Joybuy Insights

Buying men’s T-shirts: how to choose the right fit, fabric and size

A good T-shirt needs to stand up to everyday life in the UK: cycling to work, spending an afternoon in town, exercising or relaxing at home. Yet sometimes you’re paying mainly for a brand name, while the fit isn’t right or the fabric quickly loses its shape. When comparing men’s T-shirts, there are three pitfalls to watch out for.

The first is unclear sizing. A size M T-shirt from one brand may fit more loosely or more snugly than an M from another. The second is a material claim without any context: 100% cotton feels comfortable, but a thick cotton shirt may be warmer and fit differently from a lightweight jersey style. The third pitfall is a fit that doesn’t match the product photo. Slim fit, regular fit, relaxed fit and oversized men’s T-shirts all create a different silhouette.

Which features should you check?

1. Material: cotton, polyester or a blend

A cotton T-shirt for men is generally a good choice for everyday wear. Cotton feels soft and, according to the product specifications of various styles, allows air to circulate. Do check the fabric weight, though. This is sometimes given in g/m² or gsm:

  • Around 160 gsm: a relatively lightweight jersey, suitable for wearing under a jacket or shirt.
  • Around 180 gsm: a slightly heavier shirt with more structure.
  • Around 240 gsm: a heavyweight style that’s particularly suited to streetwear and a looser look.

Polyester is often used in men’s sports T-shirts because it’s lightweight and, in sports-specific styles, is combined with moisture-wicking technology. According to Nike’s product description, Dri-FIT is designed to wick sweat away from the skin. This is a claim made by the brand, so check the exact fibre composition too. For example, the Nike Dri-FIT Park 20 Tee lists 57% cotton and 43% polyester in its product specifications.

2. Fit and neckline

A crew-neck T-shirt is easy to style and suitable for everyday wear. A V-neck, such as the Tommy Jeans V-Neck T-Shirt, creates a different look and can be a comfortable option if you don’t want a high neckline.

Look out for these terms:

  • Regular fit: a classic fit with room around the chest and hips.
  • Slim fit: closer-fitting through the body.
  • Relaxed fit: looser, with more room to move.
  • Oversized fit: deliberately wider at the shoulders, with a longer or looser shape.

You don’t automatically need to size up in an oversized style. The loose shape is already part of the design of the Flexfit Heavy Oversized Tee. If you’d prefer a less relaxed look, the product information suggests considering a size down.

3. Check your size using your chest measurement

Don’t rely on the letter on the label alone. Lay a T-shirt that fits you well flat on a table, then compare its chest width and length with the size guide. Tommy Hilfiger, for example, gives an approximate chest measurement of 98–102 cm for size M and 103–108 cm for size L. For the Nike Sportswear Club, the listed chest measurement is 95–104 cm for size M and 104–112 cm for size L.

These differences show why a size M T-shirt won’t fit the same across every brand. Also check whether the size on the product page is an EU, UK or brand-specific size. This helps you avoid ordering a size L T-shirt when you actually need to use a different size guide.

Our recommendations for different situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Nike Sportswear Club T-Shirt White Size L

Nike Sportswear Club T-Shirt White Size L

Why it suits this profile: A white casual men’s T-shirt is easy to pair with jeans, shorts or sportswear. This style has a classic fit and is designed for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list 100% cotton and a classic fit. Before buying, check the stated chest measurement for size L.

Key benefit & highlights

White colour, short sleeves, crew neck and embroidered Futura logo, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Tommy Hilfiger Core Tommy Logo Tee Men XS Sky Captain

Tommy Hilfiger Core Tommy Logo Tee Men XS Sky Captain

Why it suits this profile: This Tommy Hilfiger T-shirt has a regular fit and is made from 100% cotton. Its dark blue colour works well in a smart-casual wardrobe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fit, neckline and fibre composition are clearly listed. The stated chest measurement helps you choose XS based on more than just the brand.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton, regular fit, ribbed crew neck and a chest logo.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Why it suits this profile: This men’s sports T-shirt is designed for football and other active pursuits. Its short sleeves, crew neck and regular fit make it a practical choice for sportswear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition is specified as 57% cotton and 43% polyester. This means you don’t have to judge a sports style on the Dri-FIT label alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Regular fit, short sleeves, crew neck and a fabric blend used for the Park 20 style, according to Nike.

Suitable for: Streetwear fans
Urban Classics Heavy Oversized Tee T-Shirts charcoal M

Urban Classics Heavy Oversized Tee T-Shirts charcoal M

Why it suits this profile: The loose cut and charcoal colour work well with a relaxed streetwear outfit. Wear it on its own or as a layer under a jacket.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The oversized shape is clearly stated. The product specifications also list 100% cotton, short sleeves and a crew neck.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton, oversized fit, sizes from XXS to 4XL and heavyweight jersey fabric.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.

Black, white or a branded T-shirt?

Black T-shirts for men are a practical choice for a minimalist outfit and easy to pair with denim, cargo trousers and trainers. Check the care label on black cotton blends and, where possible, wash dark colours with similar shades. White T-shirts for men create a fresh look, but stains and show-through are more noticeable. Check the fabric weight and how the colour appears on the product page.

With branded men’s T-shirts from Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, The North Face, Adidas and Calvin Klein, a logo doesn’t automatically mean a better fit. Always compare the measurements, fabric composition and care instructions. According to the product information, a Calvin Klein slim-fit style may come up loose; a size down may be recommended if you want a standard fit. Always check the specific product page.

Frequently asked questions about men’s T-shirts

How should a men’s T-shirt fit?

The shoulder seams should sit roughly at the ends of your shoulders. The neckline shouldn’t feel tight, and with a regular fit the fabric shouldn’t pull across your chest. If you’re unsure, start with your chest measurement and then compare the length. Extra room is part of the design of an oversized men’s T-shirt.

Which fabric is suitable for exercise?

Cotton is a practical choice for relaxed everyday wear. For more intensive training, polyester or a cotton-polyester blend may be appealing because of its lower weight and the properties listed on the product page. According to Nike’s own information, Dri-FIT is designed to wick away sweat, but how it performs depends on use, fit and composition.

How long does a T-shirt last?

How long it lasts depends on how often you wear it, the wash cycle, how it’s dried and the fabric weight. Always follow the care label. Washing at a cool or lukewarm temperature, keeping dark colours separate and avoiding unnecessarily hot drying can help preserve the colour and shape for longer. Check the specific care instructions for each style before ordering.