How do you wear oversized T-shirts?

Oversized clothing in general can be daunting, but styling oversized T-shirts may be easier than you think. One of the best tips is to think of proportions that will even out your silhouette. If you’re wearing a baggy shirt on top, then go for a sleek bottom like leggings, straight-leg jeans, or a slip skirt—that is if you want to achieve a balanced look that still accentuates your shape. “I think pairing oversized tees works best with a relaxed denim or a skirt tucked in so that there is some shape to the body,” explains Calder. “Heels can also help balance the proportions and elevate a rather casual-looking tee.”

How do you dress up a T-shirt?

Dressing up a T-shirt is also quite simple in that it’s easy to find a dressy bottom or bold accessories that balance the outfit against the more casual vibe of the T-shirt. “A leather pant is an easy way to dress up a T-shirt,” says Calder. “Almost every kind of tee will work with a leather pant for almost any occasion. [Pairing one with] mini or midi skirts with heels is another great option.”

How do you style a blazer and T-shirt?

Styling a blazer with a T-shirt can be tricky, but it’s all about the look you’re going for. You can easily pair a plain white tee with a colorful blazer and blue jeans for a classic look, but you can also step outside the box and pair a fun T-shirt with a complementary or contrasting colored blazer for a bolder look. For a more polished, business-casual look, go for a fitted option, like the Re Ona Signature T-Shirt , underneath a blazer.

The 19 Best T-Shirts of 2023

In the same way that a great mascara or a smooth concealer act as the backbone of a makeup look, a classic T-shirt is a clothing staple that no wardrobe is complete without. Need to quickly throw on a casual fit to run errands? A T-shirt is perfect for that. Looking for an easy layering piece to wear under a blazer for a day at the office? It works for that too. “When in doubt, ‘throw on a tee’ is what I always say,” Gabrielle Calder, online stylist at Yoox Net-a-Porter. “A classic T-shirt is essential in any person’s wardrobe. It’s the item that goes with absolutely everything and is an easy way to complete an outfit.”

But how do you weed through the thousands of options to find the best ones for you? We did it for you. We combined hours of extensive research, our editor’s personal experiences, and expert insights from Calder to pull together this comprehensive list of the best T-shirts on the market. We took fit, color options, size range, fabric content, and overall look into consideration when evaluating each option, and ahead, we’re sharing the ones that impressed us the most.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Madewell Northside Vintage Tee at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hanes:

Hanes Women’s Oversized Cotton T-Shirt at Hanes.com

Jump to Review

Best Designer:

Telfar Camo T-Shirt at Telfar.net

Jump to Review

Best Cropped:

Free People The Perfect Tee at Freepeople.com

Jump to Review

Best Active:

Vuori Fitted Tee at Evo.com

Jump to Review

Best Long-Sleeve:

Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt at Skims.com

Jump to Review

Best V-Neck:

Rag & Bone The Vee Tee at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Opaque:

Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt at Uniqlo.com

Jump to Review

Best Sustainable:

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee at Everlane.com

Jump to Review

Best Ultra-Soft:

Onno Bamboo T-Shirt at Onno.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Madewell

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Madewell.com

Tried and true denim favorite Madewell also makes great tops and accessories, so it’s no surprise that their Northside Vintage Tee makes the top of this list. With its breathable fabric, impressive size range, and under $20 price point, this is a well-rounded T-shirt option. It’s a crew neck design that hits at the hips, making it a versatile option that you can easily tuck into jeans or wear loosely. We also love how comfortable and soft the 100 percent cotton material is—it’s perfect to wear year-round.

Price at time of publish: $19

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: True Black, Coastal Sea, White Chalk +more | Size Range: XXS–3X

Hanes

View On Hanes.com

As a fan favorite that you can buy practically anywhere, a Hanes option had to make this T-shirt roundup. Composed of domestic cotton and in a range of colorways, this classic oversized T-shirt is a great versatile option that can be paired with jeans, worn during a workout, or thrown on for a trip to the market. And if you need more than just a couple of new T-shirts, this is a fantastic affordable option that you can buy in bulk without spending a fortune.

Price at time of publish: $8

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Deep Royal, Cantaloupe Orange, Light Steel +more | Size Range: XS–2XL

Telfar

View On Telfar.net

One of the most beloved designer brands out there, it’s no surprise that Telfar has an elevated T-shirt that can work for everyone. The Camo shirt is a utilitarian style that comes in a variety of colors to complement any closet. We love that it has a bit of rounded patchwork to give it some texture, and the classic silhouette can easily be dressed up for a night out or worn casually during the day.

Price at time of publish: $188

Material: 95.5% cotton, 4.5% elastane | Colors: Pink/Sand | Size Range: XS/S–XL/2XL

Free People

View On Freepeople.com

Cropped tees are great for throwing on with a pair of straight jeans or leggings for a casual daytime outfit, and we love this one because it has a slightly boxy style with cuffed short sleeves that give it a relaxed look. It’s also nice because it’s not so cropped that most of your mid-section will be exposed—it’s a really flattering length that hits just below the belly button on most people. The fabric is ultra-soft and comfortable, and it comes in lots of different hues.

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Wild Moon, Pointe Pink, White, Acid Lime +more | Size Range: XS–XL

Vuori

View On Evo.com View On REI View On Vuoriclothing.com

If you’re looking for a T-shirt that’s good for a light activity like yoga, then the Mudra Fitted Tee from Vuori is for you. The fabric is stretchy enough that you won’t feel restricted, and it's lightweight enough that your body can breathe during fluid movement. We also appreciate that while the fabric is functional for exercising, it looks like a classic tee that can also be paired with jeans.

Price at time of publish: $58

Material: 87% modal rayon, 13% elastane | Colors: Laurel Heather, Stone Heather, Black, White Heather +more | Size Range: XXS–XXL

Skims

View On Skims.com

This long-sleeve tee from Skims is a great piece to wear on its own or as an extra layer during cold weather. The mostly cotton fabric composition makes it breathable, while the spandex provides just enough stretch for additional comfort. It has a fitted silhouette with a round neckline that makes it flattering for tons of different body types, and we love how incredibly soft it feels against the skin.

Price at time of publish: $54

Material: 90% cotton, 10% spandex | Colors: Soot, Kyanite, Mineral, Light Heather Grey +more | Size Range: XXS–4X

Shopbop

View On Nordstrom View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Bloomingdales

If you’re on the hunt for a V-neck tee, this is the one we recommend the most. It’s made of 100 percent cotton with a slubbed jersey finish that gives it a subtle textured appearance, and the hip length makes it perfect for tucking into jeans or skirts. It also has a loose fit that’s not oversized and boxy, but also not too tight on the body. It’s a versatile piece that you’re bound to get tons of use out of.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Bright White, Heather Grey, Black | Size Range: XXS–XL

Uniqlo

View On Uniqlo.com

It can be difficult to find T-shirts that aren’t see-through, but one of the leading retailers in wardrobe staples, Uniqlo, has mastered fully opaque options. This one features a thick cotton material that’s not even the slightest bit transparent (yes, even the white one), yet it somehow remains lightweight and soft. Plus, it comes in a wide range of colors and features a classic tee shape, making it a versatile option you can dress up or down.

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: White, Black, Pink, Natural +more | Size Range: XXS–XXL

Everlane

View On Everlane.com

Sustainability is at the core of Everlane’s brand identity, and their Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee is a boyfriend-cut T-shirt made with cotton that’s certified organic from the very beginning of the sourcing process. It’s also created without using common harsh chemicals that are utilized in the production process. The finished product is a high-quality wardrobe staple that you’ll get tons of wear out of.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: Black, White, Charcoal, Mazarine Blue +more | Size Range: XS–XXXL

Onno

View On Onno.com

If you like an extra soft tee, then look no further than this one from Onno. Made of silky, lightweight bamboo, this T-shirt feels amazing against your skin. It has a tailored fit that shapes the body while still creating a bit of a loose, casual look, and we love that it comes in tons of fun colors.

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: 70% viscose from organic bamboo, 30% organic cotton | Colors: Cypress, White, Heathered Granite +more | Size Range: 2XS–2XL

Universal Standard

View On Universalstandard.com

No pun intended, but Universal Standard has set the standard when it comes to inclusive sizing. With 11 size options available, the V Rex tee will complement any body and size. It also comes in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve options with crew neck and v-neck styles.

Price at time of publish: $50

Material: 48% Peruvian cotton, 48% modal, 4% elastane | Colors: Black, Black Cherry, Deep Sea, White +more | Size Range: 4XS–4XL

Cotton Citizen

View On Cottoncitizen.com

One of the most popular fits right now is oversized. And if you’re into the oversized look, this one from Cotton Citizen is a great option. It’s loose and oversized without being so wide and boxy that you’ll be swimming in it, and we love that some of the colors have a subtle washed, vintage-looking finish.

Price at time of publish: $63

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Vintage Black, White, Vintage Clay +more | Size Range: XS–L

Lululemon

View On Lululemon

It can be challenging to find functional activewear that also looks and feels good, and this T-shirt from Lululemon does it all in fun colors that you can mix and match with the rest of your workout clothes. It’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying, and though it’s not a fitted style, it has a slight curvature on the sides to accentuate your shape.

Price at time of publish: $58

Material: 91% polyester, 9% Lycra® elastane | Colors: Mango Dream, Wild Berry, White +more | Size Range: 0–20

Re/Done

View On Shopredone.com

If you prefer the opposite of oversized in your T-shirts, then baby tees are a fun trend that’s easy to master. With an exaggerated cropped hemline and snug fit, the 90s Baby Tee from Re/Done perfectly pairs with ’90s-style baggy pants or other voluminous bottoms.

Price at time of publish: $115

Material: 70% cotton, 30% recycled cotton | Colors: Vintage Black, Vintage White +more | Size Range: XS–L

Banana Republic

View On Gap.com

Ribbed fabric can sometimes look a bit more polished than smooth cotton, and this ribbed shirt from Banana Republic is a nice ribbed option with a crew neck style and sleeves that hit just above the elbows. This sleeve length is great for transitional seasons or layering with office-friendly outfits, making it a staple piece that anyone can benefit from having in their collection.

Price at time of publish: $45

Material: 96% cotton, 4% spandex | Colors: White, Black, Navy | Size Range: XXS–L

Dion Lee

View On Dionlee.com

If you love the relaxed look of a T-shirt but you want to take it up a notch with an elevated one that can serve as a statement piece for a night out, this one from Dion Lee is perfect for you. It’s made with organic cotton jersey material and it features corset-style boning in the front that gives it a structured twist. The back is cropped and the front dips down in the middle for a really unique look that can be easily paired with your favorite low-rise jeans or a chic mini skirt. It’s undeniably expensive, but it’s one of the coolest statement tees out there.

Price at time of publish: $550

Material: Organic cotton jersey | Colors: Black, white, beige | Size Range: XXS–3XL

Quince

View On Onequince.com

Knit tees make for the perfect top during transitional weather during the spring and fall. They’re great to pair with jeans and loafers or a flowy skirt while providing a balance between a cozy sweater and a breezy T-shirt. This one features a classic rounded neck and comes in 13 different colors.

Price at time of publish: $45

Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Colors: Camel, Black, Ivory, Bubblegum Pink +more | Size Range: XS–XL

Re Ona

View On Reona.ca

Fitted T-shirts are ideal for layering or highlighting your shape, and we love this one because it’s double-layered which means that it has a minor smoothing effect and you won’t have to worry about it being see-through. It hits just above the hips, making it wearable with tons of different styles of bottoms. We also appreciate that although it’s form-fitting, it remains stretchy and comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $69

Material: 92% modal, 8% spandex | Colors: Ivory | Size Range: XS–XL

Aritzia

View On Aritzia.com

T-shirt bodysuits are incredibly versatile wardrobe pieces, and this one from Aritzia is our absolute favorite. It’s double-lined and totally opaque without feeling stiff or heavy, and the fitted style is really flattering on the body. It features a rounded neck that falls just beneath the center of the collarbone and it comes in regular and tall versions to suit tons of different body types. It’s simple, easy to layer with any jacket or coat, comes in tons of neutrals and pops of color, and maintains its quality even after several washes.

Price at time of publish: $58

Material: 94% nylon, 6% elastane | Colors: Matte Pearl, White Sand, Fluent Taupe, Citrine Orange, Nature Green +more | Size Range: 2XS–2XL

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Madewell Northside Vintage Tee. It’s affordable, has a flattering, relaxed silhouette, comes in tons of colors, and is soft and comfortable. If you’re looking for a fitted tee that shows off your shape, we recommend the Re Ona Signature T-Shirt. And if sustainability is top of mind for you when it comes to your wardrobe, go for the Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee.

Meet the Expert

Gabrielle Calder is an online stylist at Yoox Net-a-Porter. She was previously a styling assistant at Bergdorf Goodman where she worked with a wide range of clients on developing their wardrobes.

What to Look for When Buying T-Shirts

Fit

Though T-shirts are basic by nature, they come in various styles and fits—and the right one for you will depend on your body type and how you’ll be wearing it. “Finding the perfect tee is like finding the perfect jean—it sometimes is a trial and error type of situation,” says Calder. “Typically I find that round-neck shirts are more flattering and versatile than V-necks. For those who are smaller-chested, a round neck style is a great option. Scoop neck designs are great for people with larger busts.”

Fabric

“Fabric is also another factor [to consider],” Calder tells Byrdie. “Sometimes certain fabrics are too thin or too thick and are ultimately not flattering or functional. Cotton is key in a T-shirt. Whether it’s 100 percent cotton or a blend, I would always recommend going with an option that is primarily made of cotton.” Cotton tends to be durable and breathable, making it the perfect fabric for most T-shirts. If you’re looking for one that’s 100 percent made of cotton, there are tons of options. The Cotton Citizen Standard Oversized Tee and the Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee are two of our favorites.

FAQ

How do you wear oversized T-shirts?

Oversized clothing in general can be daunting, but styling oversized T-shirts may be easier than you think. One of the best tips is to think of proportions that will even out your silhouette. If you’re wearing a baggy shirt on top, then go for a sleek bottom like leggings, straight-leg jeans, or a slip skirt—that is if you want to achieve a balanced look that still accentuates your shape. “I think pairing oversized tees works best with a relaxed denim or a skirt tucked in so that there is some shape to the body,” explains Calder. “Heels can also help balance the proportions and elevate a rather casual-looking tee.”
How do you dress up a T-shirt?

Dressing up a T-shirt is also quite simple in that it’s easy to find a dressy bottom or bold accessories that balance the outfit against the more casual vibe of the T-shirt. “A leather pant is an easy way to dress up a T-shirt,” says Calder. “Almost every kind of tee will work with a leather pant for almost any occasion. [Pairing one with] mini or midi skirts with heels is another great option.”
How do you style a blazer and T-shirt?

Styling a blazer with a T-shirt can be tricky, but it’s all about the look you’re going for. You can easily pair a plain white tee with a colorful blazer and blue jeans for a classic look, but you can also step outside the box and pair a fun T-shirt with a complementary or contrasting colored blazer for a bolder look. For a more polished, business-casual look, go for a fitted option, like the Re Ona Signature T-Shirt, underneath a blazer.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. She has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Byrdie contributor Mallori Albright has six years of experience writing fashion and beauty content. She has her selection of classic and slogan T-shirts that she loves to pair with skirts, in particular. You can check out more of her work in Marie Claire and NYLON.

10 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Summer 2023, According to Fashion Experts

Best Overall

Madewell Northside Vintage Tee

Best Hanes

Hanes Essentials Women’s Oversized Cotton T-Shirt

Best Designer

Telfar Camo T-Shirt

Best Cropped

Free People We The Free The Perfect Tee

Best Active

Vuori Mudra Fitted Tee

Best Long-Sleeve

Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Best V-Neck

Rag & Bone The Vee Tee

Best Opaque

Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Sustainable

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Best Ultra-Soft

Onno Bamboo T-Shirt

Best Size Range

Universal Standard V-Rex

Best Oversized

Cotton Citizen Standard Oversized Tee

Best for Running

Lululemon High Neck Running and Training T-Shirt

Best Baby Tee

Re/Done 90s Baby Tee

Best Ribbed

Banana Republic Rola Ribbed Elbow-Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Elevated

Dion Lee Corset Tee

Best Knit

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee

Best Fitted

Re Ona Signature T-Shirt

Best Bodysuit

Aritzia Contour Crew Short Sleeve Bodysuit

Related Stories

The 19 Best T-Shirts for Your Capsule Wardrobe

Best Overall

Madewell Northside Vintage Tee

Best Hanes

Hanes Essentials Women’s Oversized Cotton T-Shirt

Best Designer

Telfar Camo T-Shirt

Best Cropped

Free People We The Free The Perfect Tee

Best Active

Vuori Mudra Fitted Tee

Best Long-Sleeve

Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Best V-Neck

Rag & Bone The Vee Tee

Best Opaque

Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Sustainable

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Best Ultra-Soft

Onno Bamboo T-Shirt

Best Size Range

Universal Standard V-Rex

Best Oversized

Cotton Citizen Standard Oversized Tee

Best for Running

Lululemon High Neck Running and Training T-Shirt

Best Baby Tee

Re/Done 90s Baby Tee

Best Ribbed

Banana Republic Rola Ribbed Elbow-Sleeve T-Shirt

Best Elevated

Dion Lee Corset Tee

Best Knit

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee

Best Fitted

Re Ona Signature T-Shirt

Best Bodysuit

Aritzia Contour Crew Short Sleeve Bodysuit

Final Verdict

What to Look for When Buying T-Shirts

Fit

Fabric

Why Trust Byrdie

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