Elevated Essentials: 9 Basic, but not Boring T-shirts for Men
The versatility of a T-shirt for men is often overlooked. While, in most cases, people classify this garment as a building block to assemble casual looks, this doesn’t always have to be the case. In modern days there are so many alternatives to the regular T-shirt that it could even serve as a layer under a casual suit.
Not long ago, I posted a video on TikTok about my three keys to always look put together. One of them was choosing elevated wardrobe essentials instead of your regular ‘basics.’ Why? Because these garments give off that bit extra without looking extra in terms of print, color, and so on. So consider this a mini-special on the best examples in the category of T-shirts.
From knit T-shirts to beautiful heavy weights tees and innovative designs: here are your nine next new purchases.
1: Samsøe Samsøe Norsbro T-shirt
Samsøe Samsøe is the type of brand that even men with the most significant aversion to minuscule logos will wear with pride. Thanks to its minimal but elevated and thought-through designs, the Scandinavian brand captured a special place in my menswear heart long ago. Since we’ve met, we’ve hardly lost sight of each other.
The same goes for this “Norsbro” t-shirt. It’s a great closet staple for both tall guys, shorter men, and all body types in between. Also, the near-to mock-neck design allows for wearing it to dinners with friends or your partner (I approve). Available in easygoing black, navy, or blue, but for your occasional colorful splurge, also available in fresh shades like orange and lilac.
2: Séfr Open Work Knit T-shirt
For lovers of vintage-inspired garments, Séfr is without a doubt a brand to bookmark. With the Swedish city of Malmö as its origin, the brand was established by long-term friends Per Fredrikson and Sinan Abi in 2016. You might already be able to tell from the design of this beautiful open-knit t-shirt; Séfr stands for smart basics with minimalist vintage inflections.
This beautiful tee perfectly pairs up with breezy linen trousers and leather sandals or, for the streetwear enthusiast, combined with cut-off denim shorts, sports socks, and leather loafers.
3: Mr P. Mercerized Cotton T-shirt
Who said some spice in your closet essentials makes them less nice? Yep, absolutely no one. Hence this beautiful elaborate design from Mr Porter's in-house brand, Mr P. The upgraded stripe print is a reason this is an elevated basic, but the beautiful mercerized finish to the material adds a plus. Mercerized cotton creates a very subtle yet visibly shiny look across the fabric.
What to wear this winner with? Add your favorite casual blazer (or sports jacket) in a brown or navy color, and add tailored trousers in off-white.
4: Mr P. Waffle Knit T-shirt
If one type of material gives off extreme comfort and a laid-back feel, it has to be waffle-structured cotton. Another elevated essential by Mr P that subtly adds a bit of oomph to your daily look.
The soft sage color is excellent for sunny days but is highly versatile to wear with frequently chosen colors in the men's wardrobe, varying from navy blue, taupe, brown, olive, and white. Be it a short in one of these shades or a cool chore jacket, it’s hard to go wrong with this tee. And isn’t that precisely what we like?
5: Sunspel Cotton Knit T-shirt
Oh, Sunspel. Fine British tailoring with that sought-after luxury feel. If that’s your thing as much as it’s mine - this T-shirt deserves a leading role in your wardrobe. This elegant yet elaborate design of long-staple Egyptian cotton comes in a marine blue color and pairs up oh-so-nice with a tailored suit (or your favorite jeans).
The ensemble of material, craftsmanship, and look ensures this T-shirt is a keeper - timeless, high-quality, and soft to the skin. What more can you ask for?
6: ARKET Heavyweight T-shirt
While the term elevated essentials might cause you to start thinking in challenging ways regarding materials, processing techniques, and weaves, this does not have to be the case. What makes for a more elevated look when it comes to T-shirts without extra effort is simply choosing a heavier quality.
Fortunately, brands like ARKET have a wide range of weights in T-shirts, along with fits and colors. So if one is not enough, a wide range of variations on this closet staple can still be found in the enduring collection of this subsidiary brand of H&M Group.
7: COS Pinstriped Tee
Are comfortable garments your go-to, and do you appreciate a slimming design for your tops? Then you might find yourself falling for this soft knit tee by COS. The crew-neck design is made from alternated yarns in a knit weave to create a subtle pinstriped effect. The natural color palette makes this T-shirt once again a great closet staple. And COS happens to be another outstanding retail destination for all things essential.
Trust me if I say this T-shirt will look great on dark blue denim in a straight fit and chunky mules with a suede upper.
8: COS Oversized Sweater T-shirt
Wearing a T-shirt is, in my eyes, also a kind of manifesto for comfort. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman (with the weird urge to buy complicated tie tops and such), but I’m sure any man agrees after seeing (and wearing) this sweat t-shirt by COS. The soft mix of linen and cotton, together with the off-white color and laid-back design, ensures this is your next favorite tee to wear, well, always.
As COS states: “This easy-going tee channels the comfort of your favorite hoodie with the ease of a T-shirt.” Not sold yet? How about the cool drop-shoulder, oversized fit? I thought so.
9: J. Lindeberg “Ace” T-shirt
J. Lindeberg is a brand I don’t feature often enough. The label's sporty aesthetic matches many preferences and is adaptable in numerous ways. Crafted from organic interlock cotton with a mercerized finish, the Ace tee is the ideal tool for leveling up casual looks. The signature mock neck collar makes this T-shirt unlike any other.
Style it your way - go for sophisticated and classic with tailored trousers or sporty with a pair of shorts and sneakers. And comfort? That’s something J. Lindeberg breathes: the Ace features a regular fit and stretchy material, catering to various body types.
Want to look and feel your best with minimal effort?
Dress your best, effortlessly, in clothes that reflect the authentic you. Let's elevate your personal brand today with Virtual Men's Personal Styling.