Sometimes You Just Need a V-neck (2025)

You’ve gotta have a good V-neck shirt in your rotation. Well, preferably, several good V-neck shirts—the style is a staple, and keeping a few on hand is always a good idea, whether you’re wearing one as an undershirt or letting it fly solo.

You may remember a time in the early aughts when you could barely walk down the street without seeing every skinny-jean-and-Chelsea-boot-and-beanie-wearing guy also rocking a V-neck. First they were cool, and then not so much. But now we’ve come full circle, and I think we can all agree that V-necks just look damn good—a little glimpse of collarbone never hurt anybody.

In 2025, the V-neck a cool, timeless rendition of the classic T-shirt, designed to add a little bit more flair, intention, and dimension to your fit. When you replace your crewneck with a V-neck, it can work. Really! Just see the 13 styles we love below if you don’t believe me. From Polo Ralph Lauren to Hanes to Sunspel, these are sleek, dare I say sexy, styles that’ll round out the foundations of your wardrobe.

Simple, chic, and sleek. The wash on this tee is money and goes with almost anything. Plus, it’s made with cotton and Repreve recycled fibers (in other words, four plastic bottles!), so you can do good for the planet while looking good. Banana Republic leaves us with no choice but to love this V-neck.

It’s all about bang for your buck with this six-pack, which rings in at under 20 bucks. A hefty grip of tees from Fruit of the Loom is always a great idea. These V-neck undershirts were designed to eliminate ride-up and stay tucked, so you never have to worry about unwanted peeking from beneath your outer shirt. And even if you wear it on its own, it looks damn sleek.

When it comes to basics, Champion is an all-time pro—especially if comfort is something you consider. We love the brand for its soft, durable, comfortable apparel, ranging from hoodies to, well, V-necks. This style is the ultimate staple because it won’t break the bank, and the relaxed, comfy fit will let you wear it all day long. Talk about getting your money’s worth.

One thing about Esquire editors: We love our Hanes shirts. This is as classic as a white tee is ever going to get. The V-necks in this three-pack are designed to ward off sweat and dry quickly, so they’ll stay cool to the touch, even when you’re not.

With a burnout effect, this grungier tee is a callback to the laid-back vibes of the 2000s. You can get away with it as long as it’s Lucky Brand. While you may no longer be making mixtapes or playing guitar in your parents’ garage (though if you are, we won’t judge), we promise this is still a very stylish option.

Lands’ End tees are manufactured with trademarked Super-T technology to help prevent fading in the wash, so if you thought you were getting a deal already, it’s even better than you anticipated. This classic style is built with features you won’t find on cheaply made tees, so expect this guy to keep its rich color and appearance after multiple wears.

No one—and we mean no one—makes compression shirts better than Under Armour. Its Tactical HeatGear V-neck is extremely comfortable and wicks sweat as you move. Any athlete would be silly to go without it—and even if you aren’t an athlete, we still suggest grabbing this style.

If this tee is good enough for James Bond in Casino Royale, it should be good enough for everyone. The fabric is mid-weight—great for transitioning across seasons—and made from two-fold long-staple cotton for extra softness (like, unbelievably soft). You’ll feel just like 007.

Bombas is a comfort-focused brand, and its super-soft V-necks do not disappoint. These three stylish tees are perfect for layering under things or wearing alone—and the range of colors ensures you can get away with wearing all of them in rotation. (You’ll still need to wash them eventually, though!)

In a world of fast fashion, Ralph Lauren is a love letter to longevity. The iconic brand created a classic V-neck tee that you’ll reach for again and again, and we guarantee it will remain your grab-and-go essential for years to come.

Everlane is a sustainable brand that prides itself on creating garments that last for years—even decades. Its “modern basics” are straightforward and reasonably priced, so you always know you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck with these tees.

This stylish V-neck tee is supremely soft and is made with a sweat-wicking material that will battle odor-causing microbes and keep you cool while you work. Plus, it has four-way-stretch fabric that moves with you throughout the day, so whether you have a dad bod or zero body fat, it’s guaranteed to look good.

They say the best things come in threes, and these ultrasoft tees are no exception. They look as good under your favorite shirt as they do on their own and will last you for years.

Basic rules: When looking for your perfect V-neck tee, it’s important to remember some essential rules. First, make sure the neckline is not too low and that the collar is sturdy and well-finished. While you may be super proud of your pectoral muscles (and we’re proud of you too!), there’s a time and a place for that, and it doesn’t include the office or dinner. Second, gravitate toward natural, breathable materials that will give you room to move. No one wants to go through the day in a garment they’re uncomfortable in, and a relaxed fit will help you look and stay cool. Lastly, we recommend timeless solid colors to keep your V-neck looking elevated—printed V-necks can oftentimes appear tacky.

Different vibes: