The 7 softest T-shirts
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Button-down shirts may have dominated the work attire game for years, but now that working from home is slowly becoming the norm, you’re looking at a new WFH uniform: the softest T-shirts imaginable. According to a two-year study out of Stanford, you’re actually more productive working from home than you are at the office, so you may as well be working in comfort. Plus, a high-quality tee (versus an ancient one you'd wear to the gym) helps you feel slightly more put-together so you can get into a professional mindset.
What to consider when choosing a T-shirt
In terms of fabrics to consider, cotton is great because it’s strong, soft, and breathable. Pima cotton is known to be exceptionally silky and features premium extra-long staple fibers for top-of-the-line softness and staying power. But regular cotton will get the job done just fine, too, if you’re on a budget. Rayon is soft and ideal if you like thinner tees, and washable merino wool is way more versatile than you might think, delivering itch-free, moisture-wicking, insulating-yet-breathable comfort, so it’s great to have on hand for days of endless Zoom calls or wilderness hikes. Whatever material you prefer, the soft T-shirts below are WFH-approved.
1. A loose-fitting v-neck in an affordable 2-pack
This V-neck tee has an easygoing fit that's perfect for WFH life and a tagless design so you’re totally comfortable. The solid-hued shirts are made from 100% cotton, while the heathered options have polyester blended in. Both come in wallet-friendly twin-packs. "At this price I thought I'd be replacing them every few months, but these shirts may last my entire career," a reviewer commented. "Nice thick fabric, very soft, very comfy." Plus, they're machine washable.
Material: 100% Cotton (some styles feature a cotton-polyester blend) | Colors: 38 color combinations | Sizes: X-Small – XX-Large
2. A soft and durable Pima cotton tee
Pima cotton may be a top-shelf option, but this high-quality tee is worth the investment for an über-nice staple that will net you a ton of mileage. It's made with 100% Pima cotton jersey material, and since it's machine washable, it's a low-maintenance basic. It also comes in a broad range of sizes up to 4X, and Amazon reviewers praised it on fit and comfort, with one commenting, "I've basically lived in them for the past few years.”
Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 47 | Sizes: X-Small – 4X-Large
3. This white henley tee that doesn’t look like an undershirt
A plain white T-shirt can run the risk of looking like an undershirt on a Zoom call, so the button-down placket here signals “Yes, I changed out of pajamas.” The cotton-polyester blend in this henley T-shirt is pre-washed for added softness and lightweight but with some heft. You might want it in more than one color. "I've tried many different [henley] shirts and these are my favorites," noted one shopper.
Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester | Colors: 9 | Sizes: Small – 3X-Large
4. An organic merino wool tee that comes with socks
This merino wool tee looks super polished but feels like pajamas, and it packs outdoor performance tech into a piece you’ll want to wear every day. It’s made from organic New Zealand wool that’s lightweight with natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking power. It comes with a pair of socks that have built-in arch support — and everything can be run through the washer and dryer. Since it’s a base layer, it’s meant to fit a little snug. Size up if you want more give. One reviewer noted, "These shirts are a great alternative to cotton T-shirts in that they provide a bit of warmth, breathe well, and feel good against the skin (NO itch)."
Material: 100% merino wool | Colors: 19 | Sizes: Small — 2X-Large
5. A set of lightweight tees that feel like a second skin
If thinner tees are your jam, you have to try this set in a soft bamboo rayon with a hint of spandex. (You’ll also see it labeled as modal here, which is just another type of rayon.) These ultra-soft tees are sewn with flat seams you’ll barely feel and have a tag-free design. Reviewers especially liked them as undershirts or sleep shirts.
Material: 95% bamboo rayon, 5% spandex | Colors: 3 | Sizes: Small – X-Large
6. This pack of 100% cotton crewnecks that come in a bunch of colors
These 100% cotton tees have a lot of really nice details for an affordable price. The fabric is ring-spun for an ultrafine and soft feel, and the shirt has a tearaway tag so you don’t have to worry about it sticking out. The shirt has a slightly fitted design, and one raving reviewer wrote, “They were perfect fit, perfect softness, just everything perfect.”
Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 31 color combinations | Sizes: Small – 3X-Large
7. This long-sleeved tee with a pocket
A soft, lightweight long-sleeved cotton tee is a go-to piece for any time of year. It's made from 100% cotton and has a slimmer fit with a pocket, so there’s no mistaking it for a sweatshirt. The thinner cotton layers well but won’t overheat you when temperatures rise. Plus, there’s no tag, either. One shopper wrote, "The best part is how ultra soft and comfortable the fabric is. I love it, and I've ordered four more in different colors."
Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 15 | Sizes: X-Small – XX-Large
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