The humble tee-shirt. The base of so many looks and sometimes, the whole look. It’s a lot to ask from one article of clothing and what makes a tee-shirt good, turns out, like everything else – is personal! The problem with looking for the perfect tee-shirt is that everyone has different criteria for what they like in weight, cut, and wear. Some like them heavy, some like them practically see-thru. Some like them crisp and others want them a little stretchy and to look worn-in from day one. For your sartorial pleasure, I took a deep dive into the market and have come up for air ready to crown some winners.
WOMEN
Winner – Goldie Organic Boy Tee ($85)
My holy grail of tees. Perfect neck and sleeve length. The weight is just right and the finish is dressy enough to wear under an unstructured blazer or alone casually. It’s long enough to tuck in, but not so long that you have to. It is the only tee shirt I hang up – that’s how much I love it.
2nd Place – Buck Mason Cloud Jersey Long-Sleeve Slim Crew ($68)
As I said, this is personal and I often run cold, so a long sleeve is key. This one is as versatile as above, but with a slimmer cut and some give/stretch. Lives up to the name – it is so soft.
Runner Ups:
Pretty Neck & Cap Sleeve: L’Agence Cory High-Low Crewneck Tee ($95)
Casual V-Neck: Good American Classic Cotton V-Neck ($59)
It’s a little boxy, a little cropped. A nice option for a V-neck, without being too deep.
Scoop-Neck: Another Tomorrow Ballet Scoop Tee ($160)
A deep scoop is useful when your jacket has an unusual collar or you want to show off your necklace. This is slightly sheer, elegant, and sustainable.
MEN
Winner – Buck Mason Slub Classic Tee ($45)
Incredible versatility with this one. Its classic cut is relaxed without veering into sloppy. Slub tees can be really thin, but this has a great weight to it and enough texture to make it interesting. No one will mistake this for coming out of a pack of three. Grown and sewn in the U.S. and is a great price!
2nd Place – Merz B Schwanen 215 ($87)
Heavier weight than above, with excellent hand and finish. Durable! I mean, if it’s good enough for FX’s The Bear, it’s good enough for you. Say it with me: Yes Chef!
Runner Ups:
Dressiest of the Bunch: Robert Barakett Classic Crewneck Barakett Tee ($69.50)
I have actually had clients who wanted to return these because they said they were “too nice of a T-shirt” due to the finish almost having a sheen. It’s 100% U.S. grown pima cotton and retains color long term.
Cotton-Blend Optional: Reiss Bless Crewneck ($45)
This one is more fitted with tons of color options. While the classic white is 100% cotton, the other colors are available in a lovely cotton blend. Both fabrics drape nicely and have a great finish.
Heavier & Long Sleeve: AYR The Heavy O ($115)
This sits between a tee and sweatshirt while being elevated. Great for transitional weather. Sustainable.
