08 Jan Best Work Shirts Reviewed
Work shirts for blue-collar jobs, working out, and spending time outdoors is very important. Learn here some hints on how to chose the right ones.
Recently I was purchasing work shirts for both my sons – one who works in construction, the other who is in college but is frequently spending time outdoors. Both are very physical, and tough on their clothes, therefore the ones I chose needed to wear well and not collect moisture. I realized, without knowing it, I was an expert of sorts on which ones to buy that would suit their tastes but also be rugged for outdoors. It’s not an easy choice so I’m hoping to share my knowledge to help you make an informed choice.
Criteria as follows:
- Washability – Is that a real word? The shirt needs to wash out stains easily, and (most importantly) not shrink in the dryer! That means fabric is important, such as polyester.
- Comfort – Try working in a thick cotton shirt all day that gets hot and holds water. Not good. Or fits too tight, and is cut incorrectly – might show off your muscles but not easy to move in. And, what about rough material? I know polyester washes well but some polyester shirts are made with such rough material they take several runs through the wash before they don’t irritate your skin.
- Moisture “Wicking” – This is a bit more scientific than the other criteria. This material has the unique ability to wick moisture away from the body, effectively keeping you cool and dry. Essentially, wicking fabrics draw the moisture into the top layer of the shirt so that they don’t sit directly on your body. Pulling moisture away from the skin and into the fibers of your clothing helps prevent bacteria buildup that can contribute to body odor. The best moisture-wicking garments are made of 100 percent polyester. However, some shirts made with a blend of polyester and cotton can help remove moisture yet are softer and more comfortable material.
- Durability – One of the most important qualities is durability. Of the most common fabric types used in t-shirts, polyester is generally the most durable. Cotton/polyester blends, and cotton/polyester/rayon blends are also good choices. 100% cotton is usually the least durable but some manufacturers make very durable cotton shirts. So, it’s important to read the label and know the brand.
- Cost – This last criteria is not as important as the previous three, however is still a huge factor. Some folks go through dozens of work t-shirts per year if they’re a tradesman. You want a shirt that’s durable and comfortable (perhaps even fireproof), but since work apparel wears out faster cost is always a consideration. You don’t need to spend a fortune if you know what to look for. And, if it’s cheap enough just throw it away and get another!
Top Picks
Carhartt Men’s Force Cotton Delmont Short Sleeve T-shirt
The Carhartt Delmont is a relatively new work t-shirt that is both rugged for work, but also extremely comfortable. Its a blend of 65% cotton/35% polyester plaited jersey knit. Fast Dry technology wicks away sweat. And its stain Breaker technology releases stains. As typical for Carhartt it runs slightly larger than average, and it’s not a fitted shirt, giving it room to work in. The retail price is about $21 which is higher than average, even for Carhartt. However, I’ve purchased a couple of these and they are worth the price. Very tough to beat.
Dickies Men’s Heavyweight Henley
I tend to think of Henley T-shirts as the quintessential traditional work shirt. The Henley is not just any plain old t-shirt, Henleys are the workhorse of the garment world. And with a wide breathable collar that doesn’t itch— it really doesn’t get any better than this shirt for work. The Henley is also versatile. It’s appropriate for a casual weekend or for high-performance wear at the job site.
The Dickies Heavyweight short-sleeved Henley offers modern design and heavy duty quality. Dickies used to make some very conservative styles, but this t-shirt can be worn every day. It also is made with a design that is made for safety during work.
Crafted from jersey knit cotton and polyester (10%), the Dickies Heavyweight Henley breathes easily. The shoulder and neck seams are taped and made to last. The loose fit and tagless neck in the back allow you to move around comfortably no matter what activity you are participating in.
Dickies is known for rugged workwear and this Henley is no exception. At only $16 it also checks the box of affordability so you can buy several in case they get a hole or two. However, with the durability of these t-shirts you’ll likely have it for years. The Dickies Heavyweight Henley definitely qualifies as one of the best work shirts for construction workers.
Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant “Force” Long Sleeve Henley Tee
One of my favorites in the bunch, Carhartt Henley long sleeve t-shirt is designed to be tough but it’s very nice fitting and doesn’t shout “work shirt”. I love Carhartt’s Henly shirts, but this particular one is highlighted due to it’s flame resistance. Although it’s a long sleeve t-shirt it keeps you cool with Carhartt’s “Force” technology. Force technology is Carhartt’s “FastDry” technology to quickly wick away any sweat or moisture the shirt is exposed to as well as reduce body odor – a long-winded way of saying their Henley shirt keeps your dry and smelling nice.
This Henley shirt has undergone rigorous testing and complies with the requirements of NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112. It also has a well-built left pocket and a rib-knit collar. The Carhartt Force is a lightweight t-shirt that wicks moisture and is super comfortable to wear. This shirt is made for those who need a huskier fit, so sizes run large. There are cheaper Carhartt Henley shirts, but since it’s flame resistant this one tips the affordability scale at $75. But, you may agree it’s worth every penny if it keeps you from going up in flames one day.
MR PORTER – Sunspel
Not all work t-shirts are for blue-collar jobs. MR PORTER Sunspel t-shirt is for the discerning t-shirt connoisseur who wants the highest quality tee under their dress shirts…or not – it’s so nice it’s a dress shirt on its own. The high-end English retailer was founded in 1860 but still competes with the new guys. Although they have several awesome t-shirts this particular tee is cut slim but not too fitted, Sunspel‘s soft cotton-jersey T-shirt offers unrivalled comfort. This wardrobe staple is from the label’s core collection and will suit most builds. At $90 retail you may not think it checks the affordable box, however if you see MR PORTER other shirts you’ll think that’s cheap!
Carhartt K87 – WORKWEAR POCKET T-SHIRT
Probably the most popular out of list is the Carhartt K87. It’s also by far the most versatile, wears so well you can have it for years, and at a very reasonable price point of $16. This shirt is very roomy and comfortable for work, and comes in tall sizes. However, when you see this shirt it doesn’t scream construction crew. Wear this shirt for everyday and look stylish. It’s 100% cotton which makes it more comfortable, but falls a bit short on washability and wicking- so watch the paint and grease stains. Overall the most recommendable (default) work t-shirt here.
CARHARTT FORCE® COLOR ENHANCED SHORT-SLEEVE T-SHIRT
Perhaps the ultimate work shirt for construction workers is the day-glo, color enhanced work shirt. The one chosen here is from Carhatt who make an excellent version that is both comfortable, and wears very well. Because of its acrylic fabric it resists stains and acts as a moisture wick. And, comes in both “brite orange” and “brite lime” (pictured here). It’s a very stylish work t-shirt, and the luminescent color is helpful in hazardous work environments. Yet although it is meant for safety it doesn’t attract quite as much attention as shirts with reflectors attached front and back. My son has a couple of these, not meaning to avoid being hit with machine tools or moving trucks, just because of the comfortable fit and stain resistance. So, I’d recommend this Carhartt work t-shirt highly.
This men’s short-sleeve t-shirt is made of performance fabric that wicks away sweat, repels stains, and defeats odors. The relaxed fit gives you plenty of room to move.
- 4.25-ounce polyester bird’s-eye knit
- Built with Force technology to wick sweat and dry fast
- FastDry® technology wicks away sweat
- Stain Breaker® technology releases stains
- Side-seam construction minimizes twisting
- Left-chest pocket with sewn-on Carhartt patch
- Tagless neck label for a smooth feel
Honorable Mention: Red Kap Long Sleeve Striped Industrial Work Shirt
This list is intended for t-shirts only, but among all the button down utility, oxford, industrial work shirts out there this is one of my favorites. Red Kap work wear has been around since 1923 and makes excellent quality clothing for hard working folks of all kinds. They wash well, fit comfortably, and are strikingly affordable – the one pictured here is $28 and will last you years. Even if you’re not in the construction, automotive, or related blue-collar fields it’s still extremely fun to have a stylish shirt that you can get dirty without worry about stains or shrinkage. This is one of my favorite styles, but there are endless combinations of colors. Highly recommended.
This hardworking style has a professional stripe and is built to meet IL50 standards, which means it excels through 50 industrial launderings. 4.25-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton with Touchtex™ technology for superior color retention, soil release and wickability Yarn-dyed fabric Open collar with sewn-in stays 7 buttons including button at neck Two button-through pockets Bartacked pencil stall on left pocket
- 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
- Button closure
- 4.25-ounce 65/35 poly/cotton with soil-release finish
- Yarn-dyed fabric; Open collar with sewn-in stays
- Melamine collar button; Melamine buttons