Top Plain Shirt Brands: Timeless Elegance and Style

In recent years, the demand for plain shirts has seen a remarkable surge as they provide a versatile base for both casual and formal outfits. Whether you are looking for comfort, quality, or style, several brands have excelled in designing the perfect plain shirt for every wardrobe. From well-known high street retailers to luxury fashion houses, these brands combine rich fabrics with refined craftsmanship to deliver items that last. Wondering which brands made it to the top of the list? Read more below to discover the best brands for plain shirts that suit any occasion.

Illustration of plain shirts

Best brands of plain shirts in 2025

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is renowned for producing high-quality, affordable plain shirts, leveraging its innovative approach to fabric and design. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its use of materials like Pima cotton and its proprietary technologies such as HeatTech and AIRism. As of 2023, Uniqlo operates 2,434 stores worldwide and achieved sales of Y=2.3275 trillion, with a significant presence in Japan, China, and other global markets. Uniqlo's market share in Japan's men's and women's markets stands at 18.2% and 16.0%, respectively, highlighting its strong customer base. The brand's focus on core products and an efficient supply chain allows it to offer durable and stylish shirts at prices under $20.

J.Crew

J.Crew is often praised for its stylish and well-fitting casual shirts, particularly the "tailored fit" lines, which offer a slim and comfortable design. However, recent feedback suggests a decline in fabric quality, with many users noting that the tees and sweaters have become thinner and less durable, some even describing them as "see-through" or prone to holes after only a few wearings. Despite this, J.Crew still maintains a loyal customer base for its classic designs and odd-numbered sizing options, which cater to those who don't fit standard even sizes. The brand's cashmere items, while soft and warm, have also been criticized for pilling and thinness, especially in lighter colors. Overall, J.Crew's quality control has been a point of contention, but its styling and fit remain strong. For more information, explore their selection on J.Crew's official website.

Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers is renowned for its high-quality, classic plain shirts, maintaining a strong presence in the market with a 1.5% market share on Poshmark, where it ranks 202 among 1,000 brands. In the last month, Brooks Brothers generated $73,809 in revenue, selling 2,554 items with an average sale price of $29. The brand's average sales period of 24 days is faster than the overall average, indicating strong demand. Known for its traditional USA-made products, Brooks Brothers appeals to consumers seeking durable, quality clothing. Despite financial challenges, the brand remains a staple for those valuing classic, well-made apparel.

Everlane

Everlane stands out as one of the best producers of plain shirts, renowned for its commitment to radical transparency, ethical manufacturing, and high-quality materials. Founded in 2010, Everlane uses 100% cotton and other natural materials, ensuring sustainability and recyclability. Their Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew, part of the Uniform Collection, features a 6.2-ounce cotton construction and a relaxed fit, backed by a 365-Day Guarantee. Everlane's focus on transparency includes detailed pricing guides and a pledge to eliminate virgin plastic from their supply chain by 2021. This brand's dedication to quality and ethics makes it a leader in the fashion industry. For further insights on such quality clothing, check out the best heavyweight shirts.

Muji

Muji stands out as a premier producer of plain shirts, renowned for its commitment to functional, quality design and minimalistic aesthetics. Founded in 1980, Muji has expanded to over 970 stores in 31 countries, including 479 in Japan, and generated almost 109 billion Japanese yen in net sales through its apparel segment in fiscal year 2023. The brand's focus on natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, and its meticulous attention to material selection and process streamlining ensure high-quality products. Muji's apparel sales saw a significant increase, with a 121.3% year-on-year growth in Japan's directly managed stores and online stores in November 2024. This success is attributed to Muji's anti-brand identity and its emphasis on simplicity and durability. Discover more about their products on the Muji official website.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic is renowned for its high-quality and versatile plain shirts, offering a range of styles that cater to various tastes and occasions. The brand saw a significant 25% year-over-year sales growth in Q2 2022, driven partly by the return to office wear, with customers spending an average of $197 per transaction. Their standard fit t-shirts are made from premium materials such as authentic SUPIMA(r) cotton and linen, ensuring comfort and durability. With over 400 company-operated and franchise stores globally, Banana Republic is a leading destination for attainable luxury and heritage classics. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in its timeless and stylish designs.

COS

COS, a brand under the H&M Group, is renowned for its high-quality, plain shirts that embody a timeless and understated design aesthetic. Since its inception, COS has focused on providing design quality at an affordable price, with a strategy of releasing only two collections per year, each designed 18 months in advance. By 2017, COS had achieved around $1 billion in sales, accounting for nearly 5 percent of the H&M Group's total revenue. The brand's emphasis on investment pieces, such as its 22 versions of a white women's shirt, has made it a favorite among consumers seeking durable and versatile clothing. Despite some challenges in adapting to e-commerce, COS continues to expand its retail footprint, with over 291 stores globally as of 2020. For more insights on their global expansion, read this exclusive article on COS's strategies.

Sunspel

Sunspel is renowned as one of the best producers of plain shirts, boasting over 160 years of expertise since its inception in 1860. The brand pioneered the world's first luxury T-shirt and continues to use the finest extra-long staple Supima cotton, sourced from a single Californian farm, ensuring exceptional softness and durability. Their unique two-fold Q82 fabric, refined over generations, balances durability with lightness and a smooth feel. Each T-shirt undergoes 12 precise steps and 15 quality control checks by skilled craftspeople, many of whom have been with the brand for over 20 years. Sunspel's commitment to quality and craftsmanship makes their T-shirts a favorite among global fashion stylists and celebrities. You can explore their Men's Short Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt to experience their timeless elegance and superior quality.

Asket

Asket is renowned for producing high-quality, durable plain shirts, utilizing 100% organic extra-long staple cotton and a custom 180g/sqm single jersey fabric. Founded in 2015, Asket focuses on creating timeless pieces with a classic fit and ribbed neckline, offering 18 sizes to ensure a perfect fit. The brand achieves 93% overall traceability and maintains a slim profit margin by avoiding wholesale markups, selling directly to customers. Their manufacturing process results in 11.39 kg CO2e carbon emissions per garment. Asket's commitment to quality and sustainability makes it a standout in the market.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned for its high-quality and classic designs, particularly in the realm of plain shirts, with its iconic Polo Ralph Lauren brand being a cornerstone of men's luxury casual and sportswear since its launch in 1968. The brand's focus on timeless elegance and premium materials has maintained a strong market presence, with a market share of approximately 4.59% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry as of Q3 2024. Ralph Lauren's commitment to quality and style stability has allowed it to endure through generations, with recent growth driven by a 10% increase in average unit retail (AUR) across its direct-to-consumer network. The brand's global revenue reached $6.44 billion in 2023, reflecting its robust recovery post-pandemic. With over 17 fashion brands under its umbrella, Ralph Lauren continues to cater to various market segments with its distinctive American lifestyle appeal.