T-Shirt Buying Guide
This hub turns everything in the centre into decisions. Each entry is a common either/or -- weight, cotton grade, fit, use -- with a clear steer so you can buy the right tee first time. Browse the full menswear range in mens t-shirts (/collections/mens-t-shirts).
Fabric decisions
Heavyweight vs Lightweight
Heavier tees drape structurally and last longer; lighter tees are cooler and summer-ready.
Choose heavyweight if
You want a tee that hangs with structure, survives hard wear and works for an oversized look -- roughly 180 GSM and up.
Choose lightweight if
You want cool comfort in heat or a tee to layer under shirts -- roughly 120-150 GSM.
Pima vs Supima
Both are long-staple luxury cottons; Supima is the certified, traceable form of American Pima.
The difference
Supima guarantees 100% American Pima by certification. Generic 'Pima' may be genuine but is not verified.
The steer
If you want assured provenance and consistency, choose Supima; otherwise trust Pima from an established brand.
Organic vs Regular Cotton
Organic cotton lowers the chemical and often water footprint; regular cotton is cheaper and widely available.
The difference
Organic is grown without synthetic pesticides and is usually certified. The feel is similar; the footprint is not.
The steer
If sustainability matters to you, choose certified organic -- see the sustainability hub (/pages/tshirt-sustainability) for what the labels mean.
Cotton vs Performance Fabric
Cotton wins on natural comfort and everyday style; performance fabric wins on sweat, sport and travel.
Choose cotton if
You want soft, breathable, natural everyday wear and easy styling.
Choose performance if
You need wicking, quick drying and shape retention for training, running or hot climates.
Fit and use
Relaxed vs Oversized Fit
Relaxed adds comfortable room; oversized is a deliberate boxy, dropped-shoulder statement.
The difference
Relaxed still broadly follows the shoulders; oversized drops the seam down the arm and adds length by design.
The steer
For everyday ease choose relaxed; for a contemporary streetwear line choose oversized in a heavier jersey.
Slim vs Regular Fit
Slim gives a sharp, tailored line; regular gives forgiving, versatile everyday comfort.
The difference
Slim follows the body closely and suits layering under tailoring; regular skims with a little room.
The steer
Under a jacket, go slim; as a do-everything standalone tee, go regular.
Best Tee for Summer
A lightweight, breathable tee in cotton, linen or a cool blend is the summer winner.
What to look for
Low GSM, an open knit and natural fibres that breathe and wick. Linen and slub cotton excel in heat.
The steer
Prioritise breathability and a slightly relaxed cut for airflow.
Best Tee for Layering
A slim-to-regular, lightweight tee with a flat, quality collar layers best under shirts and knitwear.
What to look for
A trim cut with minimal bulk and a neat crew neck that stays hidden. Avoid heavy or oversized tees for layering.
The steer
Choose a smooth, lightweight cotton in a slim or regular fit.
Value
Premium vs Budget Tees
A premium tee costs more up front but usually outlasts several cheap ones and looks better throughout.
Where the money goes
Better cotton grade, ring-spun combed yarn, taped seams, twin-needle hems and a collar that holds shape.
The steer
For tees you wear constantly, a premium version is often the cheaper choice per wear.
Choosing a Tee Weight
GSM is the one number that predicts feel, drape and season better than any adjective.
The scale
120-150 GSM lightweight for heat and layering; 150-180 midweight all-rounder; 180+ heavyweight for structure and durability.
The steer
If you buy one tee, a 150-180 GSM midweight is the most versatile choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heavier t-shirt better quality?
Not automatically, but a higher GSM tee drapes with more structure, feels more substantial and often lasts longer. Around 150-180 GSM is the versatile sweet spot for most people.
Is Supima worth it over generic Pima?
Supima certifies genuine, traceable American Pima cotton, so you get assured consistency. Generic Pima may be just as good from a trusted brand but is not verified.
Are premium t-shirts worth the money?
For tees you wear often, usually yes -- better cotton, spinning and seam finishing mean a premium tee outlasts several cheap ones, making it cheaper per wear.