The 16 Best Plain T-Shirts, According to Our Editors
A good packing list should start with the basics—and that always includes a solid T-shirt or two. The best plain T-shirts fit well, go with everything in your suitcase, and don't lose shape or show wear quickly. They can be hard to find, and once you land on the right one, you'll want to stock up. We polled Condé Nast Traveler editors to find out where they buy their go-to tees. Read on for 15 of our favorite basic T-shirts, from boxy Everlane tees to Buck Mason crops to classic Hanes three-packs.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Aritzia Sunday Best Henri T-shirt
One of the first garments I scooped up during my fall shopping this year was a simple velour T-shirt purchased from the two-story Aritzia in SoHo. I was trapped amidst hundreds of shoppers that Saturday, but the successful trip was worth it. This top is just like your favorite plain T-shirt, but with a more luxurious texture. It’s soft, thick, and plush to the touch. The crew-neck is as comfortable as your most casual tee, but the elevated fabric makes it suitable for fancier occasions, too. You can wear it from the office to a night out, or while lounging at home on the weekend. It comes in black and a deep, dark blue. —Alex Erdekian, travel bookings editor
Buck Mason Pima slim crew
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white T-shirt for quite some time, and the Pima Slim crew from Buck Mason is the most comfortable tee I’ve ever tried on. As chic and as polished as it looks, it feels like you’re wearing that soft, worn-in tee you’ve had for years—in the best way. This one is slimming without being too restrictive, and can be nicely tucked into jeans or slacks. It’s the simple tee I pack with me on every trip to pair well with any outfit and I never want to take it off. If you prefer a slightly more cropped cut, I’m also a fan of Buck Mason’s Boxy Crew—it’s a little bit shorter and looser-fitting than the Slim crew, but still ultra-soft. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
Skims Cotton Jersey t-shirt
I’m a big fan of the cotton collection from Skims, and this cotton jersey T-shirt is no exception. It’s perfectly snug yet still comfortable. The silhouette slightly curves in on the sides, giving a more flattering shape than the classic straight T-shirt. I wear this lounging around the house, as a layering piece, and even to work with a nice blazer. It’s available in all the staple colors—marble white, light heather grey, and black. —M.K.
Vuori Energy Tee
Vuori makes some of the comfiest joggers and loungewear, so it’s no surprise this shirt became an instant favorite the first time I put it on. It has a great cut—slightly cropped, a little boxy—and the material is so soft and smooth against your skin. It’s lightweight, too, so you can wear it in the summer or layer it under a sweater in colder months. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
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Håndværk V-neck T-shirt
This V-neck from Håndværk is made in a carbon neutral facility in Peru out of renewable Peruvian Pima cotton, and has kept its color and feel after several washes. I have it in white, and wear it with all kinds of outfits: jeans and a blazer, under a dress or sweater, or on the plane with comfy joggers. —M.F.
Calvin Klein Classic Fit cotton crewneck T-shirt
I keep it simple in my Calvins. Their crewneck T-shirts, sold in convenient packs of three, are masterful displays of restraint—subtlety is bliss. The cut and fit are perfect, easily tucked into any pair of pants for days when true outfit formulation is out of grasp. I have quite a few in every color, and they last. —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant
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Imogene + Willie The Drop Tee
From a small, Nashville-based brand, these USA-made 100 percent cotton shirts come in a bunch of solids. They're the softest shirts I own with the most perfect crop, which means I don't have to tuck it in, but there's just enough fabric for me to do so if I want to. I'm a big, big fan. I have this shirt in black and white and am eyeing other options. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor
Kowtow Classic Tee
When I want something more fitted, I go with these plain T-shirts from New Zealand basics brand Kowtow. They have a slightly thicker fabric, aren't sheer, and are sustainably produced. They have a bit of a longer sleeve, too, and are made of 100 percent cotton. I know these will last me ages. —M.C.
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&Other Stories Organic Cotton T-Shirt
The other day before a trip, I impulsively grabbed a fresh white tee at & Other Stories (where I usually shop for bold-print maxi dresses, colorful knit sweaters, and generally more exciting items), and it turned out to be an instant classic in my wardrobe. The organic cotton is so soft I can (and do) sleep in it on long flights, and the shape—the happy medium between slouchy and form-fitting—works with everything from jeans to the night-out skirts that I got into &Other Stories to buy to begin with. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
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Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt
I reach for this soft box tee from Banana Republic, which I have in three colors, whenever I’m gearing up for hours of travel or a long drive. It’s flowy without being baggy, and I can easily stash it in a tote or carry-on to change into later, along with my other lightweight essentials—like a hair clip, keys, and lip balm. The not-too-cropped length makes track pants look like a fashion choice rather than a comfort choice, plus it goes great with jeans. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
Eileen Fisher Fine Jersey Crew Neck Tee
My wardrobe these days could easily be mistaken for a rack at an Eileen Fisher store. That’s because the matriarch of sustainable fashion has a knack for making basics feel like they’ve had an upgrade. Her organic slub tees have sleeves that run long to the elbows and, like so many of her pieces, a forgiving loose fit. The cut that accounts for the other half of my T-shirt stock is her fuller fine jersey crew neck, which kind of looks like a boyfriend’s tee designed with the girlfriend in mind. —Erin Florio, senior editor
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Michael Stars Fallon Shine Tee
Years ago, I picked up my first Michael Stars T-shirt on a whim, and I've never looked back. This is the brand I go to for soft, comfortable tees that can either be casual or dressed up. Long-sleeve, V-neck—you name it, I've got it. I especially like that the shirts are lightweight and move, but also give you some shape. You can't go wrong with any of the models, but I like the hint of glitz you get from the ‘Shine’ line. —Corina Quinn, former city guides director
James Perse Vintage Little Boy Tee
A few years ago, I discovered the magic of the James Perse line of T-shirts. I was always skeptical of die-hard fans of this line, but now I'm a convert. The cotton is magic; the silhouettes are flattering; and the shirts do manage to be cool and comfortable yet make you look pulled together. They're worth the admittedly higher price tag. —C.Q.
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V Room Melange Basic Crew-Neck T-Shirt
I seem to gravitate toward extremes in my T-shirt purchasing. On the one hand, a good V::Room tee will set you back at least $100, which is tough to swallow, but I’ve had shirts from them that have lasted 15 years and have only gotten better over time. They’re beautifully cut, so soft (I like the cashmere/cotton blends), and extremely lightweight, which is great when you’re hand washing and drying your clothes in a hotel bathroom. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor
Hanes Big Boys' Essentials Short Sleeve T-Shirt pack
I love an out-of-the-box, bright white T-shirt, which of course only looks like that for about a week post-purchase. I like to buy boys Hanes T-shirts before a trip. The boys large fits like a women's small, the boys extra-large like a women’s medium—a bit tight, slim, and the sleeves are nice and short. And you can buy a three-pack at Target or on Amazon for about $15, one of the last true deals. They’re great on their own or layered and you don’t have to sweat it if they take a hit on your trip. —R.M.
