The Best T-Shirts For Grown-Ups

Perhaps you remember those days a decade or more ago, where V-neck tees swooped far too long. The V-neck tee of today is cleaned up and features a much less severe “V,” making it the sort of tee you can rock on its own or as an undershirt – particularly in the range of useful colors on hand from Fresh Clean Tees. For under $20, you might not find a better V-neck.

Forty Five was founded on the same principle that makes the 45 RPM record great – one hit single translates to one stylish, well-made T-shirt, you see? There's a lot to love about this subtle crewneck tee, including the curved hem – which flatters even more well-built body types – plus the textured slub fabric for some visual interest. It’s a bit pricier than basic tees, but well worth it (especially if you grab a bundle of three T-shirts).

Wearing a scoop neck tee is a definitive style statement – it’s a bit more trendy, but no less versatile when done up in a crisp color like black. It’s a nice way to switch up your T-shirt game for something a bit more eye-catching, and the more relaxed fit works nicely with more relaxed jeans or chinos, too. A bonus: Cuts T-shirts are a favorite of athletes and stylish guys alike.

The henley is a classically rugged menswear pick that’s made it's way from sporting territory into the real world on the backs of the world’s most stylish guys (hello, Ryan Gosling). You can mimic some of that style in your own neck of the woods with a soft short-sleeve henley with that flattering curved hem and old-school ribbed sleeves to show off those guns.

All things tie-dye are all the rage right now, but this option is much cooler than the kind you made at summer camp. The tie-dye tee is all grown up now, with a more dialed-in fit and some cool color options – and super-soft fabric – for breezy summer style. Feel free to style this tee with a more neutral pairing on your bottom half, like navy stretch chino shorts and white canvas sneakers

It’s hard to beat a classic T-shirt from a classic brand, the kind you’ve probably been wearing for years and years. But let’s step things up just a notch: Think of this tee like a more comfortable version of a throwback Fruit of the Loom tee, with better fabric and more vibrant colors. A solid tee in a sharp color is an intentional way of dressing that goes beyond just wearing a tee as an undershirt. When you want to go casual, throwing some color into the mix is always a safe bet.

Graphic tees have gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years – there are only so many snarky slogans you can see on a T-shirt before it goes over the top. Today’s graphic tees are more rooted in the ‘70s and with throwback inspiration in mind, like this clever, outdoor-minded graphic tee. Go for something subtle and retro-tinged the next time you wear a graphic tee, and you’ll find yourself getting compliments and questions aplenty.

There’s a reason the timeless pairing of jeans and a T-shirt has become, well, timeless: It’s a simple look with plenty of versatility, the kind any guy can make work for his wardrobe and lifestyle. That’s why it makes so much sense that NYC-based Mott and Bow would get into the world of T-shirts. Super-soft 100 percent combed cotton in an array of wear-with-anything colors helps make the Driggs our favorite long-sleeve tee of the moment. Whether you’re layering it beneath a denim jacket on a breezy night or rocking it solo for casual at-home style, you won’t want to wear another long-sleeve option (hopefully).