You can certainly go out and buy 20 very cheap t-shirts. But that is just a waste. And generally those very cheap shirts don’t fit correctly and aren’t a very good blend of cotton or wool. For t-shirts, good construction and good materials go a very long way. Even just a small jump up in price can you into a much nicer t-shirt. This is our top ten toughest and most durable t-shirts list.
Inexpensive durable t-shirts
Up first are several inexpensive options that are actually very good. The Hanes Beefy shirts are Hanes’ higher end shirts that are a bit heavier than their normal ones. These are 100% cotton but feel almost like a higher quality soft wool shirt. Russell Athletic is another option in this cheap category. They are pretty great because they offer a ridiculous variety of colors in both heather and solid cotton designs. Stanfield’s is also another great option for a basic nice t-shirt.
Work-site quality durable t-shirts
Going up a notch is where you really get into the good stuff. These are shirts that would feel right at home in a blue collar job. The Carhartt K87 is legendary when it comes to the most durable t-shirts around. Coming with a small pocket on the chest, these shirts are damn near perfection if you are looking for a simple durable t-shirt. It is seemless which eliminates a lot of the issues that other t-shirts have with comfort on the work site. Other excellent options in this work shirt category are the Soffe basic t-shirt and the Dickies Pocket Tee. They are both super durable and relatively inexpensive.
Yes, you too can cut barbed wire while a horse looks on. Seriously though, these shirts are great.
Sporty durable t-shirts
For those with a more sport-active lifestyle, the Lululemon Catalyst t-shirt is super comfortable and very well made. Sure, Lululemon is known for more feminine yoga pants, but their male shirts are surprisingly good. You’ll pay for it though so watch your pocket book!
Merino wool durable t-shirts
The last category is t-shirts made from merino wool. Merino wool is an amazing fabric. It is cool i the heat, warm in the cold and resists odor unlike any other fabric around. For travelers we strongly recommend them to purchase a few merino wool shirts that can go several days without washing if necessary. Probably the king of merino wool shirts is Icebreaker of New Zealand. They make some amazingly comfortable but very durable t-shirts. Their Tech Lite brand is a very good choice for active people. Smartwool is probably right behind Icebreaker with quality merino wool t-shirts. And if that doesn’t catch your fancy, Woolly makes an equally excellent v-neck t-shirt that is very durable.
What are the absolute most durable t-shirts?
That’s it! Pretty much any of these t-shirts will be very good buys. But if you are truly looking for the most durable t-shirts, consider the Carhartt and merino wool t-shirts. These will be the most “Buy it for life” BIFL construction.
Hanes Men's Beefy-T Crewneck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, Navy - 2X Tall
$10.40 in stock
Features
- High-stitch density and double-needle seams for added resilience.^Length of Tall Beefy-T is 3' longer than average size.
Russell Athletic Men's Basic T-Shirt, Black, XX-Large
Features
- Durable 6oz Ringspun cotton that's built for comfort without weighing you down
- Why Ringspun Cotton? It provides superior softness strength and lasts longer than regular counterparts
- Old-School ribbed crew neck keeps its shape without stretching or sagging
- Heritage Eagle R Patch on the Sleeve
- Tag Free For Comfort
Stanfield's Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt (2 Pack), White, Large
Features
- Short sleeve, midweight pullover tagless t-shirt with seam-free detailing
- Crafted from ultrasoft, all natural jersey knit cotton
- Package includes 2 undershirts
- Sport type: Outdoor Lifestyle
Carhartt Men's 'K87' Workwear Pocket Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, Dark Cobalt Blue Heather, 2X-Large
Features
- Rib-knit crew neck
- Side-seam construction minimizes twisting
- Left-chest pocket with sewn-on Carhartt label
- Tagless neck label
- Prev. Name: Workwear Pocket Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Soffe Men's Blend 3 Pack Military T-Shirts Sand Large
Features
- Pack of three crew-neck, short-sleeve tees with shape-retaining necklines
- The preferred training t-shirt of the US military
- Soft, combed cotton jersey
- Perfect for everyday wear, as an undershirt, or for training
- Strong enough to withstand touch and elite standards
Dickies Men's Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt Dark Navy 2X
Features
- Anything labeled X in the catalog is the same as XL as labeled on the garment.Example:6X is the same as 6XL.
- Deliver classic style & long-lasting comfort every day
- Designed with quality and comfortable in mind
- Made with flex fabric and moisture-wicking materials
LULULEMON MEN'S CATALYST SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT - HEATHERED BLACK - SIZE S
Features
- LULULEMON MEN'S CATALYST SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT - HEATHERED BLACK - SIZE M
Icebreaker Merino Men's Tech Lite Short Sleeve Crewe, Black
Features
- BREATHABLE COMFORT: From backpacking to mid-winter ski tours and multi-pitch climbs, the Tech Lite provides the breathability, odor resistance and quick-drying performance you need, with offset shoulder seams to reduce chafing when traveling with a pack.
- FIRST LAYERS: With anti-chafe seams and LYCRA for added fit, the shirts, shorts, leggings, and more of our merino first layer collection is designed to keep you warm. Cover your men's thermal first layer with a lightweight pair of shorts or hiking pants.
- TOP TO TOE LAYERING: Our clothes transcend single usage; we make multi-functional pieces that adapt to your life & style, on the mountain, in the city & at home. From wool socks, boxers & bikini briefs, to trench coats, windbreakers & fleece hoodies.
- SIMPLICITY & LONGEVITY: We want our clothing to be relevant for years. Through high quality performance, Icebreaker's merino wool base layers, first layers, mid layers, and outer layers will thrive in your wardrobe and your activities for many seasons.
- PREMIUM LAYERING: Try Icebreaker's merino wool under-base, base, mid, and top layers if you've used similar products from Woolrich, SmartWool, Marmot, Columbia, Carhartt, Hatley, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Levis, Ben Sherman, Browning, or Mack Weldon.
Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Short Sleeve - Men's Black Large
Features
- VERSATILE EVERYDAY WEAR. Perfect days need perfect tees, so slip into this Short Sleeve for moisture management and moisture-wicking, plus a custom mountainscape design. Paired with the "Go far. Feel good." mentality, and you're set for a perfect day.
- REGULAR FIT. Designed to meet the demands of outdoor adventuring, this regular fit base layer offers room to move throughout the silhouette without any additional bulk.
- WHY MERINO WOOL? Thinner and softer than regular wool, it's easy to wear next to skin. Each fiber transports sweat away as a vapor, wicks moisture (we tested it ourselves) and regulates body temperature to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
- FUNCTIONAL FEATURES. Go far, feel good with thoughtful tech to keep you trekking comfortably — flatlock seams reduce chafing while offset shoulders increase comfort.
- GO FAR. FEEL GOOD. From wool socks to graphic tees for men, women and kids, we aim to provide the highest quality apparel for your outdoor adventures with a commitment to environmental sustainability, racial equity and inclusivity.
Woolly Clothing Co. Men's Merino Wool Short Sleeve V-Neck (190 GSM) Medium Black
Features
- [ EVERYDAY WEIGHT V NECK TEE SHIRT ] Flatlock seams, tagless interior, low bulk athletic fit for layering versatility. Full merino construction for natural stretch, odor resistance, moisture wicking, itch free, 4-season comfort.
- [ MODERN FIT FOR DAILY WEAR AS A STANDALONE OR BASE LAYER ] Great For Just about anything. Work, play, leisure, or travel in most climates. If you run hot, or are looking for high intensity, high temperature gear check out our Ultralight shirts.
- [ MERINO PERFORMANCE FOUNDATION LIFESTYLE WEAR ] Woolly pairs the nature-proven benefits of merino with classic everyday styles that work anywhere. Enjoy the no-odor, fire resistant, moisture wicking, and long wearing comfort of merino in every aspect of your life.
- [ BACKED BY THE WOOLLY PROMISE ] We like to keep things simple. If you are ever dissatisfied with our gear, at any time, give us a shout and we'll work to make it right.
- [ PICTURED MODEL STATS ] 5'10'' // 155 lbs // 30'' waist. Wearing size small.
