The T-Shirt Thread

[Dropbear]

I’m going to break this down by categories, but in general my preference is for shorter length tees (for wearing untucked under a jacket), a soft feel and some heft. I prefer shorter sleeves and generally will opt for a pocket if offered, as this helps distinguish it from underwear. I’m loath to pay more than $50 for a tshirt, so those $150 Japanese loopwheel repros probably won’t feature in this thread.

CATEGORY 1: 1950s- style quarter sleeve, boxy fit that ends just below the belt-line.

There are surprisingly few options in this field. Not reviewed due to price:

LVC: https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/cloth...404&gbraid=0AAAAAC-PMYXS_I8wh5RwLkWRviu0kjMJ3

Milworks:

M I L W O R K S | mens goods

A curated selection of rugged yet refined quality Men's Goods. Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee. Wisconsin

milworks.co

RMC:

UNDERSHIRTS, COTTON, SUMMER

The Real McCoy's reproduce products using methods and machinery of the past. For a successful reproduction, these garments require the sensitive minds of the detail-oriented Japanese craftsmen on every procedure.

therealmccoys.com

Reviewed

Bronson USN tshirt:
Nicely fitted with very short sleeves and a short length. Nice off-white colour. Light weight, slubby with some natural stretch. Size up or it’s very very fitted. 9/10

1940s USN Slub Cotton Crew T-Shirt

It has the unique silhouette of a sailor t-shirt, with a slightly slim fit. Made from USA 7.8 oz. slub cotton fabric, this crew tee is a light slub texture soft to the touch and breathable.

bronsonshop.com

Whyte:
I sized up, so the body is a bit loose and boxy but the sleeves are still nice and short. Has a pocket, so looks less like underwear. The fabric is very cool and lightweight, but not opaque. The sleeves give that bat wing look due to opening width. Some people like that, I’m not a fan. 8.5/10

Tubular Pocket Tee Shirt - Natural

Tee shirts came into Americans wardrobes from GIs returning from the second World War, and the shirts change much in style until the late 60s. This Tee is Wythe's homage to those early originals. Organic cotton yarns are knit slowly into a tube on vintage machines in different dimensions for...

www.wythe.com

Mister Freedom Stanley:
Stretchy and fitted with perfect short sleeves. Slightly off white. Fits TTS. The product pics don’t do this shirt justice - it looks and feels amazing and is beautifully made. The price is up there, but they do discounts on bundles and for new customers 9.5/10

https://misterfreedom.com/products/stanley-t-shirt-white

Next-up I will cover heavy-weight Ts.

 

[Dropbear]

My preference is for the above 50s skivvy style t-shirts, but when it comes to longer sleeves and heavier weights, here are some more reviews.

Heavy Weight Ts:

Bronson/Militora/Red Tornado:
I’m going to put all the Chinese brands together here, since they all seem rather similar. Good hefty fabric that shrinks a bit. Need to size-up. Decent fit and a good shirt, but can’t compete with the Japanese brands mentioned here. 8/10

https://bronsonshop.com/products/loopwheel-tubular-athletic-t-shirt-apricot



3Sixteen:
This is based on their older fabric. I’ve read that the new material is much better. This was very average. Shrinks. Construction and fit is average. Nothing special. 7.5/10

https://www.3sixteen.com/collections/updated-heavyweight-t-shirts



Next Level:
Dirt cheap Amazon brand selling for around $12. Soft, peached fabric and a good fit. Collar stretches a bit after a while. A good ‘around the house’ shirt you can paint in and not worry about messing it up. 7.5/10

https://www.amazon.com/Next-Level-Cotton-Pocket-Crew/dp/B071K1JL15



Whitesville:
Made by Toyo in Japan. Check eBay for a 2-pack selling for around $70 shipped. Made famous by The Bear. Not the best shirt out there, but by far the best value for money. Soft, strong and nicely shaped. Size up one and expect a little shrinkage. 9.5/10

Whitesville



Warehouse:
Another great Japanese brand. At about $70 this is getting to the top of my budget but one of the best out there. Thick, soft material. Great fit and solidly built. Bonus for a rich off-white colour with some slubby texture and a pocket. 9.5/10

https://www.witheredfig.com/products/warehouse-lot-4601p-pocket-t-shirt-off-white



American Giant:
Insanely thick. Good for winter layering. I like the material but the fit is too boxy with long loose arms. 8/10

https://www.american-giant.com/products/mens-everest-tee-meteorite




Not reviewed:
VelvaSheen and Merz B. Shwanen, Lady White, Wonder Looper, The Flat Head.
Either because they are too pricey or I just haven’t tried them yet, but they are on my radar in case I stumble on a deal

 

[Ferdekalen]

I’ve been tossing a few older tees that lost shape after just a few washes—mainly the cheaper blends you find everywhere. Went with heavier cotton this time and noticed a big difference. Also added a fun twist using https://www.customfacestickers.com/ to slap a couple of inside jokes on blank tees. Not high fashion, but good for casual wear or as gifts.

 

[Thruth]

I always go for 100% cotton with a slightly heavier weight—feels better and lasts longer after several washes. Also found sizing down helps avoid that weird loose collar look.

Isn't that like saying "I wear leather shoes" after someone reviews in detail JL, EG, JMW, etc.?

 

[Dropbear]

 

[Dropbear]

Update:

Whitesville are now $95 for two in the US due to Trump Taxes. Still one of my favorites, but not really a value proposition at over $40 each.

MF Stanley are the best quarter sleeve shirt, hands down. I tried their Skivvy shirt for some different colours. Same cut, but a tighter, smoother knit without as much stretch and more wrinkle prone. 7.5/10