Thursday, June 2, 2022

The 12 Best Black T-Shirts On The Internet (Because Everyone Needs One)

There are many pieces that cruise through the trend cycle every season, have their moment, and ultimately fall off the map (ahem, paint-on skinny jeans). But despite the ever-changing fashion industry, the short sleeve black t-shirt always remains constant — that’s why they call it a staple, ya know? And given its classic, never-going-out-of-style nature, just about every brand under the sun has laid claim to a “perfect” iteration of the timeless top.

But to really uncover the actual best black tees out there, diving deep into consumer comments is often the best bet. So for this installment of Hype Machine, we did just that, and found vetted options from fellow shoppers that reviewed T-shirts based on supreme quality, fabric, and shape. Ahead, you’ll find the crème de la crème of black tops that will not only become mainstays in your wardrobe, but are guaranteed to fit your style to — a tee. (!)

Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors. Reviews have been edited for spelling and grammatical accuracy only.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tee


The Black Silk T-Shirt

This chic option by Quince features a keyhole opening detail on the back, a subtle curved hem, and is made from luxe Mulberry silk.

The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 228 reviews on Quince

What They’re Saying: “Lovely dressy version of a T-shirt. This piece looks polished, refined, and pricey but still has a casual style and a good price point. Love it!” - Kristy K., Quince Review

Shop Quince

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tee, $, available at Quince

Parade Summer Crop Tee


The Semi-Sheer Black T-Shirt

Ideal for your glamorous off-duty life, this slightly cropped, semi-sheer T-shirt that's made from an extra soft silky mesh material is a hit amongst reviewers.

The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars on Parade

What They’re Saying: “I love this crop tee!!! I have it in almost every color and it is perfect for a capsule collection wardrobe! Can wear it 1000 different ways - so comfortable and flattering. ” - Mik, Parade Review

Shop Parade

Parade Summer Crop Tee, $, available at Parade

Vuori Feather Tee


The Relaxed Tee

As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features an oversized fit, slouchy sleeves, and is made with a comfy performance stretch material.

The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 45 reviews on Vuori

What They’re Saying: “In warm weather, this is perfect on its own, and in cold weather, it’s a great base layer. I personally prefer relaxed fit clothing for work outs and while this is definitely an oversized fit compared to my halo hoodie, it’s not so huge that I’m drowning in it.” - Rebecca H., Vuori Review

Shop Vuori

Vuori Feather Tee, $, available at Vuori

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee


The Boxy, Cropped Black T-Shirt

If you’re going for that live-in look, Everlane’s boxy T-shirt is for you. The best part is it actually will get softer and more relaxed as you wash it thanks to the organic cotton fabric.

The Hype: 4.63 out of 5 stars and 763 reviews on Everlane

What They’re Saying: “This is my favorite shirt. I've worn it twice this week, you could say I'm a little obsessed. Perfect cut, a little cropped but long enough to just cover pants without looking baggy. And it's so soft. Get one! Or three!” - abcb1233, Everlane Review

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee, $, available at Everlane

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short Sleeve Tee


The “Forever Fresh” Black T-Shirt

Most of the positive reviews for this Uniqlo U crew-neck tee mention that the thick fabric stays structured and doesn’t lose its shape.

The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 40 reviews on Uniqlo

What They’re Saying: “I ordered three of these shirts and will be ordering more soon. These hold up incredibly well to washing and seem to magically avoid getting wrinkles. I’d recommend sizing up by one size if you want your shirt to fit the way it is in the pictures because they are definitely true to size.” - MegWal, Uniqlo Review

Shop Uniqlo

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo

James Perse Little Boy Tee


The Investment Black T-Shirt

This tee is made from 100% cotton and has a slightly loose fit, making it an investment t-shirt that is just the right balance of cool and classic.

The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 46 reviews on Revolve

What They’re Saying: “I wish there were more stars to give! This shirt is my favorite T-shirt ever. It's soft and a quality material.” - Anonymous, Revolve Review

Shop James Perse

James Perse Little Boy Tee, $, available at Revolve

BDG Baby Beach Tee


The Extra-Cropped Black T-Shirt

This retro extra shrunken-fit baby tee has unique contrast stitching detail and comes in five colorways.

The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 11 reviews on Urban Outfitters

What They’re Saying: “A snug fitting top that is really nice for throwing together a cute quick outfit!” — Laur920, UO Review

Shop Urban Outfitters

BDG Beach Baby Tee, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Universal Standard Bella Boatneck Tee


The Size-Inclusive Black T-Shirt

For a little extra coverage and a sophisticated silhouette, Universal Standard's must-have tee features a slightly longer length sleeve, slinky fabric, and comes in an extensive range of sizes.

The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 Stars and 52 reviews on Universal Standard

What They’re Saying: “Nice sleeve length and long body are very flattering. Fits comfortably enough to go from work to lounge, with dress pants or jeans. Love it! I got a couple colors!” - Jamie L., Universal Standard Review

Shop Universal Standard

Universal Standard Bella Boatneck Tee, $, available at Universal Standard

Amazon Essential Black Crew Neck Tee (Two Pack)


The Made-For-Customers Black T-Shirt

Amazon started with customer reviews and feedback to create their wardrobe essentials line, so it’s no surprise that most of the pieces in the offering are best-sellers — like this classic black T-shirt that’s comfortable and soft.

The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 34,995 reviews on Amazon

What They’re Saying: “I absolutely love them. I had read a lot of reviews, but I was still genuinely surprised at the quality of the material as soon as I opened the package. The material has some weight to it — doesn't feel cheap, thin or flimsy at all, and is soft to the touch.” - Vi, Amazon Review

Shop Amazon Essentials

Amazon Essentials 2-Pack Short-Sleeve Crewneck Solid T-Shirt, $, available at Amazon

Richer Poorer Cropped Pima Boxy Crop Tee


The Cropped Pocket Black T-Shirt

Keep it cool with an A+ pocket tee that has everything you want — just the right crop, 100% cotton fabric, a scoop neckline, just-long-enough sleeves, and a classic pocket.

The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 Stars and 206 reviews on Richer Poorer

What They’re Saying: “Most crop tops are still really revealing but these go well with all my usual high-waisted bottoms. They’re soft and the colors are crisp. I bought 5 because I wanted quality plain colored shirts and I’m really happy with them. Washing them didn’t destroy the color either, which I was worried about.” - Vennessa, Richer Poorer Review

Shop Richer Poorer

Richer Poorer Pima Boxy Crop Tee, $, available at Richer Poorer

A New Day Short-Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirt


The Perfect Plus-Size Black T-Shirt

Featuring a lightweight cotton blend and a ribbed texture, this is the tee you can dress up with a skirt and jacket or down with jeans. You’ll live in it.

The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 113 reviews on Target

What They’re Saying: “This shirt is fitted, yet stretchy. It has a very flattering cut. You can tuck it in, tie a side knot or leave it untucked. It looks cute in every way.” - Anonymous, Target Review

Shop Target

A New Day Short Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirt, $, available at Target

Hanes Cooldri Performance Tee


The Performance Black T-Shirt

Hanes is a poster child for the perfect basic T-shirt, including this popular performance tee you can layer or wear as is in extreme heat without having to worry about excess sweat.

The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 20,826 reviews on Amazon

What They’re Saying: “I LOVE this shirt. This shirt keeps me cooler than any other shirt I own. It seems to dry almost as quickly as I sweat. I put this shirt through extremes, 90 degree weather with 70-80% humidity.” - Heather A., Amazon Review

Shop Hanes

Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance V-Neck Tee, $, available at Amazon
The Flowy Tee

As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features an asymmetrical hem and a billowy back for a flattering, non-clingy fit.

The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nordstrom

What They’re Saying: “I'm always looking for T shirts that have a little more than your standard T. The detail on the back and the asymmetrical hem give this shirt a little more flattering shape. Not to mention, it is SO soft. Definitely buy it!” - Katherine203, Nordstrom Review

Bobeau Butter Short Sleeve Tee, $, available at Nordstrom
The Elbow-Length Tee

For a little extra coverage and a sophisticated silhouette, LOFT's must-have elbow-length black T-shirt is all you’ll want to wear.

The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 Stars on LOFT

What They’re Saying: “This is a great little tee to wear any time of year. The elbow sleeves can help to cover sagging triceps. The scoop neck is not too low. The material is a very nice weight.” - sunnyinstgeorge, LOFT Review

LOFT Elbow Sleeve Tee, $, available at LOFT

Free People Movement Second Base Tee


The Textured Black T-Shirt

As an update to a standard black T-shirt, this style features a boxy fit, a curved hem, and ribbed knit texture.

The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 3 reviews on Free People

What They’re Saying: “I ordered this in both black and yellow and now I want it in more colors! Material is soft and light but opaque, and the M is a bit large but offers the perfect amount of room for someone who often wears a S in tees and doesn't want a truly cropped look. Even though it's boxy, this tee hangs perfectly.” - Jilleyn, Free People Review

Shop Free People

FP Movement Second Base Tee, $, available at Free People

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19 Y2K-Ready String Bikinis To Shop This Summer

When it comes to shopping for swimsuits, there's a whole hoard of things we unnecessarily worry about, from how they fit to what's en vogue at the moment. Then there's the added concern when trendy swimsuit styles aren't the best choice in the practicality department. While that geometric stomach cut-out might look cute under a cabana, the coinciding tan lines can be a pain. No one wants a hexagonal mid-section after their first day under the sun, after all.

Basic styles are basic for a reason: At the end of the day, they're a tried-and-true pick. So where we may have left our itty bitty string bikinis back on the pool party decks of Miami in 2006, maybe it's time we let them back into our lives. And it's not just us. The return of string ties and barely-there garments are prevalent in this summer's swimwear selection. Between pushing the boundaries for just how much of your hoo-ha is actually covered by a flimsy pair of bottoms to pairing string bikini bottoms with more experimental tops, swimsuit designers are doling out the love, too.

So whether you're ready to channel your inner Kardashian (because obviously they DGAF about trends and string bikinis are a regular part of their clothing rotation) or you're just looking for a pain-free way to tan this year, shop our picks ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.


Basic Swim La Premiere Top, $, available at Basic Swim

Basic Swim La Premiere Bottom, $, available at Basic Swim


Aexae Tyra Tie Neck Top, $, available at Aexae

Aexae Tyra Tie Side Bottoms, $, available at Aexae


Good American Sexy Boost Bikini Top, $, available at Good American

Good American Hip Hug Bottom, $, available at Good American


Bamba Prince Bottoms, $, available at Bamba

Bamba Prince Top, $, available at Bamba


MELISSA SIMONE Enita Micro String Top, $, available at Melissa Simone

MELISSA SIMONE Enita Micro String Bottom, $, available at Melissa Simone


Triangl Avah Tie Dye Bikini, $, available at Triangl


Solid & Striped The Lulu Top, $, available at Solid & Striped

Solid & Striped The Lulu Bottom, $, available at Solid & Striped


Roxana Salehoun Triangle Bikini, $, available at Roxana Salehoun


Jade Swim Lido Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at Matches Fashion

Jade Swim Aria Mother-Of-Pearl Ring Bikini Briefs, $, available at Matches Fashion


lemlem Semira Stretch-Jacquard Bikini, $, available at Net-A-Porter


South Beach Curve Halter Bikini Top, $, available at ASOS

South Beach Curve Tie Up Bikini Bottom, $, available at ASOS


Static Swimwear Sunset Top, $, available at Static Swimwear

Static Swimwear Topanga Bottom, $, available at Static Swimwear


Cecilie Copenhagen Fenja Bikini Top, $, available at Olivela

Cecilie Copenhagen Clara Bikini Bottom, $, available at Olivela


LA Hearts by PacSun Black Khloe Rib Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at PacSun

LA Hearts by PacSun Black Khloe Rib High Band Bikini Bottom, $, available at PacSun


Lisa Marie Fernandez Pamela Zebra Crepe Bikini, $, available at Lisa Marie Fernandez


Laya Swim Lady Top, $, available at Laya Swim

Laya Swim Babaji Brief, $, available at Laya Swim


Reina Olga x Manebí Scrunchie Bikini, $, available at Manebi


Myra Sophie Top, $, available at Myra

Myra The Jocelyn, $, available at Myra


Asara Swim Dawa Top, $, available at Asara Swim

Asara Swim Ray Bottom, $, available at Asara Swim


Frankies Bikinis Tavi Top, $, available at Frankies Bikinis

Frankies Bikinis Tavi Bottom, $, available at Frankies Bikinis


Shlaer Costes Bikini, $, available at Shop Super Street


Zara Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at Zara

Zara Bikini Bottom, $, available at Zara

With Jéan




With Jean Betsy Bikini Top, $, available at With Jean

With Jean Betsy Bikini Bottom, $, available at With Jean

Aerie



Aerie String Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at AE

Aerie Aerie Tie Cheekiest Bikini Bottom, $, available at AE

Monday Swimwear



Monday Swimwear Palma Top, $, available at Monday Swimwear

Monday Swimwear Palma Bottom, $, available at Monday Swimwear

Good American



Good American Tiny Ties Top, $, available at Good American

Good American Tiny Ties Bottom, $, available at Good American

Summersalt



Summersalt String Bikini Top, $, available at Summersalt

Summersalt String Bikini Bottom, $, available at Summersalt

Free People



Aila Blue | Free People Aila Blue Soraya Bikini Top, $, available at Free People

Aila Blue | Free People Aila Blue Capri Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Free People

Girlfriend Collective




Girlfriend Collective Cabo String Bikini Top, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective String Bikini Bottom, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

Frankies Bikinis



Frankies Bikinis Tia Terry Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at Frankies Bikinis

Frankies Bikinis Tia Terry String Bikini Bottom, $, available at Frankies Bikinis

PacSun




PacSun Jasmin Cross Front, $, available at PacSun

PacSun High Cut Side Tie Bikini, $, available at PacSun

Swimsuits For All




Swimsuits For All Camille Kostek Classic String Bikini Top, $, available at Swimsuits For All

Swimsuits For All Camille Kostek Classic String Bikini Bottom, $, available at Swimsuits For All

Tropic of

C



Tropic of C Praia Top, $, available at Tropic Of C

Tropic of C Praia Bottom, $, available at Tropic Of C

Solid & Striped




Solid and Striped The Iris Reversible Top, $, available at Solid and Striped

Solid and Striped The Reversible Iris Bottom, $, available at Solid and Striped

Mariposa Swimwear




La Mariposa Monclova Top, $, available at La Mariposa

La Mariposa Monclova Bottom, $, available at La Mariposa

Guess




GUESS Braided Triangle Bikini Top, $, available at GUESS

GUESS Logo Tie String Brief, $, available at GUESS

Old Nav

y



Old Navy Ruffle-Trimmed Printed Triangle Bikini Swim Top for Women, $, available at Old Navy

Old Navy Mid-Rise Bikini Swim Bottoms for Women, $, available at Old Navy

Miko

h



Mikoh Monse Top, $, available at Mikoh

Mikoh Buru Bottom, $, available at Mikoh

Beach Riot



Beach Riot Winona Top, $, available at Beach Riot

Beach Riot Soleil Bottom, $, available at Beach Riot

La Blanc

a



La Blanca Island Goddess Halter Top, $, available at La Blanca

La Blanca Island Goddess Side Tie Bottom, $, available at La Blanca

L*Space





L*Space Printed Roger Bikini Bottom, $, available at L*Space

L*Space Printed Maggie Top, $, available at L*Space

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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According To Gossip Girl’s Savannah Smith, Lingerie Is The Ultimate Confidence Booster

Savannah Smith has long loved lingerie. “I have always been a lingerie person at heart, but I feel like I’ve never completely dived in because of how uncomfortable a lot of beautiful lingerie is for day-to-day wear,” she tells Refinery29 over email. 

Now, the 21-year-old actress — who has charmed viewers and fashion brands alike for her portrayal of Monet de Haan, a Blair Waldorf-esque character on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot— is getting a chance to spread the gospel as an ambassador for Intimissimi’s Silk collection. “The range of options they have while all being equally comfortable and beautiful is something I’ve had trouble finding in my search for lingerie,” adds Smith, who was first introduced to the Italian brand by Gossip Girl’s costume designer Eric Daman.  

Much like Waldorf and de Haan, who both have a knack for styling thigh-high stockings that can go from a day at school to a night of scheming, Smith believes that lingerie is a confidence tool, whether it is a dainty bralette peeking under our T-shirt or a silk slip nightgown with platform heels for a night out. “I think lingerie is very important for anyone who struggles in remembering their innate and internal beauty,” says Smith.  “Wearing lingerie under day-to-day clothes helps me feel beautiful and confident on days when those feelings aren’t quite present.”

That said, the world of lingerie can often be quite intimidating — from ads featuring supermodels to luxury prices and constricting wires — for people who are trying to dip their toe in the category. This is why Smith recommends going back to basics, and keeping comfort top of mind: “Start slow and simple to see what works for you. And then expand from there.” She adds that while lingerie may seem like a purely performative expression, most of the time she wears it for herself: “Knowing that I’m expressing beauty purely for myself, in a way no one else can see, helps to remind me that my beauty comes from within.” 

Ahead of Gossip Girl Season 2, Smith is looking to her influencer manager and queen wannabe character for style inspiration. “I would definitely see Monet giving a casual night out slay with a silk Intimissimi slip under a structured blazer and maybe some thigh-high textured boots,” she says. “I could also see her doing a sexy business slay with a blazer over one of the silk Intimissimi trousers paired with a silk cami.” 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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