16 Summer T-Shirts Our Editors Are Wearing All Season Long

There is no such thing as owning too many summer t-shirts. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that they’re the one wardrobe staple (except for maybe underwear) that it’s okay to go overboard investing in because you can wear them literally everywhere. Going to the gym? Throw a t-shirt on over your leggings and sports bra set. Off to the beach? Pair one with your favorite bikini and jean shorts. Headed to dinner? You can’t go wrong with a plain white crew neck and a mini skirt.

That said, choosing a favorite summer t-shirt is about as personal an endeavor as selecting a signature scent or a favorite pair of boyfriend jeans. We’ve all got our own individual taste and style, which means there’s (literally) no “one-size-fits-all.” The good news? You don’t have to limit your collection to just one—and there are so many different options out there that you won’t ever have to settle for anything less than perfect.

To help you decide which are worth snagging (and wearing again and again and again from now until Labor Day), we rounded up the 16 t-shirts our editors are living in this summer, from classic white to trendy tie-dye. Keep scrolling to shop them for yourself.

Best v-neck

Wknd/Nation — $44.00

This T was inspired by James Dean, and has effortless coolness that is hard for a shirt to have on its own. We give it extra stars for the fact that it’s ultra comfy and floats next to the body without ever feeling too baggy or too tight.

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee — $20.00

“I’ve been wearing Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tees for years…like the literal same tees, in multiple colors, for so many years,” says Alexis Berger, Well+Good’s lifestyle director. “Even though they’re pretty affordably priced, I never need to replace them. Breathable and lightweight, comfortably loose without being straight-up baggy, casual but not dumpy, they’re my perfect match. (Don’t tell my husband.)” This tee comes in navy, black, white, and grey, which means you’ve got all your basics covered.

Best gray

Michael Stars Jade Soft V-Neck Tee — $68.00

This exact gray t-shirt has been a part of my permanent collection for the better part of the past decade, and I can say with full confidence that it is the softest thing I’ve ever owned. It’s ultra-lightweight, which means that unlike most grey tees, it won’t show sweat.

Best relaxed fit

Universal Standard Tee Rex — $50.00

“I love Universal Standard tees ’cause the fit is always just right and they actually hold up in the wash, unlike some other brands,” says Samantha Leal, Well+Good’s editorial deputy editor. If you like your tees situated firmly between fitted and baggy, this relaxed-fit choice is your perfect pick.

Best striped

La Ligne US Navy Tee — $115.00

Embrace your inner sailor with this red, white, and blue striped number. It’s perfectly oversized for a relaxed fit, and the sleeves look just as cute cuffed as they do uncuffed which means you have the choice between wearing a short and long-sleeved version of the tee. What’s more? You can even add a monogram to give it an added personal touch.

Best for travel

Quince Cotton Modal Crew Neck Tee — $15.00

The best thing about this particular tee? You can shove it in your suitcase knowing that it will still be perfectly intact when it comes time to unpack. Quince’s cotton-modal blend white tee has the best fit (not tight, not too loose), and it’s wrinkle-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about busting out my ironing board,” says Well+Good’s senior commerce editor Gina Vaynshteyn.

“It has the perfect crew neck cut, and I can dress it up with a skirt, or down with some jeans—it’s as versatile as they come. Unlike most white tees that are super soft, this one actually holds up. I’ve thrown it in the wash (I’ve even bleached it after spilling tea on it) a dozen times already, and it’s still in perfect shape. I’m probably going to buy at least five more of these.”

Best tie-dye

Sancutary Tie-Dye Tee — $54.00

The tie-dye trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so you may as well hop on board. This pink-and-white top is equal parts subtle and statement-making, which means it’s great for both entry-level tie-dye wearers and aficionados alike.

Best cropped

Cotton Citizen The Tokyo Crop Tee — $90.00

“I’ve worn this t-shirt for about four years,” says Ali Finney, deputy editor, brand initiatives, adding that she’s replaced them multiple times so that she’s always got a fresh white one in her arsenal. “I like that it has a high neck and is a slight bit cropped so I can wear it with raw denim or a high-waist bike short.”

Best statement making

Stuzo Clothing She Bad Crop T-Shirt in Mauve — $44.00

Stuzo clothing’s line is filled with genderless, statement-making tees, and they’re all so cool it’s hard to choose just one. Peep the brand’s website for more options worth adding to your cart.

Best sleeveless

Tkees The Tank — $50.00

This breezy option toes the line between tee and tank and is perfect for avoiding sweat stains on even the hottest July days. “I haven’t ever gone for a sleeveless tee in the past, but WFH in the brutal summer heat in NYC had me rethinking that,” says Finney. I like this option because of the neckline and because it’s easy to wear different ways and with different sports bras to stay cool 24/7.” It comes in all of your favorite neutrals—including five different shades of nude—so you can snag one to wear every day of the week.

Best boyfriend-style

Aviator Nation Smile Embroidered Boyfriend T-Shirt — $83.00

Senior food editor Betty Gold calls Aviator Nation’s tees “the softest [she’s] ever worn.” This one is slightly cropped with a slouchy, boyfriend-style fit, and its smiley applique is nothing short of adorable.

Best long sleeve

Lululemon Back In Action Long Sleeve Shirt — $58.00

If you’re going to wear long sleeves in the summer, you’ll want to be sure they’re lightweight. This Lululemon tee fits the bill and is perfect for tossing on after a workout or cozying up in on a chilly night around a beach bonfire.

Best black

Everlane The Organic Box-Cut Tee — $18.00

The classic white t-shirt gets all the credit, but IMHO every wardrobe needs a classic black tee, too. This one is perfectly boxy and ultra-dark, and you can choose between styles with or without a pocket. Plus, I’ve been wearing my Everlane black tee for three years, and it has yet to fade, which is a major check in the pro column.

Best under $10

Hanes Men's 3-Pack Tagless Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts — $10.00

The perfect white t-shirt doesn’t have to cost a half month’s rent. Hanes’ classic cotton crew necks are a fashion-editor-favorite thanks to the fact that they’re structured and cut at the perfect length, and, ya know, only cost $3 apiece.

Best graphic tee

Unfortunate Portrait Haute Yoga Tee — $78.00

What do you get when you mix yoga and fashion puns? A t-shirt you’ll want to wear all summer long.

Best for working out

Outdoor Voices All Day Short Sleeve — $58.00

Made from OV’s cult-fave cloud knit formula, this sweat-wicking tee will keep you cool and dry throughout even your sweatiest summer runs. It comes in five colors, which means you can stock up and wear a different one for every workout of the week.

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