There are many pieces that cruise through the trend cycle every season, have their moment, and ultimately fall off the map (ahem, paint-on skinny jeans). But despite the ever-changing fashion industry, the short sleeve black t-shirt always remains constant — that’s why they call it a staple, ya know? And given its classic, never-going-out-of-style nature, just about every brand under the sun has laid claim to a “perfect” iteration of the timeless top.
But to really uncover the actual best black tees out there, diving deep into consumer comments is often the best bet. So for this installment of Hype Machine , we did just that, and found vetted options from fellow shoppers that reviewed T-shirts based on supreme quality, fabric, and shape. Ahead, you’ll find the crème de la crème of black tops that will not only become mainstays in your wardrobe, but are guaranteed to fit your style to — a tee . (!)
Welcome to Hype Machine , our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors. Reviews have been edited for spelling and grammatical accuracy only.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tee
The Black Silk T-Shirt
This chic option by Quince features a keyhole opening detail on the back, a subtle curved hem, and is made from luxe Mulberry silk.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 228 reviews on Quince
What They’re Saying: “Lovely dressy version of a T-shirt. This piece looks polished, refined, and pricey but still has a casual style and a good price point. Love it!” – Kristy K., Quince Review
Shop Quince
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tee, $, available at Quince
Parade Summer Crop Tee
The Semi-Sheer Black T-Shirt Ideal for your glamorous off-duty life, this slightly cropped, semi-sheer T-shirt that’s made from an extra soft silky mesh material is a hit amongst reviewers.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars on Parade
What They’re Saying: “I love this crop tee!!! I have it in almost every color and it is perfect for a capsule collection wardrobe! Can wear it 1000 different ways – so comfortable and flattering. ” – Mik, Parade Review
Shop Parade
Parade Summer Crop Tee, $, available at Parade
Vuori Feather Tee
The Relaxed Tee
As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features an oversized fit, slouchy sleeves, and is made with a comfy performance stretch material.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 45 reviews on Vuori
What They’re Saying: “In warm weather, this is perfect on its own, and in cold weather, it’s a great base layer. I personally prefer relaxed fit clothing for work outs and while this is definitely an oversized fit compared to my halo hoodie, it’s not so huge that I’m drowning in it.” – Rebecca H., Vuori Review
Shop Vuori
Vuori Feather Tee, $, available at Vuori
Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee
The Boxy, Cropped Black T-Shirt If you’re going for that live-in look, Everlane’s boxy T-shirt is for you. The best part is it actually will get softer and more relaxed as you wash it thanks to the organic cotton fabric.
The Hype : 4.63 out of 5 stars and 763 reviews on Everlane
What They’re Saying: “This is my favorite shirt. I’ve worn it twice this week, you could say I’m a little obsessed. Perfect cut, a little cropped but long enough to just cover pants without looking baggy. And it’s so soft. Get one! Or three!” – abcb1233, Everlane Review
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee, $, available at Everlane
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short Sleeve Tee
The “Forever Fresh” Black T-Shirt
Most of the positive reviews for this Uniqlo U crew-neck tee mention that the thick fabric stays structured and doesn’t lose its shape.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 40 reviews on Uniqlo
What They’re Saying: “I ordered three of these shirts and will be ordering more soon. These hold up incredibly well to washing and seem to magically avoid getting wrinkles. I’d recommend sizing up by one size if you want your shirt to fit the way it is in the pictures because they are definitely true to size.” – MegWal, Uniqlo Review
Shop Uniqlo
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo
James Perse Little Boy Tee
The Investment Black T-Shirt This tee is made from 100% cotton and has a slightly loose fit, making it an investment t-shirt that is just the right balance of cool and classic.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 46 reviews on Revolve
What They’re Saying: “I wish there were more stars to give! This shirt is my favorite T-shirt ever. It’s soft and a quality material.” – Anonymous, Revolve Review
Shop James Perse
James Perse Little Boy Tee, $, available at Revolve
BDG Baby Beach Tee
The Extra-Cropped Black T-Shirt
This retro extra shrunken-fit baby tee has unique contrast stitching detail and comes in five colorways.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 11 reviews on Urban Outfitters
What They’re Saying: “A snug fitting top that is really nice for throwing together a cute quick outfit!” — Laur920, UO Review
Shop Urban Outfitters
BDG Beach Baby Tee, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Universal Standard Bella Boatneck Tee
The Size-Inclusive Black T-Shirt
For a little extra coverage and a sophisticated silhouette, Universal Standard’s must-have tee features a slightly longer length sleeve, slinky fabric, and comes in an extensive range of sizes.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 Stars and 52 reviews on Universal Standard
What They’re Saying: “Nice sleeve length and long body are very flattering. Fits comfortably enough to go from work to lounge, with dress pants or jeans. Love it! I got a couple colors!” – Jamie L., Universal Standard Review
Shop Universal Standard
Universal Standard Bella Boatneck Tee, $, available at Universal Standard
Amazon Essential Black Crew Neck Tee (Two Pack)
The Made-For-Customers Black T-Shirt
Amazon started with customer reviews and feedback to create their wardrobe essentials line, so it’s no surprise that most of the pieces in the offering are best-sellers — like this classic black T-shirt that’s comfortable and soft.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 34,995 reviews on Amazon
What They’re Saying: “I absolutely love them. I had read a lot of reviews, but I was still genuinely surprised at the quality of the material as soon as I opened the package. The material has some weight to it — doesn’t feel cheap, thin or flimsy at all, and is soft to the touch.” – Vi, Amazon Review
Shop Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials 2-Pack Short-Sleeve Crewneck Solid T-Shirt, $, available at Amazon
Richer Poorer Cropped Pima Boxy Crop Tee
The Cropped Pocket Black T-Shirt Keep it cool with an A+ pocket tee that has everything you want — just the right crop, 100% cotton fabric, a scoop neckline, just-long-enough sleeves, and a classic pocket.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 Stars and 206 reviews on Richer Poorer
What They’re Saying: “Most crop tops are still really revealing but these go well with all my usual high-waisted bottoms. They’re soft and the colors are crisp. I bought 5 because I wanted quality plain colored shirts and I’m really happy with them. Washing them didn’t destroy the color either, which I was worried about.” – Vennessa, Richer Poorer Review
Shop Richer Poorer
Richer Poorer Pima Boxy Crop Tee, $, available at Richer Poorer
A New Day Short-Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirt
The Perfect Plus-Size Black T-Shirt Featuring a lightweight cotton blend and a ribbed texture, this is the tee you can dress up with a skirt and jacket or down with jeans. You’ll live in it.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 113 reviews on Target
What They’re Saying: “This shirt is fitted, yet stretchy. It has a very flattering cut. You can tuck it in, tie a side knot or leave it untucked. It looks cute in every way.” – Anonymous, Target Review
Shop Target
A New Day Short Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirt, $, available at Target
Hanes Cooldri Performance Tee
The Performance Black T-Shirt Hanes is a poster child for the perfect basic T-shirt, including this popular performance tee you can layer or wear as is in extreme heat without having to worry about excess sweat.
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 20,826 reviews on Amazon
What They’re Saying: “I LOVE this shirt. This shirt keeps me cooler than any other shirt I own. It seems to dry almost as quickly as I sweat. I put this shirt through extremes, 90 degree weather with 70-80% humidity.” – Heather A., Amazon Review
Shop Hanes
Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance V-Neck Tee, $, available at Amazon
The Flowy Tee
As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features an asymmetrical hem and a billowy back for a flattering, non-clingy fit.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nordstrom
What They’re Saying: “I’m always looking for T shirts that have a little more than your standard T. The detail on the back and the asymmetrical hem give this shirt a little more flattering shape. Not to mention, it is SO soft. Definitely buy it!” – Katherine203, Nordstrom Review
Bobeau Butter Short Sleeve Tee, $, available at Nordstrom
The Elbow-Length Tee
For a little extra coverage and a sophisticated silhouette, LOFT’s must-have elbow-length black T-shirt is all you’ll want to wear.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 Stars on LOFT
What They’re Saying: “This is a great little tee to wear any time of year. The elbow sleeves can help to cover sagging triceps. The scoop neck is not too low. The material is a very nice weight.” – sunnyinstgeorge, LOFT Review
LOFT Elbow Sleeve Tee, $, available at LOFT
Free People Movement Second Base Tee
The Textured Black T-Shirt As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features a boxy fit, a curved hem, and ribbed knit texture.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 3 reviews on Free People
What They’re Saying: “I ordered this in both black and yellow and now I want it in more colors! Material is soft and light but opaque, and the M is a bit large but offers the perfect amount of room for someone who often wears a S in tees and doesn’t want a truly cropped look. Even though it’s boxy, this tee hangs perfectly.” – Jilleyn, Free People Review
Shop Free People
FP Movement Second Base Tee, $, available at Free People
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