Let’s face it: between work, workouts, and wiping peanut butter off the couch, you need tees that hold their shape and still look decent. A good tee matters.

In our Slack group, this topic keeps coming up. The consensus is clear: a handful of brands consistently deliver. These are the t-shirts dads actually buy, talk about, and replace less often.

Top Picks

True Classic Crew Neck

The entry-level favorite. Premium fitted crew neck made from a cotton-poly blend that holds its form and feels soft out of the box. The athletic cut hits that sweet spot between “dad bod” and “gym bro.”

Price: $29.99
Why it works: Affordable, modern fit, solid fabric. Looks better after the third wash than most tees do on day one.
trueclassictees.com

Marine Layer Signature Crew

The luxury comfort pick. Marine Layer built a cult following around its ultra-soft, eco-friendly fabric and its M/L “Marge” size that nails the fit between medium and large.

Price: $38
Why it works: Perfect for dads who want softness and style without the cling. It feels like a ten-year-old favorite the first time you wear it.
marinelayer.com

Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee (Huckberry)

The performance workhorse. Made from merino wool that naturally regulates temperature and resists odor. Designed for travel, workouts, and the days you can’t get a load of laundry done.

Price: $78
Why it works: Breathable, quick-drying, and tough. You can wear it three days straight and no one will notice. Great for travel or weekend chaos.
huckberry.com

Taylor Stitch Cotton Hemp Tee

The eco-built essential. A lightweight blend of organic cotton and hemp that feels broken-in but lasts longer than your average cotton tee. Small-batch production, great tailoring, and solid durability.

Price: $40
Why it works: Sustainable fabric, clean design, and a tailored cut. It’s the “buy fewer, better things” option.
taylorstitch.com

Roark Made to Fade Tee

The rugged classic. Roark makes clothes for people who actually go outside. Their Made to Fade tee looks broken-in from day one and just gets better with age.

Price: $35
Why it works: Mid-weight cotton that handles sweat, salt, and kid chaos. It’s built to take a beating and look cooler after each wash.
roark.com

What Matters In a Tee?

  • Fit matters more than fabric. A tee that hits the shoulders and chest right always wins.

  • Versatility is key. You want a shirt that works for errands, grilling, or a casual dinner.

  • The price-to-wear ratio matters. It’s not about luxury for the sake of it, it’s about what lasts.

  • No loud graphics. Just clean, grown-up style that fits into real life.

  • Durability counts. A great tee should survive the sandbox and the spin cycle.

How to Choose Your Tee

  • Fit in shoulders and chest: Should look intentional, not baggy.

  • Length: Cover your belt when you bend.

  • Fabric weight: Too thin feels cheap, too thick feels like armor.

  • Washability: Must hold up after dozens of cycles.

  • Versatility: Works solo or under a jacket.

  • Price vs lifespan: If it costs more, it should last more.

The Dad Verdict

You don’t need a closet full of premium tees. You just need the right few that make you feel put-together even when life’s messy.

Start with True Classic for your everyday rotation. Add a Marine Layer or Taylor Stitch for weekends and nights out. Keep a Proof Merino in your bag for travel. And grab a Roark Made to Fade for everything in between.

Good tees make a difference. Not because anyone else notices, but because you do.

If fall had a smell, it’d be coffee, campfire, and waxed canvas. In the latest Huckberry Gear Lab episode, hosts Ben and Nick break down what’s new, what’s timeless, and what’s worth actually buying this season — all inspired by the rugged, cold-weather craftsmanship of Maine.

Here’s the quick-hit guide:

The Maine Effect:

Their new Flint and Tinder collection borrows from Maine’s mix of grit and craftsmanship — think maritime workwear, classic materials, and cold-weather durability that still looks good at the brewery.

Fall Trends Worth Owning:

The rugby shirt is officially back — less prep-school, more “built for the bar crawl.” And fleece isn’t just a dad staple anymore; it’s a must-layer for everything from school drop-off to weekend hikes.

Boot Season:

Huckberry’s leaning into western vibes, chukkas, and trail-ready shoes. Bonus: a handmade bison leather collab with Rancourt, built in Maine, and designed to last longer than your kid’s current shoe size.

Outerwear Game:

Start your wax jacket hunt in the “Waxed Outpost” section on Huckberry — they break it down by style, weight, and use case. The Flint and Tinder Wax Trucker still reigns supreme, but the new Moleskin quilted jacket and Rowin superfleece are quiet killers.

Pants, Hoodies & Layers:

The 10-Year Hoodie got a fabric upgrade (still backed by the decade-long guarantee). Pair it with Mason pants, 365 chinos, or washed black selvage for that “dad who’s got it together but doesn’t try too hard” vibe.

New Faces in the Lineup:

Arc’teryx joins the roster for mountain-ready performance, and Finisterre brings its cold-water surf grit — great knits, better story.

Rapid-Fire Round:

  • How often can you wear a hoodie?

  • Are zip-off pants actually back?

  • And who’s the king of western style — Post Malone or Charlie Crockett?

Whatever your fall looks like — fire pits, tailgates, or just pretending to organize the garage, this episode’s a solid roadmap to looking good while doing it.

Credit: Huckberry Gear Lab / Ben O’Meara & Nick Schenck. Shared for commentary and inspiration. All rights to the original creators.