The basic T-shirt is the heart of any wardrobe. It is the most democratic, versatile and fundamental garment there is. And, paradoxically, finding a really good one is one of the most difficult missions in the fashion world. We’ve all experienced the disappointment of a new T-shirt that shrinks in the first wash, warps at the collar or becomes transparent against the light.

This cycle of buy, use little and throw away is the driving force behind fast fashion, a system that has a very high environmental cost: the production of a single cotton T-shirt can require up to 2,700 litres of water. This is why choosing a good quality basic T-shirt is not just a style decision, it is an act of conscious consumption.

Putting an end to the search for the perfect t-shirt is possible. We’ve researched and tested to bring you a definitive guide on what to look for in a premium t-shirt and, most importantly, the best brands of basic T-shirts that are truly worthwhile in terms of quality, durability and commitment.

 

What Turns a Basic T-Shirt into a Garment “Premium” ?

Before talking about brands, you need to be able to identify quality for yourself. There are two key factors that separate a mediocre T-shirt from an exceptional one.

The Fabric: Grammage and Cotton Type

The fabric is 90% of the T-shirt. This is where the difference is noticeable.

• El Gramaje: This is the key to avoid transparencies. The grammage (measured in g/m² or GSM) indicates the weight and density of the fabric. A quality T-shirt should have, as a minimum, a 180 g/m² grammage. The heavy cotton T-shirtsThe fabrics, weighing over 220 g/m², have a spectacular drape and a durability that will stand the test of time.
• The Type of Cotton: Not all cotton is born equal. The Pima cotton T-shirts or Supima (a variety of Pima grown in the USA) have extra-long fibres, resulting in an incredibly soft, strong and less pilling-prone fabric. The organic cottonThe company, for its part, guarantees sustainable cultivation without the use of pesticides.

The Tailoring: Collar, Shoulders and Seams

A good fabric badly sewn is a lost opportunity. Take a look at these details:

• The Neck: The round neck is the weakest point. On a good T-shirt, the ribbed collar (or rib) will be thick and elastic. If you stretch it gently, it should return to its original shape without curling.
• The Seams: They should be dense, uniform and free of loose threads. An extra sign of quality is a reinforcement seam at the shoulders and back of the neck, which helps the T-shirt to keep its structure wash after wash. These are the non-deforming T-shirt brands.

The Verdict: 4 Basic T-Shirt Brands Worth Your Investment in 2025

We have selected four brands, from more premium and sustainable options to the best value for money, so you can find your perfect t-shirt.

1.     ASKET: The Temple of Transparency and Perfect Fitting

If you hate the idea of seasons and are looking for a garment for a lifetime, ASKET is your brand. This Swedish brand is based on a permanent collection of timeless basics.

• Why we love it: His obsession with fitting. They offer 15 sizes (combining the standard S-XL size with three different lengths: short, regular and long). Their T-shirts, in extra-long staple Egyptian cotton or heavyweight cotton, are a work of engineering. They also offer full transparency about their costs and production chain.
• Ideal for: Those who value perfect fit and want to invest in a garment with full traceability.

2.     Colorful Standard: The Sustainable Rainbow Made in Europe

This Danish brand proves that basics don’t have to be boring. They offer a palette of over 50 vibrant colours, all created with environmentally friendly dyes.

• Why we love it: Their commitment. All its garments are made of 100% organic cottonThey are pre-washed so they don’t shrink, and are ethically manufactured in their own facilities in Portugal. They are some of the best sustainable t-shirt brands with incredible aesthetics.
• Ideal for: Those looking for colour, quality and a strong ethical and environmental commitment.

3.     Minimalism Brand: Quality and Consciousness with a Spanish Label

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Supporting local brands that do well is essential. Minimalism Brand is a Spanish company that was born with the aim of creating durable basic clothing and with minimum impact.

• Why we love it: Their honesty and their materials. They use GOTS certified organic cotton and other sustainable fibres. Their T-shirts have an excellent grammage and a very careful pattern. It is one of the brands of T-shirts made in Spain leading the shift towards a more conscious fashion.
• Ideal for: Those who want to support local trade and are looking for high quality basics with a sustainable philosophy.

4.     Uniqlo: The Best Value for Money to Get Started

Uniqlo has earned its reputation. Although it is a fashion giant, the quality of its basics is undeniable, especially in its Supima cotton line.

• Why we love it: It is the perfect gateway to quality T-shirts. Their Supima cotton T-shirt is soft, durable and very competitively priced, making it one of the best quality T-shirts on the market. best value for money white T-shirts of 2025. It is the best alternative to Uniqlo Supima… well, it’s hard to find.
• Ideal for: Those who want to improve the quality of their basics without making a large initial investment.

Your Quick Buy Checklist

• Read the label: Search “100% Algodón Pima/Supima/Orgánico” .
• Feel the weight: Must be full-bodied, not flimsy. Aim for +180 g/m².
• Stretch your neck: Good sign!
• Inspect the seams: Look for density and uniformity.

 

The search for the perfect t-shirt ends when you stop seeing it as a disposable basic and start seeing it for what it is: the foundation of your style. Investing in quality will not only give you better looking and more comfortable clothes, it will allow you to build a smarter, longer lasting and ultimately more sustainable wardrobe.

Now you have the knowledge and the brands. The next time you need a t-shirt, you’ll know exactly what to look for to make a purchase you’ll be proud of for years to come.

What is your favourite basic T-shirt brand, and is there one we should add to the list? Leave us your recommendation in the comments box below! Serguei!

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