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T-shirts are a worldwide wardrobe staple and it's difficult to imagine a time when these basics didn't exist. But the truth is, the t-shirt is actually a young piece of clothing, coming only into existence in the early 1900s.
And it's because of this popularity that's made finding the best t-shirt brand one of the most challenging things today. With countless brands, styles, and colors to choose from, how do you find the best one that meets your needs and wants? And does the best t-shirt even exist?
To help you find the best t-shirt brand in the market, we've rounded up some of the best brands that offer their own unique features. From pure cotton to polyester blends, to fitted cuts and boxy silhouettes, these are the top 10 t-shirt brands we believe you should be buying today.
The History of T-Shirts
Originally made to be an undergarment for men, t-shirts remained to have this function for decades before they became a staple of iconic status in American fashion and culture. From the early 1900s until after the Second World War, the t-shirt was merely a standard undershirt men wore beneath their suits and collared shirts.
It wasn't until Marlon Brando and James Dean wore the plain white shirt as a wardrobe staple in the 50s movies, "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "Rebel Without a Cause," respectively, that this piece of clothing enjoyed its popularity as a stand-alone garb.
Since then, the plain white t-shirt has become a basic in every man and woman's wardrobe, seen in a multitude of styles, fabrics, cuts, details, and colors.
1. Brooklinen Prospect Tee
The first brand on our list is Brooklinen's Prospect Tee, featuring a relaxed fit made of a super soft cotton material that will make you want to sleep in it. Oh wait, isn't there a bedding company of the same name? Well, it's actually the same company.
Via: Brooklinen
Brooklinen started as a bedding company that expanded into the loungewear industry, and voila, the Prospect Tee was born. Made of a light jersey cotton-modal blend, the tee was designed to make sure it's as comfortable as their linens, featuring not just an ultra-luxe material, but also featuring no tags on the shirt for the ultimate comfort.
2. Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee
For those who want a stylish take on their t-shirts, this Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee is perfect for you. It's still basic and simple, but with the added twist of having a curved hem that's ideal for men who want something different from their everyday wardrobe.
Via: Buck Mason
Having a vintage pocket, this loose-knit shirt features textured "slub" cotton that's super soft and pre-shrunk for a consistent fit. Comfortable with an added touch of style, this Buck Mason tee is ideal for anyone who wants a special touch to an otherwise basic tee.
3. Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Crew Neck Tee
No list of the best t-shirt brands should exist without mentioning Calvin Klein, the designer brand that made basic men's tee a bonafide fashion statement. When before, generic brands manufactured t-shirts, Calvin Klein was among the very first fashion houses to produce basic designer t-shirts.
Via: Zappos
This crew neck tee is meant to be an undershirt, worn under a blazer, shirt, or jacket, but on hot summer days, it's the perfect classic fit shirt that's made of the softest plain cotton build.
4. Carhartt Men's T-Shirt
A brand known for producing men's work wear, Carhartt offers durable and high-quality t-shirts. Their basic tee is made of a polyester-cotton blend with a slightly large and boxy fit, featuring a ribbed knit crew.
Via: CarHartt
The material, being blended with polyester, means it helps to reduce wrinkles and creases, as well as has a slightly moisture-wicking ability, making it perfect for frequent movement. With a large fit, consider buying your Carharrt men's tee in a smaller size for a better fit.
5. Everlane Premium Weight Crew
Everlane's tees are hyper-minimal, which means there are no bells and whistles to their shirts, but good-old great material coupled with great construction. The result? The best overall men's t-shirt that offers comfort, perfect fit, and durability.
Via: Everlane
Offering both form and function, Everlane's tees can go from everyday loungewear to the perfect undershirt paired with a suit. Featuring a durable and dense cotton fabric of heavier weight, it tends to wrinkle less and holds its shape better for longer, making it last for multiple wears.
6. Fresh Clean Tees Crew Neck
We've featured large cuts, comfortable basic tees, and a stylish take on men's t-shirts, but this time, we're giving you a fitted cut. Not a lot of men like fitted t-shirts but for those who do, Fresh Clean Tees are among the best in the market.
Via: Fresh Clean Tees
Their slim-fit tees come in a range of color options, as well as a comfortable and durable cotton fabric that makes it last for years (with proper care, of course). Get one in your true size and buy multiple colors for your everyday casual wear staples.
7. James Perse Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee
James Perse is an LA-based clothing brand that started in 1994 with a line of t-shirts. For the past 20+ years, the company has dedicated its time and energy to making the best t-shirts they could produce, and their short-sleeve V-neck tee is nothing short of remarkable.
Via: James Perse
Made with their signature cotton-combed jersey fabric, their V-necks have a relaxed, West Coast feels that's cool and nonchalant. If you want to look effortlessly stylish in a basic V-neck shirt, James Perse gives you just that.
8. Under Armour Tactical Tech Tee
Working out with a regular tee can be uncomfortable, that's why you need to wear a workout t-shirt when you hit the gym or go to a job. Luckily for you, we found the best workout tee on the market, and this is the Under Armour Tactical Tech Tee.
Via: Manour's
What makes it an effective shirt to wear when working out is that it effectively wicks out moisture, helping you stay dry even when you're sweating like a pig. It also features technology that fends off a bad odor, so you can be less smelly at the gym or after a run.
And that's not all, the tee also features a flatlock seam construction that makes it durable enough to undergo frequent movements.
9. Uniqlo U Oversized Tee
It can be hard to find a brand that offers high-quality clothing at an affordable price. But with Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing company with a cult following, you'll find the holy grail of top-quality basic clothes at great value.
Via: Uniqlo U
The Uniqlo U collection is in collaboration with designer Christophe Lemaine, featuring elevated essentials that include this oversized tee. Offering the perfect collection of beefy shirts, this tee is made of a high-gauge knit that brings it its premium feel.
10. Rhone Element Tee
And lastly, but not least, is the Rhone Element tee. Another shirt made for working out uses the brand's signature SilverTech threads to help keep bad odor in check, as well as wick away moisture.
Via: Rhone
Keeping you dry and warm during a jog or when running errands, Rhone is a go-to brand for men's workout clothes for a good reason: it keeps you comfortable, dry, and looking fine all day long.
There you have it, 10 of the best t-shirts you should be buying right now. Whether you're looking for a stylish tee for clubbing or a durable shirt that lasts years, these brands offer you the best of the best, giving you exactly what you need to look good and feel good.