Guide to Choosing the Best T-Shirt (and Our All-Time Favourites)
Finding the perfect t-shirt is one of those life moments that changes everything. No more disappointing purchases, endless shopping around, poor quality or bad fits. Once you've found the type and brand that fits your physique and your look, everything else falls into place. At Screen Textiles, we've spent years building relationships with the industry's finest manufacturers and designers, and we're ready to share our expertise on selecting t-shirts that deliver quality, comfort and style. So what is the difference between a great tee and an average one? It all lies in countless details: fabric weight, construction techniques, fit consistency and how the garment ages with wear. Whether you're building a wardrobe, outfitting a team or simply seeking reliable everyday essentials, understanding these fundamentals will influence how you approach t-shirt selection.
what makes a great t-shirt?
Before looking at our favourite brands, let's establish the criteria we use to define exceptional t-shirts. First, the fit should feel effortless—not too snug, not too loose—with sleeves that hit at the right point on your arm and a length that works whether tucked or untucked. The fabric should have substance without being heavy, and the structure should maintain its shape wash after wash. Quality tailoring reveals itself in the details: reinforced seams that won't split, necklines that don't stretch out, and consistent sizing across different colours. The best t-shirts can actually improve with age, developing a lived-in softness while maintaining their original silhouette. They should wash well, resist shrinking and hold their colour through countless laundry cycles.
Versatility is equally important. A truly great t-shirt seamlessly transitions from casual wear to smart-casual settings when paired with smarter items. It should complement various outfits and work across seasons when layered thoughtfully. So no biggy!
fabric: where it all starts
Understanding fabric composition takes much of the guesswork out of t-shirt shopping and makes you a more informed buyer. Pure cotton offers breathability and softness, but different cotton types offer distinct characteristics. Ringspun cotton is all about superior smoothness and durability compared to regular cotton, and organic cotton provides environmental benefits without compromising comfort. There are also cotton blends, which can offer performance benefits: cotton-polyester blends resist wrinkles and shrinkage, but to the untrained eye (and some trained ones) feel no different from regular cotton. Modal blends offer exceptional softness and drape, making them perfect for basics when quality matters. Tri-blends, which combine cotton, polyester and rayon, offer the ultimate balance of comfort, durability and styles.
Weight affects how warm the tee is, but also how it fits the body, how it feels in the hands and how it creates, as well as its durability. Lightweight fabric (under 150gsm) works beautifully for layering and warmer weather, whilst midweight options (150-180gsm) provide that ideal balance for year-round wear. Heavyweight tees (over 200gsm) offer structure and longevity, perfect for those seeking substantial, long-lasting garments.
fit guide: finding your perfect cut
Modern t-shirt fits span a broad spectrum, each serving different style preferences and body types. The classic regular fit is pretty timeless, with a little comfortable room at the chest and waist, which is ideal for most body types and versatile enough for any occasion. Slim fits offer a more tailored silhouette without being restrictive and are excellent for layering under jackets or for a polished yet casual look. These work particularly well for shorter torsos, and they're quite fashionable at the moment (though that changes over time).
Relaxed fits have looser proportions throughout, making them perfect for casual wear or for that streety, skateboardy look. They're also excellent for taller people, or anyone who prefers unrestricted movement and comfort. Fitted styles hug the body, ideal if you want to showcase your hard-earned physique while staying comfortable. These work beautifully for athletic builds, but they can also be great for creating a sleek foundation layer.
OUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE BRANDS
All the t-shirts we sell are high-quality, so that you can cross that off your list, but subtle differences between brands can matter when you're looking for a specific style. In no particular order, here are our favourite brands.
FRUIT OF THE LOOM
The undisputed heavyweight in the t-shirt ring, Fruit of the Loom has perfected the art of reliable, comfortable basics over decades. Their Super Premium range represents exceptional value: ringspun cotton construction and reinforced seams that ensure their longevity. The fit is true to size across their colour palette, making them ideal for both individual purchases and large orders.
What sets Fruit of the Loom apart is how they understand everyday wear. These t-shirts maintain their shape and softness through countless washes, developing that perfect lived-in feel without losing structure. And when it comes to the colour range, we can confidently say they have exactly the colour you want!
To browse Fruit of the Loom, click here.
GILDAN
Gildan is probably a close second to Fruit of the Loom in terms of fame and ubiquity. Their thing is affordable premium basics, which prove that exceptional quality doesn't always mean premium pricing. Their Softstyle® range delivers softness (surprise, surprise) through a ringspun cotton construction, whilst their Heavy Cotton™ line offers greater weight, perfect for those preferring a structured tee.
Again, Gildan excels in colour consistency and fade resistance, which are vital factors often overlooked until washing reveals inferior alternatives—and when you're kitting out a team, that really matters. Gildan's sizing is consistent across different styles, too. It eliminates guesswork when ordering multiple pieces or returning for favourite colours in different cuts.
BELLA+CANVAS
Bella+Canvas has become a modern favourite among fashionable consumers—you could say they've redefined what contemporary basics mean. Their signature tri-blend tees create an incredibly soft feel without losing the drape you want. The fits are always fashionable, so if you stick with this brand, you'll always be on point.
It's worth noting, too, that they have committed to sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes, so if that matters to you, it's another tick in the check box for this brand. The colour palette tends to stick with contemporary trends rather than covering the whole rainbow, so again, it's a brand to turn to for zero-effort fashion.
Click here to shop Bella+Canvas.
RUSSELL
Russell brings athletic-inspired construction to everyday basics, creating t-shirts that perform beautifully in all settings. Their Pure Organic Cotton range offers premium materials with exceptional softness, but they also offer brilliant blended options that provide durability and easy care.
Look closely and you'll see the brand's attention to construction details. Reinforced shoulders, quality stitching and consistent sizing are all throwbacks to their sporting heritage, but they are just as comfortable on the street as on the tennis court.
To view our Russell range, click here.
ANTHEM
If you're looking for contemporary basics with cool cuts and premium fabrics, check out Anthem's collection of t-shirts.
For them, the focus is on modern fits that align with current trends while also offering versatility across various styles. Anthem t-shirts are especially suitable for anyone looking for everyday basics without compromising on their fashion sense, ensuring they always look stylish and up to date.
Shop Anthem here.
JUST COOL BY AWDIS
Purpose-built for active lifestyles, many of Just Cool's products combine moisture-wicking technology with comfortable everyday wear. Their performance fabrics help regulate body temperature whilst maintaining comfort, and still look fashionable rather than overly sporty or outdoorsy. That said, these t-shirts are excellent choices for warm weather or active situations, when you need to look—and be—cool.
The fabrication prioritises durability and recovery so that the garments will maintain their shape and performance through frequent washing and wear. This all makes them ideal if you're seeking basics that keep up with a busy, active lifestyle.
To shop Just Cool, click here.
SOL'S
Craftsmanship meets contemporary design in SOL's extensive t-shirt collection. Their approach emphasises quality construction and imaginative details such as reinforced seams. Their fabric choices balance comfort with longevity, creating t-shirts that improve with age.
SOL'S colour development is particularly noteworthy. They offer rich, sophisticated tones alongside classic basics. Their sizing tends to be slightly more fitted than American brands, creating a sleek silhouette that European consumers seem to prefer.
Click here to browse our SOL'S range.
TEE JAYS
Love modern clothing with a retro twist? Tee Jays is a really cool brand dating back to the 1970s, when they brought design sensibilities usually reserved for high fashion houses to basic t-shirts. This philosophy hasn't really changed, so expect clean lines, quality construction and an understated elegance. This minimalist approach means you get versatile pieces that complement a wide range of looks.
The brand's commitment to quality fabrics and construction means Tee Jays t-shirts age gracefully, developing character rather than just looking worn. If you're looking for refined basics rather than statement pieces, here's your brand.
To view our Tee Jays range, click here.
NATIVE SPIRIT
Sustainability meets style in Native Spirit's carefully created collection - and we mean that literally. Their organic and recycled fabric options prove that environmental responsibility doesn't mean compromising on comfort or appearance. We'd say the fits were contemporary rather than trendy, so you'll get plenty of wear out of them.
Native Spirit's approach to colour and design is all about the natural influences, too. These t-shirts work beautifully for planet-conscious consumers seeking basics that match their values but don't want to give up on style.
Shop our Native Spirit styles here.
choosing the right t-shirt for your look
First, ask yourself when you are planning to wear the tee. For everyday basics that need to work across various situations, focus on midweight cotton or cotton blends in classic fits. If comfort is paramount, think about softer fabrics like tri-blends or ringspun cotton. If you lead an active lifestyle, those performance-enhanced fabrics are the real deal, wicking away moisture while maintaining comfort. And of course, if sustainability is your number one concern, organic cotton or recycled fabrics are good places to start, but check the manufacturers' eco-credentials too. When choosing colours, neutral (white, black, navy and grey) complement pretty much any wardrobe and work well across seasons. If it's more of a statement you're going for, go big or go home - bright reds, warm yellows and vivid greens tend to stand out against any crowd outside of certain football stadiums.
building your t-shirt collection
A well-chosen t-shirt collection is the key to effortless daily dressing. Experiment with your favourite fit, but remember that it's different across brands, so when you find the one you want, it's a good idea to stick with that label. Then it's just a case of collecting colours that match your wardrobe palette, and you're good to go.