Even the best menswear essentials can be made even better with just a few tweaks, and that’s true of your t-shirt wardrobe.
A classic, plain white t-shirt, for example, should have a rugged, cool style, but pocket tees go the extra mile.
The package elevates even the most well-designed t-shirt, which is why the style is a personal favorite of this writer.
Intentional movement, making the t-shirt look like an undershirt and a true statement piece.
Just look at how guys like Steve McQueen and Ryan Gosling wear pocket tees, and be careful as you tighten up your wardrobe.
The style goes with everything from smartly tailored blue jeans to chino shorts, and there’s never been a better time to buy them.
Why did I choose it?
In my experience, Flint and Tinder fire on all cylinders when it comes to modern and timeless creative updates. That goes for its guaranteed-cool jackets and this vintage-inspired pocket square, made from blanket-dyed slub cotton. From my time wearing this tee in many colors, it remains comfortable, soft (and very stylish) with age.
Flint and Tinder Vintage Slub Pocket T-Shirt
Remember the cool look and feel of slub cotton we talked about so well, just above? That’s what Flint and Tinder used in this super soft T-shirt.
I personally love the fact that it also comes in a range of easily wearable colors. And the vintage moniker? This is because this tee is dyed in a blanket to match the vibe perfectly.
Faherty Brand Sunwashed Pocket Tee
Cool men’s styles can transport you to a different time and place, like a sandy beach or a pool. That seems to be the approach Faherty takes when designing its perfectly faded, sun-kissed and washed flannel shirts, simple chinos and men’s shorts, not to mention the expertly designed pocket.
The rare material gets an extra dose of coolness when made by Faherty, and this premium tee is worth the slightly higher price tag. White-white color is not boring either.
Hanes Heavyweight bag t-shirt
There are some brands you can trust that can make solid, stylish basics, like Hanes, and that goes beyond your boxer briefs.
Hanes tees are classic for a reason, with reliable designs in affordable colors, and simple style. In this case, heavy cotton brings longevity and clean fit.
James Perse Lightweight Jersey Pocket Tee
Remember what we said about details like the chest pocket elevating the standard t-shirt? Well, James Perse t-shirts, with their soft, plush fabric, are unusual to begin with, and the premium lightweight jersey cotton drives home that vibe perfectly. A stylish splurge with a difference you can feel.
Carhartt Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt
T-shirts were originally more important as an undershirt and a layer of workwear – and Carhartt makes some of the best workwear on the market.
They use a tough, heavy-duty fabric, the kind you can layer professionally with a Carhartt canvas work coat for real dirty and dirty days in the yard or field.
Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt
Huckberry notes that this t-shirt is “built to go the distance,” and that’s not an understatement.
The key to remember here is to use heavy, durable cotton (slub cotton has a breathable look and feel). And that heavy-duty, USA-made construction lends itself to a hard-wearing t-shirt for wear after wear.
Vuori Strato Pocket Tee
In my experience, there is no smaller pack that is lightweight, soft and comfortable than this one from Vuori.
It’s really soft, and a professional companion next to Vuori runners or indoor shorts. Of course, you can also mix things up with technically cut jeans or chino shorts.
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American Giant Heavyweight Pocket Tee
If you’ve ever tried American Giant’s rugged-as-can-be, made-in-the-USA style essentials, you know that quality matters, and old-school construction reigns supreme.
And so it is with this heavyweight pocket square, which they designed in Los Angeles using strong, durable cotton.
Dickies Heavyweight Crew Neck Short-Sleeve Tee
For over a century, Dickies has brought some of the most reliable basics and workwear to the market, and you can trust them to deliver even the seemingly simple pocket t-shirt to the highest standard.
The Dickies logo is the epitome of cool style these days, while the sub-$20 price tag is almost foolproof.
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Pocket Tee
The best pocket tees offer something for everyone, including a great fit in this must-have T-shirt from Tommy Hilfiger.
A wide range of colors round out your wardrobe of formal t-shirts, but it’s the choice between the Large & Long and regular fit that brings things home the best (including the classic Tommy Hilfiger logo).