men's apparel

13 Very Best Black T-shirts for Men

Photo-Illustration: Retailer

In this article

White T-shirts get a lot of attention, but let’s not forget their equally versatile counterpart: the exceedingly wearable, deceptively simple black T-shirt. It’s a staple you can wear to work, the gym, and on a date. Plus, as Justin Vaughan, a perfumer and the founder of the incense brand Ponsont, told us, the best black tees make a perfect high-low uniform. “I can just as easily kick it with a farmer in Virginia as I can take a meeting in the city,” he says.

There’s certainly no shortage of well-made (and nice-looking) black T-shirts on the market — and a big part of choosing the right one will come down to personal preference. To narrow the vast field of tees, I cast a wide net of 13 stylish guys to tell me about their favorites, and I tested some standouts myself to consider the material, fit, style, and weight. Below, you’ll find my recommendations for closed-loop T-shirts, V-necks, utilitarian crewnecks, and more. If you have your heart set on a certain type of black T-shirt already, use the table of contents to take you directly there. And for even more menswear advice, check out our roundups for supersoft long-sleeves, dependable oxford shirts, and more.

Update on July 26, 2024: Added note on restock notifications for Lululemon’s Heavyweight Cotton Jersey T-shirt; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

Material

All of the shirts on this list are cotton. That’s because it’s breathable, machine washable, and durable, so you don’t have to replace them regularly. If you’re looking for something made out of recycled materials or Supima cotton, we made sure to include a couple of choices on those fronts too.

Fit

This comes down to preference. Shirts come in slim, oversize, and loose fits. You’ll see a wide selection of each with options for big and tall men.

Weight

Depending on the season or just overall preference, the weight of a shirt is important to consider. As we’ve noted in our roundup of the very best white tees for men, “A thicker weave results in a heavier tee, while thinner strands of cotton create a more lightweight shirt.” Generally, three ounces is considered light, 4.5 to 5.3 ounces is medium, and six ounces and over is heavy. We’ve included plenty of options ranging from light- to heavyweight T-shirts.

Neckline

T-shirts come in a variety of necklines, and the most popular by far was the classic crewneck. We also included other picks, like V-necks and scoop necks, in case that’s more up your alley.

Best men’s black T-shirt overall

Material: Cotton | Fit: Loose fit | Weight: Medium weight | Neckline: Crewneck

It’s no surprise that our best men’s black T-shirt overall is from Buck Mason — the brand also came out on top in our roundup of the best white tees. I’ve crowned the Slub Curved Hem Tee our top choice for its mid-range weight and comfortable fit that works for a range of body shapes — plus, the under-$50 price tag doesn’t hurt. As I tested the shirt, I found it to be breathable and ultrasoft and loved that it’s only gotten softer with more wear and washes. (I’ve also tested the women’s version of this tee for several weeks, and it’s quickly become my favorite shirt for layering or wearing on its own, too.)

And don’t just take it from me: The men I spoke to praised this Buck Mason tee for its Goldilocks fit, too. My boyfriend, who’s become my in-house menswear tester, likes the tee’s modern cut — not too slim, but not too boxy for his athletic build — that he can dress up or wear more casually with sweatpants. “The neck is especially well shaped, and the curved hem is a nice detail,” Carlos Huber, founder of Arquiste Parfumeur, says. Actor Cheyenne Jackson, who owns “maybe 20” of them, counts himself a fan too. “I’m a dad, and I’m running around a lot, so I live in T-shirts. I like something that isn’t too schlumpy, isn’t too tight, and has some weight to it,” he says. Jackson adds that as a “bigger guy up top,” he appreciates “how these fit me in the shoulder; they fit my frame well and I feel good wearing them.” And you can buy the top in a short or tall length without compromising the slub-style fit.

Best men’s less-expensive black T-shirt

Material: Preshrunk cotton | Fit: Loose fit | Weight: Heavyweight | Neckline: Crewneck

If you’re looking for a standard black T-shirt you can buy in bulk and not worry about, this is it. It’s not as soft or luxurious-looking as the Buck Mason tee, but it’s a durable, no-fuss shirt thanks to its heavyweight preshrunk cotton. I’ve owned a couple tees from the brand for years, and they hold through workouts and whatever incorrect wash cycle I’ve likely thrown them in. Season Three co-founder Jared Johnson prefers this shirt for precisely that reason. “If you’re afraid to sweat or get a little dirt on your T-shirt, you’re making poor life decisions,” he says. “Buy some Gildan tees, wear them until you’re done with them, and replace them. Life is better.” Jon Caramanica, pop critic (and former men’s Critical Shopper) for the New York Times, also buys Gildan tees. While they’re not “terribly glamorous,” he likes that they’re “cut wide but not in any way boxy and with an unflappable crew neck.”

Best black T-shirt for tall men

Material: Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Heavyweight | Neckline: Crewneck

For those with a taller build, take note from two men we spoke to who called out Uniqlo’s U Crew-Neck. Noah Sylvan, a senior director of product at Xeal, is “tall and lanky,” so it’s hard to find shirts long enough and still slim. “The medium size fits me perfectly — it’s tall enough for me but not so wide that I look like I’m wearing a sack,” he says. According to Sylvan, the shirt has withstood many a wash without shrinking. “It’s pretty much the only black shirt I own these days, and I have tons of them,” he says. “I wear them at least three times a week.” Photographer Malcolm McNeil, who’s also over six feet tall, “always keeps a fresh stack of these” because he loves the weight, breathability, and fit.

Best men’s black V-neck T-shirt

Material: Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Medium weight | Neckline: V-neck

If you prefer a V-neck (and want to stock up), stylist Wouri Vice suggests this three-pack from one of the most classic T-shirt brands out there. “My favorite black T-shirt is Hanes — really,” he says. “But not just any Hanes. It has to be the Luxury Essentials V-neck, which starts out in the deepest of blacks and as it ages takes on the perfect softness and most beautiful faded black ever.” Vice told us he wears them casually with jeans or with a suit.

Best V-neck black T-shirt for tall men

Material: Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Lightweight | Neckline: V-neck

Another favorite for tall men is this V-neck tee from Gap that comes recommended by musician and paramedic Hayden Frank. “I wear so many black tees that I feel borderline tropical if I so much as branch out into gray palettes,” Frank says. His favorite of them all is Gap’s Essential V-Neck, which he says is one of the few he can find in a medium-tall size that works with his slender six-foot-four frame. “If I buy a large, it’s almost the right length, but I’m swimming around in it like scrubs, and if I buy a medium, it fits better in the abdomen but with the unfortunate side effect of showing off my happy trail to innocent bystanders,” Frank says. “The medium-tall Gap V-neck hugs my shoulders and chest and stays slim down past my waistline.” He praises the shirt’s versatility, saying it “works just as well at the gym as at the restaurant.”

Best men’s scoop-neck black T-shirt

Material: Preshrunk Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Lightweight | Neckline: Scoop neck

If V-neck shirts aren’t quite your style but you still want something with an open neckline, consider a scoop-neck, like this one from Keepr. Christopher Clermont, head of DEI+ at Vox, owns multiple “supersoft” Keepr shirts: It’s so flattering that it’s become part of his day-to-day “uniform.” “I love how it sits. It just seems to always fall naturally in the right place, right around my clavicle,” says Clermont. Fit-wise, it “contours to your waist and butt” rather than a loose-boxy cut and is long enough to tuck in effortlessly. Clermont loves its versatility (he’s worn his to sleep, on hikes with his dog, and to work), and that after several washes, the shirt “still feels the same. It’s maintained its shape, form, and comfort,” he says.

Best men’s lightweight black T-shirt

Material: Supima cotton | Fit: Loose fit | Weight: Lightweight | Neckline: Crewneck

Supima cotton is a strong cotton that won’t easily lose its shape and will maintain its color for longer. For an affordable Supima cotton T-shirt, Matt Schonfeld, founder and host of podcast NOT 97, says this “light and breathable” option from Uniqlo has some stretch and is “hands-down the best black T-shirt I own.” He told us he bought two of them on his first-ever trip to Uniqlo about six or seven years ago, and those two are still in his weekly rotation of tees. “You can’t really beat this,” says Schonfeld.

Best men’s heavyweight black T-shirt

Material: Cotton jersey | Fit: Oversized fit | Weight: Heavyweight | Neckline: Crewneck

On the other side of the spectrum are heavyweight tees. One of the sturdier options on our list, this Lululemon T-shirt is also the only pick here that’s made from a blend of cotton and jersey, which means the fabric is dense yet breathable. My boyfriend, who owns the top in three shades, including black, says the heavyweight tee is his go-to because it has a relaxed fit that offers extra room for his athletic build. I’ve borrowed the T-shirt on several occasions, and must say it has a wonderfully worn-in feel. If you prefer longer sleeves that fall closer to your elbow, this definitely fits the bill. It’s also held up incredibly well after multiple washes, but I suggest hang-drying to avoid any shrinkage in the dryer.

Editor’s note: Lululemon’s Heavyweight Cotton Jersey T-shirt is currently unavailable in black, but you can check the product page for restocking information.

Best men’s sustainable heavyweight black T-shirt

Material: Cotton | Weight: Medium Weight | Fit: Loose

The Big Favorite is a sustainable brand that operates on a closed-loop cycle, meaning when you’re done with your clothing, you can send it back to the company to recycle in exchange for credit toward a new piece. Its pima-cotton shirts are buttery soft and midweight. While it’s not as structured as heavier tees on this list, it’s a great option for hotter months. Our writer Arielle Avila says she’s worn hers on sunny 90-degree days and has barely broken out in a sweat on her walks to the subway. As with the entire line, sizing is gender neutral, though Avila says it skews more toward traditional men’s sizes. She owns the XS, which is her typical size in women’s, and the T-shirt is still slightly oversize.

Best oversize black T-shirt

Material: Cotton | Fit: Oversized fit | Weight: Heavyweight | Neckline: Crewneck

Unlike other tops on this list, Heavyweight Collection’s Classic Fit T-Sshirt is made a full size larger than you’re used to buying, which gives it a generous oversize cut — and means purchasing a size L will fit more like an XL. It comes recommended by production designer Greg Jackson, who says “black T-shirts are a part of my daily uniform.” He prefers shirts on the looser side, which is why it’s his go-to. “It’s a heavyweight, 100 percent cotton T-shirt with an oversized boxy fit that’s also made in the USA,” Jackson says. “It holds its color for a long time — and if you’re looking for that more fashion-forward, heavy-duty fit, but that’s still simple, then this is the one.”

Best men’s black T-shirt with a pocket

Material: Cotton | Fit: Loose fit | Weight: Medium weight | Neckline: Crewneck

For those who like their tees to do more than just clothe them, Vaughan says a black T-shirt with pockets is his go-to “because I lose sunglasses easily.” His pick is the Carhartt WIP Pocket T-shirt, which, he specifies, stands out from other Carhartt tees. “The Carhartt WIP T-Shirts fit a little slimmer and are softer than the standard Carhartt K87,” says Vaughan. “They’re soft, hard wearing, and high-low in the best possible way.” Plus the price is right: “The cost-benefit analysis is sound — I wear some that are over five years old.”

Best men’s less expensive black T-shirt with a pocket

Material: Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Lightweight | Neckline: Crewneck

This affordable option comes recommended by lawyer Chuka Ugwu-Oju, who says the price makes the T-shirt a “no-brainer.” But it’s the shirt’s cut that he says is its main draw: “It’s somewhat fitted but isn’t tight at all. It isn’t constricting in any way, but it manages to retain its shape.” The material is on the medium to thin side, which makes it ideal for wearing on its own or layering. “If it isn’t too cold out, I like to pair it with a pair of light jeans or khakis, then throw a big coat over it,” says Ugwu-Oju.

Best men’s luxury black T-shirt

Material: Cotton | Fit: Slim fit | Weight: Medium weight | Neckline: Crewneck

Though Rag & Bone’s Base Tee is the priciest option on our list, it’s well worth the splurge as it drapes handsomely and has a flattering slim silhouette. “Wearing black is an industry standard on film and photo sets,” says Velem senior video editor Jose D. Cota, who likes this T-shirt for days he’s working. “It’s something I feel good in on fashion sets,” Cota adds. The fit is a big part of the appeal: “It’s a quality shirt that sits just right on my shoulders but also tapers through the middle without being form fitting,” Cota says. “I always buy a bunch because you can never have too many.”

Some more men’s black T-shirts we’ve written about

Our experts

• Arielle Avila, Strategist writer
Jon Caramanica, New York Times pop critic
• Jose D. Cota, senior video editor at Velem
• Christopher Clermont, head of DEI+ at Vox
Hayden Frank, musician and paramedic
Cheyenne Jackson, actor
Greg Jackson, production designer
• Jared Johnson, Season Three co-founder
Malcolm McNeil, photographer
• Matt Schonfeld, founder and host of podcast NOT 97
• Noah Sylvan, senior director of product at Xeal
• Chuka Ugwu-Oju, lawyer
• Justin Vaughan, founder of incense brand Ponsont
Wouri Vice, stylist

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13 Very Best Black T-shirts for Men