In a way, you can think of putting together your ideal menswear wardrobe as a video game of sorts, with basic levels and more difficult degrees of dressing—but it usually starts with the basics, like wearing a plain black T-shirt.
Or rather, it starts with buying the basics, and building from there. The best black T-shirts can be an easy look to go back to, whether you need a layer under a denim shirt or a subtle t-shirt to wear with anything in your wardrobe, be it light wash denim, olive chinos or tan stretch chino shorts.
The black t-shirt on the right sits comfortably against your skin, isn’t too tight and isn’t too tight, and is (appropriately) made from premium fabric for long-lasting durability.
No matter how far you progress in the menswear “video game,” so to speak, whether you need to step it up a notch or remind yourself of your roots, the plain black t-shirt deserves a spot in your menswear essentials. Shop my favorite black girls below.
72 hour Merino Tee proof
Merino is one of my favorite fabrics, and it should be yours, too. It’s naturally anti-bacterial and deodorizing, long-lasting, travel-friendly and does a great job of blending into everything from t-shirts to box booklets.
The good folks at Huckberry have done wonders with this merino tee from in-house brand, Proof, which you can wear for 72 hours straight (they should know – check it out that way). The tailored fit and sharp black color make it the perfect base layer or a stand-alone tee.
Hanes Beefy-T
It’s hard to go wrong with classics, and Hanes knows a thing or two about getting them right at the right prices.
Its aptly named Beefy T-Shirt is designed to stand up to wear while holding its shape and offering a flattering fit – whether worn with jeans, chinos or a mix of shorts.
Buck Mason Slub Curved Edge Tee
There are several subtle ways the best black t-shirts stand out from the pack, as simple as their color scheme may be. Buck Mason, my favorite brand, manages to nail those little details in expert fashion, like using a curved hem for a flattering fit on all body types.
The use of slub cotton—a softness perfect for summer—plays well with the classic fit, another flattering detail for guys everywhere.
Fresh Clean Threads Crew Neck Tee
The good thing about the best black t-shirts, in my experience, is their variety and versatility. The right pair of plain black pants, like this one from my personal favorite, Pure Clean Lines, goes well with almost anything you can dream up, and the fit flatters your arms, shoulders and chest.
HNLY LA HNLY Tee
It makes perfect sense, when you think about it, that a brand that specializes in henleys made in the USA would also deliver the perfect black t-shirt for a nice change of style.
The natural stretch cotton makes all the difference here, providing both durability and comfort in the summer heat. The raw hem and unfinished sleeves are also a cool visual touch–roll up those sleeves to show off your hard work at the gym.
Sunspel Classic T-Shirt
If you can trust any brand to make really bright basics, it’s British heritage outfitter Sunspel. You might see the brand’s tees and polos as worn by one James Bond, so it’s no wonder they’ve had such a breezy time creating the best black t-shirts for men.
Using 100 percent cotton and the right fit, it’s time to pick up at least one essential black tea from the esteemed English outfit.
Roark Well-Worn Midweight Organic Tee
I’ve found that the best black t-shirts work well when you’re looking for a solid, reliable staple that you can throw on quickly, whether it’s running on a weekend trip or layering under a denim jacket.
Roark’s sustainable organic cotton tee can do both of those things, and then some.
DUER The Only Tee in Black
DUER’s take on the black t-shirt is aptly named to deliver both style and performance, and in an impressive way. Pima cotton combines with durable nylon and TENCEL for a strong amount of stretch, moisture wicking and breathability, all at the same time.
The fit is structured enough to rock as a base layer, but it’s flattering enough to wear all on its own, if you like. And the sub-$50 price tag isn’t that bad for a performance tee, either.
James Perse Short Sleeve Crew Neck
When done right, wearing a black t-shirt can convey a sense of style, like this crew neck from James Perse’s comfortable brand.
Although it may seem small, a well-fitting black t-shirt can look sleek and classic with dark blue jeans and red broken leather boots, or it can be worn well under a black denim jacket and light wash jeans–and black Chelsea boots–for a little rock n’ roll style on a Saturday night.