The 9 Best T-Shirts That Don’t Show Sweat

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.buck mason / abercrombie / gapProsUltra affordableFlattering fitWell structured around the seamsConsDoes wear after one too many washesWe don’t shy away from a splurge. But we also can acknowledge when you don’t need to, and t-shirts can fall into that category. You just need something that will fit well and doesn’t cost too much. Commerce editor Luke Guillory thinks the Hanes Beefy-T fits that bill perfectly. “If you wear your white tees to do activities, I think you'd be a fool to go past a Hanes Beefy-T,” Guillory said.Sizes: Small-4X tallFabric details: Ringspun CottonProsPre-worn appearance for an added textureSleeves drape nicelyWant to feel as stylish as Esquire editor in chief, Michael Sebastian—even when drenched in sweat? This is his go-to t-shirt. It’s made using cotton slub, which is basically an uneven yarn that creates this intriguing variation in thickness and thinness on the fabric that adds an extra bit of multidimensionality to the piece.In white, you can still bleach pit stains out of the,. But the key to this feature is the thickness of the fabric. You really have to sweat to soak through these things.Sizes: XS-XXLFabric details: 145gsm CottonAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsRegular and tall fitsWell proportioned silhouetteDropped shoulders to offer range of movementConsCollar stretches a bitYou’re going to need to wash the shirt a decent bit, so make it’s one that’ll stand up well to multiple rounds in the washer and dryer. Design director Martin Hoops likes this option from Gap. It’s got a pleasant heft and the perfectly proportioned structure.Sizes: XS-XXXLFabric details: 100% CottonProsGet a bunch of shirts for a super affordable priceConsThin material that shows pit stainsThe selling point with Gildan shirts is not that they will hide stains. They’re $3 per shirt, what do you expect? The selling point is that when they get pit stains—which is an inevitability with all of these—you can toss them out and start over.Sizes: Small-XXLFabric details: 100% CottonAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowConsOver $50 for just a t-shirtFilson’s known for making quality clothing for the Outdoor Guy, so naturally their tees are going to be made of some sturdy stuff. (Fair warning, this is the most expensive option on the list.)Sizes: XS-3XLFabric details: 100% premium Peruvian cotton jerseyProsSoft yet sturdyClassic and tall fit optionsConsDarker colors might fadeJ. Crew is known for the classics—rollneck sweaters, pants, and so much more. Their t-shirts are no exceptions. Reviewers especially love how it balances a soft feel with a durable construction.Sizes: XS-2XLFabric details: 70% cotton/30% recycled cottonAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsRegular and tall fit optionsConsCropped fit means it might not work for everyoneFor a slightly more adventurous fit, opt Abercrombie’s tee. The cropped fit adds a layer of breathability, while the heavyweight material helps hide any sweat.Sizes: XS-2XLFabric details: 100% cottonProsWide range of size optionsConsSkews more casualRuns long, so size downIf you like the idea of a workwear t-shirt like the Filson Outfitter Pocket tee, but haven’t got a Filson-friendly budget, fear not—Carhartt’s got you covered. Carthartt makes tons of Esquire faves, like the brand’s classic chore coat and comfy hoodie, and this t-shirt always makes the list.Sizes: XS-5XLFabric details: 100% cottonAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFrom a brand that prioritizes small-batch American manufacturingFlattering fit and ideal weightComes with two t-shirtsConsCost = almost $50 per teeDon’t let the sticker shock scare you off: this is one of the few t-shirts we’d actually tell you to spend over $50 on. In fact, commerce editor Luke Guillory touted that Imogene + Willie are “quietly making the best T-shirt on Earth.” The cotton used for these shirts is grown on a seventh-generation farm in Courtland, Alabama, and is spun at a third-generation family-owned mill in Thomasville, North Carolina. The result is a tee with a universally flattering fit with a neckline that won’t stretch out, and made from a material that’s an ideal middleweight—and it’s all made in an honest way.Sizes: XS-2XLFabric details: 100% American cottonWhy trust Esquire?We source each pick using a combination of editor recommendations, our own reporting and knowledge, and a deep familiarity with brands. Even if we haven’t tested a product first hand, each selection is backed by tons of research and background knowledge.