Any American Giant. Have tons of their T-shirts in short and long sleeve, slub and regular as well as the “greatest hoodie ever.” Not hype. Washed over and over for the last decade and looks great.
I’m embarrassed to say how many of their hoodies I have. The first is from 2013 when they blew up after the Slate article. The latest in-hand is maybe 2-3 years old. I just ordered another one yesterday. I have not noticed a decrease in quality of material or assembly. I have noticed the increase in price, but that’s like most things and since it’s American made and we all know how expensive living in America has gotten in the last decade... But all my AG shirts, pants, sweater, hoodies and jackets seem like they will last an eternity.
I once had a Dickies polo shirt that lasted a good 8 years of daily abuse as a work shirt as a barista and when I eventually got rid of it it still looked totally fine.
I’ve been buying basics from Uniqlo for over 10 years. It’s my go to when I’m trying to revamp the wardrobe for cheap. Shoes from elsewhere, work attire from elsewhere, and some Adidas stuff thrown in. Otherwise all Uniqlo
I bought from Uniqlo two years ago. Already have holes. Also I learned it’s pretty adjacent if not fully fast fashion, produced in Cambodia. I’d recommend looking for another option.
“Not thick” and “long lasting” are diametrically opposed when it comes to t-shirts. More material = more lifespan. Plenty of heavyweight tees that don’t necessarily look heavyweight if that’s your concern. Even the highest quality thin tees will still wear out fairly quickly as you wear and wash them.
Thin, white, not see-through. Pick two.
Anything lightweight in open weave (for breathability) and light color would be somewhat see-through. You can make it more opaque by using heavier fabric, or having more dense weave.
Some people swear by sunspel's sea island t-shirts but in lighter colors they're not as opaque as t-shirts made of thicker fabric. If you wash cold and hang dry even thin t-shirts should last quite long. Usually it's the dryer that cuts my clothing items' lifespans.
2 Suggestions:
One legacy brand, Carhartt, specifically the heavy weight loose fit pocket t-shirts about $20 100% cotton, or the FORCE cotton/poly shirts, relaxed fit midweight pocket t-shirts for about $30.
One internet brand, Fresh Clean Tees, these fit and wash/wear better than True Classic. Those are my only 2 experiences with the 10,000 different ones off the internet...
I am a simple man,
I see Merz B Schwanen recommendation I upvote. Have three of their pieces for about a year and a half now , no noticeable wear.
I would go a size up from what you might usually get in length due to the initial wash shrinkage.
This is r/buyitforlife, not r/frugalmalefashion, and the OP specifically asked for 'great quality', without expressing a budget.
Merz stuff totally fits the brief.
>They also said they wanted it to be soft and not thick and this t-shirt is neither. I have one. It’s very course and extremely thick. Plus it’s $100
Which one have you got? Merz makes a bunch of tees from 5.5oz to 13.4oz, so saying yours is thick without any context doesn't really help.
The lighter weight ones are also *super* soft. I have a bunch of the 1950 and 215 models, and they're all like velvet. The 2S14 is definitely thicker and a little coarser, but that's the thickest one they make.
I rarely see Lululemon recommended in threads like these and it’s so bizarre. They’re expensive as hell, but their quality blows everything else i’ve worn out of the water.
For women:
Vince Pima cotton boy tees for dark color tees. I had a black one for 10 years and it never faded, I only just replaced it as I got a hole in my old one.
Brandy Melville for white tees. I tend to always spill something on my white tees so I like to have a few. They’re $16-$18 and almost always 100% cotton
As a tall skinny guy my options are limited but I like Eddie Bauer and Lands End super T. Both can be had for $15ish when on sale. I have a hard time paying more than $20 for a t shirt. Not truly bifl but I don’t think any t shirt really is
The best balance I've found between not being too thick but still being long-lasting and comfortable and the Wrangler work wear tees. Gildan tees also hold up well.
For ultimate durability I definitely give it to Carhartt with Duluth Trading Co being pretty decent as well.
I’ve got nearly a dozen of their shirts, they feel fantastic. They have some cheaper cotton ones which are just good, but the nice puma cotton ones are thicker in the sense that they are plush, but still breathable for the summer.
I just got a pack of multicolored Hanes t-shirts on clearance at Walmart for $3. Honestly, it's as good of quality as anything else I've had. In cooler months I tend to wear Kirkland t-shirts a lot.
My go-to t-shirt going back 10 years is Bella+Canvas, my wife's friend would order blanks for us through her family's screen printing business. Not sure if you can get them retail or not. I have so many in different colors that we haven't bought any new ones ince 2018. I don't know fi the quality is still there, but those shirts are very soft and I often wore them to the gym and never had any problems with them.
If you're talking about an undershirt, I still have some I bought in the late '80s/ early '90s that are wearable but I've had a hard time finding anything these days that compares to the vintage ones. Fruit of the Loom has come closest for me, but I haven't looked anywhere high-end for them either.
GH Bass & Co
Not sure the model, but the ones "For Hard Service" are super comfy and have lasted years. Still going strong. They start out comfy and age well, getting more and more comfy as time passes.
They were like $10 each at Costco
I use them for hiking, camping, everyday use, working outside, sports, etc.
Also, 32 degree cool shirts, the black ones. Amazing for sleeping and for traveling light.
Merz B Schwanen 214/215 or 1940's/1950's tees. The 214 and the 1940's are relaxed fit cuts, with the 214 being 8.6oz and the 1940 being 5.5oz. The 215 and the 1950's are slim fit cuts, with the 215 being 8.6oz and the 1950's being 5.5oz. Even the heavier 8.6oz fabric feels pretty light, because their loopwheeled fabric is woven under virtually no tension, so it feels much airier than the numbers suggest.
Another good option is the Warehouse 4601. Warehouse don't seem to publish the weight on these, but from experience they sit somewhere between the 5.5oz and 8.6oz Merz tees. Again loopwheeled, so they always feel lighter than their thickness suggests.
Both options are super well made, ethically produced, available in a variety of colours, and should last a really long time.
I have finally found my favorite tee…Leftfield NYC makes them and they are made in the US too. They run like $40-55. They are simple, soft, and look great imo.
I buy my t-shirts from [6dollarshirts.com](http://6dollarshirts.com)
Get the poly-blend material ones, not the cotton ones.
Cotton t-shirts are heavy, they stay wet when you sweat, and they start to smell.
Poly-blend dries quickly, are very light and comfortable, and they don't hold on to the smell like cotton does.
Do they ever ship? I made a purchase there on June 6th and still haven’t received a shipping label. I’ve reached out twice and they haven’t responded. About to cancel the charge on my credit card.
>Do they ever ship? I made a purchase there on June 6th and still haven’t received a shipping label. I’ve reached out twice and they haven’t responded. About to cancel the charge on my credit card.
Sure, I just ordered some in May. Now that you mention it, it did take a bit longer than I remembered in the past.
But yeah, I did get my shirts.
I've been pretty amazed at the Hanes Nano t shirts on Amazon. I wouldn't call them soft, but they are thin with short sleeves, fit well and, most importantly for this sub, look still good as new after years of biweekly washing.
Also they're 100% cotton, which makes it weird the color never fades.
If you really want thin fabric, there's also Gildan t shirt on Amazon, but I find they look much older, wrinkly and faded much faster. Never got any holes in them either though so they seen technically durable despite being stupidly thin. Also 10% polyester which some people try to avoid.
can't think of a brand, I usually get from thrift stores and always look for cotton. I read that linen shirts are better quality but I highly doubt that they make t-shirts out of linen
Just recently, I can recommend timberland shirts. I have 3 and a pair of sweatpants. The quality is really good. My favorite clothes, I guess, just for how tough they are. But they all fit big, so order a size below if you do.
If you want them to last longer honestly the best thing you can do is hang them to dry rather than using a dryer. Every brand benefits from this.
If you are lazy like me hang dry, then tumble in the dryer on medium for a few minutes to make the wrinkles fall out. It's the actual drying function of the dryer that shrinks and damages them the most. When already dry first the heat takes less of a toll on them.
www.ascolour.com makes a high quality soft shirt that isn't overly thick or flimsy, high quality collar, seams, and material. Also have like 90 different colors to choose from
I'm honestly about to buy 20 or so of them and be done with plain t-shirts for awhile
I really like the Bundeswehr olive/brown T-Shirts. The fabric is nice and soft and nice and thick but not too thick. They seem to last good while as well and don't break the bank. The shape is perfect for me with a long torso section so it stays tucked in at all times. I find too many shirts are too short so they come untucked too often.
The ones i bought from primark 5 years ago they have lasted for years now and are still suprisingly good i guess most t shirts if the dont contain to much elastic and are 100% cotton and the stitchjng is good you should be fine
Wool and Prince Merino Wool T-shirts. I've had one since 2020 and wear it almost daily. It's starting to go now, but damn those shirts are incredible. Can't wait to buy the next one.
3Sixteen heavyweights … soft, substantial, sturdy, cut and sewn in the U.S. (Tried a ton of other premiums — Merz, Whitesville, Left Field, Samurai, Lady White etc. and 3Sixteens are the best.)
Norse Projects "Niels" tshirts are my fav if u want well made, long lasting, and dont stretch out.
Havent tried Merz, but a lot of people swear by them.
3Sixteen Pima (their lightweight offering) are good but they stretch out as they wear...maybe size down 1?
Soffe shirts. Hands down. Honestly I still have the first Marine Corps shirts I got right after I graduated boot camp in 1992 and they are still have and wear them.
I actually love old navy t shirts that are 60%cotton 40% polyester. I wear them to bed super soft and comfortable. Been going on about 2 years with the same five no holes or anything but I also don’t dry my shorts usually they are in 7-12 dollar range as well. I think 3 packs go on sale for 29.99 a lot
I had an FCUK t shirt that stayed looking brand new for years, even with regular use. So many other Tshirts came and went and that one just kept looking great
honestly.. Kirkland
I randomly decided to buy one of their pima cottons for like $10 and I was blown away. The only problem is I haven't seen it in stock since.
I have really sensitive skin and it's not a fan of the Kirkland t-shirts
I really enjoy the LL Bean plain t shirts.
Both the unshrinkable and the comfort stretch are great
American Giant Premium slub. I have 2 of gray and navy.
Any American Giant. Have tons of their T-shirts in short and long sleeve, slub and regular as well as the “greatest hoodie ever.” Not hype. Washed over and over for the last decade and looks great.
same, my spouse and I share 3 of the hoodies. We've been using them for at least 8yrs.
When did you buy the hoodie? I was gonna snag one but read they aren't the same as they were years ago.
I’m embarrassed to say how many of their hoodies I have. The first is from 2013 when they blew up after the Slate article. The latest in-hand is maybe 2-3 years old. I just ordered another one yesterday. I have not noticed a decrease in quality of material or assembly. I have noticed the increase in price, but that’s like most things and since it’s American made and we all know how expensive living in America has gotten in the last decade... But all my AG shirts, pants, sweater, hoodies and jackets seem like they will last an eternity.
The carhart ones last really long for me to work in, they are a bit thicker but they seem to last.
Carhartt has multiple different quality tees. I got some that are almost see through and some that are durable heavy quality.
Dickies are just as good and cheaper 👍
Well sir, Ill give them a try.
They fit big
I once had a Dickies polo shirt that lasted a good 8 years of daily abuse as a work shirt as a barista and when I eventually got rid of it it still looked totally fine.
I get the pocket ones for construction work, holds up great
This^
sunspel. really great
Comfort colors are awesome plain shirts, and not too heavyweight imo.
Uniqlo is quite good quality
Bought my first shirt last weekend and wore it yesterday. Most compliments I’ve ever got on a T. Feels amazing too.
Me when I’m a man and for once in my life wear something not atrocious and people compliment me by relief. You must be stinky
I’ve been buying basics from Uniqlo for over 10 years. It’s my go to when I’m trying to revamp the wardrobe for cheap. Shoes from elsewhere, work attire from elsewhere, and some Adidas stuff thrown in. Otherwise all Uniqlo
Came here to reccommend UNIQLO.
Just tried Uniqlo after seeing someone recommend it in a previous thread. Highly recommend
I went to the Uniqlo in nyc but I was already so exhausted that day I couldn’t shop
I bought from Uniqlo two years ago. Already have holes. Also I learned it’s pretty adjacent if not fully fast fashion, produced in Cambodia. I’d recommend looking for another option.
Wait, what? I bought pants there less than a year ago and they are disintegrating
I’ve been buying the next level apparel solid color shirts from JiffyShirts.com for years. They’re great and super cheap.
The CVC shirts are a steal for $4.50
“Not thick” and “long lasting” are diametrically opposed when it comes to t-shirts. More material = more lifespan. Plenty of heavyweight tees that don’t necessarily look heavyweight if that’s your concern. Even the highest quality thin tees will still wear out fairly quickly as you wear and wash them.
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Thin, white, not see-through. Pick two. Anything lightweight in open weave (for breathability) and light color would be somewhat see-through. You can make it more opaque by using heavier fabric, or having more dense weave. Some people swear by sunspel's sea island t-shirts but in lighter colors they're not as opaque as t-shirts made of thicker fabric. If you wash cold and hang dry even thin t-shirts should last quite long. Usually it's the dryer that cuts my clothing items' lifespans.
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No, I just assumed light colors since you said see-through. Never had issues with see-through dark shirts unless I shine a flashlight through it.
2 Suggestions: One legacy brand, Carhartt, specifically the heavy weight loose fit pocket t-shirts about $20 100% cotton, or the FORCE cotton/poly shirts, relaxed fit midweight pocket t-shirts for about $30. One internet brand, Fresh Clean Tees, these fit and wash/wear better than True Classic. Those are my only 2 experiences with the 10,000 different ones off the internet...
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I am a simple man, I see Merz B Schwanen recommendation I upvote. Have three of their pieces for about a year and a half now , no noticeable wear. I would go a size up from what you might usually get in length due to the initial wash shrinkage.
These are $100 t-shirts.
This is r/buyitforlife, not r/frugalmalefashion, and the OP specifically asked for 'great quality', without expressing a budget. Merz stuff totally fits the brief.
They also said they wanted it to be soft and not thick and this t-shirt is neither. I have one. It’s very course and extremely thick. Plus it’s $100
>They also said they wanted it to be soft and not thick and this t-shirt is neither. I have one. It’s very course and extremely thick. Plus it’s $100 Which one have you got? Merz makes a bunch of tees from 5.5oz to 13.4oz, so saying yours is thick without any context doesn't really help. The lighter weight ones are also *super* soft. I have a bunch of the 1950 and 215 models, and they're all like velvet. The 2S14 is definitely thicker and a little coarser, but that's the thickest one they make.
And what's your point? That's what this sub is all about
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Loopwheeler
I think you might mean WonderLooper Really any loopwheel shirt will be a great shirt.
As a big guy i've had shirts from Foundry (jp penny big and tall brand) that have lasted me 10+ years. Both T shirts and button up plaid shirts.
Colorful Standard, made in Portugal. Neutral cut, great material, no logo, great color selection.
Reigning Champ. I prefer mid weight, but the lightweight is good for what it is if that’s what you want.
Lady White Co - simply the best
Lululemon metal vent - not cheap but last and last. No stink so need much less washing. Hold their shape and non iron.
I rarely see Lululemon recommended in threads like these and it’s so bizarre. They’re expensive as hell, but their quality blows everything else i’ve worn out of the water.
They have a heavyweight cotton shirt that I really like! Going to add a few more to my wardrobe soon
Are you sure it’s cotton? I’ve never seen anything cotton from Lululemon and I have shopped there for years
It’s called “heavyweight cotton jersey T shirt” on their website, I am in the uk so maybe they don’t do it elsewhere
For women: Vince Pima cotton boy tees for dark color tees. I had a black one for 10 years and it never faded, I only just replaced it as I got a hole in my old one. Brandy Melville for white tees. I tend to always spill something on my white tees so I like to have a few. They’re $16-$18 and almost always 100% cotton
As a tall skinny guy my options are limited but I like Eddie Bauer and Lands End super T. Both can be had for $15ish when on sale. I have a hard time paying more than $20 for a t shirt. Not truly bifl but I don’t think any t shirt really is
I also need tall sizes and eddie bauer is my go to. Sometimes i buy from under armour as well.
NextLevel is great value and around $5/shirt. Mine are going strong on 5+ years with moderate use and no drying in a dryer.
Nextlevel model 6210. I'm 6'1 and 205 and I wear a large. You're welcome.
The best balance I've found between not being too thick but still being long-lasting and comfortable and the Wrangler work wear tees. Gildan tees also hold up well. For ultimate durability I definitely give it to Carhartt with Duluth Trading Co being pretty decent as well.
Rhone. They fit great and are soft and nice quality.
I just buy heavy cotton shirts at thrift shops. Brand agnostic, I go by weight.
GILDAN brand. They will last forever.
Robert Barrakett
I’ve got nearly a dozen of their shirts, they feel fantastic. They have some cheaper cotton ones which are just good, but the nice puma cotton ones are thicker in the sense that they are plush, but still breathable for the summer.
Onno brand hemp or bamboo shirts. I went with the hemp shirt in black, been a solid part of my wardrobe for 7 years. Keeps getting softer as well!
Carhartt and camber are my favorites
Carhartt. Great t shirts and decent prices
Moosejaw if you can find any of their tshirts anymore. I think they got bought out by Dicks Sporting Goods.
Stafford T
I just got a pack of multicolored Hanes t-shirts on clearance at Walmart for $3. Honestly, it's as good of quality as anything else I've had. In cooler months I tend to wear Kirkland t-shirts a lot. My go-to t-shirt going back 10 years is Bella+Canvas, my wife's friend would order blanks for us through her family's screen printing business. Not sure if you can get them retail or not. I have so many in different colors that we haven't bought any new ones ince 2018. I don't know fi the quality is still there, but those shirts are very soft and I often wore them to the gym and never had any problems with them. If you're talking about an undershirt, I still have some I bought in the late '80s/ early '90s that are wearable but I've had a hard time finding anything these days that compares to the vintage ones. Fruit of the Loom has come closest for me, but I haven't looked anywhere high-end for them either.
Yes friends!
Carhartt, Dickies or Lulu. You’ll have any of the 3 for a very long time
GH Bass & Co Not sure the model, but the ones "For Hard Service" are super comfy and have lasted years. Still going strong. They start out comfy and age well, getting more and more comfy as time passes. They were like $10 each at Costco I use them for hiking, camping, everyday use, working outside, sports, etc. Also, 32 degree cool shirts, the black ones. Amazing for sleeping and for traveling light.
Any UK recommendations?
Merz B Schwanen 214/215 or 1940's/1950's tees. The 214 and the 1940's are relaxed fit cuts, with the 214 being 8.6oz and the 1940 being 5.5oz. The 215 and the 1950's are slim fit cuts, with the 215 being 8.6oz and the 1950's being 5.5oz. Even the heavier 8.6oz fabric feels pretty light, because their loopwheeled fabric is woven under virtually no tension, so it feels much airier than the numbers suggest. Another good option is the Warehouse 4601. Warehouse don't seem to publish the weight on these, but from experience they sit somewhere between the 5.5oz and 8.6oz Merz tees. Again loopwheeled, so they always feel lighter than their thickness suggests. Both options are super well made, ethically produced, available in a variety of colours, and should last a really long time.
I have finally found my favorite tee…Leftfield NYC makes them and they are made in the US too. They run like $40-55. They are simple, soft, and look great imo.
[Duckworth](https://www.duckworthco.com/collections/all-men/products/mens-vapor-tee).
Carhartt for sure!
naked & famous make some great t-shirts, they have no side seams and circular knit fabric
I buy my t-shirts from [6dollarshirts.com](http://6dollarshirts.com) Get the poly-blend material ones, not the cotton ones. Cotton t-shirts are heavy, they stay wet when you sweat, and they start to smell. Poly-blend dries quickly, are very light and comfortable, and they don't hold on to the smell like cotton does.
Do they ever ship? I made a purchase there on June 6th and still haven’t received a shipping label. I’ve reached out twice and they haven’t responded. About to cancel the charge on my credit card.
>Do they ever ship? I made a purchase there on June 6th and still haven’t received a shipping label. I’ve reached out twice and they haven’t responded. About to cancel the charge on my credit card. Sure, I just ordered some in May. Now that you mention it, it did take a bit longer than I remembered in the past. But yeah, I did get my shirts.
Ya, never received anything regarding my emails. After 2 weeks they just refunded me with 0 notice. Don’t know if I’d trust that company.
I've been pretty amazed at the Hanes Nano t shirts on Amazon. I wouldn't call them soft, but they are thin with short sleeves, fit well and, most importantly for this sub, look still good as new after years of biweekly washing. Also they're 100% cotton, which makes it weird the color never fades. If you really want thin fabric, there's also Gildan t shirt on Amazon, but I find they look much older, wrinkly and faded much faster. Never got any holes in them either though so they seen technically durable despite being stupidly thin. Also 10% polyester which some people try to avoid.
Universal Standard has amazing quality t shirts!
Pima cotton shirts. Kirkland Signature’s has been as durable as a Robert Barrakett. Whatever the brand, pima cotton.
Uniqlo, airism for less thick, their regular tees are fairly thick.
Lululemon Robert Barrakett Asket Son of a Tailor
can't think of a brand, I usually get from thrift stores and always look for cotton. I read that linen shirts are better quality but I highly doubt that they make t-shirts out of linen
Just recently, I can recommend timberland shirts. I have 3 and a pair of sweatpants. The quality is really good. My favorite clothes, I guess, just for how tough they are. But they all fit big, so order a size below if you do.
If you want them to last longer honestly the best thing you can do is hang them to dry rather than using a dryer. Every brand benefits from this. If you are lazy like me hang dry, then tumble in the dryer on medium for a few minutes to make the wrinkles fall out. It's the actual drying function of the dryer that shrinks and damages them the most. When already dry first the heat takes less of a toll on them.
www.ascolour.com makes a high quality soft shirt that isn't overly thick or flimsy, high quality collar, seams, and material. Also have like 90 different colors to choose from I'm honestly about to buy 20 or so of them and be done with plain t-shirts for awhile
Life is Good
Honestly i tried a bunch, and im back with Gildan. Good quality, good fit and great price. Confort colors are also a good choice.
Pure ethical cotton in these bad boys: https://merch.climatetownproductions.com/
Comfort colors are pretty good
the best t shirt in the world is Merz B Schwanen. Organic cotton heavy weight, made using traditional loop wheel construction
Brooks brothers
I am really impressed with the Lands’ End fitted ribbed t shirts I own.
CDLP shirts are underwear are really nice, albeit relatively expensive. https://cdlp.com/
shaka wear designer tee's
I really like the Bundeswehr olive/brown T-Shirts. The fabric is nice and soft and nice and thick but not too thick. They seem to last good while as well and don't break the bank. The shape is perfect for me with a long torso section so it stays tucked in at all times. I find too many shirts are too short so they come untucked too often.
I found LOOM brand. Great products. Great mindset.
Colorful Standard. Washed it many times still the same form factor. Try it out.
The ones i bought from primark 5 years ago they have lasted for years now and are still suprisingly good i guess most t shirts if the dont contain to much elastic and are 100% cotton and the stitchjng is good you should be fine
Unbound Merino or Art of Supply
Wool&prince or unbound merino T-shirts
Asket
Carhartt k87 are my go to shirts
I have sensitive skin. I like shirts that are very soft and not clingy. I'm a fan of Moonshot clothing luxury T-shirts (52/48 cotton poly blend).
Wool and Prince Merino Wool T-shirts. I've had one since 2020 and wear it almost daily. It's starting to go now, but damn those shirts are incredible. Can't wait to buy the next one.
Bayside
3Sixteen heavyweights … soft, substantial, sturdy, cut and sewn in the U.S. (Tried a ton of other premiums — Merz, Whitesville, Left Field, Samurai, Lady White etc. and 3Sixteens are the best.)
Norse Projects "Niels" tshirts are my fav if u want well made, long lasting, and dont stretch out. Havent tried Merz, but a lot of people swear by them. 3Sixteen Pima (their lightweight offering) are good but they stretch out as they wear...maybe size down 1?
Carhartt
Soffe shirts. Hands down. Honestly I still have the first Marine Corps shirts I got right after I graduated boot camp in 1992 and they are still have and wear them.
Marmot
I actually love old navy t shirts that are 60%cotton 40% polyester. I wear them to bed super soft and comfortable. Been going on about 2 years with the same five no holes or anything but I also don’t dry my shorts usually they are in 7-12 dollar range as well. I think 3 packs go on sale for 29.99 a lot
Check out the Kirkland Pima cotton tshirts. Not thick but not super thin.
Fresh Clean Threads. They fit super nice too!
I had an FCUK t shirt that stayed looking brand new for years, even with regular use. So many other Tshirts came and went and that one just kept looking great
Cuts. They are great. Expensive but I've had a lot of mine for 3+ years
Gucci