Where To Buy Basic Shirts
Though some of the other shirts we like, including the J.Crew, come in a smattering of cuts, lengths, and styles, the Bonobos shirt lets you mix and match more than any other shirt we found. For sizes smaller than XXL, you can pick a combination of crew neck or V-neck, pocket or no pocket, Slim or Standard, and regular or short, which is more options than for any other brand we recommend.
where to buy basic shirts
The Bonobos tee felt of a higher quality than many T-shirts we tested, and on a par with the J.Crew, which costs about $10 more. The Bonobos has a close-knit cotton weave that is opaque and feels smooth against your skin, with solid stitching. After washing and drying it, the size M Bonobos shirt shrank 1 inches total, the least of any white T-shirt we tested.
In addition to these white T-shirts, which we tested and dismissed, we dismissed more than 90 other T-shirt contenders without testing them for a variety of reasons, from their having an abundance of negative customer reviews to ugly logos to reports of severe shrinkage.
Old Navy Moisture-Wicking Crew-Neck T-Shirt ran too long, about 2 inches longer than any of the white T-shirts we recommend here. Although you could easily tuck it in, we prefer recommending something you can also wear untucked.
Once a Second World War uniform regulation, the white T-shirt has an illustrious history. Starting life as an undergarment way back in the medieval period before eventually becoming a part of the British naval uniform, it wasn't until the turn of the 20th-century that brands such as Fruit Of The Loom began manufacturing white T-shirts in bulk. Picked up later by the likes of Chanel in the 1920s, it soon became a fast-fashion staple. After all, what Chanel does, others will copy.
A tighter fit could prove flattering for musclier men, so you might consider buying lighter-weight cotton T-shirts that cling to the body better, Ã la James Dean. Alternatively you can accentuate a svelte physique by going a size down in a heavier cotton. For looser fits, look for a T-shirt on which the seams fall below the shoulder. Otherwise, hit a happy menswear middle ground by coveting a seam that sits perfectly on the shoulder.
White T-shirts can be particularly prone to stains, be it a clumsy spill or discolouration under the pits (our guide to the best men's deodorants should soak some of that up, though). The important thing to remember is to keep whites separate to colours in your washes and though hot is better, stick to what the label says to avoid shrinkage. A good whites detergent, such as that of The Laundress (15.50 for a litre. At Selfridges. selfridges.com) will do its bit to keep your white T-shirts pristine.
Looking to spice up your basics selection? Bringing the heat in a rather literal sense, Percival's take on the white tee shows off the brand's affinity for whimsical embroidery, embellishing its T-shirt with a small hot chilli sauce bottle at the chest. Move over Carolina Reaper, the hottest pick goes to Percival. 45. percivalclo.com
Tragically, a white T-shirt by David Gandy won't turn you into an international male supermodel upon wear. What it will do, however, is keep you comfortable and stylish, all the while levelling up your basics game. You're welcome. 45. At selfridges.com
Setting out on a mission to create the perfect basic tee, Asket came through with a 15-size offering to secure a perfect fit, making the classic white T-shirt as versatile as can be. No logos, drop necks or gratuitous pockets, simply a timeless staple that can look flattering on every body type. 35. asket.com
Fruit of the Loom is as cheap and cheerful as white T-shirts get, but that's not to say it's without its share of hyped appeal, too. The brands basics have attracted collaborators from high places, including The Conveni and Fragment Design. Signified only by its fruit bowl label to the inner collar, at only 3.99, you'd do well to stock up. 3.99. At amazon.co.uk
The slimmer fit and stretch of this white T-shirt by Organic Basics might have you associate it with loungewear, but don't be fooled. As much as this is a supremely comfortable option for around the house, that slightly more figure-hugging cut makes it the perfect option to tuck into some wide-leg trousers. Très chic. 55. organicbasics.com
Printed with details of its innovative construction, this T-shirt from Pangaia is as self-aware as wardrobe basics get. Made with organic cotton and seaweed fibre, then treated with peppermint oil to minimise its carbon footprint, it's a T-shirt that looks good while also preserving water, energy and time. 60. At thepangaia.com
Promising the perfect fit for your unique body type, Son Of A Tailor has engineered a quick and easy algorithm to generate your own custom size for everything from shirts to sweaters to plain old white tees. Once you've entered your details, every garment is made to order in Portugal and comes with a free remake guarantee if something's not quite to your liking. We say, lean into the smarter side of the service with its 3cm crew neckline that'll add a little extra flair to smart-casual dress codes. 55. sonofatailor.com
For more than four decades, Comfort Colors has been making T-shirts, refining its technique, resulting in styles that live up to the brand's name. It's no wonder that the label has a large and devoted following.
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.
Nili Lotan knows how to make even the most basic of pieces feel and look richer, nicer, more elevated. When it comes to tees, the fit, colors, and fabrics make all the difference from your regular old brands.
Trishna Rikhy is the Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire. Previously, her writing has appeared in Vogue Runway, PAPER Magazine, V Magazine, V MAN, and more. She is based in NYC, but can probably be found wherever the strongest cup of coffee is.
Our consumer culture has had us swept up in seasonal sales, chasing discounts to the point where we now accept that most of the clothes we wear lack proper quality. The fashion industry focuses on quantity over quality, because they profit from the production, and they ignore the true cost.
And not in the sense that once in a while you should treat yourself to better clothes, or splurge on a luxury fashion item. Imagine a world where you have an entire wardrobe of premium clothing. Imagine a world where premium clothing and sustainable fashion is the standard, not the exception.
The T-shirt took off as a fashion statement in July 1942, when the cover of a LIFE magazine featured a soldier in a printed T-shirt. The 40s would follow to be a decade where off duty soldiers and veterans would wear their crew neck T-shirts as casual wear.
Then, in 1951 the Hollywood icon Marlon Brando starred in the film A Streetcar Named Desire, where he famously portrayed Stan Kowalski wearing little more than a T-shirt. The outfit was edgy for its time, and portrayed the T-shirt as being a uniform not just for soldiers, but the common, working man. While the character represented the darker side of humanity, still shots of the young and handsome Marlon Brando put the T-shirt in a different light, and set the stage for more T-shirt pioneers like James Dean, who embraced the T-shirt off camera and became known for his signature, simple style.
In the 1960s T-shirts became billboards for advertisers pushing American products like Coca-cola and Mickey Mouse. Young men and women also embraced the T-shirt for its potential for activism during this time, and it became a symbol of expression, culture, and rebellion. From then into the 90s, the T-shirt was embraced by both men and women as a blank canvas for expression. Luxury brands and advertisers continued using T-shirts as platforms for advertising, and in its many forms, the T-shirt became more and more of an everyday article of clothing.
When James Dean popularized the look in the 1955 Classic Rebel Without a Cause, the T-shirt was more symbolic. Wearing an undershirt on its own meant shedding shirts and ties that were more common in that time, and shedding the expectations of a restrictive and prudent culture.
Today plain white T-shirts are often used as an accessory to the outfit. Pair a stark white T-shirt with ripped denim jeans for an edgy summer classic, or wear it with black jackets and jeans for a more refined look. It can be difficult to pull off wearing a plain white T-shirt on its own to work, but other colors like black, dark grey, or navy are all usually safe bets for everyone.
If you dread vacation prep due to this dilemma, stick to this: Pack super simple basics and let accessories lead. A blank slate of a plain white tee, skinny jeans and a coat to match everything, let yourself overdose with add-ons.
PrAna is known for its yoga and outdoor gear, so it makes sense they also make some of the greatest t-shirts for women when traveling. This Foundation Short Sleeve V Neck Top is made from a lightweight stretch Modal jersey, making it so soft and comfortable. It also comes in a variety of fun and unique colors.
Many of our readers use packing cubes to roll up and organize their shirts and any other clothes they plan to bring. Compass Rose packing cubes allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate outfits. Learn more in the video below. 041b061a72