Here’s an email from a reader who’s seeking out a reasonably priced black v-neck undershirt:
Firstly, let me thank you for your blog. It’s been quite helpful and I’m grateful it exists. I’m having a rather hard time finding affordable black v-neck t-shirts that are as cheap as the white ones. I don’t really care a whole lot about it’s brand just something what won’t shrink nor something that the color would fade quickly. If you can help me find these I would be super grateful especially if they came in packs of 3’s.
Thanks, R.
Hey there R! Thanks for your email, the compliment and for your question.
Well, I hate to say it, but I haven’t ever come across any black v-neck undershirts that are as inexpensive as the cheaper white ones (typically around $3-$4 each). In addition, if you’re looking for ones that won’t shrink, it will be nearly impossible to find something under $8.
Nonetheless, I’m always here to help :) Below, I have compiled a list of black v-neck undershirts, ordered from least expensive to most expensive, that just might work for your needs.
Category 1 – Most suitable based on your needs. This grouping of undershirts are made from stretchy materials and blends that maintain their size, shape and fit rather well over time. I have some experience with black or dark colored Calvin Klein, Alfani, Gap, and RibbedTee undershirts and can tell you from my personal experience that I haven’t seen any noticeable color fading.
- V-Neck Men’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt by Canvas – $8.95 each ($8.00 each for 3)
Pre-shrunk, 100% combed ring spun super-soft cotton. Colors: Gray, Navy, Black, White and Brown - Alfani: Stretch V-Neck (2-pack) – $16.98 ($8.49 each)
Available at Macy’s Department Store
Moisture Wicking. Ultra Fresh’s Silpure state-of-the-art antimicrobial
95% Cotton, 5% Spandex. Colors: Black, White, Blue, others - RibbedTee: Long, Tailored Cut, Stretch V-Neck (2-pack) – $19.50 ($9.75 each)
Classic Fit, Enhanced Fit, Relaxed Fit. Colors: Black, White
100% Ribbed Cotton - Nautica: Active Stretch V-Neck T-Shirt (2-Pack) – $22.12 ($11.06 each)
95% Cotton, 5% Spandex. Colors: Black, White, Gray - Polo Ralph Lauren: Stretch Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt (2-Pack) – $26.00 ($13.00 each)
95% Combed Ringspun Cotton, 5% Spandex. Colors: Black, White - Gap: Fitted stretch v-neck T – $16.50 ($12.00 each, if you buy 3 or more)
96% Cotton, 4% Spandex - Jockey: 3D-Innovations High V-Neck T-Shirt – $13.50 each
90% Cotton, 10% Spandex
Also Available at Macy’s (macy’s online store) - Calvin Klein: Flexible Fit Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt 2-Pack – $29.50 ($14.75 each)
94% Cotton, 6% Dow XLA Lastol.
Available at Macy’s or online at barenecessities.com
Category 2 – This category of undershirts start at prices slightly cheaper than the ones above, but they are made of 100% cotton and will likely shrink after their first washing.
- Fruit of the Loom Lofteez V Neck Tee 20230V – $5.51 – $8.26
100% FRUIT SPUN cotton jersey - Gap: V-neck undershirt (2-pack) – $14.50 ($7.24 each)
100% Cotton. Prewashed. Colors: Black, White, Gray - 2(x)ist: Essential V-Neck T-Shirt 3-Pack – $22.12 ($7.37 each). 100% Cotton
- Nautica: Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt 3-Pack – $22.12 ($7.37 each). 100% Cotton
- Emporio Armani: Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt 3-Pack – $22.50 ($7.50 each). 100% Cotton
- Polo Ralph Lauren: Classic Cotton V-Neck T-Shirts 3-Pack – $29.50 ($9.83 each). 100% Cotton
- American Apparel Adult Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt – $8.49-$8.99
100% Ringspun cotton. Tailored Fit - Gap: Perfect V-neck T – $14.00
100% Cotton. Colors: Lots, including black - Banana Republic Essential cotton v-neck – $16.50 ($12.37 each if you buy 3 or more)
100% Cotton.
Available in the store or at bananarepublic.com - American Apparel: Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck (3-Pack) – $45.00 ($15 each)
100% Fine Jersey Cotton
If anyone has run across any other inexpensive black v-neck undershirts, please feel free to post a comment or email me with the information so I can add it to the lists above.
Thanks for reading!
Tug
thanks for the great information hugo!
Hey guys, I just found this blog, and think it is a great idea. I am always surprised at how few good quality, well made, nicely cut plain t-shirts there are on the market. I am not a fan of big designs/logos, i prefer a simple look.
Anyway, I have just bought a rather large stock of DKNY t-shirts. They do v-neck and round neck ones in packs of 3 for 29.95USD. They are great quality, and fit really nicely. Also the neck band is nice and thin and well shaped (always a problem i have found with cheaper t-shirts). You can get them from loads of different sites, but I purchased mine from freshpair.com
I read that the t-shirts shrink down a size when you first wash them, and found that this was true. I am from the UK and usually take a small, but went for a US medium. They were a little baggy for my liking when they arrived, but have shrinked down to fit perfectly (beware they do loose at least an inch on length, and tighten by a size i would say).
They are quite lightweight which is exactly what I was looking for – for that relaxed yet suave look.
Obviously everyone has different tastes. I like the smart, yet fashionable look, and like plain well fitted clothes where the cut/shape etc does the talking rather than a big logo. For example I buy John Smedley jumpers almost exclusively as they are cut so well, and made from very high quality material – probably the best wool you will find in any jumper, and machine washable! The detail such as cuff size and tightness, as well as the tapering really make them stand out. I have bought Armani, Gucci, Prada, Versace etc in the past and they are not even up in the same league as John Smedley.
If you guys like your plain t-shirts then check this guy out. But don’t tell everyone as I like to be different still!! Haha
Hope this is of use to you guys, and continue the great work with the blog!
Hugo
Hey R,
Anytime! That’s what I’m here for.
Tug
Thanks so much for the info. helped a lot. really appreciate your knowledge sharing. :-)