The crew neck tee is the unsung hero in a man’s wardrobe. The ultimate team player, it often finds itself hidden under a sweater or supporting a flannel shirt—though it’ll happily take the reins by complementing a pair of jeans or tailored pants.

In order to give it the recognition it deserves, I’ve been on a mission to unearth the best crew neck T-shirts on the market, rounding up a selection of stylish staples suitable for every budget and occasion.

Whether you like yours printed, striped, or plain like Carmy, keep reading to meet your perfect match.

Key Takeaways

Looking for the best crew neck T-shirts? You’re in the right place. I’ve searched high and low, reading ratings, reviews, and Reddit forums, to find the cream of the crop.

From Wax London’s textured version to CDLP’s midweight must-have, here you’ll meet the menswear masters ready to fortify your fits for any season, setting, or scenario.

Why it’s great: From the fabric to the fit, length, and neckline, many things come together to make a quality men’s crew neck T-shirt. And very few manage to get it all right. This one, however, does. Made from a soft, slightly textured organic cotton material in a boxy shape, it boasts an uber-premium weight that’s suitable for all seasons. Layer it underneath a cardigan or jacket, or wear it alone with selvedge denim for an effortless everyday look.

Who is this for? An excellent all-rounder, Wax London’s crew neck tee is a sustainable choice that will soon become a mainstay in your wardrobe. Comfy, flattering, and easy to style, it’ll take you from coffee dates to casual days in the office.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The boxy fit might not be ideal for guys who are particularly short and stocky.

Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 8

Why it’s great: Close your eyes and picture the softest, lightest, silkiest T-shirt you can imagine. Open them up and watch your visualization come to life. Undoubtedly one of the top crew neck T-shirts around, Luca Faloni’s design is as luxury as it gets. Made from a light and silky smooth linen jersey fabric, it’s cut to a relaxed fit that has a fluid drape while gently hugging your biceps to show off all your hard work.

Who is this for? Highly absorbent and breathable, this option is a must-have for the summer months. It’ll keep you cool whether you’re dining al fresco in Florence or navigating the bustling sidewalks of New York.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: At over $100, excluding delivery, you can certainly call this men’s crew neck T-shirt a splurge. I’d say it’s well worth the investment, mind.

Material: 100% Linen jersey | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 16

Why it’s great: CDLP isn’t just in the business of making quality undies. It turns out they also have some of the best crew neck T-shirts, like this one made from a wonderful Tencel™ lyocell and pima cotton blend.

Midweight with a super soft handle and relaxed drape, it’s a timeless, versatile staple that keeps its shape after every wash and ages gracefully. I like to wear mine around the house with sweatpants and slippers, but you can wear yours everywhere, from lunch with friends to after-work drinks.

Who is this for? Available in multiple colors, this is a luxury tee that you’ll be able to rely on for years to come. Whether you wear it at home or out and about, you won’t be disappointed.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s more expensive than many of the other options on this list, but I don’t think the price tag is unreasonable.

Material: 67% Tencel lyocell, 33% Pima cotton | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 9

Why it’s great: Easily dressed up or down, the Foret Ferry tee, made from soft cotton, will bring carefree nautical vibes to your everyday fits. Decorated with horizontal stripes and cut to a regular shape, it’s a timeless piece that you’ll wear again and again.

Who is this for? Striped T-shirts like this one are perfect for the spring and summer months, but they can also be used to pep up your layered winter looks. It’s a versatile, low-key piece that’ll upgrade your capsule wardrobe in an instant.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Sizes are selling fast, so you’ll need to be quick.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: Amazon has a plethora of brilliant crew neck tees to choose from, but few are as impressive as this one from Nautica. Complete with a convenient chest pocket and subtle branding, it’s soft, washes well, and looks just as good with jeans as it does with chinos or cargos. I’m a big fan of the cotton fabric that’s been given a hint of stretch for all-day comfort.

Who is this for? If you’re looking for a cheap do-it-all T-shirt that can be worn every day, this is about as good as it gets. Better yet, thanks to an impressive size range and the regular fit, everyone can enjoy it.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Short men might find it too long. Be careful not to order the ‘tall’ size if you don’t need it.

Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex | Sizes Available: XS–6XL | Colors Available: 10+

Why it’s great: An affordable, reliable set of tees, these can be worn under your sweaters, hoodies, or dress shirts. Made from cotton that’s breathable and wicks away moisture, they come with soft, covered seams that avoid any kind of irritation, making them an excellent choice for every day.

Who is this for? The ultimate undershirts, these will soon become the foundations of your smart-casual looks. Easy on the wallet and kind to your skin, they’re a must-have for anyone looking for the best men’s crew neck T-shirts.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Shrinkage is minimal after washing, but you will notice it slightly (especially if you put them in the dryer).

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: S–5XL | Colors Available: 7

Why it’s great: Guys from across the globe have been talking about Carmy’s white T-shirt (The Bear) as if the staple hasn’t always been cool. Which, by the way, it totally has. From Paul Newman to James Dean, just about every style icon to have walked this earth has championed the ever-reliable option at one point or another. And now it’s your turn.

Crafted from pure organic cotton that’s strong and soft, this men’s crew neck T-shirt comes with a ribbed binding neckline and twin-needle stitched hems that guarantee longevity. I love the classic fit shape that’s flattering without feeling restrictive.

Who is this for? Everyone needs a classic white T-shirt, and this offering from Asket is a fine choice—especially as you can choose from three different lengths. Suitable for year-round wear, it’ll soon become one of your wardrobe’s most trusted pieces.

Flaws but not deal–breakers: There seem to be slight size variations across colors –something to keep in mind.

Material: 100% Organic cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 8

Why it’s great: When two menswear masterminds joined forces, there was going to be only one outcome. This crew neck tee from Percival and Champion is exactly what you’d expect: stylish, soft, and a little playful.

Light enough for warm weather yet an excellent layer for the cooler months, it’s made from a 180 gsm premium cotton fabric that washes well and feels great against your skin. The relaxed fit gives it a modern touch, and the print on the front and back will provide your outfits with an eye-catching edge.

Who is this for? A proper printed T-shirt, this is ideal for guys wanting a casual design they can wear with everything from jeans and loafers to sneakers and sweatpants. The mid-range price tag makes it affordable for most.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The fit is looser than average, which won’t appeal to everyone.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: More than 6,000 customers have reviewed this regular fit tee, with an average rating of 4.7/5. I’ve been buying it in many colors for more than five years, wearing it on a regular basis as a layer and alone during the warm months.

Silky smooth thanks to the cotton-rayon fabric, it’s cut to just the right length and boasts the kind of drape you’d expect from something far more expensive. It’s your run-of-the-mill basic but a level above alternatives that come at a similar cost.

Who is this for? A budget-friendly option that’s more impressive than its price tag suggests, this is H&M at its best. It’s a reliable choice that you can wear around the house, on vacation, or as you run your everyday errands.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The regular fit might feel a tad loose on smaller frames. If you fall into this category, then you might want to consider the slimmer version. Having said that, I do find that it shrinks ever so slightly after the first wash.

Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Rayon | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 18

Buying Considerations for the Best Crew Neck T-Shirts

Fabric

Always prioritize quality materials. The best men’s crew neck T-shirts will generally be made from soft, breathable options like 100% cotton—sometimes blended with elastane for extra stretch—as these offer the utmost comfort and versatility. You’ll also want to consider the weight and weave of the fabric for durability; heavier fabrics and tighter weaves resist stretching and pilling. Additionally, eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton are not only sustainable but also often reflect higher quality standards.

Fit

The fit of your tee is crucial for comfort and appearance. Think about what has worked for you in the past and whether it still does. Slim-fit styles are timeless and considered the most universally flattering; oversized options are a modern choice for fashion-forward fellas. Note: Your body shape may also determine which fit you choose.

Construction

Pay attention to the construction and details of the T-shirt, as these affect durability and comfort. Features such as reinforced stitching prevent seams from unraveling, and a tagless design or soft, tear-away tags can add to comfort and reduce irritation. Other notable features, like pre-shrunk fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, or UV protection, can cater to specific needs, making your new tee more functional and long-lasting.

How We Choose

To find the best crew neck T-shirts, I started by compiling a list of 50 options based on researching popular brands, online reviews, and ratings. I tried on as many as I could while also getting a little help from friends, family, and colleagues before settling on nine standout styles, which were judged on the below criteria:

Style: T-shirts were evaluated for overall design, fit, and versatility. I considered a variety of styles, from plain to printed, and focused on how well each one complemented different body types and how easily it could be paired with various outfits.

Price: I compared the cost of each crew neck tee relative to its quality and durability. Value for money was a key consideration, ensuring that the top choices offered reasonable prices for their craftsmanship and longevity. Both budget-friendly and higher-end options were assessed to cover a range of affordability.

Shrinkage: Whether by myself or others, T-shirts were tested for shrinkage by washing and drying them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Notes were made on any changes in size and fit, and I selected only those that maintained their original dimensions and shape after laundering. The best crew neck T-shirts showed minimal to no shrinkage, indicating reliable fabric quality and construction.

Comfort: Comfort was a primary factor, with each option worn for extended periods to assess its feel against the skin, breathability, and overall ease of wear. Soft, non-irritating fabrics and well-constructed seams were essential.

Why Trust Us?

Billy Webb is a seasoned writer with more than a decade of experience in the menswear industry. With a deep passion for wardrobe staples and timeless style, he has dedicated his career to helping guys dress and feel their best, covering everything from essential black tees to comfortable dress pants.

His extensive knowledge and keen eye for quality have made him a trusted authority in men’s fashion. In this article, Billy’s expertise shines through in his meticulous reviews and recommendations, ensuring that readers can confidently find the best crew neck T-shirts.

Final Verdict

As classic as they come, the crew neck tee is an indispensable part of any well-rounded wardrobe. Versatile, cool, and oh-so comfy, it can be worn underneath your favorite jacket or alone with your choice of pants. Yet even with endless options out there, finding the ones worth your money can feel anything but basic.

With help from fellow fashion enthusiasts and hours of painstaking research, I’ve concluded that Wax London’s boxy Dean tee can be considered one of the very best crew neck T-shirts on the market. Not only easy to wear, it’s also sustainably made, seriously soft, and tough enough to last for many years to come.