8 Best Men’s Black T-Shirts: Basic, Steady & Stylish in 2024

Much has been said about the importance of the plain white tee. But how about its slightly more somber but equally as versatile cousin?

The black T-shirt is a staple—there’s no two ways about it. Looking just as good alone with a pair of jeans as it does underneath a blazer or hoodie, it’s the perfect foundation for casual and semi-formal fits alike.

This is why I’ve done some digging and found the best men’s black T-shirts that your money can buy. Whether you’re into graphic designs, heavyweight fabrics, or long-sleeved styles, this is your all-access pass to every type you should consider.

Key Takeaways

Age-defying, versatile, and undeniably cool, men’s black tees come in many different shapes and sizes, from slim-fit styles to oversized options. This makes narrowing down your possibilities rather tricky—unless you have a little help.

To give you the assistance you require, I raided my own closet and analyzed forums, reviews, and brand’s catwalk collections, until I found the very best men’s black T-shirts on the market.

What started as a list longer than my arm is now eight standout styles, including Wax London’s classic crew neck and an uber-luxury version from Luca Faloni.

Why it’s great: This may look like your run-of-the-mill black tee, but don’t be fooled: it certainly impresses more than most. Cut for a relaxed boxy fit that hits the sweet spot between flowy and fitted, it’s made from a seriously soft 280g organic cotton that has a subtle texture and premium weight.

The price is very reasonable, and the generous size range caters to all guys, whether you’re tall, burly, or built like a beanpole.

Who is this for? The beauty of the best men’s black T-shirts, like this one, is that they can lend themselves to pretty much any outfit. Whether you’re looking to give your tailoring a relaxed edge or want to layer it underneath a flannel shirt, it’s a super versatile piece that’ll appeal to all sartorial preferences.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: In terms of design, it’s nothing special. But its simplicity is also what makes it so great and one of the best men’s black T-shirts out there.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 100% Organic cotton | Fit: Boxy | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: With an open neckline and a row of three buttons, the Henley is the crew neck’s slightly edgier, more charming older sibling. And it’s also a fantastic option for bringing some tough-guy cool to your everyday outfits.

This version from Billy Reid is made from a hemp-cotton fabric that has a beautiful texture and a lived-in feel. You can wear it with chinos or shorts in the summer and layer it underneath a flannel shirt or denim jacket once the temperature drops.

Who is this for? Wear it if you’re cool enough. This is one of the best men’s black T-shirts and an essential addition to any guy’s closet—offering an excellent alternative to your standard crew or V-neck designs.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It costs a little more than your average tee, but it’ll more than prove its worth when it comes to needing a stylish base layer.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 55% Hemp, 45% Cotton | Fit: Slim | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: One of menswear’s most underrated pieces, the long-sleeve T-shirt deserves pride of place in every off-duty collection. It’s only natural that this list of the best men’s black T-shirts includes a long-sleeve entry.

As versatile as its short-sleeved substitute but better equipped for dreary weather, this one from Closed is my pick of the bunch. It’s cuffed at the arms like a sweater but is made from a lighter cotton with a straight, loose hem.

Who is this for? For cooler days, this provides extra arm protection and a great layer for your everyday outfits. It can be tucked into tailored pants for a semi-formal look or dressed down with dad jeans and high-top sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Closed’s basics aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re worth the splurge if you can stretch your budget.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: Generally speaking, the best men’s black T-shirts are made from a simple cotton construction. However, every now and again some flash Harry, aka Luca Faloni, comes around and puts everyone to shame.

The brand’s version of the wardrobe staple was made in Northern Italy using 60% silk, giving it a seriously soft handle that’s breathable and has a natural stretch. The fit is relaxed but clings in all the right places, and there’s double-stitched seams for ultimate durability.

Who is this for? If you’re working with a generous budget and looking for a crew neck tee that goes the extra mile, then this is going to be the one for you. It’ll bring a touch of luxury to your everyday fits, whether you’re popping out for coffee or heading to a bar.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because of the fabrics used, the care instructions recommend washing it by hand and hanging it to dry, although it can be put into the machine using a delicate cycle.

Sizes: XS–XXXL | Material: 60% Silk, 40% Cotton | Fit: Relaxed | Care: Hand Wash

Why it’s great: Lightweight and super soft, this wallet-friendly T-shirt is as good as it gets for the price—dare I say it should probably be more expensive.

Made from 100% cotton that’s designed to wick away sweat and fight off odor, it’s a comfortable and durable option that washes well and lends itself to most occasions, particularly those including exercise.

Who is this for? If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing quality, then you’re going to find it really hard to beat this Russell Athletic tee. It’s a great option for every day, but thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric, it’ll appeal most to guys who are working out or prone to sweating.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some customers find it a little too lightweight and thin, though this isn’t down to lack of quality.

Sizes: S–XXXXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Slim | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: Not only for guys with sore backs and dirt underneath their fingernails, Carhartt’s hardworking garments are a must-have for men of all occupations. So, if you’re yet to invest in their sartorial stocks, this shirt is a fine first investment.

This is simply one of the best men’s black T-shirts. It’s made from a heavyweight cotton-blend fabric (that washes well) in a loose-fit style that’s comfortable and conveniently on-trend.

Who is this for? A casual wear classic, it’s an excellent all-rounder that slots into any wardrobe, whether you’re a regular gym goer or rocking a dad bod. You can wear it to work, but it’ll look just as good on the weekend with a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The thick fabric and baggy fit put this firmly into the casual category. It’s one of those men’s black tees you can layer underneath a blazer or team with tailored pants.

Sizes: XS–XXXXXL | Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Fit: Loose | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: Represent is my go-to for graphic tees, and I love this one inspired by Greek mythology. This is one of the best men’s black T-shirts.

It’s made from medium-weight cotton in a slightly oversized fit, it has multiple mythological graphics on the front and back for an eye-catching style that you can wear with everything from sweatpants to baggy jeans and 90s shorts.

Who is this for? Streetwear fans will love it most, especially those who like their T-shirts loose. But it can become a dependable addition to any wardrobe.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This design falls wide and square; should you want it to look a little more fitted you’ll need to take a size down.

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Oversized | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: Arket’s crew neck design has everything I look for in a plain black tee: A slightly oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and a weighty fabric that’s soft yet strong. The perfect starting point for a plethora of outfits, it can be teamed with shirts, shorts, jackets, jeans, and so much more.

Who is this for? Your wardrobe should be full of quality basics, so this is a no-brainer for any guy looking to update his. The roomy fit will accommodate all builds, and the heavyweight fabric gives it a luxury feel that we can all appreciate.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best men’s black T-shirts. However, if you want to show off your bulging biceps or killer chest, then you’ll need to choose a slimmer fit.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Oversized | Care: Machine Wash

Buying Considerations for The Best Men’s Black T-Shirts

Fabric

For the best black T-shirts for men, always opt for high-quality fabrics, such as cotton or cotton blends, which offer durability, softness, and breathability. It also pays to look out for features like moisture-wicking properties, as these can offer enhanced comfort, especially in warmer climates or during exercise.

Fit

Finding the right fit isn’t only about comfort. It’s important to explore various styles, from classic to slim, to find the most flattering option for your body shape and the most suitable for the occasion you’ll be wearing it for.

Classic is always a safe bet, and slim is generally the smartest. For a casual, streetwear-inspired outfit, an oversized tee is a popular choice.

Style

From classic crew necks and timeless Henleys to retro styles and eye-catching graphic designs, there’s a black T-shirt for everyone— you just need to decide which one(s) you prefer. To help, think about where and when you plan to wear it and if that particular option will be suitable.

How We Chose

Black T-shirts for men aren’t exactly hard to find. It’s separating the pretenders from the pros that can prove a little more complex. This is why I left no stone unturned in my perusal of men’s black tees.

I considered a wide range of prices, styles, shapes, and materials while putting particular focus on three key areas:

Customer Reviews: There’s no better way to get the lowdown on a product. From forums to review communities, I checked out as much customer feedback as possible.

Price: Considering various budgets was key, but making sure each shirt offered value for money was what was most important.

Brand Reputation: Both newcomers and veterans were given a chance to impress. What proved they were makers of the best men’s black T-shirts was an excellent track record for quality garments and customer satisfaction.

Why Trust Us?

An experienced menswear enthusiast with more than 100 Fashionbeans articles under his belt, including a guide to the finest relaxed jeans, Billy Webb is a firm believer in the value of wardrobe basics.

Apart from buying a new pair of sneakers or finding a dollar in his coat pocket, nothing gives him more pleasure than helping guys build a long-lasting and reliable wardrobe. Which is why there was no better man to find the best men’s black T-shirts.

Billy’s recommendations are backed by thorough research and personal testing, ensuring that you get trustworthy and reliable advice. Using his years of experience and a little help from fellow experts and vocal customers, he has been able to come up with a list of essential tees suitable for every style, budget, and occasion.

Final Verdict

For me, Wax London’s Dean tee is the best men’s black T-shirt around. Versatile, affordable, and forever in fashion, it ticks all the boxes, whether you wear it as a base layer or alone with your choice of pants.

The fabric is soft, the fit is flattering, and it’ll look just as good now as it will in 12 months—assuming that you follow the care instructions properly.