10 Plain T-Shirts Our Editors Never Travel Without
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If there's one clothing essential every capsule wardrobe and packing list needs, no matter the season or destination, it's a basic tee. The best plain T-shirts are soft and stretchy, look more polished than a pajama shirt, and offer that dreamy, lived-in feeling. Our editors agree: We always travel with at least one plain T-shirt in our carry-ons. And more often than not, that plain tee ends up being the hardest working piece of clothing in our suitcases. Whether you need a base layer for thick sweaters in the winter or something breathable to wear with denim shorts and flip flops in the summer, you can't go wrong with the same old T-shirt. As simple as these year-round staples may seem, not all are created equal. To help you discover your new favorite tee, we asked our editors to tell us which plain T-shirts they never travel without. Our go-to picks vary in silhouette, length, neckline, color, material, and price. Below, the plain T-shirts we seriously live in.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Levi's Iconic T-shirt
The OG basic outfit—in a good way—that never lets me down: a white tee and blue denim (jeans when it’s colder, shorts in the sun). And there’s nothing more classic American style than rocking a Levi’s tee. It’s made of 100 percent cotton and offers a standard fit, meaning it’s not oversized enough to envelop you, but it’s also not so tight-fitting. So, you can style it tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans or even wear under a sweater for an extra layer of warmth. My favorite subtle touch is the red Levi’s tab on the hip. —Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant
Wild Table Cap Sleeve Everybody T-shirt
I’ve been living in this $10 white T-shirt that I recently bought from Target. I immediately loved it so much that I went back a week later and snagged it in black, too. It’s so soft—I could comfortably wear it to bed (I don’t, but I could!). The thing I love about it more than other T-shirts I own is the raw hem on the sleeves. It’s not at all tight on my arms and it’s just the right length. The fit is slim enough that I can neatly tuck it into a pair of trousers for work, but there’s still a comfortable amount of stretch. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Buck Mason Slim Easy Crew
I own this T-shirt in a few different colors, and one gets packed on pretty much every trip I go on. They really hit all the marks: comfortable, lightweight but not too sheer, easy to tuck into pants or shorts. They’ve also held up well after dozens of washes without any discoloration or fading. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
Z Supply Modern Slub tee
I have at least four of these in my closet at the moment, and they’ve lasted well over five years in perfect condition. Each color is versatile, easy to dress up or dress down, and is a wardrobe staple in every season. They’re the perfect length to hide under a bulky or scratchy winter sweater, and slightly fitted just enough to look great on its own with a pair of jeans and a light cardigan thrown over your shoulders. Z Supply’s T-shirts, just like all of its other cozy essentials, are incredibly soft and comfortable, and, simply put, deserve multiple spots in your wardrobe. —Emily Adler, associate social media manager
Uniqlo cotton oversized T-shirt
I am at my truest, purest form when I wear a pair of comfy navy slacks from Uniqlo with its AIRism cotton oversized T-shirt in white. These shirts have enough weight to their fabric that they feel more substantial than your regular Hanes undershirt, and the neckline is a nice crewneck moment that makes it a worthy standalone piece. They’re also perfect for layering underneath, say, a denim jacket or a lightweight chore coat. Your mileage may vary with the half-sleeves, but I like to roll them up anyway for a little bit of that masculine flair (a flair I am told I desperately need). And if you want to expand beyond basic bright white, the shirt comes in an array of neutral-toned colors that have you covered throughout the workweek—and weekend. —Matt Ortile, associate editor
Anthropologie Pilco slim scoop-neck tee
This little white tee is very flattering. I’m a fan of the stretchy rib knit, which clings to you while minimizing flaws. More women should show off their clavicles! The scoop-neck on this style is great for that. This version comes in a variety of neutral colors, though I particularly like the white version. I also like the emphasis on the round neckline, which reminds me of baseball tees, another fave of mine. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Skims Cotton Jersey T-shirt
I’m a big fan of the cotton collection from Skims, and this cotton jersey T-shirt is no exception. It’s perfectly snug yet still comfortable. The silhouette slightly curves in on the sides, giving a more flattering shape than the classic straight, loose-fitting T-shirt. I wear this lounging around the house, as a layering piece, and even to work with a nice blazer. It’s available in all the staple colors—marble white, light heather gray, and black. —M.K.
Banana Republic Timeless 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 I can easily stash it in a tote bag or carry-on to change into later, along with my other lightweight essentials—like a hair clip, keys, and lip balm. The not-too-cropped length makes track pants look like a fashion choice rather than a comfort choice, plus it goes great with jeans. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
Vuori Energy Tee
Vuori makes some of the comfiest joggers and loungewear, so it’s no surprise this shirt became an instant favorite the first time I put it on. It has a great cut—slightly cropped, a little boxy—and the material is so soft and smooth against your skin. It’s lightweight, too, so you can wear it in the summer or layer it under a sweater in colder months. —M.F.
Calvin Klein Classic Fit cotton crewneck T-shirt
I keep it simple in my Calvins. The brand's crewneck T-shirts, sold in convenient packs of three, are masterful displays of restraint—subtlety is bliss. The cut and fit are perfect, easily tucked into any pair of pants for days when true outfit formulation is out of grasp. I have quite a few in every color, and they last. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
