Stylists and fashion editors alike will confirm that the best T-shirts are essential parts of a well-rounded wardrobe. Often, they’re a crucial piece that can really make an outfit come together. And even if they’re not the focal point of a look, you can layer tees under your favorite sweaters and sweatshirts. So of course, everyone needs variations on the classic short-sleeved style in their closet—which is where the equally essential long-sleeved T-shirt comes in.
Writer and brand consultant Laurel Pantin notoriously loves a good T-shirt, and when she is shopping for the best long-sleeved tees, she always considers how she’ll style it. “If I’m looking for a layering piece, I try to find something lightweight or tissue-weight in an interesting color, to contrast with the neutrals and navy I usually wear on top,” she tells Bazaar. “I like something that will add visual interest and a little warmth without bulk, or without causing wrinkles under whatever I’m layering it under.” As far as T-shirt materials go, 100 percent cotton is always a good idea, but a layering tee can also contain a little spandex or elastane, depending on how fitted you prefer, or a modal blend for softness.
- Best ScoopEverlane The Supima Form Ballet-Neck TeeRead more
- Best JerseySkims Long-Sleeved T-ShirtRead more
- Best HeavyweightCOS Regular-Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeved T-ShirtRead more
If your long-sleeved shirt will be seen, Pantin believes it’s a good idea to invest in a different cut from the slimmer, layering tees. “If I’m going to wear it on its own, I usually like something with wider sleeves and a boxy body, and typically a boat neck or crew neck,” she says. “I generally don’t like fitted tops on their own, but I love how a slouchy, boxy long-sleeved shirt looks tucked into wide-leg, slouchy trousers.” This is generally where you want to look for full cotton content, as well. If you’re looking for a more modest look, you’ll probably want a thicker material that can lend itself to creating more oversize silhouettes.
When researching for the very best long-sleeved T-shirts out there, we considered every type—from the super sheer to the heavyweight variety—in crewnecks, V-necks, and scoop necks. Below, find our 15 favorite.
Best Scoop
Everlane The Supima Form Ballet-Neck Tee
If you fancy a scoop neckline, Everlane’s version will be your new go-to. Made from super-soft Supima cotton, this particular yarn has a longer fiber length, so it’s more durable and smoother to the touch. A little elastane gives this form-fitting silhouette some stretch, too. The neckline is actually inspired by ballerina leotards, so you’ll get to show off just the right amount of clavicle. Tuck into your favorite bottoms and pair with hoop earrings for a clean look.
What reviewers said: “Comfortable and flattering with great stretch! Nice scoop neckline without being too low. More colors, please and thank you!”
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 92% Supima cotton, 8% elastane
Colors: Black, white
Best Jersey
Skims Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
With over 1,000 rave reviews, the long-sleeved T-shirt from Skims is a hit with shoppers. Made from a stretchy jersey cotton fabrication, it has a skintight fit that hugs close to the body. Whether this crewneck tee is worn as is or tucked into a high-waisted bottom, or layered underneath a chunky sweater or oversize blazer, you’ll get plenty of wear per week. The styling possibilities are endless.
What reviewers said: “I wear this multiple times a week. After washing, I hang dry it rather than use the dryer and it really helps hold its shape. I got an XS but usually wear a small. I’m 5’7, length is great, sleeve length is amazing, my chest is larger and it fits great around the girls, not see through with the right bra! Love it!”
Sizes: XXS–4X
Materials: 90% cotton, 10% spandex
Colors: Bone, marble, light heather gray, mineral kyanite, soot, and limited editions
Best Heavyweight
COS Regular-Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
Now 40% Off
Laurel Pantin recommends this crewneck from COS as one of her favorites. “This one is excellent—a nice, heavyweight cotton with a boxy body and fitted sleeves,” she says.
The hem is slightly cropped, giving it a loose, square shape. The wider neck rib gives this tee a slightly retro feel that works well with the roomier silhouette. It’s also made from organic cotton, meaning non–genetically modified seeds are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides to create the sustainable fabric. Tuck in and add a belt to play with proportions.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: Dark gray, white, black, beige/undyed, navy, black/white/striped
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Best V-Neck
Gap Modern V-Neck T-Shirt
You can always rely on Gap for everyday basics, like this simple V-neck. Made from a cotton modal blend, it’s soft and lightweight. It also has a straight, relaxed fit that feels comfortable and doesn’t hug the body too tightly. Whether you pair it with worn-in denim and sneakers on the weekend or high-waisted trousers for your nine-to-five, you’re sure to live in this one.
What customers are saying: “These are the best fitting Ts ever, they stay put and don’t creep up. They are soft, and flattering regardless of your build. They wash and wear wonderfully, no shrinking, distorting or fading. Please, never stop making these!”
Sizes: XXS–XXL regular, S–XXL tall, XS–L petite
Materials: 58% cotton, 39% Birla Modal, 3% spandex
Colors: White, navy, heather gray, black
Best for Layering
Vince Essential Long-Sleeved Crewneck Tee
Now 51% Off
Vince’s long-sleeved T-shirt is called “essential” for good reason. It’s a beloved customer favorite, thanks to the relaxed fit and soft 100 percent Pima cotton material. The fabric is thin and breathable enough to wear in all seasons, whether thrown on over a bikini for sun coverage or layered under sweaters on a snowy day.
What reviewers said: “I saw this Vince long sleeve t-shirt online. Even as I was purchasing it I was wondering why anyone, myself included, would spend so much money on a t-shirt. It became a staple of my wardrobe as soon as it arrived. I bought it again to give as a gift, and soon I will purchase another for myself. It is lightweight so it can be worn in summer, but can be worn comfortably in winter too.”
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 100% Pima cotton
Colors: Black, white, gray
Best Soft
Lululemon Wundermost Crewneck Long-Sleeved Shirt
We all know Lululemon for its high-quality activewear and fitness gear, but the brand’s Wundermost line of basics is all about everyday wear. The collection of comfortable tops, bras, and bodysuits is made from a variation on Lululemon’s Nulu fabric—the soft, stretchy material the best-selling Align legging is made from.
The long-sleeved crewneck has a double-layer body for full coverage and support, a little Lycra for stretch, and sweat-wicking properties to keep you cool.
What reviewers said: “I tried this on just for fun but ended up purchasing because I never felt a better quality smooth fitting long sleeve ever. This is the best when you’re looking for a basic top that is fitting and wraps around you like an absolute glove. I recommend 100x.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 79% nylon, 21% Lycra elastane
Colors: Espresso, bone, black, storm teal
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Best Colors
Flore Flore Max Organic-Cotton Jersey Top
$94 at Matches FashionCredit: flore-flore.com
Amsterdam-based brand Flore Flore only launched in 2021, but has already developed a fashion cult following, due to its quality basics and sustainable approach. “I really love Flore Flore for a slightly luxurious tee,” Pantin says. “The cotton is beautiful and has a nice stretch, but doesn’t feel stretchy. It holds its shape well after a wash, and just feels very well made.” You can find all the classic colors—black, off-white, and navy—and rich hues, like cornflower blue or a dusty pink.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: Blue, black, off white, navy, pink
Best Striped
Kule Boyfriend Tee
$118 at ShopBopCredit: kule.com
Striped tees are the bread-and-butter of New York–based brand Kule. It’s only fitting that its take on a long-sleeved T-shirt is of the nautical variety. “This one is a nice middle ground between flimsy and sturdy,” Pantin says. “I usually size up in this to make it even slouchier.” Made with 100 percent cotton, with a drop shoulder and roomy body, it feels like the best oversize T-shirt you’ve ever had. Pair with jeans for a casual everyday look or denim cutoffs for an easy vacation-time look.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Navy/cream, cream/navy, black/cream, white/royal blue, white/true blue/poppy
Best Cropped
Éterne Long-Sleeved Cotton Modal Top
Stylist Chloé Bartoli created Éterne in 2020, because she felt the fashion industry lacked timeless, well-made essentials. The brand focuses on fit and quality, and its T-shirts are pretty unparalleled. The buttery-soft, ribbed texture gives it a form-fitting and flattering look. If you favor a cropped fit, look no further. Pair this with everything from leather pants and pencil skirts to wide-leg jeans and suiting.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 50% cotton, 50% modal
Colors: Gray, white, black
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Best Ribbed
Buck Mason Surplus Rib L/S Crew
Buck Mason strives to create modern American classics with timeless appeal, backed by extensive research. One of our absolute favorites is the brand’s surplus rib crewneck. It has a slim, fitted shape, and the cotton material has a 2×2 rib that adds a bit of texture to the garment, as well as some thickness, so it won’t be sheer. We recommend tucking it into jeans, trousers, or even a denim miniskirt, for a polished effect.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 90% cotton, 10% spandex
Colors: Marled bronze, marled coastal cedar, marled flint, black, white
Best Sheer
BITE Studios Off-White Crewneck Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
$230 at SsenseCredit: bitestudios.com
A semi-sheer T-shirt can be extremely sexy, and no one knows that better than Swedish label BITE Studios. The brand focuses on sustainable elements and production processes, which is why its ribbed tee is made from organic cotton. The transparency is ideal for layering—try it under camisoles and slipdresses, or wear as-is and play with a lacy bra underneath, when you want to show off a little more skin. We also love the extra-long sleeves, for that effortless scrunched-up look.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Off-white, black, brown, purple
Best Turtleneck
Splendid 1×1 Long-Sleeved Turtleneck
Now 34% Off
$38 at Amazon$60 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: Courtesy of Splendid
We consider a turtleneck T-shirt an essential in the long-sleeved category. In our opinion, Splendid makes the best, thanks to a 50/50 blend of cotton and modal that is soft and breathable. It can be layered under chunky sweaters for the coldest days in winter, or worn as a stand-alone piece, tucked into a favorite pair of jeans or a plaid miniskirt in the fall. While this shirt always available in black and white, we’d recommend scooping up the special colorway each season to mix things up.
What reviewers said: “I have ordered a lot of things from Splendid, and have not been disappointed. This turtleneck is very soft and comfortable and fits perfectly. It is a great addition to any wardrobe to either wear with jeans, dressy pants or a skirt. I highly recommend this turtleneck.”
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 50% cotton, 50% modal
Colors: Black, white, gravel heather gray, olive green, off-white, ruby, charcoal
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Best Slub
James Perse Slub Cotton-Jersey T-shirt
You can’t talk about great T-shirts without talking about James Perse. High-quality basics have always been at the core of this Los Angeles–based brand. Its long-sleeved crewneck is lightly relaxed in fit and made from slub cotton-jersey, which has an uneven texture that gives it a unique appearance. Try layering over a longer, contrast tank and denim maxi skirt for a ’00s-inspired styling take that feels very of-the-moment.
What reviewers said: “Love this tee. Very soft.”
Sizes: 0–4 (XS–XL)
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Forest green, gray, white, black
Best Relaxed
Madewell Slub Relaxed Long-Sleeved Tee
Now 16% Off
Every wonder how those street-style models always look so effortlessly chic? The secret is a relaxed T-shirt. This Madewell style falls somewhere between an oversize and fitted silhouette, designed with a drop sleeve for extra movement. Two little slits in the front make this one okay to leave untucked, too. You can’t go wrong—it’ll look great both ways.
What reviewers said: “This long sleeve is super comfortable and flows so well. I love how I can dress it up with a blazer and it still looks chic.”
Sizes: XXS–XL; 1X–4X
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: Black, white, faded fern
Best Wide-Sleeved
COS Wide-Sleeved Top
Now 50% Off
If you like to experiment with silhouettes, COS’s wide-sleeved top is a must-buy. “This one is great,” Pantin says. “It has wider sleeves and is also a nice mid-weight.” The boxier cut even has slits along the side, for more movement and volume. Play with the classic black and white iterations for everyday styling, or try the teal for an unexpected hit of color. We recommend tucking it into baggier silhouettes on the bottom to balance proportions, or wear it over stovepipe trousers or skinny pants for a retro twist.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: 91% cotton, 9% elastane
Colors: White, black, teal
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