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There’s just something about the black t-shirt, especially for men, that’s like the universal outfit: Throw one on with just about anything and you’re dressed for almost any casual occasion. Black tees are incredibly versatile—they go with the majority of items in your closet, making them a reliable addition to just about any outfit.
Black t-shirts are also quite flattering, no matter your body type or size. They can create the illusion of a slimmer, lengthier silhouette, which is why they’re so popular and in-demand among people of so many different shapes and sizes. Black is also less likely to show stains and spills compared to lighter-colored clothing, which can be especially practical in messy situations.
Needless to say, this versatility and timelessness makes them a true wardrobe staple, .but finding the right brand and style makes all the difference. Here, we’re sharing some of the best black t-shirts for men based on material, fit, quality, and price.
How to choose the best black t-shirts for men
There’s no shortage of black t-shirts on the market–in fact, shopping for one can be surprisingly overwhelming. Keeping these features in mind can help guide your purchase:
Fit
Most black t-shirts come in a particular fit, most notably slim, regular or relaxed. Regular fit is the most popular since it’s not too tight or too loose, offering a good amount of freedom of movement and versatility for most body types. Slim fits are the most form-fitting, tending to hug the body, making them ideal for those looking for a more modern and tailored look. Lastly, the relaxed fit is best for those looking for a loose-fitting t-shirt, as it’s the most casual style.
Fabric
T-shirts can be made from a number of different fabrics, with the most common being cotton. Cotton is breathable and great for everyday wear, however, it can shrink in the wash. Cotton blends tend to be part cotton and part synthetic materials, like polyester. These are worth checking out because they add some moisture-wicking abilities to the equation, though they can often feel like your best men’s workout shirt. Other t-shirts are made out of a combination of more than just the two blends, often including rayon for added comfort and softness.
Style
Black t-shirts, as with any color t-shirt, come in various styles, with the most popular being crew neck, V-neck and Henley, which is traditionally a collarless pullover shirt with just two or three buttons. Style is truly an individual decision and may depend on what looks and feels best for you.
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Our top picks for the best black t-shirts for men
Best v-neck black t-shirt for men: Bombas Men's Pima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
Bombas might be best known for their comfort-focused socks, but they also make some high-quality t-shirts that are built to last just as long. This t-shirt is made from Peruvian Pima cotton, which is considered to be the highest quality and most durable cotton in the world. The fabric is mid-weight, so it’s ideal for all four seasons.
Specifications:
- Material: Pima cotton
- Fit: Slim
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- Weight: Midweight
- Neckline: V-neck
- Price on publish: $40
What we like:
- Made from high-quality Peruvian Pima cotton
- Holds its shape after washes
- Doesn’t pill
What we don’t like:
- Pricey
The bottom line:
If you’re already a fan of Bombas, there’s almost a guarantee that you’ll like their t-shirts, which are made from the same caliber quality fabrics.
Men's V-Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Black - Size XXL
Best pocket black t-shirt for men: L.L. Bean Men's Carefree Unshrinkable Tee with Pocket
If you’re into the pocket-style t-shirt, whether it’s for functional purposes or just for the look, L.L. Bean delivers a high-quality product that promises not to shrink even after a machine wash. This one is made from soft cotton and is actually wrinkle resistant, so you don’t have to worry about ironing or steaming it before wearing. It also comes in a bunch of other colors if you really fall in love.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% jersey-knit cotton
- Fit: Regular
- Sizes: M - 3XL
- Weight: Midweight
- Neckline: Crew-neck
- Price on publish: $24.95
What we like:
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Won’t shrink in the wash
- Soft and comfortable for everyday wear
What we don’t like:
- Reviewers say this runs big
The bottom line:
This t-shirt is versatile and durable designed for everyday wear, featuring a handy pocket and the assurance of minimal shrinkage.
Men's Carefree Non-Shrink Tee with Pocket, Traditional Fit Black Forest Green Extra Large, Cotton L.L.Bean
Best budget black t-shirt for men: Hanes Premium Men's Short Sleeve Black Label Crew-Neck T-Shirt
You can’t get more classic—or reasonably priced—than this traditional crewneck black t-shirt from Hanes. This well-known American clothing brand has been around for more than a century and has mastered the craft of creating the basics, whether it’s some of the best white t-shirts (often a popular starting point for custom t-shirts) or the best pajamas for men. This black t-shirt also speaks to the quality and affordability of the brand. It’s made from a cotton blend, is nice and lightweight, and comes in a wide range of sizes, from S to 3XL.
Specifications:
- Material: Cotton
- Fit: Slim
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- Weight: Lightweight
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Price on publish: $9.98 – $11.00
What we like:
- Super affordable
- Wide range of sizes offered
- Soft and lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Made from 100 percent cotton, so it shrinks in the wash
Bottom line:
This t-shirt is made from 100 percent cotton, offering a blend of style and comfort and featuring a classic crew-neck design.
Hanes Premium Men's Short Sleeve Black Label Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Best luxury black t-shirt for men: Lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt
If you’ve ever owned anything from Lululemon, you know how high-quality this brand can be, especially when it comes to their basics, like their black t-shirts. This t-shirt is made from a blend of Peruvian Pima cotton, which is notably the best quality, as well as some nylon, lyocell, and lycra elastane for their stretch and sweat-wicking abilities. It also features their No-Stink Zinc™ technology to cut down on odor-causing bacteria.
Specifications:
- Material: 40% Pima cotton, 37% Nylon, 13% Lyocell, 10% Lycra® elastane
- Fit: Regular
- Sizes: XS - 5XL
- Weight: Lightweight
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Price on publish: $58-$68
What we like:
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- No-Stink Zinc™ technology prevents odors
- Sweat-wicking abilities
What we don’t like:
- Pricey
The bottom line:
This t-shirt may be pricey, but it’s made from high-quality Peruvian Pima cotton and features sweat-wicking and odor-reducing technology.
lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt
Best black t-shirt for tall men: American Tall The Essential Regular-Fit Crew-Neck Men’s Tall Tee
This brand focuses solely on providing stylish and well-fitting clothes for tall people, offering extended lengths you won’t find at traditional retailers, including longer inseams and sleeves. Their black tee is designed to go with just about anything in your closet: It’s a regular-fit crewneck, crafted for men between the heights of 6’3” and 7’1”. They guarantee that, for those heights, it will go way past the hips and the sleeves will fit just right.
Specifications:
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Fit: Regular
- Sizes: S - 2XL
- Weight: Lightweight
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Price on publish: $25
What we like:
- Designed with tall men in mind
- Made from mostly cotton with 5% spandex
- Soft to the tough
- Comes in many colorways
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say the sizing is off
The bottom line:
Tall people will appreciate that this t-shirt is designed specifically for them. It’s made from 5% spandex, so it has a nice stretch to it and comes in many colorways.
American Tall The Essential Regular-Fit Crew-Neck Men’s Tall Tee
Best scoop-neck black t-shirt: Nudie Jeans Co Roger Slub Black T-Shirt
If you like the scoop-neck style, but don’t want to show too much skin, this tee hits just right. The relaxed fit also adds to the trendy factor, along with details like roll up hems. Since it does have that fashionably casual look, styling is key to keep it from looking sloppy. Opt for a nicer pair of casual pants, rather than your favorite sweatpants.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Fit: Loose
- Sizes: S - XL
- Weight: Lightweight
- Neckline: Scoop neck
- Price on publish: $70
What we like:
- Roll-up hems add interesting detail
- Relaxed fit is comfortable
- Ultra soft
What we don’t like:
- Care instructions say to air-dry only
The bottom line:
If you like scoop necks that aren’t too revealing, you’ll enjoy this trendy basic.
Nudie Jeans Co Roger Slub Black T-Shirt
Best lightweight black t-shirt: Uniqlo Supima® Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Made from Supima cotton, one of the strongest and most durable blends, this t-shirt is a great staple to have in your wardrobe. It holds its shape well through washes and is both lightweight and breathable, making it an ideal grab for everyday activities. It has a looser fit, though, so if you’re looking for something a bit more slim and dapper, this isn’t the black right t-shirt for you.
Specifications:
- Material: Supima® cotton
- Fit: Loose
- Sizes: 2XS - 3XL
- Weight: Lightweight
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Price on publish: $24.90
What we like:
- Durable, quality material
- Affordable
- Wide range of sizes offered
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say it runs large
The bottom line:
Though some reviewers say this runs large, it’s lightweight and made from Supima cotton, one of the strongest and most durable blends.
Men's Supima® Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt | Gray | XS | UNIQLO US
How we selected the best black t-shirts for men
We combed the most popular fashion sites to find the black t-shirts with the best firsthand reviews from customers. We also took into consideration the variety of popular fits and styles available, as well as the price and quality of each product.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.