Undershirts aren’t meant to withstand the test of time—not like a leather jacket or quality denim, at least–but that doesn’t mean they should be of lesser quality than the rest of your tees. In fact, as dad-ish as it may seem, your undershirt should get the most wear out of any tee in your collection. It should be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe. Here are eight undershirts that are a guaranteed upgrade on the store-bought 8-packs.
The Real McCoy’s Joe McCoy Two Pack Tees
The Real McCoy’s Joe McCoy tee is the holy grail of undershirts. It’s so damn nice that when you take off that top layer, this shirt may very well give off its own special aura. It’s a side-seamless, ribbed-reinforced neckline tee that’ll break in gentlemanly. They come in packs of two, too, but the price-tag doesn’t scream bargain buying by any means. They’re good-looking tees that will last a while and that’s what you’re buying. Buy
Velva Sheen 2-Pack Tees
These t-shirts are inspired by a sportswear silhouette Velva Sheen has supplied to the United States since 1932. These are the civilian edition, but they’re still ready for anything. They’re comfortable, carefully constructed, and considered one of the best t-shirts in the world. Buy
Known Supply Crew Neck
Known Supply is a clothing company founded on the principle that wearers should know where their clothing comes from—who made it, how they made it, and how your purchase is helping them lead a comfortable, paid-for-their-work life. Each shirt is patched and signed by its crafter and the pricing margins are explained dollar-by-dollar. And it’s no gimmick; their shirts look and feel superior. Buy
Richer Poorer Crew Tee
Many industry-folks regard Richer Poorer tees as the best in the business. Their fit is so perfect that many marvel at them the same way one would crop circles or magic tricks. But, there’s no deception here: the tees are simply some of the best on the market. Buy
Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Tube Tee
Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. is inspired by vintage activewear; think early 20th century gym uniforms, early collegiate team uniforms, early ABA/NBA practice uniforms, and the like. Their tees are conceptualized using these same sets of quality standards but built using modern techniques and technology. It’s the perfect mix of classic and contemporary. Buy
Uniqlo Packaged Dry Crewneck Tee
Uniqlo, despite their massive production scale, makes a hell of an undershirt. They sell for under $7.00, and they’re never out of stock. So, if you come to love these, you’ll be set for the foreseeable future. Buy
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Tee
The Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Tee is made from a unique mix of cotton, modal, and spandex that makes the shirt breathable, form-fitting, and long-lasting. They run a special for those who like to stock up, too: if you buy three, you get 10% off; if you buy six, you get 20% off. Buy
J.Crew Mercantile Broken-In Crewneck T-Shirt
The J.Crew Mercantile tee is the perfect undershirt. Steer clear of anything garment-dyed or slub-finished because they’ll be stiff and too-structured. The broken-in crewneck will loosen as you wear it but it’ll never lose its shape. Buy
