With winter winding down and summer fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to update your wardrobe items of yesteryear. Sure, the entirety of yourshort-sleeved collectiondoesn’t have to meet its untimely demise, but there’s one summertime staple, in particular, that you should think about mulling over. In comes the V-Neck – a versatile staple shirt. Whether you’re adopting the V-Neck for layering purposes, using it to accent a grander ensemble, or wearing it alone, this lightweight essential is the perfect way to kick off the summer in style. Below, we’ve outlined the best v-necks from brands we know and trust, so that you don’t have to do the job of finding them on your own.
Best V-Necks Breakdown
Everlane The Essential Organic V-Neck Tee
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American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee
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Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck
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Mack Weldon Silver V-Neck
Vuori Strato Tech V-Neck
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Article Overview
- Best V-Necks Breakdown
- How We Tested
- What to Look For
- Everlane The Essential Organic V-Neck Tee
- American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee
- Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck
- Mack Weldon Silver V-Neck
- Vuori Strato Tech V-Neck
- Sunspel Riviera Midweight V‑neck T‑shirt
- V-Neck Comparision Chart
- History of the V-neck Shirt
- Honorable Mentions
- Tested: The Best Basics T-Shirts for Men
How We Tested
Simply put, there are a LOT of v-neck options out there. However, for this guide, we’ve focused on finding our favorites, starting out with mostly boutique brands that offer premium construction methods and materials. We looked at fit type, materials, stitching, and overall design aesthetic before making our shortlist for testing.
After sourcing our units for testing, we spent a considerable amount of time with each v-neck, looking specifically at fit and feel. We observed if each shirt was true to size, how long (or short) the hems were cut, and how the seams fell on our shoulders. Other attributes we looked at were sleeve length, fabric softness, thickness, and overall feel. We also made a note to see how well or poorly a given tee was flattering on our bodies.
Measurements: Standing at 6’0″ I’m of a broader, wider stature and naturally prefer a more relaxed fit. However, for classic or tailored fits, I prefer something that doesn’t cling as much in the stomach area. Likewise, I prefer sleeves that fall either halfway down my upper arm or all the way to my elbow. I’m typically a size XL, as are most of the shirts below. For anything different, I’ll let you know.
What to Look For
Material: Since the v-neck has become somewhat of a hybrid between an undershirt and a main piece, the material used can vary, along with the expected utility from the user. That usually means natural fiber (like cotton or linen) is best because of its breathability and comfort. But if you’re looking for something with a more athletic slant including synthetic fiber, then there are certainly options. For instance, if you’re looking for something in the activewear space, you’ll see a lot of synthetic or wool materials, preferable for their breathability and comfort. However, higher-quality cotton can have these attributes too, among other things.
Fit: Fit will come down to personal preference, and will balance subjectivity and objectivity. A good fit can make or break a shirt. However, it’s up to you to decide those parameters. If you like a baggier fit, you’ll look at oversized tees, while other people may have a strong aversion to these types. Most shirts have varying seams, hems, collars, and pre-washes, so you may need to experiment a few times before you find the right fit if you’re not sure (or visit a tailor). A shirt’s fit also intersects with style, so being confident about yours certainly helps narrow things down.
Everlane The Essential Organic V-Neck Tee
Pros
- Great lengths in hem and sleeves
- Flattering
- Clings in the right spots
- Really affordable
Cons
- Shoulder seams point
- Slim fit won’t be for everyone
Best Starter V-Neck: Founded in 2010, Everlane has grown to become one of our favorite athleisure brands in the space. The San Francisco-based boutique label is still not as well known as its contemporaries but it certainly should be. Imbuing fantastic quality into each of its activewear designs, its products focus mainly on minimalistic, contemporary styles but with an elevated look and feel. Made from 100% organic cotton, The Essential Organic V-Neck is sustainably made but feels even better than your non-organic alternatives.
The Good
Despite the claim that The Essential Organic V-Neck is “slim” in fit, I found the XL size to be remarkably form-fitting. While this shirt is admittedly clingy on the body, which made me think there was some sort of wool or synthetic in the material blend, it’s incredibly flattering on my stocky body. Despite being rather thin, the cotton fabric feels highly durable and pleasantly soft.
The length here was pretty perfect all around, from the hem, which fell at the right spot to the sleeves which went almost exactly halfway down my upper arm. Likewise, the sleeve cuffs had a nice wrap around my bicep, which never looked sloppy and allowed me to wear an overshirt over the tee without it being uncomfortable. Lastly, I loved how the v-neck itself wasn’t too aggressive but was there to add that extra level of style. It’s also important to note the highly affordable $30 price tag. But even better, if you buy two, you get a third shirt for free!
The Not So Good
My biggest complaint with the Everlane V-Neck is the shoulder seams, which come to an annoying point, making each side stick out a bit when I drop my arms. I should also note that just because this slim fit worked for me, others might not find this to be the case. If you’re stomach sticks out farther than your chest, you might find it clinging differently.
Verdict: We didn’t have much to complain about the Everlane V-Neck, aside from the pointy shoulders. On the other hand, we absolutely loved the soft, durable fabric, the affordable price tag, and the slimming fit –– despite it literally being a “slim” fit.
Material: 100% organic cotton
Fit: Slim
Color Options: 9
American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee
Pros
- Made in California
- Durable
- Soft without looking soft
- Good V design
Cons
- Baggy sleeves
- Shoulder seams are low
- Not a lot of color options
Best USA-Made V-Neck: American Giant has become a household name within the menswear community over the past decade. As such, its dedicated approach toward everyday essentials has become even more well-noted, shown here through the company’s Classic V-Neck Tee. This subtle, but streamlined option boasts a classic jersey silhouette, a comfortable ribbed v-neck collar, and interior neck taping to promote near-seamless transitions from its neck to its shoulders. Better yet, its durable construction is reinforced by double-needle straddle-stitching to keep give it some extra oomph when it comes to quality.
The Good
In terms of the design of the American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee, the v-neck itself was in an optimal spot, falling right below my collarbone. This will be a happy medium for those who like lower vees and those who like higher vees. The shirt was highly flattering on my larger frame, even making me look slimmer than I am, all while accentuating the chest and shoulder areas.
Construction quality is top-notch here as well, especially considering the fair price. I loved how it wasn’t trying anything unorthodox with the texturing; this felt like a classic shirt. However, up close, it’s clear that the material was a bit more durable than lesser options. Soft shirts often look like they’re softer, but this one looks rather traditional.
The Not So Good
The thing that stood out the most with the American Giant V-Neck were the sleeves, which were a bit baggier than I liked. They fell about two-thirds down my upper arm but were also too roomy. I prefer a tighter fit there. Also, the shoulder seams were a bit low, beneath my shoulders, only adding to the slightly sloppier look. At the time of writing this, there are also only three color options, which isn’t ideal for those wanting to deck out their wardrobe with v-necks.
Verdict: At the risk of looking sloppy, the sleeves and shoulders are a bit looser than we’d hoped. However, the American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee is a solid option for its construction quality, v-neck design, and fit. We loved how flattering this looked on our torsos despite the extra material at the shoulders and sleeves.
Material: 100% cotton
Fit: Regular
Color Options: 3
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck
Pros
- Fits perfectly with a slimming design
- Grown and made in the USA
- High V design
- Curved hem adds dimension to silhouette
Cons
- Inner tag can be irritating
- Only 3 color options
Best Slub V-Neck: Buck Mason’s Slub Curved Hem V-Neck brings the company’s heritage aesthetic into the realm of unassuming basics. Like its more complex offerings, thissimplistic garmentboasts a tasteful construction (and design) that makes it an instant classic, including a comfortable, but durable 100% slub cotton fabric, textured ridges, and loose styling that’s meant to deviate from the industry’s traditional offerings. If you still question Buck Mason’s devotion to breaking the norm, the USA-made garment also boasts a “v” that’s half an inch higher than any other v-neck on the market, giving it a firm leg to stand on when it comes to uniqueness.
The Good
As expected, I was impressed with the higher vee collar on the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck, however simple it was (like, couldn’t anyone achieve this feat?). The rest of the seams fall at a good spot as well. However, my favorite part about the shirt was the fit. This classic-fit tee had an amazing fall to the fabric. It was the shirt I wore the most out of the options on this list, simply for how well it agreed with my frame, seeming to flatter every aspect of my body. I especially loved how it followed the curve of my back, preventing it from being too boxy.
The sleeves, while not necessarily tight, aren’t too loose either. They fell a little below halfway down my upper arm. Likewise, the curved hem at the bottom was a winner. I felt like it created some sort of extra dimension to the overall aesthetic of the silhouette that really worked on heftier builds.
The Not So Good
There’s not a lot to complain about this Buck Mason V-Neck. However, I wish there were more color options on the brand’s website. As of right now, there are only three listed, with only one “core color” option: black. It’s also important to mention that the tag here was a little high up on the inside and irritated my skin every so often.
Verdict: Despite having only three color options, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck is one of our favorite choices for its optimal, flattering fit, its balanced sleeves, and its unique construction, featuring a higher-than-average vee collar and a curved hem, which adds nuance to the overall silhouette. However, the inside tag can be a bit itchy, so keep that in mind.
Material: 100% slub cotton
Fit: Classic
Color Options: 3
Mack Weldon Silver V-Neck
Pros
- Great for working out but also versatile
- Soft and lightweight
- Stretchy
- Clingy sleeves are adjustable
Cons
- Might be a narrow fit on some
- Runs small
Best Anti-Microbial V-Neck: Mack Weldon prides itself on the creation of man’s most vital clothing, and now, they’ve stepped into the realm of modern style with the Silver V-Neck. This stylish offering is crafted from a premium Supima Cotton, Polyester, and Lycra blend, giving it a comfortable composition that makes all-day wear a breeze. But it’s the shirt’santimicrobial qualitiesthat make it stand out from the rest, helping it foster the approval of travelers, businessmen, and individuals who like to go a bit longer than necessary between washes.
The Good
If you’re looking for a v-neck shirt for the gym or playing sports, this Silver V-Neck from Mack Weldon is a good option. Containing more than just cotton –– which is highly lightweight –– the shirt has polyester for durability and lightweightness, with a dose of Lycra added for stretch. This is a workout shirt through and through, however, it can also do well in other situations, as long as it fits (it runs a tad small). You could easily wear this to the office and transition to the gym afterward with no hiccup.
The vee collar is fairly average in look, with a more traditional design. Moreover, the sleeves, while a bit long, are clingy enough not to get in the way when you’re moving around. Likewise, they can easily be adjusted and pushed upwards if that’s more comfortable for you.
The Not So Good
Admittedly, this shirt is slim in fit, but it was highly clingy to my body. I’m a husky individual and this hugged me too much. However, if you’re well-built it could be flattering. Likewise, skinny people won’t have a problem with the fit. Nevertheless, this still feels a bit narrow for the size. Compared to the slim-fit Everlane shirt, which still fit me fine, this XL fits more like a size large. Luckily, the material will stretch a bit over the course of the day if you like something a bit looser. On the other hand, the shirt is also pretty long.
Verdict: Tight and clingy, this slim-fit Mack Weldon Silver V-Neck won’t be for everyone but it’s still a solid lightweight, stretchy option for working out. It’s stylish enough to wear to the office and can transition just fine for the gym. We loved the adjustable sleeves, the moderate vee collar, and the soft material. However, we did notice it ran slightly small, so perhaps go a size up if you don’t want it to show all your curves.
Material: 85% Supima cotton, 10% Ionic polyester, and 5% Lycra
Fit: Slim
Color Options: 4
Vuori Strato Tech V-Neck
Pros
- Polyester construction makes it really durable and lightweight
- Stretchy
- Not too tight, not too loose
- Good hem length for working out
Cons
- Tag is annoying
- Sleeves are a bit too loose
Best Performance V-Neck: Another California-based boutique brand, Vuori has become one of the most respected brands in the athleisure space despite only launching in 2015. Striking a solid balance of comfort and utility, the label’s performance apparel always knows how to impress, from its range of surfing, fitness, and everyday attire. Each piece sports a casual yet elevated style, helping redefine what performance wear can be. While also looking fantastic, this Strato Tech V-Neck is made from 96% polyester and 4% elastane, making this the only non-cotton option in this guide.
The Good
If you thought the Mack Weldon was a good workout shirt, this Vuori takes the cake. While the Mack Weldon is better for work-to-gym situations, this Vuori is a straight performance v-neck. This is a large part because of its polyester fabric for durability and lightweightness. It contains 0% cotton, while also providing you with some elastane for stretch. The fabric is also surprisingly soft for not having any cotton in it.
For an XL, the shirt fits really well and has plenty of room for movement without being loose. It clings just enough so that you’re not working with a ton of extra material. While the hem is a bit longer than I’d like for everyday wear, it was a good length for working out. It didn’t ride up when I was lying down or stretching above my head.
The Not So Good
Simply put, you’re going to have to cut the tag off this shirt. It’s so long and scratchy and continuously comes out of the collar that it’s insanely annoying. In terms of fit, I wish the sleeves were a bit shorter. As it stands, they’re pretty long, falling two-thirds of the way down my upper arm. But even still, they are a bit too loose for a workout shirt. I wish they clung to my arm a bit better, regardless of length. I also noticed that the fit was a bit more amorphous than I’d hoped for being such a form-fitting shirt. It didn’t really establish any real shape on my body.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a superb workout v-neck with a solid balance of roominess and clinginess, the Vuori Strato Tech V-Neck should be highly considered. We didn’t love the annoying tag up top, nor did we particularly love the look of the shirt on our bodies, but when it comes to aiding your movement at the gym or pounding the pavement, this is a great shirt.
Material: 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
Fit: Athletic
Color Options: 4
Sunspel Riviera Midweight V‑neck T‑shirt
Pros
- Looks better than any on this list, regardless of body type
- Incredibly comfortable and soft
- Durable
- Sleeves seem to adapt to body
Cons
- Expensive
Best Premium V-Neck: While Sunspel is the company often credited with creating the first white t-shirt, it’s the U.K.-based clothier’s Riviera Midweight V-Neck that we’ve chosen for this guide, proving that it can really do no wrong in the t-shirt department. Famously worn by Daniel Craig’s James Bond in Casino Royale (along with Sunspel’s crew neck tees), this v-neck is made from 100% Supima cotton, a premium brand of cotton grown in the U.S. and known for its extra-long cotton fibers. If you have the money, there’s no other premium v-neck to consider here.
The Good
As most of you know, white shirts can either accentuate your physical assets or exploit your lack thereof. However, the Sunspel Riviera was surprisingly attractive from a fit perspective, hugging me in the right areas without making me look like I’d gained a few extra pounds. Also, it was highly slimming, especially for a white shirt. I loved the sleeves, which dropped a bit lower than I would have normally wanted, but they weren’t saggy or too clingy. They fell really well and didn’t stretch out with repeated wear. As for the sleeves, they naturally fall right below the halfway point on your bicep but also seem to adapt to your body, attractively climbing (not bunching) up your arm when you’re active while dropping naturally without ever being too loose.
While other brands utilize Supima cotton, Sunspel just does so even better. This shirt is not only incredibly soft and surprisingly durable but it just feels more high-end than the competition –– if you can even call it that.
The Not So Good
In terms of look, fit, and construction, there won’t be any complaints about the Sunspel Riviera V-Neck. However, the nearly-$100 price tag is quite a lofty amount. I will say, this shirt looks far better than any I tested but there’s a good chance you’ll ‘have to justify pulling the trigger on this one. Also, there are only 3 color options available, but most people are going to want to stick with the iconic white option here.
Verdict: Looking and feeling better than any other shirt in this guide, the Sunspel Riviera Midweight V-Neck is worth every bit of its $95 price tag –– that is, if you can afford it. We loved how it flattered the body and was effortlessly comfortable. Moreover, the sleeves fell perfectly and even seemed to adapt to the body in height.
Material: 100% Supima cotton
Fit: Regular
Color Options: 3
V-Neck Comparision Chart
V-Neck | Material | Fit | Color Options |
---|---|---|---|
Everlane The Essential Organic V-Neck Tee | 100% organic cotton | Slim | 9 |
American Giant Classic V-Neck Tee | 100% cotton | Regular | 3 |
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem V-Neck | 100% slub cotton | Classic | 3 |
Mack Weldon Silver V-Neck | 85% Supima cotton, 10% Ionic polyester, and 5% Lycra | Slim | 4 |
Vuori Strato Tech V-Neck | 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane | Athletic | 4 |
Sunspel Riviera Midweight V‑neck T‑shirt | 100% Supima cotton | Regular | 3 |
History of the V-neck Shirt
The V-Neck is a simple but stylish garment that’s helped to round out many a man’s arsenal since it was introduced in the 1960s, but today, it’s become even more well-known as a do-it-all tee that you can use with virtually any outfit. Originally designed to be an undershirt (with the famous v-collar meant to withstand wear from adding and removing layers), the garment has had a few moments in the sun over the years, especially in America. The ’60s saw a post-war boom in fashion, with the v-neck being a popular staple. And the last decade (although it’s cooling off now) was a notably popular time for the shirt.
Honorable Mentions
Los Angeles Apparel takes pride in its American-made manufacturing process, and with menswear essentials like the Fine Jersey V-Neck adorning its shelves, it’s no wonder why the company has fostered such a devout following. This NAFTA-compliant garment is a fantastic budget option worth your consideration.
prAna’s V-Neck Tee is a testament to a simple design, channeling attributes and characteristics from the industry’s finest proprietors, and elaborating upon them to create something special. This basic offering boasts an organic cotton/recycled polyester construction, lightweight jersey design, comfortable standard fit, and Fair Trade-certified manufacturing practices to keep it conscious.
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then the James Perse Luxe Lotus Jersey V Neck is worth a look. This Japanese-made shirt has a cotton blend spun in a way that gives it a satin-like feel, making it extra soft. And the clean hems and simple v-neck collar make this a subtle yet elegant choice for a shirt. On the other hand, it’s $165, so…
Tested: The Best Basics T-Shirts for Men
Looking for some more shirt options? Check out our recent guide to the best basics t-shirts for men, where we tested our favorites.