The Best Plain T-Shirts That Will Match Everything in Your Suitcase
A good packing list should start with the basics—and that always includes a solid T-shirt or two. The best plain T-shirts fit well, go with everything in your suitcase, and don't lose shape or show wear quickly. They can be hard to find, and once you land on the right one, you'll want to stock up. We polled Condé Nast Traveler editors to find out where they buy their go-to tees. Read on for 12 of our favorite basic T-shirts, from boxy Everlane tees to cropped styles from Buck Mason and a classic Hanes option.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Imogene + Willie The Drop Tee
From a small, Nashville-based brand, these USA-made 100 percent cotton shirts come in a bunch of solids. They're the softest shirts I own with the most perfect crop, which means I don't have to tuck it in, but there's just enough fabric for me to do so if I want to. I'm a big, big fan. I have this shirt in black and white and am eyeing other options. —Meredith Carey, travel bookings editor
Kowtow Classic Tee
Buck Mason Pima Cropped Easy Crew
Buck Mason started as a menswear line, but recently added a handful of T-shirts designed for women, and they’ve quickly become a favorite of mine. The cropped styles hit at just the right length—they’re not too short—and the fabric is super lightweight, making it ideal for summer and also easy to roll tightly and slip into a suitcase. —Madison Flager, commerce editor
Entireworld Recycled Cotton Boy T
Entireworld—a Traveler favorite for its comfy sweatsuits—makes another one of my best plain T-shirts; made of recycled cotton jersey, it feels comfy and worn-in right away, and the front pocket gives it just a little flair. —M.F.
&Other Stories Organic Cotton T-Shirt
The day before a trip, I impulsively grabbed a fresh white tee at &Other Stories (where I usually shop for bold-print maxi dresses, colorful knit sweaters, and generally more exciting items), and it turned out to be an instant classic in my wardrobe. The organic cotton is so soft I can (and do) sleep in it on long flights, and the shape—the happy medium between slouchy and form-fitting—works with everything from jeans to the night-out skirts that I got into &Other Stories to buy to begin with. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
Banana Republic Organic Pocket Boxy T-Shirt
I reach for this soft box tee from Banana Republic, which I have in three colors, whenever I’m gearing up for hours of travel or a long drive. It’s flowy without being baggy, and has a breast pocket to stash anything small I need on-hand—usually a hair clip, keys, or lip balm. The not-too-cropped length makes track pants look like a fashion choice rather than a comfort choice, plus it pairs great with jeans. —Shannon McMahon, city guides editor
Eileen Fisher Fine Jersey Crew Neck Tee
My wardrobe these days could easily be mistaken for a rack at an Eileen Fisher store. That’s because the matriarch of sustainable fashion has a knack for making basics feel like they’ve had an upgrade. Her organic slub tees have sleeves that run long to the elbows and, like so many of her pieces, a forgiving loose fit. The cut that accounts for the other half of my T-shirt stock is her fuller fine jersey crew neck, which kind of looks like a boyfriend’s tee designed with the girlfriend in mind. —Erin Florio, travel news director
Michael Stars Fallon Shine Tee
Years ago, I picked up my first Michael Stars T-shirt on a whim, and I've never looked back. This is the brand I go to for soft, comfortable tees that can either be casual or dressed up. Long-sleeve, V-neck—you name it, I've got it. I especially like that the shirts are lightweight and move, but also give you some shape. You can't go wrong with any of the models, but I like the hint of glitz you get from the ‘Shine’ line. —Corina Quinn, city guides director
James Perse Vintage Little Boy Tee
A few years ago, I discovered the magic of the James Perse line of T-shirts. I was always skeptical of die-hard fans of this line, but now I'm a convert. The cotton is magic; the silhouettes are flattering; and the shirts do manage to be cool and comfortable yet make you look pulled together. They're worth the admittedly higher price tag. —C.Q.
V Room Melange DBL Face V-Neck T-Shirt
I seem to gravitate toward extremes in my T-shirt purchasing. On the one hand, a good V::Room tee will set you back at least $100, which is tough to swallow, but I’ve had shirts from them that have lasted 15 years and have only gotten better over time. They’re beautifully cut, so soft (I like the cashmere/cotton blends), and extremely lightweight, which is great when you’re hand washing and drying your clothes in a hotel bathroom. —Rebecca Misner, west coast editor
Hanes Big Boys' Essentials Short Sleeve T-Shirt pack
I love an out-of-the-box, bright white T-shirt, which of course only looks like that for about a week post-purchase. I like to buy boys Hanes T-shirts before a trip. The boys large fits like a women's small, the boys extra-large like a women’s medium—a bit tight, slim, and the sleeves are nice and short. And you can buy a three-pack at Target or on Amazon for about $15, one of the last true deals. They’re great on their own or layered and you don’t have to sweat it if they take a hit on your trip. —R.M.
