Asket is a seasonless brand, offering a single, slowly evolving permanent collection. Every product it makes benefits from the intense focus enabled by this radical approach. The brand’s white t-shirt is made from organic, long-staple cotton (which means fibres that are smoother, stronger and more durable than short staple). It’s offered in three lengths, and the midweight yarn makes it a good year-round choice. 

Available at Asket.com

The Bear etched into the hearts and minds of menswear buffs. Jeremy Allen-White’s Carmie wore his Merz b. Schwanen tee with nonchalance, but the quality of the garment also came through the screen. That quality is down to the loopwheel machines used to make the fabric – they produce less tension in the fabric, lending a softer and more dense feel, with natural imperfections. This means a Merz tee will outlast and outfeel any modern-produced t-shirt. 

Available at MerzBSchwanen.com

COS always gets proportions right. Here, the brand has opted for a tight fit around the arms to subtly accentuate any gym sessions. An outstanding high-street ribbed tee, this one can be tucked into some pleated wide-leg trousers with a belt, paired with some loafers, and you’ll have a stellar spring outfit. 

Available at COS.com

This mid-century American brand has been revived by Japan’s Toyo Enterprise. Its white tees are now made in Japan, and come with all of the markers of quality you might expect from a Japanese-made product: double-needle stitching, thick ribbing at the neck for an elevated feel, and a tubular knit construction. This is an authentic 50s Americana t-shirt in style and shape, made with the care and attention to detail of a Japanese product. 

Available at RivetAndHide.com

Best known for its denim, Nudie does a fine white tee. The fit is classic, with a good-length arm that’s billowy and relaxed. The organic cotton fabric is of high quality, so when it fades, it does so with style, developing an easy, lived-in look.  

Available at NudieJeans.com

Coming in at under a fiver, Fruit Of The Loom’s 185gsm heavyweight cotton construction is hard to beat in terms of value. If you want to look good while, say, putting up a shelf, this is the utilitarian white tee for you.

Available at Amazon.co.uk

It’s another classic American brand lovingly revived by a Japanese owner, but Velva Sheen’s approach is different: its tees are still made with American cotton in its hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Its tubular knit – i.e. no seam construction on the arms – offers added comfort, while a relaxed slub and extra breathability make it a great tee for summer. 

Available at JeanStore.co.uk