This review is a piece of our Great White T-Shirt Review series, in which we tested nearly two dozen plain white t-shirts to help you understand what’s on the market today. In it, we tested for qualities like fit, construction quality, fabric density, shrinkage, and see-through-ness, amongst many others.
Amazon Essentials: Hanes for those who can’t be bothered to go to the store. Not a terrible shirt, but there’s literally no reason to buy this over the Kirkland Signature (unless, I guess, you really want a quantity of 2 rather than 6).
By The Numbers
- Fabric: 100% cotton
- Made in: Pakistan
- Postwash Fabric Density: 1.67g/LI (Heavy)
- Postwash Total Weight: 180g
- Construction: Overlock side seams
- Size Large Postwash Measurements (inches):
- Front Length: 25
- Pit to Pit: 21
- Shoulder to Shoulder: 17.25
- Hem Width: 21
- Neck Width: 5.25
- Sleeve Length: 9
- Sleeve Height: 9
- Sizing Recommendation: True to Size
- Shrinkage: 5.70%
- Weight Loss: 4.76%
- Price Per Shirt: $6
- Available for $12 at Amazon
Fit
Amazon advertises this as its “slim-fit” shirt, but it’s really just a regular straight fit with no drop between the pits and the hem. That said, it does fit better than most shirts in the bargain category.
The length is correct and the sleeves don’t have a crazy amount of flair. But there’s something inescapably boxy about it, Frankenstein-esque. I think it’s because the overlock on the inside of the sleeve seam is just a touch too big, which adds the same structure as an 80s power-suit. Probably not what you’re looking for but I find it hilarious.
Fabric
Nothing to see here folks. Not great, not terrible, relatively heavy for this price point. Not as scratchy as Hanes but not as soft and heavy as Kirkland. It’s fine.
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Does pretty well on the sheerness test though.
Construction and Details
The way this shirt is put together is kinda wonky. You can tell it was made by a big conglomerate like Amazon rather than someone that’s been strictly in the t-shirt game for the better part of a century. Aside from the aforementioned Franken-shoulders, there are loose threads poking out from the tape on the collar, the stitching on hems is all over the place, and there’s this weird puffy chainstitch type thing across the yoke.
Call it growing pains or inexperience, but the QC on these tees is very very low. To their credit, the seams aren’t puckering and there’s no “bacon neck” to be found, it’s just very sloppy in the margins.
The Verdict
The only reason I can imagine someone buying this tee is if they were gently nudged to do so by an algorithm. It’s not bad, per se, but it’s a weird and amateurish bargain play by one of the biggest companies on Earth. Just buy the Kirkland Signature.
Consider if:
- You’re a virtual shopping avatar and want to score points with Big Amazon
Avoid if:
- Your shoulders can speak for themselves
Available for $12 at Amazon
As mentioned, this was just one of many other reviews of plain white tees. Have a look at the full comprehensive review including all the other t-shirts.
