True Classic vs. Hanes: Which Brand Deserves a Spot in Your Closet?

It was time for a wardrobe upgrade. Beyond time. All my favorite T-shirts were worn in past the point of looking good, and they all had an outdated fit anyway. So I took to the Internet to find the best tee out there.

I’d heard of True Classic and I was intrigued, but there was always the old classic Hanes. Both are known for their comfortable, stylish T-shirts and other apparel, but which one would best represent me as I am now?

As a guy who values comfort and durability but doesn’t want to skimp on style, I’ve put both to the test to see which one deserves a permanent spot in my (and your) closet.

The one that nails the fit, consistently… True Classic

True Classic offers soft, lightweight crew necks that feel great on the skin. They deliver a flattering fit that enhances your shape without being too tight. I’ve worn their shirts in a variety of colors, and every one fits perfectly—no surprises, just a reliable, comfortable feel.

With Hanes, you can expect a cotton construction that’s more structured—though the exact fabric content differs by color. It’s a basic fit that’s relaxed, straight-cut, and a traditional length—honestly, it wasn’t until comparing these tees to True Classic that I realized they do nothing for me.

The one that has your size in stock… True Classic

If you find a great tee but it doesn’t come in your size, then you didn’t find a great tee after all. True Classic shines here, offering sizes from XS to 3XL (sometimes 4XL), making it easy for more men to find their perfect fit. I’ve struggled to find brands that fit my shoulders without drowning my waist, but True Classic solved that problem for me. The variety of muted and heather color options for dudes of all sizes is elevated and current.

Hanes offers tees from sizes S to 2XL. I’d love to see them expand their size range to be all the more inclusive. Their color selection gives off a “varsity” vibe. There are some neutrals like black and gray, but if I want to introduce color, my only options are saturated tones that feel juvenile, or random graphics.

The one that’s more affordable… it depends

Yes, a Hanes tee is about the easiest thing to grab off the rack at Target and you might not even notice the price. A crew neck costs $10. But it also might perish in your drawer while the buttery soft material, flattering fit, and tasteful appearance of a tee with better design takes priority.

One True Classic crew neck costs $29.99, which might feel steep by comparison. But here’s the catch: these are tees you’ll want to wear daily, so buying in bulk makes sense. True Classic offers a 6-pack deal, bringing the cost down to $16.50 per tee—a big saving for high-quality shirts.

The one that can dress you head-to-toe… True Classic

Turns out True Classic does everything as well as they do T-shirts:

• Soft, stretchy activewear that’s moisture wicking, odor control, quick dry and anti-microbial.
• Dress shirts and chinos that are stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry, and crazy soft.
• Outerwear and blazers with a current fit, a lightweight construction, and a great price.
• Accessories like belts and sunglasses to fill in the cracks.
• Boxer briefs that don’t bunch with a waistband that doesn’t dig in.

I love kicking back in classic Hanes sweatpants as much as anyone else born in the ‘90s. Their socks and undershirts are pretty reliable. But Hanes has its role, and it’s simply the sidekick to the modern engineering that is a True Classic tee or outfit.

No one does it like True Classic

I started my real-life comparison with T-shirts, thinking there must be a reason why Hanes is the traditional tee everyone knows and loves.

What I learned in the process is that Hanes is living in the past and needs to be retired, and True Classic makes the only T-shirts I ever need. All off True Classic’s clothes are soft, comfortable to wear, and provide a current fit that looks and feels good on my frame. They can dress me as well for work as for the weekends, and my workout drawer is now filled with True Classic.

Ready to try for yourself? You’ll be so glad you did.