Men's Cotton T-shirts

A good men’s cotton T-shirt should feel soft, breathable and substantial without being heavy. It should hold its shape after washing, sit neatly through the shoulders and work across everyday outfits without needing much thought.

Yes. Cotton T-shirts are useful in summer because cotton is breathable, soft against the skin and comfortable in warm weather. Lightweight cotton styles work well alone, under linen shirts or with shorts and relaxed trousers.

The best fit depends on how you wear it, but most men benefit from a regular or relaxed fit that sits cleanly across the shoulders without clinging through the body. It should be neat enough to layer and comfortable enough to wear all day.

Yes. Plain men’s T-shirts can work well for smart casual dressing when the fabric, fit and colour are considered. Wear a cotton crew neck with tailored trousers, chinos, an overshirt or a lightweight jacket for a clean, understated look.

White, black, navy, grey and soft neutral T-shirts are the most versatile. A men’s white cotton T-shirt works as a clean base layer, while black, navy and grey are useful for smart casual outfits and everyday wear.

A crew neck T-shirt has a round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck. It is one of the most versatile T-shirt shapes because it works well alone or layered under shirts, knitwear, cotton overshirts and jackets.

In short, heavyweight T-shirts use thicker, denser fabric for a more structured feel, while oversized T-shirts are cut with a looser, roomier fit. Some styles combine both. Read our blog on the difference between heavyweight and oversized T-shirts for more information.