Has a particular pandemic evaporated your sense of shopping and style? Is your wardrobe outlandish and not at all ready for lockdown-free summers? We feel you.
But sorry to remind you, Summer is here…. and as the weather transits, your outfits require an upgrade too. So while shedding the layers and going for a wardrobe rotation, remember not to throw away your style along with the coats and sweaters. Even summer transitions call for perfection; Yes, we are suggesting the best pocket t-shirts ever.
They provide you with the easiest way to notch up your style game. So why not welcome the warm temperatures with something refined, which has short sleeves, super soft fabric, and maybe slim fit as an additional feature. Don’t forget the ease of use as compared to their button-laden brothers. Technically, it’s impossible to ignore pocketed cotton tees when you talk about a man’s wardrobe priority; here is why?
Why can’t you ignore pocketed TEES?
Admit it; they are essentials garments that have to be reinstated once the cold is gone. The reason is simple; ‘Versatility.’ Not only are they an upgraded version of your everyday t-shirt, but they deserve a round of applause for being subtly classy as well. And as if that’s not enough, here come their numerous uses?
These tees can be worn with almost anything; there is no wrong way about it. Wear them with a coat, and you are good to go for a professional meeting; layer the pocket with shades and be ready for a date, drop the coat, and transform them into loungewear. So if you want to look sharp without trying too hard, go for these.
But alas, not every pocket t-shirt can be your best buddy. For these short-sleeve tops to keep up with their reputation and demand, they got to have upvotes. You cannot just randomly pick the first one and expect it to be the best pocket t-shirt; selecting garments is indeed a tricky business. In short, when you enter the section for Tees in a store or click on your favorite garment website, you have to keep your eyes as well as your priorities set in the right direction.
Some key points to consider before labeling every t-shirt as best pocket t-shirts
If you think it’s only difficult for women to shop, you have never come across the range of male garments. And the best part is they all will look the same if you are myopic or not paying enough attention (potato potahto). You might end up emptying your wallet for a pocket shirt that is not deserving by letting go of a very similar one right next to it just to save a few bucks.
Do you want to know how to differentiate between the phoney-looking best pocket t-shirts and the genuine ones? Then firstly, forget the price tag as the number of digits in most cases is not equivalent to quality. Secondly, stop getting confused. Be it slub cotton, Pima cotton, or organic blends; we will guide what suits you and your wallet.
Convenient for you, we experimented with a bounty of your favorite t-shirt brands to come to a very startling conclusion that all that shines is not gold. The cotton tees that stood the test of time, including rough use, numerous washes, heavy-duty, and whatnot, were not the most expensive ones—instead, the 2 F’s. Fit and fabric helped us.
Fit: The key which is not easily achieved
What’s the point of investing in a high-end top if all it does is lag on your body? Remember, not every shirt can give you a relaxed fit. To get the perfect fit, select any old shirt of yours that fits well and use it as a reference. Don’t judge the measurements by the look of it; it’s a trap. (A quick reminder: Inch tapes are made for this very purpose, and using them is not rocket science). So use them to measure between the armpits and also from the collar to the bottom hem. Believe me, even a quarter of an inch can make a vast difference. Therefore keep your eyes open here, rather than fixating them on the price tag.
Fabric: Organic vs. Pima vs. Slub VS Polyester
And you thought there weren’t options of fabric for men. Half of our population don’t even remember what they buy, so how will they identify the type of fabric? We have the solution! It’s easy; just go by this rule:
- Luxury = Pima Cotton (Premium, ultra-soft, and smooth fabric)
- Daily wear= Slub cotton (Textured and breathable)
- Eco-friendly= Organic (Rugged yet soft)
- Outdoor= Poly/cotton ( combines the softness of cotton with the strength of polyester)
- Sportswear= Polyester ( Resilient and non-absorbent)
It’s a basic explanation for all those who don’t wish to be burdened by details. Lucky for you, we have mentioned fabric details in the descriptions below.
And the winners are…
After a plethora of tries at the pocketed t-shirt rack, and after testing almost every brand, here we are with 16 tees that we believe or instead guarantee are worthy of becoming your all-time favorite. And it gets better; they also deserve your hard-earned money as they have one thing in common: QUALITY.
We know how hard it is for us men to go through long descriptions. So for ease, we are going to break each shirt according to its pros and cons. Then, the top 16 best pocket-shirts are also categorized so that each wearer can find their best fit without scrolling through all of them.
1. CK’s V-Neck Pocket T-Shirt
Even a stranger to the t-shirt scene can recall Calvin Klein as a brand that reigns the men’s clothing industry. CK has been in the T-shirt rack for so long that they are almost synonymous with quality. But not all of their creations can go well with your chakra like this one.
We don’t know whether it is the authentic cotton or the regular fit which makes this particular V-neck land top spot in our best pocket t-shirts collection. This shirt is here to upgrade your essentials by featuring a more relaxed look and a fit that doesn’t cling. Available in three primary colors, it is here to become your wardrobe staple for a long time, as the brand’s durability is beyond par.
Pros:
- Breathable fabric
- Multifunctional pocket
- Relaxed Fit
Cons:
- We can’t find any
2. Penguin Bike-Print Pocket T-Shirt
When we want an outfit that outstrips the standard cotton tees, we turn towards PENGUIN. It is one of our favorite menswear brands, which we look up to when we feel exceptionally cool. There is a heck of a lot of gear that stands out, including this Indigo Printed Pocket T-shirt.
If you think the best part about this shirt is the contrasting pocket, then you are wrong. Instead, it’s the slim fit that has given it the top spot. You cannot go wrong with this shirt while it hugs your muscles. On the other hand, the bike print is quirky but contrasts nicely to give off a refreshing vibe.
Pros:
- Comfy neckline
- Exceptional bike-print design that contrasts
- Slim fit
Cons:
- No choice of color
3. O’Neill Graphic Pocket T-Shirt
O’Neill shorts have been in the market for 50+ years, and it shows in their work. Their designs reflect the experience, and their fabric is just quality alone. You can identify their beach aesthetics from far away as their style is pleasing to the eye and the emblem on the pocket and back is quite visible.
Here is another deal; the colors are vibrant, especially the burgundy shade of this shirt is a fresh breather. We are becoming quite familiar with its fit as well, which is functional. Secondly, it looks goods on all body types. You don’t need a beach body to wear this. Lastly, although the fabric is a mix of polyester and cotton, it’s breathable than most not-so-procure cotton shirts.
Pros:
- Ultra relaxing
- Garment Dye is spot on
- Definition of beach aesthetics
Cons:
- The Brand emblem isn’t subtle
4. Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee
Now stop right there; how can we forget Heavy Bags Tee when talking about best pocket t-shirts? And the best place to get them is Taylor Stitch (not tailor-made but feels like it). They know how to fuse ruggedness and comfort to create an ultra-relaxing loungey groove.
We would hand them the award for the softest yet heavyweight top-of-the-line tee if they hadn’t surprised us even more with their upcycled yarn. You heard us right; these tops contain only loose-knit organic cotton. Truth be told, there is a soft spot for eco-friendly products in you, even if just a tee (a softy indeed).
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Lived-in and comfortable look
- Premium organic cotton
Cons:
- Color options are dull
5. CK’s Mixed Media Pocket Shirt
CK has made enough name to slide twice in our favorites. But, just joking, it’s not the name but the quality that wins it another spot. Monochrome is every man’s favorite, and designers at Calvin Klein know this by heart ( they are doing their job well). Therefore, this very breathable, 100% cotton tee comes with the color choice of black and white only.
Wait, it gets better; the grey trimmings on the pocket, along with the subtle brand name, adds an edge and show off your sense of dressing. Moreover, like its brother mentioned above, it is not skin-hugging and shows off your masculine figure in a positive way.
Pros:
- Monochrome
- Brand label subtly visible
- Pure cotton
Cons:
- Grey trimming may not align with everyone’s taste
6. Penguin Geo Dobby Pocket T-Shirt
Back to PENGUINS because we love these Antarctic birds. What we love even more is this white shirt by the American brand; they never cease to impress us with their unique pocketed designs.
The penguins know that plain white shirts can get boring. (they have spent way too much time in snow). That is why they always splash a bit of color in their white tees like this one. Accept that tiny pop of blue at the top-left corner can completely transform the feel of a basic tee. The blue pocket on this white top contrast so well and helps you make a bold statement effortlessly.
Pros:
- The color combo is spot on
- Versatile
- Pure cotton
Cons:
- Not machine friendly
7. Quiksilver Badge Pocket T-Shirt
Quicksilver, like its name, is the quickest way to get multiple colored tees. It is a recognized label, famed for its impeccable quality and quirky names for its best pocket t-shirts. Usually, the choice of colors by the manufacturers is quite vast, and you can easily find bi-colored t-shirts like this one.
This article caught our attention because the color options available were denim heather and four-leaf clover. Confusing right? But when we saw the real deal, we were pretty pleased with the contrasting grey sleeves matched by a similar pocket over a Green or Blue background. Predominantly it contains polyester, which means you cannot machine wash. One last thing, this best pocket t-shirt has a subtle yet classy Quicksilver emblem which allows you to show off your sharp sense of style without destroying the overall casual look.
Pros:
- Multiple color options
- Contrasting sleeves are a plus
- Immaculate fit
Cons:
- Polyester can’t compete with cotton
- Hand wash required
8. Levi’s 1950s Sportswear Pocket Tee
You are probably wondering why we haven’t put LEVI in the male-style arsenal for best pocket t-shirts yet. They are big players in men’s fashion, and that’s why you will be discovering them not once, not twice, but thrice on our list. Unlike their competitors, Levi designers are not a fan of contrasting pockets. Instead, their vibe is more vintage, like this shirt.
You will find that pocket on this tee lies on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to other tees mentioned above. Instead of creating stand-out contrast, this t-shirt offers a subtle class with invisible pockets. The vintage vibe is visible in the scooped crew-neck and short sleeves that complete the look. To top this, the fabric is 100 % cotton which makes it machine washable. What more do you want? Two of these! ( fair warning they are only available in black)
Pros:
- Vintage feel
- It can be styled in many ways
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Black black and only black
9. Levi’s Harper Pocket V-Neck T-Shirt
We are going for another Levi’s, but good news for you: Levi’s designers finally came out of their love for black. They made an exception to the no-color rule, and now you can sling this shirt in 5 colors. So now you can cross out the vintage department and showcase a more contemporary alpha-male look in this slim-fit design.
You can notice a modern touch sported in the posh districts when you look at yourself in the mirror while wearing this tee. However, like its vintage mate described above, the pocket goes unnoticed to avoid any contrast. Oh, and we forget to tell you something even better; for your convenience, this craftsmanship contains an ideal composition of cotton and polyester, making it more durable and with fewer creases.
Pros:
- Modern aesthetics
- Subtle pocket with Levi tag
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Size issues
10. Diesel Men Best Pocket T-Shirt
Diesel is a brand typically referred for jeans. However, their TEES are as good as their bottom counterparts. Quality and comfort come first for the designers at this well-established label; therefore, you won’t find many color options. But the aesthetics are spot on even without hues.
We are not finished yet; the camouflage pocket style and the vertical brand slogan still require appreciation. It is something that only a Diesel shirt can pull of.
Pros:
- Monotone aesthetics
- Quality that speaks for itself
- Perfect placement of Brand slogan
Cons:
- A tad bit boring
11. CK’s Striped Pocket Tee
We promise it is the last time we mention Calvin Klein, but we have a Winner this time. It might not top the list for best pocket t-shirts, but indeed is the classiest one of them all. CK has proved that stripes can go a long way and look good on any garment with this design.
This hassle-free top Imitating the designs of its cumbersome button-laden counterparts, this hassle-free top oozes formal-wear sharpness while providing comfort like an essential. The stripes are not there to provide contrast only; you bet they make you look taller. Another exciting thing about this shirt is how the stripes on the pocket switch color, giving it a coherent vibe.
Pros:
- Fabric quality can’t be questioned
- Formal and sharp look
- Innovative pocket
Cons:
- Larger size issues reported
12. Express Floral Pocket T-Shirt
Express is not far behind in producing some excellent, best pocket t-shirts. However, they have gone one step ahead by choosing printed bases and plain pockets, which is quite the opposite of what their competing labels do. And that’s why we love them, inclusive of this floral shirt.
This shirt experiments with floral prints (not the cringey vacation ones) on ivory / sage canvas. The floral print is subtle and from far looks like dots, but what isn’t subtle is the heavily contrasting blue pocket. Then the short sleeves complete this overall look making its quirky aesthetics stand out quite pleasantly.
Pros:
- Contrasting pocket
- Off-beat and edgy vibe
- Pure cotton
Cons:
- Too much print
13. Armani Exchange T-Shirt With Logo
Navy and grenadine (red family) doesn’t match every man’s taste, but it certainly deserves mention when it’s in an Armani design. It is one of the best pocket t-shirts we came across, not because of its label but due to its graphics, distinct concept, and vivid colors. Before we dive into its features, remember it has a heavy price tag because Armani doesn’t come cheap ( you can get only one for the price of two )
The fabric of this cotton tee needs no description; it’s premium cotton. The sleeves are short, and the pocket is short of its use. You heard us right; it’s a false pocket!. The black pocket is a graphic requirement for heavy contrast and is surrounded by newspaper cuttings of the brand label to draw attention.
Pros:
- Colour options are distinct
- Interesting design
- Premium cotton
Cons:
- Expensive
- Pocket is of no use
14. Vineyard Vines Whalefill Pocket Tee
Vineyard Vines was founded by two brothers who quit office jobs and started selling ties as they no longer needed them. Well, how they begin selling best pocket t-shirts is a long story, but what’s longer is their list of unique designs. They tend to add an outlandish splash even on plain t-shirts, which somehow lands perfectly, like on this one.
This tee is so far our favorite as one can never have too many white tees, especially the ones with the USA flag squeezed inside a whale-fill pocket. The unique design led to a unique name and will now head towards your summer rotation. Apart from that, the regular fitting of this softest cotton top sports short sleeves and crew-neck, which should do the work for beach lovers.
Pros:
- Beach aesthetics
- Relaxed fit
- It can be tumble dried, unlike other white tees
Cons:
- Pocket is not subtle
- Only available in white
15. Carhartt’ K87’ Workwear Pocket Tee
Carhartt may not be as famed as the likes of Armani and Diesel. However, their best pocket t-shirts can keep up with big names. They are making their mark in the clothing sector for practical garments. Not only do they offer more colors, but their racks contain quality tees for workwear which we rarely find elsewhere. They are perfect for active workers who prefer functionality over style, and Carhartt should be given credit for it.
Take this tee, for instance; it comes in 25 monotone options, has no contrast, and provides original fitting to enhance mobility. And then there is more; the fabric contains polyester and cotton in equal amounts, giving this shirt moisture-wicking property to repel sweat as well as breathability for comfort. The market for these shirts is ever-growing as one cannot have too many outdoor shirts.
Pros:
- Practical approach
- The ideal blend of cotton and polyester
- Functional fit for total mobility
Cons:
- Extremely plain
16. Levi’s Pocket T-Shirt
Last up in our best pocket t-shirt list is a color block tee from a brand that isn’t new on this list, but the combination of 3 lively hues has to be new. Resembling a traffic light, Levi presents you with an exceptionally colored tee that will surely make you stop. The pocket is color-blocked to go unnoticed, but you won’t lack attention while wearing it.
So, if you are a round-neck fan and want to brighten up your wardrobe, this is for you. Another plus is that females in your life would love some new colors, as monochrome is not their department. So, make them happy and let the summery vibe engulf you.
Pros:
- Bright colors
- 100% cotton
- Camouflage pocket
Cons:
- Too much color (reminds of skittles)
Now Is The Time To Shed That Outlandish Look!
We hope your hunt for the best pocket t-shirt will come to an end here. However, as much as we like to leave you to the likes of Calvin Klein, Penguin, and Armani, there are a last few words of wisdom to impart
First of all, don’t just look at the labels; every person has a different look they feel comfortable in. Go for a style that speaks volumes about you rather than being crushed by what’s new? In the race to experiment, remember both your body and personality type so that you don’t end up looking like a fish out of water.
Secondly, if you don’t want to completely revamp your wardrobe (no one has the budget for that), go for the pocket tees that compliment your current closet. It will save you money and prevent you from buying what you already have, which we men often tend to do. And the best part is you won’t fret around trying to find matching jeans or jackets to complete the look.
Last and most importantly, don’t rely on these letters; S, M, and L. Keep an eye on the accompanying measurements. High-end labels tend to disagree on what constitutes these size tags, especially if their nations differ. For example, size charts in the US differ considerably from the ones in Australia and Great Britain. It’s not just an issue for women’s clothing; it can affect your wardrobe more than you think.
