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The Best T-Shirt Brands to Suit Every Style

From classic crewnecks to boxy and boyfriend styles, there’s a tee for everyone

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When building a foundational wardrobe, a T-shirt is at the center of it all. But determining which T-shirt brands are the best to shop can be an overwhelming process, given the myriad options to choose from across the marketplace.

That said, there are household names that consistently offer the best-quality T-shirts, from Gap and J.Crew to newer labels such as Buck Mason and Bazaar editor–loved Leset. In more recent years, some of our favorite T-shirts stem from newer contemporary labels as well, such as Chloé Bartoli's Éterne or Wardrobe.NYC, cofounded by former Harper’s Bazaar Australia fashion editor Christine Centenera. Then there are brands like Toteme, which offers a slate of foundational tees alongside minimalist wardrobe must-haves.

Now that a fall fashion refresh is on the horizon, it is the best time to restock on tried-and-true favorites, as well as adding new pieces to your closet to layer underneath cozy knitwear and fall jackets.

Ahead, see the 13 best T-shirt brands to shop now and wear forever.

Best Classic Crew

Leset Margo Tee

Margo Tee

Bazaar editors are equally united in their love for Leset’s Margo tee. Made of 100 percent cotton, it’s a crewneck that has managed to balance the sweet spot between relaxed and structured. You’re as likely to see it on Gigi Hadid as an editor at the Bazaar offices.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: White, black, creme, slate, midnight, gray, chocolate, red

What reviewers are saying: “Amazing tee. Thick, not see through, perfect length and neckline. Sleeves are just the right length. Will buy this tee forever.”

Best Shrunken Tee

COS Shrunken T-Shirt

Shrunken T-Shirt

With its roots in clean, fuss-free Scandinavian design codes, it’s unsurprising that high-street mainstay COS is a go-to for easy and effortless tees. The Shrunken T-shirt in sustainably sourced Tencel modal has a slim fit and intentionally shorter length, giving it a ’90s feel.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Grey marl, white, black

What reviewers are saying: “The sleeve length and snugness around the body are very flattering. Perfect t-shirt!”

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Best Boyfriend Fit

Éterne Short-Sleeved T-Shirt

Short-Sleeved T-Shirt

If there’s one person who knows how to design essential wardrobe pieces that tick all the boxes, it’s a celebrity stylist. Chloé Bartoli launched Éterne to bring shoppers the type of cool basics favored by her clients, including Emily Ratajkowski and Miranda Kerr. It’s no wonder the lightweight cotton boyfriend T-shirt is a bestseller, as fans love its relaxed fit and raw-edge neckline detail. Pro tip: Size up for an oversize “borrowed from the boys” look.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Ivory, black, heather gray

Best V-Neck

Everlane Slim V-Neck Tee

Slim V-Neck Tee

Everlane is offering a $60 bundle option when you purchase three tees, making it the perfect incentive to stock up on the brand’s popular organic cotton tees while you can. If you are already a fan of the best-selling box cut option, this V-neck will surely find a place in your weekly rotation too. Note that it is on the slim-fitting side, so consider sizing up if you prefer a more relaxed look.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Black, white, heather soot, clay

What reviewers are saying: “The cotton is excellent and substantial. I washed and dried them and they came out fine. I bought three because people always ask me where I get it when I wear them!”

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Best Color Options

Gap Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt

Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt

Let me count the reasons why I will always come back to this consistent crowd-pleaser from Gap. The Organic Cotton Vintage T-shirt, which hits right at the hip, doesn’t just have a decent size range, it also comes in regular, tall, and petite options, so that you can find the perfect fit for your torso length. Then there’s the fact that there’s no shortage of options for block colors and stripes, so you can always ensure there’s one to reach for, even on laundry day.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Black, white, gray, navy, brown, red, pink, olive, stripes

What reviewers are saying: “Gap t-shirts are the only ones that I buy. The fit is always spot on. They last forever and are great quality.”

Best for Transitional Season

J.Crew Tissue Crepe Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

Tissue Crepe Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

J.Crew is a reliable source for a quality tee. When the weather gets cooler, I always find myself reaching for the retailer’s fitted crewneck in sumptuously soft cotton.

Sizes: XXS–3X

Colors: Ivory, navy black, honey brown, olive

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Best Off-Duty Tee

Buck Mason Slub Linen Slouchy Tee

Slub Linen Slouchy Tee

Buck Mason’s T-shirt offerings are designed to suit every taste and style, from boxy and slim to slouchy and boyfriend. For those who are seeking an off-duty look, the Slouchy Tee with its pre-washed, lived-in quality and gently rolled edges is a fan favorite.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Black, natural, sand

For an Elegant Fit

Wardrobe.NYC Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

If you’re looking for a T-shirt that will pair just as seamlessly with a black skirt for cocktail hour, consider Wardrobe.NYC, which was cofounded by longtime stylist and editor Christine Centenera. This tee is fitted and features a cap sleeve that looks refined and put together.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Black, white, tan

Best Bodysuit T-Shirt

Skims Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bodysuit

Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bodysuit

This bodysuit is available in a myriad of core and limited-edition shades, so it’s safe to say you’ll find the right hue to suit your taste. With its figure-hugging fit, rest assured you will never have to worry about the perfect tuck or risk it looking creased by the end of the day again.

Sizes: XXS–4X

Colors: 14 shades including black, sand, cocoa, onyx, and espresso

What reviewers are saying: “I have almost worn it every weekend since I received it! It sculpts me in ways I have never experienced with other bodysuits. Literally a 10/10!”

Best Boxy Crop

Re/Done × Hanes 1950s Boxy Tee

× Hanes 1950s Boxy Tee

For a fresh take on classic Hanes T-shirts, consider the brand’s ongoing collaboration with Re/Done, which re-creates vintage styles from the archive. This made-in-the-USA T-shirt takes its lead from the cropped, loose-fit T-shirts that were popular during the 1950s. It is recommended to machine wash cold and tumble dry on low, to make sure it keeps its already-vintage feel intact.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: White, optic white, black, gray

What reviewers are saying: “This is a great staple tee! I’ve worn it so many times already. It’s already boxy so you don’t need to size up for it to be oversized.”

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Best Sleeveless T-Shirt

Toteme Organic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Organic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Leave it to fashion-favorite label Toteme to design a tee that will pair as seamlessly with your jeans as it will with a sleek pair of trousers. Breathable, lightweight, and perfect for the summertime or layering in the fall.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Off white, black

Best for Layering

Jenni Kayne Cotton Slim Tee

Cotton Slim Tee

Timeless, classic style inspires everything that Jenni Kayne creates—and this super-soft cotton multitasker is a true capsule-wardrobe must. Wear it season after season as either a comfortable layering piece or with your favorite summery separates.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Black, white, cream

What reviewers are saying: “Lightweight, comfortable, lovely texture. Great under shirts and open sweaters.”

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Best Polo T-Shirt

Madewell Short-Sleeved Polo Top

Short-Sleeved Polo Top

For an elevated tee that can be worn in both business-casual settings and brunch, consider the ribbed polo tee by Madewell. The simple cut of this option is accentuated by the rich chocolate brown color, which goes perfectly with a pair of tan-colored trousers or denim.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Carob, black, pale dawn

What reviewers are saying: “The love I have for her! I’ve worn it almost every day since I got it. I get compliments from everyone about this shirt.”

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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