The most overlooked piece of men’s clothing is most likely the plain white t-shirt. Even with a band repping the garment, basic t-shirts just don’t have the same cache as other men’s attire. So we’re here to shine a light on the plain t-shirt.
Plain t-shirts are essential in a man’s wardrobe. Either as a layer below a patterned button-down or a sweater or the base beneath a suit, the white tee is the workhorse of your closet. Add a solid splash of color and a simple t-shirt becomes both functional and stylish in just about any outfit. Whereas that ironic Disney shirt you’ve got might work with a single pair of pants, a solid plain shirt looks great no matter what.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best plain t-shirts you can buy online right now. Upgrade your outfit with the essentials.
What To Look For in a Good Basic T-Shirt
Don’t overpay for plain t-shirts. And don’t underpay either. It’s unlikely that 5-pack of shirts that cost $5 will last you all that long. But, there’s no reason you should be buying a $500 plain white t-shirt. Unless they’ll exclusively be worn under a dress shirt, look for shirts in the $20 – $50 range. These will likely last a long time and feel great while you’re wearing them.
When shopping for a basic tee, consider when you’ll likely be wearing it. If you need a workout shirt, make sure to get one that’s moisture-wicking and durable. If it’ll be worn underneath a chore jacket, maybe opt for a slightly thicker, warmer t-shirt. Most of all, check for quality fabrics and decent stitching. You don’t want these to wrap after a handful of wears and washes.
The Best Plain T-Shirts To Buy Right Now
Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee
A shirt that promises to perform for 72 hours straight is bold. But Proof delivers with its 72-Hour Merino tee. Need a basic shirt that’ll keep you sweat-free on a long flight? This is it. Looking for a shirt that’ll keep its shape on a long hike? Look no further. $72 might seem like a hefty price tag for a plain t-shirt. But Proof has designed one of the best basic tees hands down. Plus, the high-quality construction means it’ll last for years, with plenty of adventures in between. Buy
Adapture Standard Fit T-Shirt
Adapture is a brand new Canadian clothing company focused on dialing in men’s basics. We appreciate a style brand sharply focused on one garment. For Adapture, it’s the tee. All you’ll find at the time of publication on the Adapture site is a long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirt. The long sleeve is available in black, gray, and white. The short sleeve in white, orange, green, and black. Both feature three fits built to suit just about every body type: slim, standard, and relaxed. Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, the shirts are moisture-wicking, soft, and quick-drying. We’ve tested out the white standard fit t-shirt and it’s become indispensable. Comfortable and versatile, it’s great as a base layer under a chore shirt or on its own with a pair of linen pants. The Adapture plain white t-shirt can handle the heat and still feel comfortable, no sticky tees here. Buy
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
This shirt has received some buzz over the last few days thanks to Tyler, The Creator. But there’s a reason this cheap tee is beloved. Not only is the Uniqlo U Crew Neck t-shirt affordable, it’s comfortable. The 100% cotton tee is a simple style essential with a relaxed, universal, unisex fit. Plus, the Uniqlo t-shirt is available in a variety of colors so you can mix and match with just about any outfit. Buy
Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck T-Shirt
Mack Weldon is one of the many brands that has become a household names thanks to an inundation of podcast ads. But hey it worked. And, thankfully, they make a solid product. When it comes to undergarment essentials, we’d highly recommend the Mack Weldon Pima t-shirt. Made from 100% pima cotton (long-lasting, durable cotton grown in Peru) and available in a variety of colors, Mack Weldon’s plain t-shirt is a slim fit making it great under a dress shirt or sweater. No billowy folds here. Or, thanks to the shirt’s strong stitching, it should last you through just about any athletic activity. Buy
Richer Poorer Men’s Relaxed Tee
We’ve been a fan of Richer Poorer’s basics for quite some time now. And the clothing brand’s plain t-shirts are among are favorites. The Men’s Relaxed Tee is available in 4 simple, solid colors and sports a roomy fit. It might not be built for rigorous activity but wear this shirt with a pair of jeans and simple sneakers for a timeless, stylish look. Buy
Nike Dri-FIT Training T-Shirt
If you came to this list looking for a purely athletic shirt, this is it. Nike’s Dri-FIT t-shirt is built to handle any workout. It’s a simple tee available in a range of colors but the sweat-wicking tech and breathable feel mean you’ll feel comfortable even on your drive home from the gym. Plus, it’s simple enough to wear with your “hanging-around-the-house” look, too. Buy
Wellen Hemp Tee
This hemp and cotton blend tee is perhaps the best bang for your buck shirt on the list. It’s reasonably priced at $36 and will last for years. Naturally antimicrobial and breathable, the hemp tee, available in 6 colors, will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. The slightly slim fit isn’t quite “relaxed” so if you prefer a seriously roomy tee, this probably ain’t it. But, wear the Wellen tee with a smart pair of chinos and you’ll be getting compliments non-stop. Buy
Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew
We’ve loved Everlane’s simple, refined, modern aesthetic for years. Plus, their fully transparent buying experience is a breath of fresh air in an industry full of seemingly arbitrary prices. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with a clean set of basics, look no further than Everlane. Their Uniform collection includes The Organic Cotton Crew, a slim fit tee available in a variety of colors. Built to last, the Organic Cotton Crew is backed by Everlane’s 365 day guarantee. So, if it doesn’t withstand the regular wear and tear of a calendar year, Everlane will give you a fresh replacement. For $18 (or $45 for a set of three), it’s hard to beat this quality plain t-shirt. Buy
Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Classic Jersey T-Shirt
Todd Snyder’s Made in L.A. plain t-shirt is an excellent addition to any outfit. It’s thin enough to fit comfortably beneath a heavy sweater or suit. Plus, it can be worn alone or alongside a colorful button-down. With several color options, the Made in L.A. Classic Jersey T-Shirt is a workhorse shirt that will stay comfortable for years to come. Buy
Hanes Beefy-T® Crewneck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
You don’t mess with a classic. The Hanes Beefy-T® is beloved for a reason. There’s nothing fancy about this plain white tee. It gets the job done in durable, time-worn style. The Hanes short-sleeve tee comes in a roomy, standard fit that won’t feel too baggy or tight. Plus, you can grab yourself a 2-pack for $10.50. That’s what we call bargain style. Buy
