with no extra frills, the Perfect T features a slim, long silhouette made from U.S. grown cotton with a ribbed crew neckline.
This is a simple, classic, and durable option made of 100% cotton from one of the most recognized brands in T-shirts.
Cut from a light, slub, cotton jersey, this T-shirt from Madewell has vintage vibes and a lived-in softness that will likely make it one of your go-to tees. The curved hem is hip length and the relaxed cotton shape is neither too tight nor too loose. The fabric is lightweight for warm days or layering.
It has a thin, relaxed-fit and a vintage-feel with a curved hem at a great price.
Made with X-Temp technology, this Hanes V-neck T-shirt adapts to your body temperature throughout the day, meaning it helps keep you cool when the thermometer rises. It features a flattering, slightly contoured fit and scooped V-neck collar for optimal style points.
Classic fit V-neck T-shirt with temperature adaptability at an excellent price point.
Made from a quality cotton, modal blend, the Banana Republic Timeless T is a wonderful wardrobe staple that can easily be dressed up or down. (Think of it as an even more comfortable alternative to a classic button down shirt.) The semi-fitted shape means it’s not too tight, too boxy, too long, or too short; it’s just what the name says: timeless. We only wish it came in more colors.
The Timeless T is not too tight, or too loose and can go from dressy to casual with ease.
I recently discovered these Quince T-shirts while on a quest to replace an old favorite from another brand that had been discontinued. I wanted something soft and drapey with a relaxed fit for wearing around the house or with super casual outfits. The Quince cotton modal T-shirt checked all these boxes, plus, it costs significantly less than comparable ones from designer brands. I own several of these, in a variety of colors. In fact, I just bought some more as I was researching for this article and discovered they were on sale for $15 each.
It’s a high quality basic T-shirt made from cotton and modal for a soft, drapey, comfortable look.
Sustainably sourced, the J. Crew Long Sleeved T-shirt features a slim fit that ends just above the hip. It’s made from soft, high-quality cotton that stands the test of time exceptionally well. They’re great for layering in colder weather. Our only complaint is that they are no longer available in as many colors as they have been in the past.
It’s a slim-fitting, body hugging, long sleeved T-shirt made from high quality 100% cotton.
Made from a cotton modal micro rib, this boat neck, ¾ length sleeve T-shirt from Amazon Essentials is the perfect addition to your T-shirt repertoire. The small percentage of stretch provides a flattering fit and all-day comfort. This T-shirt looks equally good with a pencil skirt as it does with a faded pair of jeans.
A micro ribbed cotton modal ¾-length T-shirt that provides exceptional fit, value, and versatility.
Inspired by classic workwear, the Buck Mason Pima Slim Crew is a wardrobe staple that will stand the test of time—and your washing machine. It’s available in a range of neutral, earthy colors and looks fantastic paired with jeans or leggings. It’s destined to become your new favorite “vintage” T-shirt.
The Buck Mason Pima Slim Crew is a slim-fitting neutral and earth-colored T-shirt based on classic workwear designs and made from quality, sturdy 100% cotton.
We the Free makes heritage inspired clothing with a lived-in look. This cropped tee has a flattering, just boxy enough shape, cuffed sleeves, and the perfect cropped length—not excessively short, but just hovering over your belly button. We especially love the soft, faded, worn look and feel of the fabric.
This soft and comfortable cropped T-shirt has a vintage feel and is made from 100% cotton.
This crew neck T-shirt from Hatch (one of the best places to buy maternity clothes) features a straight, slim shape with room for your baby bump. Soft, flattering, and perfect for layers, you’ll likely want to keep wearing them even after your pregnancy. Speaking of, if you’re in your third trimester, consider sizing up for an optimal fit.
The slim, straight fitting maternity T-shirt is made from soft, 100% cotton.
This is a perfectly drapey linen T-shirt that you can dress up or down. Mango’s linen is soft, but not too sheer; both breathable and relaxed. Pair it with jeans or dressier pants, skirts or culottes for a variety of cool, summer looks. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of sizes.
This light, soft linen V-neck T-shirt is ideal for all your summer looks.
I’ve always run in loose fitting, cotton Hanes T-shirts, but was looking to step up my game with some new colors. Enter the All Yours T-shirt from Lululemon. Made from soft 100% Pima cotton with a relaxed, long fit, not only is this T-shirt great for running, it goes with just about anything. Wear it to the gym, market, coffee bar, or your own living room.
This is a soft, relaxed fit T-shirt perfect for running your regular route or just running errands around town.
A nautical inspired, striped T-shirt is one of those wardrobe essentials that every closet needs. This one from AYR has a relaxed fit for a cool, slouchy look. Comfortable and soft, you’ll be inclined to wear it with everything.
This T-shirt is made from a soft Pima cotton with a classic blue stripe on white, and is both cute and versatile.
We chose the best T-shirts for women through personal experience, in addition to scouring reviews in order to get a good sense of which works the best for the largest number of people.
In addition to being a writer, I’m also a tailor, pattern maker, and stylist for film, television, fashion, and theater. I have professional experience when it comes to T-shirts in addition to extensive knowledge of the quality and fit of a wide variety of brands and styles.
There’s a big difference between shopping for a classic white T-shirt that can be dressed up or down, to shopping for a workout shirt. To help with that, consider the following:
Crew neck, V-neck, or boat neck: they all offer something. A crew will provide a classic, timeless look while a V-neck adds an elongating detail to your neckline (excellent for making you look a bit taller). Boat necks are great for those with small breasts or pear-shaped bodies.
Gone are the days where you had to shop for men’s T-shirts in order to find a quality option (especially for white tees). Most of the T-shirts on this list are made from 100% cotton, with a handful being cotton and modal blends. Cotton is a breathable, durable fabric that comes in a variety of weights. I will always love plain old white cotton Hanes T-shirts, they’re the most suitable in my opinion.
T-shirts come in a variety of fits and shapes including, slim, classic, relaxed, and oversized. Having some in every shape is the way to go. Slim T-shirts are ideal for dressing up or when you want to show off your shape. A classic shape paired with jeans or a skirt creates a stylish, timeless look and a ‘just-right’ oversized fit gives off some vintage vibes.
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