Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Carhartt K87 Short Sleeve | ||
#2 |  | Comfort Colors Pocket Tee | ||
#3 |  | Gildan Ultra Cotton | ||
#4 |  | Russell Athletic Cotton Short Sleeve | ||
#5 |  | Champion Men's Classic Jersey |
Meta description: The best cheap men’s t-shirts that look expensive are within reach. Here’s our guide.
A t-shirt is one of your clothing items that you want to wear regularly, but you probably don’t want to have to spend a lot of money for it.
The good news is that you don’t have to. You can find the best men’s cheap t-shirts that look expensive and keep you in style without burning your pocket.
How long does a t-shirt last? A quality t-shirt can last between six months to a year, depending on how regularly you wear it.
That’s even more reason why you shouldn’t spend a lot of money on t-shirts! With that in mind, here are the best cheap men’s t-shirts to add to your clothing collection. Look good and feel great, without a high price tag attached.
Best Cheap Men’s T-Shirts – Reviews & Buying guide for 2021
Best Overall: Carhartt K87 Short Sleeve
This t-shirt looks good and feels great, thanks to how it’s made of cotton. Here’s what you should know about it. Should it be in your wardrobe? Let’s find out!
Pros
- This t-shirt can be cleaned easily in the washing machine or tumble dryer. This is important and one of the features you should look for when purchasing t-shirts because you want them to last for as long as possible without getting damaged.
- It’s been generously cut, but note that it tends to run a bit big. This makes it comfortable while also being suitable for people who need larger t-shirts, such as those with athletic builds.
- It has a left chest pocket in which you can keep small valuables.
- It comes with a rib-knit crewneck that maintains its shape. This also makes it fit well.
- It’s also got a tagless neck label so it won’t scratch and irritate your skin.
- These cool men’s t-shirts have been made with side-seamed construction. This means that they reduce twisting and increase your comfort when you wear them.
Cons
- One of the things to note about this cotton t-shirt is that different colors will have different cotton-polyester ratios. For example, the carbon heather and dark blue t-shirts are made of 60-percent cotton and 40-percent polyester, while the grey t-shirt is made of 99-percent cotton and 1-percent polyester.
Runner Up: Comfort Colors Pocket Tee
If you love t-shirts that look a bit different from your basic, plain tee, such as that they have a bit of a vintage appearance, this one is worth checking out.
Pros
- These vintage t-shirts have been dyed for an authentic worn-in look. This makes them trendy while still keeping them timeless.
- They’re made of 100-percent ring-spun cotton. This has many benefits – it’s more durable and softer than regular cotton.
- You can find these t-shirts in a variety of colors that are inspired by nature. If you’re a blue fan who wants lots of different shades of blue, such as neon and ice blue, then these t-shirts are worth checking out. Blue aside, you’ll love all the different color variations that are available!
- They come with a pocket tee for keeping small valuables safe and within reach.
- The material is thick enough to be worn in any type of temperature, without being too heavy – and it’s not too thin as what you’ll find with some cheap t-shirts on the market.
- People who have purchased these men’s tees have reported that they don’t shrink or fade in color after being washed and dried. This makes these t-shirts ideal for regular use.
Cons
- Some people have reported differences in the t-shirt colors when compared to how they look on the website.
- If you don’t like a worn-in look on your t-shirts, then these might not be right for you because they’re meant to appear faded.
Alternative: Gildan Ultra Cotton
If you’re looking for a thicker t-shirt that you can wear during the fall or on cold days, then this is the one to buy. Let’s check out what it has to offer.
Pros
- This t-shirt has double-stitched hems that make it more durable.
- It’s got shorter but wider sleeves to produce a more comfortable fit and prevent the t-shirt from cutting into your arms.
- The neck is smaller, but it’s not tight. This makes it fit comfortably while also preventing the collar from getting wrinkled.
- With lots of wear and washing, these t-shirts don’t fade or shrink. This makes them look like men’s designer tees because of their high level of quality.
- These t-shirts come in a variety of sizes, even X-Small, unlike some other cheap men’s t-shirts on the market, so you’re sure to find your perfect size.
Cons
- Some t-shirt colors have more cotton than others. For example, the sports grey has 90-percent cotton and 10-percent polyester, while the safety colors contain 50-percent cotton and 50-percent polyester. This is something to bear in mind when purchasing the t-shirts.
- Some people who have purchased these t-shirts have reported that the bottom hems come undone.
Alternative: Russell Athletic Cotton Short Sleeve
These t-shirts offer a relaxed fit that you’ll love wearing casually, but they really shine when it comes to wearing them outdoors. Here’s what to know about them.
Pros
- These shirts have UPF 30+ sun protection to keep you safe against UV rays. In case you don’t know, UPF is a standard that’s used to measure the effectiveness of sun-protective fabrics. It provides UVA and UVB protection. A UPF rating of 30+ means that the t-shirt will successfully block out between 96 and 97.4 percent of UV rays.
- They make use of Dri-Power Moisture Wicking technology. This ensures that you can stay dry and cool, even on hot summer days.
- They’re made of cotton and are lightweight. They will also feel nice and soft after many washes.
- If you want to work up a sweat while wearing these t-shirts, you’ll love that they have built-in Intellifresh odor protection to keep you smelling good. This is great on days when you’ve worked up a bit of a sweat on the way to a function or during your lunch break at work when you don’t have time to change your clothes.
- Some people who have purchased these t-shirts have reported that they are loose enough to fit you comfortably but they aren’t so loose that they look sloppy. This serves to make the t-shirts much more versatile – you can wear them when going out with friends, hitting the gym, or lounging around the house.
- They don’t shrink after being washed and dried, so you’re sure to get a lot of wear out of them.
- You can get these t-shirts in a wide variety of colors. You can also get some colorful shirts that have “Russell Athletic” written on them. Make sure to look out for these when purchasing the shirts on Amazon.
Cons
- If you want a thicker t-shirt, then these are not for you as they are a bit thin.
- Note that you should size up when purchasing these t-shirts if you have a larger or more athletic body type.
- Some people have reported that the shirts feel a little rough against the skin.
Alternative: Champion Men’s Classic Jersey
The best men’s white t-shirts are crisp, whiter than white, and built to last. If you’re looking for a classic white tee, look no further than one by Champion. But this brand also offers other t-shirt colors and features to know about.
Pros
- These classic men’s t-shirts have been made from ring-spun cotton fabric to keep them soft.
- They’re designed with an athletic fit so that you can do a variety of activities in them while feeling comfortable. These are perfect for looking fashionable or hitting the basketball court.
- They have a narrow collar. This not only makes them fit more comfortably, but it ensures a more modern design.
- They are made with a higher stitch count as well as reinforced shoulder seams. This makes the t-shirts durable.
- These shirts have matching back neck tape so that they don’t cause skin irritation.
- The collar is not only narrow but also ribbed, for greater comfort and durability.
Cons
- Some people have complained about shrinkage.
- As we’ve seen with some other men’s t-shirts on the market, these ones vary when it comes to how much cotton they contain from one color to another. For example, the granite heather has 60-percent cotton and 40-percent polyester, while the oxford has 90-percent cotton and just 10-percent polyester.
Cheap Men’s T-Shirts FAQs
Looking for the perfect t-shirt? If you don’t want to spend a lot of money for one (or more), then it’s good to consider some important things. Let’s answer some FAQs about cheap t-shirts.
Is $20 for a shirt expensive?
When it comes to buying shirts, the price you’re willing to pay will depend on various factors, such as how the shirt looks. If the shirt has more details on it, such as in the form of branding, then it will be more expensive.
If you really like the shirt and are willing to pay $20 or more for it, then you might justify doing so. However, there are ways to cut down the price of t-shirts and spend less than $20, just by shopping around.
Interestingly, you can find plain white t-shirts that cost $5 and ones that are high-end and more expensive.
Even though these will look pretty much the same as the cheaper t-shirts, they can easily cost more than $300! It’s crazy, but there are various factors that are at play here.
For example, if a t-shirt is made of higher-grade cotton it will cost more than lower-grade cotton. There are also branded fibers to consider. These will be more expensive than unbranded ones and are usually linked to marketing costs.
Are Cuts shirts worth it?
Cuts Clothing shirts have become popular, but you might be wondering if they’re worth purchasing. Before we get to that, let’s first explore what Cuts is, exactly.
Cuts is an ecommerce brand that provides premium and minimalist t-shirts. You can find Cuts t-shirts that are trendy and fashionable to suit a variety of occasions and outfits. Cuts has engineered a high-stretch fabric called Pyca. It resists wrinkles and retains color.
Before purchasing Cuts t-shirts, it’s worth considering some pros and cons.
Pros
- The t-shirt designs are versatile yet classic, so you’re sure to get a lot of wear out of them.
- You can pay the full amount for them or via installments, which is a nice touch.
- You can make use of discounts when purchasing Cuts. For example, if you’re a new customer you’ll get 15 percent off your first order.
- Cuts t-shirts are popular because of how they are textured and cut to ensure they’re not too thin or too thick.
- The material is said to be as soft as butter.
- Cuts shirts are full of quality – the sew and stitch lines don’t disappoint.
- You can shop for t-shirts on the Cuts website according to the shirt style or hem, such as elongated, split, or classic hems.
- There are many t-shirt options when it comes to shirt styles. You can choose from men’s v-neck tees, henley, crew, or polo styles instead.
- They also have men’s long sleeve t-shirts on offer.
Cons
- You’ll have to be prepared to spend more money for Cuts shirts – you’re looking at around $48 to $80 and beyond, which is quite hefty.
- There aren’t that many t-shirt colors available when compared to what you can buy from other retail stores. As we’ve seen in our reviews of the best cheap men’s t-shirts from Amazon, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get bright, bold t-shirt colors that will enhance your style on a budget.
The bottom line: While Cuts does offer some excellent t-shirts that you’ll find wear well and give you quality clothing, you won’t find neon or other bold colors available, and you’ll have to be prepared to shell out a bit more money for them.
Why are graphic tees so expensive?
Who doesn’t love a graphic tee? But, usually, these tend to cost a lot of money. It’s tricky because you want to enjoy a beautiful graphic tee, so you might justify the cost attached to it.
There are some important factors that contribute to the high price of graphic tees. These include the time and energy that goes into making them.
However, you can find graphic tees that cost less, such as by looking at online retail stores.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that some types of graphic tees will cost more, such as vintage men’s band tees which can be more expensive as a result of how they’re very popular and in high demand.
If you’re interested in purchasing graphic tees for men, then you should check out Urban Outfitters. This is a popular store that stocks a variety of gorgeous, colorful graphic tees. However, be prepared to spend at least $25 for a tee, and the prices can go up a lot from there.
For really cheap graphic tees, a good brand to try is 6 Dollar Shirts. This brand offers a variety of graphic tees that you can purchase for as little as $6!
They really shine when it comes to offering consumers graphic t-shirts with illustrations and satirical slogans on them.
What is the highest quality T-shirt material?
Cotton t-shirts are always considered to be of a good quality, but Supima cotton is the best. It’s cotton of the highest quality and is basically a brand name for pima cotton, which is made from extra-long cotton fibers.
This makes t-shirts much stronger and softer, giving you the best of both worlds. Supima is 100-percent American grown Pima cotton that has many other benefits for consumers: it doesn’t pill, stretch, or fade.
However, there are other popular and durable materials that are used to make t-shirts. These are worth considering:
Other Types Of Cotton
There are some popular types of cotton that can be used to make quality t-shirts. These include:
- Organic cotton – this is cotton that’s grown without harmful toxins which are dangerous to the environment. It’s extremely soft, but can be more expensive than regular cotton because of how it’s grown as well as all the regulations regarding the cotton-growing methods.
- Combed cotton – this costs more than regular cotton. Combed cotton is made by treating cotton fibers before they’re spun into yarn. This creates a smooth, soft, and strong material.
- Polyester. Polyester is useful for t-shirt construction because it offers many benefits. It is strong, dries quickly, is resistant to mold and mildew, and can be washed many times without shrinking or losing its color. It’s also resistant to problems such as stretching.
- Cotton-Polyester Blend. As we’ve seen in our reviews of the best cheap men’s t-shirts, cotton and polyester is often used together in t-shirts. This is beneficial because these shirts combine the best traits of both materials. For example, cotton-polyester shirts will be lightweight and cool as a result of the cotton while also being resistant to wrinkles and highly durable because of the polyester.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new t-shirt, you’ll likely be swamped with many choices. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for t-shirts, though, especially if you’re interested in purchasing plain, basic tees that are versatile and always look good.
In this article, we’ve featured five of the best cheap men’s t-shirts that look expensive but won’t leave you broke.
We’ve broken down their pros and cons to help you choose the best t-shirts according to your preferences, and also featured a FAQ section of useful information that you should check out before you add a new t-shirt to your cart.
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