The T-Shirts I Actually Wear

MỤC LỤC

Living in New York, you quickly realize there’s no shortage of T-shirts — graphic, oversized, boxy, fitted, vintage, you name it. I’ve tried a ridiculous number of them over the years, from cheap basics to designer splurges. But somehow, I always end up rotating between just a few favorites.

This isn’t a list of trendy picks or influencer ads — it’s simply what I reach for every morning before coffee. I’ll break down how each one fits into my daily routine, how they hold up after dozens of washes, and which ones are actually worth buying again.

First Impressions: What I Look for in a T-Shirt

A good T-shirt, for me, starts with how it feels. The fabric needs to be soft but not flimsy, structured but not stiff. Living in NYC means layering through unpredictable weather — one minute you’re under the subway heat lamps, the next you’re hit with an icy breeze off the Hudson.

I look for cotton with some weight (around 6 oz or heavier) because it drapes better and keeps its shape. I avoid cheap polyester blends that cling to your body or pill after two washes. The neckline matters too — I prefer a slightly higher crew neck that doesn’t sag over time.

Real-World Use: What Actually Stays in My Closet

In theory, I like variety. In practice, I wear the same handful of T-shirts every week. My main rotation looks like this:

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Tee – Probably the most reliable everyday shirt I own. It’s dense cotton, structured shoulders, and looks sharp enough for coffee meetings.
Everlane Premium-Weight Tee – Slightly boxier, with a heavier feel. It’s great for cooler days and holds its shape incredibly well.
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee – Perfect for casual weekends. The slub texture feels broken-in but not sloppy.
Champion Heritage Tee – My go-to gym and errands shirt. Thick, indestructible, and nostalgic in the best way.

Most others — even the ones I thought I loved — eventually fade, stretch, or just stop feeling right.

Performance and Quality Over Time

After dozens of washes, the differences between shirts really show. The Uniqlo U still feels structured, barely shrinks, and the color holds. Everlane’s heavier cotton resists wrinkling, which makes it perfect for travel. Buck Mason’s softness improves with age, but it does fade slightly faster than the rest — I think it adds character.

The key here is washing smart: cold water, gentle cycle, air dry if possible. It sounds tedious, but your shirts will last twice as long.

Fit and Style

Fit is the trickiest part because everyone’s frame is different. I’m on the slimmer side, so I look for tees that sit close to the shoulders without hugging the chest too tightly. The length should hit mid-hip — long enough to tuck in, short enough to wear untucked.

Urban life also means I want versatility. A tee should look good with jeans, chinos, or even under a blazer. The Uniqlo U and Everlane fit that role best.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros (of my current favorites):

Durable heavyweight cotton that doesn’t lose shape
Neutral colors that pair easily
Affordable for the quality
Versatile enough for layering or solo wear

❌ Cons:

Slight shrinkage after drying
Limited color options in the best cuts
Some fade faster (Buck Mason, especially in black)

Value for Money

If you break down cost-per-wear, the mid-range T-shirts win easily. Spending $15–$40 on a quality tee is smarter than buying a $5 one that turns into a rag after a month. The Uniqlo U in particular is unbeatable at its price — easily the best everyday tee under $20.

Buck Mason and Everlane sit closer to the $40–$50 mark, but you feel the difference in stitching, drape, and durability.

Alternatives and Comparisons

I’ve tried the COS Heavyweight Tee, American Giant Classic, and Richer Poorer Recycled Cotton Tee — all solid options, but they didn’t quite replace my main rotation. COS runs too long for my frame, American Giant feels overly thick for summer, and Richer Poorer loses its shape faster than I’d like.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly basics, Muji and Arket also make solid tees with minimal branding and clean lines.

My Verdict

After years of trial and error (and a drawer full of rejects), I’ve realized I only need three or four really good T-shirts — not twenty mediocre ones. The ones I actually wear are simple, neutral, and slightly structured. They fit my New York lifestyle — rushing between meetings, walking blocks in the heat, layering under jackets in winter.

Quality basics make city life easier. You stop overthinking what to wear and just live in what feels right.