The 7 Best Long Sleeve T-Shirts for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Best Overall

Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Premium Jersey Tee

ProsSoft and breathableGood selection of colorsMade with stretch for range of motionWon’t fadeConsExpensive for a cotton tee that’s typically fairly straightforwardWhen considering a long-sleeve tee, comfort and feel rank as the highest priorities. That’s why Todd Snyder’s Made in LA long sleeve tee made it to the top of our list—it’s simple and polished, with a look and feel that makes it easy to wear on its own, as a base layer under a sweater, or even under a sport coat for an elevated date night look. Made—you guessed it—in Los Angeles, the cotton is a premium jersey fabric that’s soft and breathable without losing its structure like some flimsy tees you’d find at hyper fast-fashion stores.

Additionally, the cotton itself is combed to ensure less pilling and provide an overall smoother feel to the hand. If you’re not sold yet, here’s another highlight: It’s also garment-dyed for a color that won’t fade with washing, which means if you opt for a darker color, it’ll retain that hue after five or fifty washes. With a variety of color options, you can get one that pairs with just about everything else in your wardrobe, but the weight and feel go especially well with other tried-and-true staples you already have in your rotation.

Read More: Best Thermal Shirts for Men

Material100% cottonStyleStandardWeightLightweightFitStandardBest Pocket Tee

Taylor Stitch Cotton Hemp Long Sleeve Tee

ProsHemp is super durable, four times tougher than cottonIdeal fit for athletic and slim framesCool and breathable—no matter your movementPre-shrunkConsDoesn’t offer the tee in whiteA pocket on a long-sleeve t-shirt adds a subtle but distinct detail that breaks up the plainness of a regular tee. Take Taylor Stitch’s version for example. Made from a super soft blend of cotton and hemp, this garment-dyed tee is the best of today and yesterday. And since hemp is four times tougher than cotton, this shirt can handle a lot and will last long, despite its lightweight feel. We’ve worn the shirt during busy errand days, which is when it really proved its greatness. Despite all of our running around town, there was no breaking a sweat—just cool, breathable vibes.

It feels like that favorite t-shirt you’ve had for years, comfy and lived-in, but brand new from day one. The fit is immaculate, giving a sharp, tailored look in the shoulders and chest. We found it’s perfect for those with a more athletic or slim frame, so it really shows off those areas. However, the one place where Taylor Stitch falls short is in its run of color options, which doesn’t include a failsafe white choice.

Material70% cotton, 30% hempStylePocketWeightLightweightFitSlimAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best White Long Sleeve Tee

Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt

ProsHeavyweight cotton offers warmth in cooler tempsDecent pocket size for lip balm or small billsReinforced ribbed collarGarment-washed for lived-in lookConsSizes run out quicklyA standard white tee, if worn well, is anything but basic—just ask Glen Powell. Few are executed better than Flint and Tinder’s American Heavyweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt. It comes in a much thicker, sturdier weave than Supima or slub cotton, which is well-suited for the colder months and will last a lot longer, thanks to its density. We have no shame to admit, it’s one of those tops that we’ve rotated throughout the week because it’s just that comfortable.

Little details on this shirt make it punch above its (heavy) weight, like the ribbed cuffs and collar, which ensure the shirt won’t snag and make it easier to roll up your sleeves when there’s work to be done. Our only complaint is that it’s just offered in white and two other neutrals. A shirt this good deserves a rainbow of options.

Material100% cottonStylePocketWeightHeavyweightFitStandardBest Thermal

Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Waffle Long Sleeve Crew

ProsInsulating Thermolite technologySmooth waffle-knit textureFlattering on most body types, especially athletic buildsSturdy collar ConsVery popular, so sizes tend to run out quicklyDubbed our best overall thermal shirt, this Mack Weldon long sleeve crew is a true standout for staying warm without the bulk. Backed by its Thermolite technology, the shirt traps heat like a pro while keeping things lightweight and breathable. As we had our feet on the ground and tested on the slopes, we found it’s sturdy enough to rock solo and slim enough to layer underneath a ski jacket.

Plus, the fabric has just the right amount of stretch, so it moves with you, keeps its shape, and handles all-day with no problem. The waffle-knit texture delivers a smooth hand feel and adds definition. As for the fit? Spot-on for pretty much all body types, though it looks especially sharp on toned physiques.

Material43% modal, 38% Thermolite polyester, 14% wool,
5% spandexStyleStandardWeightMidweightFitSlimAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best Budget

Carhartt Heavyweight Long-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt

ProsLoose fit provides extra room for unlimited mobilitySuper durable Tagless neck label doesn’t scratchComes in various colorsConsStandard sizes run largeThe joke with Carhartt is that, more often than not, the people who wear them rarely do work that befits the brand. Regardless of whether or not that’s true, the beloved workwear label makes a mean long-sleeved t-shirt. More importantly, the brand’s offering won’t cause you to break the bank. It’s designed for those in motion, or certainly, more motion than you’d see in most cotton tees, with ribbed cuffs that will stay when you roll them up, side seams meant to stay in place while moving, and a considerable amount of pocket space—Carhartt branding included, of course.

The shirt is super comfortable to wear and definitely has heft to it, making it great to rock on colder days underneath several layers, but it might be too much when temperatures begin to warm up. Additionally, the shirts tend to run a little large, so consider sizing down when ordering one initially.

Material100% cottonStylePocketWeightHeavyweightFitRelaxedBest Winter Long Sleeve Tee

Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee

ProsQuality feel and smooth constructionPlenty of color options Offers warmth in cold-weather tempsCurved hem adds unique element ConsPriciest option on this listThe vintage charm of this tee is something that may have struck your grandfather’s interest back in the day, but Buck Mason revamped the humble thermal with a fresh, modern take. At 250 GSM (that’s gram per square meter, and the higher it is, the warmer the garment will be), its fabric feels substantial and structured, ideal for cold weather or layering under a flannel or puffer jacket during the brutal days of winter. Based on our experience, we found it’s the heaviest shirt on the list (yes, more than Flint and Tinder), but not to where you feel weighed down or overheated.

The retro-inspired aesthetic isn’t for everyone, but even if it’s not, there’s still quite a lot to love with this shirt, as its look and texture will certainly make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. From the curved hem and waffle-knit face to the French rib cotton construction, this delivers on both style and comfort, keeping you uniquely dressed—and hell, maybe a lot warmer than them, too.

Material100% cottonStyleThermalWeightHeavyFitRegularAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best Value

Everlane The Essential Organic Long-Sleeve Tee

ProsAvailable in 10 different colorsMulti-buy offer (3 for $99)Slim cut is especially flattering on athletic buildsConsRuns slim, consider sizing upEverlane has made a name for itself by offering affordable yet elevated basics. That ethos is on display in its Essential Organic Long-Sleeve Tee. The midweight, durable shirt comes in ten different colors and even features a three-for-$99 deal, making it easy to stock up and rotate through your wardrobe.

Its clean lines—meaning the shirt’s slim, structured silhouette and lack of unnecessary details—give it a polished look that’s easy to dress up or down. Speaking of which, our style editors love the classic white, which pairs seamlessly with blue jeans or khaki chinos for a sharp, office-ready fit.

We found the slim cut is especially flattering on athletic builds, accentuating the chest and bicep areas, without feeling restrictive. That said, it’s worth noting this tee does run slimmer than standard long-sleeve shirts, so consider sizing up if you prefer a more looser, more relaxed look.

Material100% organic cottonStyleStandardWeightMidweightFitSlim

As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.