You don’t need me to tell you how important the trusty t-shirt is to a guy’s sartorial success; it’s the cornerstone of every well-rounded wardrobe. But what you may need reminding about is its long-sleeved counterpart.

Often overlooked when it comes to key menswear staples, the best long sleeve t-shirts manage to hit the sweet spot between style and function.

Simple yet seriously effective, the versatile must-have should be your go-to for the fall months and beyond. You can wear it on its own, under a jacket, or with a flannel shirt—the opportunities are aplenty.

But before you go all guns blazing in search of the perfect design, save yourself some time and keep reading for my top picks from across the web.

Key Takeaways

Flicking through the endless options of the best men’s long sleeve t-shirts is a slug (even for the fastest fingers). There’s so much to choose from. It can all become a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to determining which ones are worthy of your hard-earned cash. To make your decision easier, I’ve pulled together the key styles you should be focusing on.

Not only will you discover the crème de la crème of tees, but you’ll also get an understanding of what separates the good from the bad. I’ll also provide you with some handy styling tips that every swanky dresser should have in their locker.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -XL | Colors: 5 | Fit: Straight

The classic white t-shirt is as timeless as they come; it’s been a wardrobe mainstay for just about every stylish guy on the planet—from Steve McQueen to David Beckham and James Dean. So what happens when you add some long sleeves to the mix? Well, its versatility is multiplied tenfold.

Ideal for daily rotation, this off-white style from Asket can be worn throughout the year with pretty much anything in your current closet. Complete with a crew neckline with a straight fit, it’s made from custom heavyweight combed cotton that gives it the kind of feel you associate with a garment far pricier.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -2XL | Colors: 2 | Fit: Relaxed

Cotton is standard when it comes to men’s long sleeve t-shirts—it’s comfortable, easy to care for, and just the right weight to be worn throughout the year. Not all cotton is the same, though. Sometimes you’re treated to something a little special.

Wax London used a brushing method to make the Mazzy as soft as your beloved blanket. It features a ribbed mock neck, long sleeves (of course), and ribbed cuffs that give it a slight sweatshirt appearance. Perfect for mild evenings and cool summers, I would wear mine with cargos and classic Chucks.

Material: 60% Silk, 40% Cotton | Sizes: XS -3XL | Colors: 3 | Fit: Slim

From sweatshirts to soccer jerseys, everything looks great with a crew neck. Same goes for the best long sleeve t-shirts. Suitable for all shapes and sizes, the timeless style will take you anywhere from the gym to the bar, to work, or a trip to the movies.

My pick of the bunch is Luca Faloni’s silk-cotton tee. Perfect to be worn in all seasons. Wear it alone during the warmer months or layered under some knitwear throughout winter. I think it looks particularly suave with dark denim and smart sneakers, but there’s no reason you can’t team it with khakis or shorts.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -2XL | Colors: 8 | Fit: Slim

Pockets are handy. From keeping your spare change safe to hiding the remote from your better half, they’re always there when you need them most. I’ve lost count of the number of things I’ve stuffed into the deep pits of my trusty dressing gown. When it comes to men’s long sleeve t-shirts, though, pockets are there to simply look cool (or perhaps hold a bank card or two).

Everlane’s organic pocket tee is not only easy on the eye (and extremely versatile) but it’s backed by the brand’s 365-day guarantee. This means that if your new purchase was to get a hole, shrink, or lose color, they’ll gladly replace it with a new one.

Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Elastane | Sizes: XS -2XL | Colors: 2 | Fit: Regular

Plain tees are the backdrop of many successful outfits, but if you want to really steal the show, then a striped long sleeve t-shirt should be at the top of your wish list. Whether you prefer the timeless look of a Breton or go crazy for some horizontal boldness, you’ll instantly become the flyest fella in your circle.

Percival knows a thing or two about timeless staples, so it comes as no surprise that they have a fine stripe tee in their portfolio. Crafted from cotton with a hint of stretch, the charming nautical style can be worn alone with slacks or layered underneath an overshirt with jeans or cargos.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: S -XL | Colors: 1 | Fit: Slightly Oversized

If it’s too hot for a heavy sweater but too chilly for bare arms, the best long sleeve t-shirts help you find a happy medium. Chuck a polo collar into the cauldron, and we’re talking about a do-it-all piece of clothing that’s smart enough for bars but won’t leave you feeling overdressed.

Rising streetwear star, Axel Arigato, has the signature polo—providing a smart-casual essential that looks great with just about every pair of pants you can imagine. It’ll stand proud alone, but you could also wear it underneath a jacket or flannel shirt.

Material: Cotton, Lyocell | Sizes: XS -2XL | Colors: 1 | Fit: Slim

Some guys try so hard to stand out from the crowd that they can forget that often the simplest of garments can have the biggest effect. Hamilton & Hare is a brand that’s clearly clued up on the matter at hand.

Made from a cotton and lyocell mix, this long sleeve lounge top is simple but super stylish. It’s fished with a rounded neck and corozo-nut button loop closure that offers something a little different for weekends and relaxed days at the office. Wear it with sweatpants, jeans, or slacks (the outfit opportunities are never-ending).

Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Sizes: XS -3XL | Colors: 36 | Fit: Slim

Men’s long sleeve t-shirts are a solid option for any wardrobe. You can find one in pretty much any design imaginable, but the most popular styles come with a rounded (crew) neck. So what happens if you like your neckline a little deeper?

This lightweight version from H2H is equipped with a v-neck that comes across a little smarter than your average long-sleeved tee. Suitable for work or weekend, it’ll look just at home with smart slacks as it does with dark denim. You can choose from over 30 colors, and the size range is pretty impressive too.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -XL | Colors: 1 | Fit: Loose

There are many reasons to love long sleeve t-shirts for men. They’re practical, great for layering, and an excellent option for transeasonal dressing. Above all else, though, they’re pretty damn cool.

Club Monaco’s Williams t-shirt goes about its business quietly, but it proudly proves that you don’t have to be loud to be noticed. Cut from soft cotton-jersey, it’s presented in a neutral beige hue that is a refreshing alternative to plain white. You could wear it under a flannel shirt for drinks with friends or team it with slim-fitting khakis for an effortlessly cool look that’ll work at any time of the year.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -2XL | Colors: 5 | Fit: Regular

I’m a firm believer in not having to blow a month’s rent just to look good. Truth is, you only need to shop smart, and you’ll come across some real gems. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork and found plenty of long-sleeved t-shirts that look great but don’t leave you yearning for payday.

H&M is somewhat of an expert at creating affordable basics. Case in point is this classic budget jersey tee. With a crew neckline and regular fit, it’s the ideal base layer for a wide range of smart-casual outfits—but it’ll hold up just as well on its own with a pair of dad jeans.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS -XL | Colors: 1 | Fit: Loose

While I wasn’t kidding when I said you don’t have to splash the cash to dress well, I’m certainly not opposed to making it rain every once in a while; but only if the garment in question is worthy of taking a chunk of my savings.

Off-White’s logo t-shirt is totally worth the splurge. Decorated with the label’s signature diagonal stripes, it’s cut for a slightly loose fit that gives off some badass skater vibes and is perfect for dad bods. You could pair it with ripped denim or dress it up slightly with khakis and your favorite high-top sneakers.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: S -2XL | Colors: 2 | Fit: Loose

Graphic tees are awesome. The only trouble is, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, you end up having to cover them up with a flannel shirt or leather jacket. But do you really? Add some long sleeves to the equation, and you’re rocking your favorite top come rain or shine.

PARADISE’s T-shirt is made from cotton-jersey and features striking prints at the front and arms—referencing the designer’s wishes for planet-friendly practices in fashion. It’ll look great at the weekend with jeans and sneakers, or you can put comfort first with some loose-fitting sweatpants.

Material: 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester | Sizes: S -2XL | Colors: 4 | Fit: Regular

Florence Marine X specializes in technical apparel design for those who love to get out there and explore—in particular, surfers. Turns out, as well as offering a selection of responsibly-made board shorts and wetsuits, they also have some great long-sleeved tees.

This hooded design is made using special recycled materials and features a subtle logo at the chest. It’s ideal for offering a little shade from the beach sun, but it can easily fit into a city environment too. Wear yours with swim shorts after hitting the waves, or try it with jeans or khakis when heading to brunch with friends.

What To Look For When Buying The Best Long-Sleeve T-shirts For Men

Style

A number of details determine the look of a men’s long-sleeve t-shirt. You’ll come across a wide range of different options, with variations of necklines, cuffs, fits, and lengths. Look out for slim-fit plain styles suitable for smarter outfits or oversized graphic designs better equipped for casual occasions.

Material 

Many of the best long sleeve t-shirts are made from cotton. Comfortable, breathable, and easy to care for, it’s a popular choice for a reason. You may also find some brands use a blend of materials (such as cotton and spandex) to give the garment some added stretch. These types of long sleeve tees are particularly great for exercise and sports.

Fit

Whether you prefer a slimmer silhouette or a baggier fit, there are many different fits to choose from when it comes to finding the best long sleeve t-shirts. Some styles will also come up longer than others, so bear this in mind—especially if you’re a guy that is particularly or has a longer torso.

Final Verdict

So it seems the extra length of a men’s long sleeve t-shirt offers far more than additional arm coverage. An underrated wardrobe staple, it can be your sartorial savior for endless events on your calendar. It’s clear there are many excellent options out there, regardless of your style or budget.

Asket’s design is a prime example of not having to break the bank to look good. Combining timeless style with everyday comfort, it’s a fine choice for weekend lunches, casual offices, and city breaks. Whatever option you choose, there’s no doubt your wardrobe will thank you for the upgrade.