The best T-shirts by designers Sunspel, Derek Rose and James Perse to add to your wardrobe basics.

When we consider the pieces that certain brands do best, wardrobe basics are often overlooked. We might like to wax lyrical about, say, a Richard James suit, Incotex chinos, or a pair of Nike sneakers, but you don’t necessarily want to be the guy talking animatedly about the go-to sock designer. In our review of today’s new arrivals, however, we’re championing brands that make the humble T-shirt better than anyone. Sure, tees aren’t as exciting as check tailoring or flyknits – but you probably wear them more than anything else in your wardrobe and usually when you want to feel most comfortable. Just ask Rolling Stones drummer Mr Charlie Watts about the importance of a well-made T-shirt. He insists on getting the ones he dons on stage custom-made by Sunspel. Who, incidentally, feature in our roundup…

Every man should own a crew-neck white T-shirt. In fact, scratch that, every man should own at least three. After all, whatever your washing powder tells you, your whites don’t stay white forever. Investing in true quality, however, will always help to extend the life span of your white tee. Once Savile Row-based, Derek Rose is known for its masculine yet elegant nightwear, but also sets the standard for comfortable essentials. Team this with pyjama bottoms, or a pair of black jeans – depending on your downtime activities this weekend.

Try these

This is a brand with some serious heritage in the basics department. It began operations in 1860 and, in 1947, was the first brand to supply boxer shorts to the UK. They were made in Sunspel’s factory in Nottingham, UK – where some of the first ever tunics and T-shirts were made. Now, Sunspel are proud T-shirt specialists. If you don’t believe us, listen to Mr Daniel Craig. All his T-shirts and polo shirts were made especially for him by Sunspel for Casino Royale. We particular like the horizontal striped one below – new on MR PORTER today – which we plan to wear under a denim jacket this weekend.

Try these

Now for a little change of scenery as we head to the sunny West Coast, where LA-based brand James Perse calls home. Another T-shirt expert, Mr Perse specialises in luxury yet laid-back basics from which you can build any casual look. The cotton used to make James Perse tees is combed prior to construction to ensure only the softest, purest yarns are used. We can imagine this black piece with a leather jacket slung over it, or combined with some sweatpants (if you’re enjoying a particularly easy Sunday).

Try these