The best pocket t-shirts for men are a lot of things: comfortable, stylish, and oh-so impractical when it comes to goods storage. But illogical pocket size aside, the best men’s pocket t-shirts are the foundation of any great casual outfit. More interesting than your gym tee and better looking, too; pocket t-shirts go with anything from jeans or slacks to hoodies and blazers.
Every man needs a great pocket tee or two in his arsenal, which is why we’ve rounded up the 20 most compelling options on the market today.
Ready to upgrade your casual wardrobe? Check out our top picks for the best pocket t-shirts.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to the best pocket t-shirts, there’s an insane amount of choice. If you’re after a quick fix, the Topicfeel pocket tee is always a safe bet. Great for home or travel, it has UV protection and soft organic cotton construction. Looking for something different? You can’t go wrong with Corridor’s organic stripe shirt or the best-selling Carhartt oversized pocket t-shirt.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 5
It’s hard to beat this pocket t-shirt from Tropicfeel. Striking a flawless balance between price, quality, and style, this tee will be your new go-to every day of the week. Made from lightweight organic cotton, it’s outfitted with UV protection and subtle branding on the pocket. So whether you’re wearing it on your commute or on your couch, this tee is fit for any situation.
Size Range: S-XXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 6
Too many cotton t-shirts? No such thing. Add this Wahts top to your collection if you’re a fan of a terry cloth knit. It’s as soft as your favorite towel, though twice as stylish. Men looking to add some color to their wardrobe will relish in the soft blue hue, but it also comes in five neutral shades for the guys who prefer an earthy look. Ideal with jeans or your beloved joggers, this comfy top is one of the best pocket t-shirts for men.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 1
Nineties revival is totally in (cue: the comeback of lowrise jeans), but it’s not like the striped shirt went out of style in the first place. Serving serious retro vibes, this pocket tee for men is a must-have wardrobe staple.
The pattern makes this top slightly more interesting than your standard, solid-color shirt and adds a bit of dimension to any outfit, whether you wear it with slacks or jeans. It has a regular cut, so it fits slightly boxy, which is just as well because who wants a skin-tight t-shirt anyways?
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Slim | Colors: 6
Everlane does basics best, and their pocket tee is no exception. Part of the Uniform line, this shirt is so good it’s backed by the brand’s 365-day guarantee. Made from over 6 ounces of dense cotton, this shirt softens with age instead of falling apart after several washes.
Designed to last for years, it’s available in seven neutral colors and has a flattering fit. Dress it up for the office with a suit jacket and some slacks, or reserve it for weekend wear with jeans, a flannel, and a pair of high tops.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 6
Made locally in the USA, this shirt was designed to be your go-to. Instead of scrambling to pull together an outfit, this long sleeve pocket t-shirt is the foundation of a flawless getup. It’s plenty lightweight for year-round wear and looks equally at home with sweatpants as it does under a blazer. If you’re looking for a pocket t-shirt to dress up or wear down, this is a timeless piece that will age well.
Size Range: M-4XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Boxy | Colors: 6
It’s almost like Dickies can do no wrong, especially in the world of casual and workwear. This brand has been around forever (100 years in 2022), so it’s no wonder they make some of the best men’s pocket t-shirts. If you’re looking for a black, wear-everywhere type of tee, this is the prime pick.
Made from pre-shrunk jersey cotton, it’s as comfortable as can be, only added to by the tagless neckline—no itching here. Wear it to the skatepark with jeans and Vans or the office with khakis and derbies. Wherever life takes you, Dickies is coming along for the ride.
Size Range: S-2XL | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: 3
$100 for a men’s t-shirt may give cause for pause, but when you see the detailing on this top, it’s easy to justify the steep price tag. Made by expert tailor Richard James, the craftsmanship shines through with fine stitching, premium materials, and welcome additions like the subtly split hem.
It’s hard to find a t-shirt as nice as this one, but the white colorway makes it easy to wear with anything. You should be able to wear the best white t-shirts to the office on casual Fridays, and this one will seamlessly carry you through the weekend as well, from date nights in jeans to laid-back game days on the sofa. Just watch out for the buffalo sauce.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 80% Cotton, 20% Linen | Fit: Slim | Colors: 3
Nothing says preppy chic quite like Ralph Lauren, and this pocket t-shirt is the foundation of any country club outfit. One of the softest options on this list, thanks to the cotton linen blend, this top is lightweight for summer wear with pastel hues to match.
It’s flawless with chinos and Sperrys, and when the temperatures start to drop, wear it with a cardigan or chunky knit sweater for an easy fall look.
Size Range: S-2XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Boxy | Colors: 3
Did you know that Caterpillar makes more than heavy machinery? This construction brand has branched out into menswear, making the best pocket tee to wear on the job site or at the gym. Rather than a regular tank top, it has a muscle shirt cut with sleeves that cover the shoulders (but just barely).
It’s great for those days when you want to show off your biceps or simply air out your pits. Finished with a tagless design and the brand’s iconic logo, this is the best men’s pocket t-shirt if you’re over sleeves.
Size Range: S-2XL | Material: 84% Lyocell, 16% Silk | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: 2
More sophisticated than your standard, run-of-the-mill tee, this option is for the designer guy. Part of Georgio Armani’s new season collection, this flattering v-neck is a step up from the classic Abercrombie cut. The neckline is pronounced, accompanied by a chest pocket and elbow-length sleeves.
It has a slightly baggier fit that makes it a great choice for streetwear-inspired outfits, so wear it with your trusty cargos and chunky sneakers. Made from a lyocell blend, it’s soft and supple, which we’d expect, considering the steep price tag.
Size Range: S-5XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Oversized | Colors: 26
Sometimes oversized t-shirts are necessary, especially for days when you can’t be confined by something skin-tight. This is among the best pocket t-shirts and if you don’t believe me, check out the 87,000+ five-star reviews. It should come as no surprise that Carhartt makes the cut because their shirts are some of the most durable and recognizable on the market.
This pocket tee comes in a whopping 26 colors (and sizes up to 5XL), with a boxy fit that extends past the waistline and the signature Carhartt logo on the pocket. Wear it with fitted trousers for a polished look, or lean into the oversized trend with a pair of cargos. This is one shirt you’ll never outgrow.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Slim | Colors: 6
The worst part about new t-shirts is that stiff feeling when you first put them on. Bonobos mitigated this rigidness with their worn-in pocket t-shirt, soft as can be from the very first wear. Made from the most comfortable cotton, this is the best pocket t-shirt for guys looking for an added dose of lightweight goodness. There are neutral colors to choose from, as well as three unique shades for a little pop to your daily outfits.
Pair this pocket tee with jeans and corduroys during colder months and linen trousers in the summer.
Size Range: 2XS-3XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Oversized | Colors: 5
Basics that pack a big
Go with one of the neutral colorways for layering building blocks, or opt for bright yellow if you want to make your outfit stand out. Style it with jeans and a hoodie or a pair of cords and an overshirt for a ‘90s-inspired look.
Size Range: S-3XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 15+
Where would the t-shirt world be without Hanes? This iconic brand has churned out affordable undergarments since 1901 and has perfected its craft over the past 100+ years. These are the best men’s pocket t-shirts if you’re after tried and true without doing damage to your wallet.
They forgo the extra bells and whistles and keep it simple with a cotton jersey construction and a ribbed neckline. With plenty of colors to choose from and packs of one or two, this is a shirt that will still be around in another 100 years.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 14
Huckberry’s in-house brand Forty Five churns out basics for the modern man. This pocket tee is the company’s crowning glory, with a well-loved fit and durable construction. The lightweight material holds up over time, making this a fan-favorite shirt for the backcountry and beyond.
With 15 colors to choose from, you may have a hard time deciding which one is best… or opt for the three-shirt bundle for under $100, so you don’t have to make any difficult choices.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: 2
The streetwear world is no stranger to the best pocket t-shirts, and Japanese brand WTAPs hits the mark to a tee. This iconic brand keeps things simple, with a small embroidered logo on the pocket and not much else.
The shirt is designed with a boxy, relaxed fit and finished with a matching appliqué logo along the hem. In the world of simple yet highly effective garments, veteran WTAPS never misses.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Material: 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon | Fit: Slim | Colors: 2
You would think that wool and t-shirts are contradictory terms, but when it comes to merino, you’d be surprised at what can be accomplished. The result here is the softest pocket t-shirt known to man, with moisture-wicking and odor-reducing qualities.
It’s a top choice for long travel days or trips to the backcountry, as you’ll stay fresh long after your Old Spice wears off. For technical wear or long weekends on the couch, this is the best pocket t-shirt for men who don’t want to be bothered by sweat stains.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 1
A subtle statement piece, this is the best men’s pocket t-shirt with added detailing. While a pocket adds some dimension to a tee, Bode takes it a step further with fine floral embroidery above the logo. It majorly screams ‘70s style, where everything and its mom was covered in beads.
Though instead of being over the top, this small detail is just enough to aid in a vintage aesthetic. The shirt is cut in a boxy fit, and the midweight fabric makes it a closet staple for year-round wear. Reach for this piece the next time smart casual calls, and pair it with crisp chinos and a pair of suede loafers.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Regular or Slim | Colors: 9
J.Crew has been making this shirt since 2004, so you know they’re on to something with the design. With nearly two decades as a best seller, it caters to all men with classic, slim, or tall cuts. It’s prewashed for a lived-in feel and faded in all the right ways to make the shirt look old but never tattered.
Whether you spruce it up with slacks and a blazer or stick to casual dress with shorts and boat shoes, you’ll be wondering how you lived so long without this shirt.
Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Fit: Regular | Colors: 2
The best men’s pocket t-shirt for a rugged edge, we love this piece for its rolled hems that make it look well-loved right out of the box. Rag & Bone has perfected the effortless modern tee, complimented by soft, organic fabric and earthy hues. A step up from your standard tee, Rag & Bone takes things further with exposed seams and small notches in the hem for a low-key upscale look.
This shirt will carry you anywhere (in style), so wear it to work, the ball game after, then to the pub to celebrate a win. Wherever you end up, this shirt will be your new favorite wingman.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Pocket T-Shirts
Material
Material is the largest contributor to comfort, so it’s important to choose something high-quality and soft for daily wear.
In general, the best men’s pocket t-shirts are made from cotton. Sometimes you’ll find a cotton blend, but typically tees are made from 100% cotton.
More athletic pocket t-shirts may be crafted from a synthetic blend to wick sweat, aid in movement, and reduce odors.
Like with most articles of clothing, you can find pocket tees in just about any type of fabric, from wool to nylon and beyond. Though if you want to play it close to home, stick with tried and true cotton, the fabric that’s been making up t-shirts for hundreds of years.
Color
Since a t-shirt is the main building block of most outfits, color is a prime consideration. If you’re looking for a tee to wear daily, choose a versatile neutral colorway like black, white, or gray. These colors go with anything, making it easy to throw on the tee and whatever else you feel like wearing.
If you’re hoping to spice up your wardrobe and add a pop of color to your routine, choose a pocket t-shirt in an interesting hue. These shirts come in just about every color under the sun, so whether you go with wine red, sunshine yellow, forest green, or baby blue, a colorful pocket tee can pull together an otherwise dull outfit.
Fit
Finally, here are some of the main fits you’ll come across with pocket tees:
Regular: A pocket tee with a regular fit should align with your shoulders and stop at the waistline, with sleeves that end above the elbows. A regular-fitting pocket tee will have a bit of room for comfort but not enough to look baggy. This is the ideal choice if you’re looking for something to wear on a daily basis.
Tailored/Slim: Tailored pocket tees have a slimmer fit, with less room in the front of the shirt. These tops are more form-fitting, with tighter sleeves and a tighter abdomen. This is the pocket tee to pick if you’re hoping to dress it up or wear it for nicer occasions.
Oversized/Relaxed: Oversized pocket t-shirts are some of the most comfortable tops around, with a longer, loose fit and plenty of room to move. The sleeves will normally come to the elbow, and the hem will fall past the waist. Oversized is great for street style or comfy wear, as these pocket tees are baggy and non-constricting.
Final Verdict
Our final verdict on the best men’s pocket t-shirts is that there’s a lot to choose from. We stand firm with our choice of Tropicfeel as the best overall. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, try the Polo Ralph Lauren slim fit tee, but if you’re going for a laid-back look, the Wahts Todd towelling t-shirt is a top pick for year-round wear. No matter what you choose, your new pocket tee will be the star of your casual wardrobe.
FAQ
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You can restyle old pocket t-shirts with a casual twist, pairing them with jeans or chinos, a chunky cardigan, and a pair of Chelsea boots. For warmer weather, restyle old pocket tees with khaki shorts and boat shoes, Vans, or leather sneakers.
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While originally designed to hold small items like pens, cigarettes, and loose change, the pocket on t-shirts has become a classic style detail that does not serve much of a purpose… but it still looks good.
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Pocket tees are one piece of clothing that is never going out of style. Classic and timeless pocket t-shirts add a bit of dimension to an otherwise boring look and come in all sorts of colors and patterns to suit your individual fashion taste.
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The idea of the pocket being on the left side of the shirt is that it’s easier to use our right hand to grab things. So if you wanted to access something in your pocket, you’d typically use your right hand to reach across your chest to pick it up rather than fumble with your left hand (sorry, lefties).
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