We’ve all been there — shifting back and forth in front of the mirror, fussing with a poorly-fitting t-shirt. We roll the sleeves, unroll them, tuck the shirt in and try everything else just to get the shirt to drape nicely. And often this struggle ends in throwing another layer on to hide the frumpy shirt altogether.
True Classic aims to end this struggle by redesigning upperwear in a more flattering aesthetic. True Classic makes tops that accentuate the chest and shoulders for a fit that works just as well for a dad bod as for the most shredded gym rat.
With a selection of tees, polos, and activewear, True Classic offers intentionally designed clothing at a price point that blows its competition out of the water. The brand also supports its LA community by contributing to veteran housing solutions and making monthly clothing donations to homeless shelters.
I’ve tried out a handful of products from True Classic, cycling them through my wardrobe and seeing how their value stacks up to our admittedly elevated expectations. Ready to dive in? Keep scrolling to find my in-depth review of True Classic.
Pssst: True Classic Tees is now also offering super comfortable pants and shorts for men. I’ve tested some of them and love how lightweight and budget-friendly they are. Check my hands-on True Classic pants review to see for yourself.
| Price range | From $30 to $120 with a lot of bundle options too |
| Available clothes | T-shirts, Polo shirts, Activewear |
| Materials | Cotton, Poly, Spandex |
| Shipping | worldwide shipping available |
Pros:
- Flattering fits for all bodies
- Bundles to stock up and save
- Breathable, flexible material that holds its shape
- “Try before you buy” feature for risk-free trials
Cons:
- The close-fitting cut of their clothing doesn’t suit oversized styles
Our verdict:
I’m pretty big on elevated basics and prioritizing the fit of a garment, which is why I’m one of many True Classic converts. Great fit, solid value, and an encyclopedia’s worth of color options — what’s not to love?
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? There’s a nearly endless selection of terrible-fitting clothing out there, and we’ve seen our fair share of it. From Hanes Beefys to Uniqlo Airisms, tracking down tees that flatter our fits is our endless pursuit. We’ve dealt with the stretched-out collars, the infuriating sleeve lengths, and the rest of the headaches that come with tracking down the perfect tee, which is exactly how we’re able to help you avoid them.
We’re also big on identifying new staple brands. Being able to pick up a new haul of essentials without worrying about fit or quality can make the often stressful job of picking up new threads a breeze. And from Uniqlo to Everlane, we know what a great basics brand looks like.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose, and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our selection of the best t-shirts for every budget to learn more about our experience with similar brands.
Hands-on True Classic Tees review: Budget and body-friendly tees
Too long and wide, too short and narrow — the struggle to track down t-shirts that drape nicely over your frame is a constant headache. At least, it used to be. Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of True Classic Tees and why they’re one of our top candidates for ending the fight against unflattering tees.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
The unboxing experience
If you’re new around here, you may not know our preference for unboxing. Long story short, keep all the waste and tissue paper. A sustainable, straightforward unboxing experience with subtle details really gets us going, and True Classic Tees delivers with its simple branded bag made from recycled plastic.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Materials & craftsmanship
From the True Classic garments we’ve been trying out, we feel that the brand offers a solid value for the level of craftsmanship you get. Their tees and polos have been holding up great, and we’re confident that they’ll last.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Look & feel
The fit is really where True Classic Tees shines. With their tees, polos and activewear, you’ll get a much more expensive-feeling fit than you paid for. Tops by True Classic accentuate your chest and shoulders, giving you an athletic look regardless of your body type.
And while the materials they use aren’t revolutionary (mostly cotton, poly and spandex), True Classic’s clothes feel great all day. Their activewear shares the fit of their classic tees, which is a welcome replacement to conventional activewear sticking to your stomach for the whole workout.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Color options
One of our favorite things about True Classic is the availability of bundle packs that help you stock up on the essentials in all the colors you want. In addition to classic black and white bundles, they also offer several neutrals and muted colors for switching up your look.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Sizing
True Classic clothing fits true to size, so you won’t have to worry about any surprise constriction or swimming in your new t-shirt. However, if you’re between sizes, the brand recommends taking the next size up due to the slim cut on the chest and shoulders.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Washing, drying, and general upkeep
True Classic recommends washing their clothing on cold and laying flat to dry, commenting that tumble drying can result in a shrinkage of around 5%, which is nothing if you’ve ever washed a full-cotton tee for the first time.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Price
True Classic Tees offers great value, with tees priced around $30 individually. However, with their bundle packs, you can save and stock up at an even more approachable price.
What do other reviewers say?
We’re not the only ones sold on True Classic. Other reviewers highlight how soft and comfortable the tees are, along with how flattering their shirts are for multiple body types. Finding the perfect t-shirt can be a lifelong pursuit, but many swear by True Classic Tees and name them the end-all, be-all for affordable, basic tees.
Alternatives
Another brand we love for elevated basics is Western Rise. While Western Rise also makes great-fitting tees, polos, and activewear, they focus more on travel-specific clothing. And with that focus comes a higher price point. If you’re always on the go and don’t mind spending a bit more, Western Rise could be worth checking out. But for budget essentials that are comfortable and fit great, we’re still suckers for True Classic.
I’ve done an in-depth review of Western Rise’s pants here and we also have a brand page if you want to learn more about the story behind Western Rise.
Final thoughts on True Classic Tees
True Classic, as a brand, does many things well. They make affordable, flattering clothing with soft, comfortable fabrics. However, if you’re on the hunt for luxurious garments made with the finest materials, you may find True Classic coming up a bit short — most of their tops are cotton-poly or poly-spandex blends.
For guys looking to step up their t-shirt game without breaking the bank, trying out True Classic Tee is a move your wardrobe will thank you for. You can easily dip your toes into the brand with one of their signature tees, then try out other pieces if you’re impressed (as we were).
Where to buy True Classic Tees?
Are you looking to pick up some True Classic tees for yourself? The best way to do so is on their official website. However, if you’d like an in-store experience, you can visit one of their brick-and-mortar shops.
Questions Frequently Asked About True Classic
T-shirts by True Classic are a slimmer, more form-fitting cut, but they run true to size. If you’re between sizes, we recommend taking the next size up. Check my hands-on True Classic Tees review to learn more.
To dry, the brand recommends laying flat to dry or tumble drying on low, noting that shrinkage of up to 5% can occur if placed in the dryer.
True Classic makes tops that accentuate your chest and shoulder, with a little more room around the stomach than many of the slim-fit tees out there. This cut allows for a flattering fit for any body type.
True Classic is based in Los Angeles, CA, where they give back to their community through charitable donations and support through other social and veteran-focused initiatives.