That said, they’re substantially long for a tee, so they’re better suited as an undershirt straight out of the pack. But at just around six bucks a pop, the multipacks are some of the best value out there and leaves you with enough scratch to have your tailor shorten them as long as you don’t mind getting the side eye. The good news is they’re not just cheap, you also don’t actually need a Costco membership to get in on the deal.
Best Oversized Cheap T-Shirt: Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Oversized Crew Neck Half-Sleeve T-Shirt
Material: 53% Cotton, 47% Polyester | Fit: Oversized | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Colors: Varies
In this year of our lord 2024, baggy, wide-legged, and oversized clothes reign supreme. The quiet luxury trend would have you believe that you need to drop several bags to get the look, but time and again Uniqlo has debunked that claim, especially under the Uniqlo U sub-label helmed by one of the preeminent names in the genre, Christophe Lemaire. The Uniqlo U AIRism tee is billowy, breezy, and ultra-wide, but the carefully considered cropped length keeps everything in the right proportions so you won’t look like you’re trying to bring back the tall tee.
Best Heavyweight Cheap T-Shirt: Pro Club Heavyweight T-Shirt
Material: 100% USA cotton, 6.5oz Fit: Relaxed, Sizes: S-10XL, tall sizes available Colors: Varies
If you’re after a tee that’s as burly as your fancy Japanese denim, but, you spent all your money on said denim, then look no further than Pro Club. The brand has flown under the radar for most people, save for the savviest of style hunters. With an all-cotton jersey that tips the scales at six ounces per square yard, they’re certified beefy and actually weigh more than other so-called heavyweight tees. And for under twenty bucks a pop, your money’s going a loooong way.
Softest Cheap T-Shirt: Abercrombie Classic Polished T-Shirt
Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Classic | Sizes: XS-XXL, tall sizes available | Colors: Varies
The softest T-shirts are either stupid expensive high-end tees that use the finest cottons, lovingly worn-in vintage pieces that have been washed and worn a million times, or cheap tees that are cut with synthetic materials. But Abercrombie & Fitch’s Polished tee is somehow all-cotton, surprisingly plush thanks to the special Biopolish finish, and remarkably affordable.
Best Cropped Cheap T-Shirt: Gap Original T-Shirt
Material: 100% Cotton, Fit: Classic, Sizes: XS-3XL, Colors: Varies
When the weather gets warm enough, the only layer you’ll have on is a T-shirt. And, unless you’re a staunch tucked-in sort of guy, you’ll want to wear your tees untucked to let that glorious breeze waft through. The trick is to get a tee that’s the right length. You could go wide and cropped, but for the majority of us, a regular-fitting tee that hits the sweet spot is tough to find. Gap’s entrypoint is among our faves for wearing untucked since it hits right around the hips and looks great with just about any pant. Add to that a breathable and soft cotton fabric and a gang of colors and even some patterned options and you’ve got your whole summer tee rotation down pat.
Best Jersey Cheap T-Shirt: Muji Jersey T-Shirt
Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Fit: Relaxed | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Varies
We’ve tested a whole bunch of plain tees at our laboratory (the GQ offices), and to our surprise, Muji stood out even against some of our longtime favorites. The construction is up there with tees that cost several factors more, the fabric is satisfyingly dense yet silky to the touch, and the cut is a classic silhouette that fits most people. The next time you need to restock on your aroma diffuser, you may as well pick up a fresh tee while you’re there.
More Cheap Tees We Love
Dickies Heavyweight Crew Neck Short Sleeve Tee
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Colortone Tie Dye T-Shirt
Hanes Short Sleeve Beefy-T
ALStyle AAA Plain Blank Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Champion Classic T-Shirt
Banana Republic Premium Wash T-Shirt
Russell Athletic Dri-Power Short Sleeve Tee
Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch T-Shirt
Carhartt K87 Workwear Pocket Short Sleeve T-Shirt
