While there’s something undeniably “Old Hollywood” about wearing just a white t-shirt and jeans, real rebels opt for a black t-shirt. Okay, that might be overstating it a little, but there’s something a little more mysterious and a little slicker about just wearing a black tee, especially on guys. A well-fitted black t-shirt should be in your regular rotation. Never mind just sitting in your closet.
Black tees might not be quite as versatile as white ones, but they still have their uses both layered and worn solo. It makes a more dramatic statement when paired with a cardigan or bomber jacket. Under a blazer you’ve got a mid-90’s “creative director” vibe — not necessarily a bad thing, but not one you should pull out very often. It’s a little bold. One thing you want to avoid: wearing a long-sleeve under a black tee. That look went out with the new millennium.
But one of the best ways to wear a black tee — especially as the weather changes to the warmer side — is solo. It’s rebellious without being obnoxious. It’s slick without seeming too try-hard. It should absolutely be a staple for any guy’s wardrobe. (Hey, it worked for Hank Moody. Remember that guy?)
So find your fit, find your neckline, make sure you vibe with the materials, and pair it with a pair of jeans.
The Fit
The fit for your tee will depend a lot on the shape of your body. No two bodies are the same. Some tees have a more athletic (re: tighter) fit, and some more relaxed, AKA regular fit. Regardless of your preference, a skin-tight fit is rarely appreciated. Machine wash and hang dry to maintain the integrity of your tee’s fit.
The Neck
There many necklines on tees, but the three most common are crewneck, v-neck and henley. A crewneck is pretty evergreen. A v-neck is a little bolder. And a henley has three or four buttons going down the front, sort of an old-timey pajamas vibe.
The Materials
Tees are most commonly made from cotton or a mix with cotton. For more athletic tees, you might find polyester or another more elastic, breathable material.
Got all that? Then it’s time to shop. Below, check out a dozen of the best black tees around.
Topman Scotty Longline Slim Fit T-Shirt
Let’s start with the most basic black t-shirt you can get: fitted, with a crew neckline. This one from Topman is slim and more contemporary with an extended hem — the shirt, as a medium, is about 32 inches in length, a few inches longer than your standard fit tee. It’s made from a mix of viscose and polyester, so it’s flexible and soft.
Bonobos Everyday Soft Tee
This totally cotton tee pretty much says it in the name: it’s for your everyday. Regular fit but with a ribbed color and no tag for optimal comfort, you should pick up two or three of these to use in rotation. Of all colors.
Adidas Technical Crewneck T-Shirt
If you’re planning on doing a more athletic endeavor in your black tee, this choice from Adidas should be a no-brainer. It’s made mostly from sweat-wicking polyester and comes with Adidas’ own climalite® tech for optimal airflow. Perfect for a pick-up game or a night out.
J. Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
Super soft and made from “slub” cotton — cotton that has slight lumps in the fabric — make this tee an edgier choice with a heathered texture to the color. There’s also a pocket in the front for an added touch of finesse. Since the color is saturated, the brand recommends washing only with like-colors.
Robert Barakett Georgia Regular Fit V-Neck T-Shirt
You can’t beat a black t-shirt with a v-neckline, especially if you’re planning on wearing your tee solo. Made with super soft Pima cotton and coming in a relaxed, regular fit, it’s an ideal choice for a casual bar or concert.
H&M Long Fit T-Shirt
Looking for something really casual? It’s hard to beat H&M’s super loose and super long black tee. The 100 percent cotton tee has a rounded hem that shows off your profile. Pair it with some skinny jeans or chinos for a modern skater vibe.
Allsaints Figure Crew T-Shirt
For a more elevated, everyday base layer, this black tee from Allsaint is soft, but features edged finishers for an extra touch. It’s on the expensive side, but that’ll come with the Allsaints brand. Machine wash it inside-out to preserve its color and authenticity longer.
lululemon Metal Vent Breathe Short Sleeve
Another shirt that’s perfect for working out, straight from the kings of athletic-wear. It’s lightweight and breathable to keep you cool when you’re in your hottest workouts and even includes open-hole mesh ventilation. It’s also treated to stop odor and bacteria growth.
Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Pocket T-Shirt
Can’t beat a classic, roomier fit for wearing your t-shirt solo, and Ralph Lauren’s pocket tee has that broken-in look that you should search for when shopping for a t-shirt you’ll use on a night out. The logo adds a pop of red, too, which makes it instantly recognizable and a little more chic.
Scotch & Soda Slim Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
If you’re looking to up your t-shirt game without breaking the bank, this is a perfect shirt to start with: a great-fitting, gently relaxed all-black tee from Scotch & Soda. Comfortable, totally cotton and totally affordable.
Rag & Bone Short Sleeve Henley
If you’re going to rock a short-sleeve henley, you may as well rock the best one. Rag & Bone’s is true to size with three black buttons in the front and a touch of edginess with the frayed collar. Be gentle and hang dry this one — you don’t want to fray it any more.
Calvin Klein Ultrasoft Modal Blend Crewneck T-Shirt
The perfect black t-shirt for layering does exist. Calvin Klein’s is slim-fitting and soft to the touch, made from a mixture of modal, polyester and elastane. Pair it with a collared shirt to add some depth or wear it solo if you’re feeling brave. And in this tee, why wouldn’t you be?
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