The 23 Essential T-Shirt Brands Every Man Should Know (2024)

We're living in unprecedented times for the T-shirt. The basic tee, once indelibly tied to the counterculture courtesy of on-screen badasses like Brando and Dean, is now so mainstream it's downright innocuous. You could even say the T-shirt has become the de facto building block of the everyday outfit, long ago replacing a stuffier item like the collared shirt, let alone (checks notes) the suit. The best brands understand this, which means there have never been more options to choose from. And while we're ever thankful for the variety, it can sure get a little overwhelming.

We sifted through the nearly endless supply of T-shirts available now to pick out the 23 brands responsible for our favorites, with the recommendation that, if you happen to find a style you dig, you stock up on it—and fast. From tees with a cropped and boxy cut, to ones that are longer and trim across the body, to still others that cling to your torso in exactly the way you want them to, we cover 'em all. If you're looking for an ultra-sturdy option, one made of super-soft cotton, something you could work out in, or a T-shirt studiously crafted from some of the most sustainable materials on the planet, we have those, too.

Scroll down to find the best T-shirt brand for you, and then wear yours with every single piece in your closet.

For years now, Alternative's been churning out some of the softest tees in the business. (A subtle slub only adds to the appeal.) These are classic, timeless, and affordable, so whether you snag one to wear alone or a couple to rotate for layering, you're in good hands.

Buck Mason's signature curved-hem tees look better roughed up, so no need to treat 'em gently. It helps that the fabric is thick, heavy, and durable, too. Personally, I love wearing one of these with just about anything—jeans, chinos, sneakers, dress shoes. It all works.

You know when you wear a T-shirt so soft that you start looking for the tag to see what it's made of? Yeah, that's what this'll do for you. For more than four decades, Comfort Colors has been refining its technique, resulting in T-shirts that live up to the brand's name. It's no wonder the label has a large and devoted following.

Pro tip: Heavier-weight tees, like the ones made by Everlane, tend to wrinkle less and hold their shape better in the long run. So if you want an investment tee you aren't going to need to throw out after a handful of washes, this is the one for you.

Kotn's essential crew is the rare wardrobe staple actually worthy of the moniker. Cut slim (but not, y'know, skintight) and made of a durable midweight cotton, it's a tee you'll be able to wear day in and day out for years to come.

When Amazon introduced its private-label business, it took a slow and steady approach, gathering as much consumer feedback as possible to offer styles that were up to snuff. The plan worked, and the rave reviews that Amazon Essentials receives is proof.

The T-shirt brand that'd make Brando proud. And when tees come in a pack, developing the basics of your wardrobe becomes oh so easy.

Without question, Uniqlo's beloved U line, conceived in collaboration with French designer Christophe Lemaire, is one of the best places to snag any number of elevated essentials. The Japanese retailer's perfectly beefy T-shirts are a favorite in the Esquire offices and among average Joes looking to stock up on quality tees.

At this point, it goes without saying that anything Carhartt touches will probably (read: definitely) outlast whatever else is in your closet, the label's tees very much included. We love this brand for soft, cozy heavyweight tees that make perfect streetwear pieces, too.

An oldie but goodie, Hanes's value packs elevate a weekend essential to the rarefied realm of an everyday staple. In fact, we love these tees so much, we endorsed them.

A soft, cotton-jersey tee perfectly encapsulates James Perse's particular brand of West Coast cool. This is the kind of quietly luxurious basic that seamlessly elevates your wardrobe.

From winter coats to suits to socks, J.Crew carries it all. This, of course, includes some of the best tees, especially this one, made of organic cotton and recycled fibers, that's broken in for a maximum flex.

Reading is what? Fundamental. And so is this aptly named shirt—the Fundamental tee—from the always-dependable Lululemon. With moisture-wicking tech and a stretchiness you'll love, this will surely come to be your favorite workout pal.

For the cool guy, a basic tee from Los Angeles Apparel is somehow stylish, not boring. Plus, the midweight fabric of this tee is perfect for any pair of pants you own. Talk about understated.

Because no list of everyday essentials of any kind would be complete without mention of the brand that made designer basics a bona fide thing.

Forty Five, named after the famous vinyl records, offers some of the most relaxed tees around. And like the 45 rpm, its Supima crew tee is made to be played over and over again.

From the moisture-wicking tech fabric to the flattering fit of its signature tee, called the Strato, it's no wonder why Vuori is considered one of the best athleisure brands out there.

Nothing is better than a soft tee. Using luxe cotton jersey, Theory makes a staple piece feel like a luxury.

Mack Weldon, maker of some of the mightiest sweatpants around, also has an ultra-soft, antimicrobial shirt named the Silver that fits the bill.

It's called the 72-Hour, and as the name suggests, this tee was made to be odor-free and keep its shape for three whole days of wear, even in adverse conditions. And it's passed the test several times over.