My style has changed over the years. Even my tastes for that most basic of wardrobe basics, the humble T-shirt, is different. I used to go for something more fitted. But these days, I favor a boxy tee with more room all around. Here’s a look at options from three brands.
This post contains affiliate links as well as one gifted product from Mott & Bow but was not produced in partnership with any brand.
Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
What Everlane Says: The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee features a classic crew neckline, easy short sleeves, a slightly cropped length, and a relaxed fit for a truly timeless look.
The model above is wearing a small. Below is 5’4″ me also wearing a small.
Fabric: 100% organic cotton. The fabric is lightweight. While I wouldn’t call the white see-through, I’m wearing a nude bra above and its outline is perceptible.
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Colors: 25 color options, including some stripes
Price: $30 ($35 for striped versions) or $20 each if you buy three
Production: Made in Sri Lanka, specifically in this factory, which touts health initiatives and education programs for its mostly female workforce. Everlane says it works with ethical factories and has signed the Transparency Pledge.
Fit: True to size. I took this in my usual size, a small, which measured 19″ across the chest and 21.5″ in length. (That’s by my tape measure; the Everlane site lists the length as 21.75″.)
My Impressions: I feel this fit is pretty good. So far it washes well and keeps its shape. While it’s lightweight, it’s not super thin.
Mott & Bow Boxy Cotton Crew Tee
What Mott & Bow Says: The Cotton Boxy is the perfect mix of boxy and chic. The fabric is not only super soft and comfortable but substantial enough so that it’s not see-through.
The 5’10” model above is wearing a small. Below is 5’4″ me in a medium.
Mott & Bow Cotton Boxy Crew Tee – $32, courtesy of
Fabric: 100% cotton. Similar to the Everlane tee in terms of weight and opacity.
Sizing: XS-XL
Colors: White or black
Price: $35 or $29 if you buy two and $28 if you buy three
Production: Made in Peru. While Mott & Bow’s jeans are made in a Honduran factory owned by the founder’s family, allowing them to control working conditions and provide living wages, there’s no information about the Peruvian factory they use for T-shirts. My requests for more information from Mott & Bow have gone unanswered.
Fit: The size small had similar measurements to Everlane’s. It was also 19″ across, and a bit longer at 22″. But it fit tighter in the sleeves — tighter than I liked. So, I sized up to a medium, which measures an inch wider and longer than the small.
My Impressions: This tee is softer to the touch than the Everlane one, with a smoother feel that I really like. Too bad the sleeves were tighter, forcing me to size up, as I prefer the shorter length of the size small. This has also held up well with washing.
Able Maria Boxy Tee
Able Maria Boxy Tee – $58
Able Maria Boxy Tee – $58
What Able Says: This short sleeve crew neck is boxy yet flattering thanks to its slight crop.
I don’t know how tall the models are or what sizes they’re wearing as that info wasn’t listed, but I included two model photos because I wanted to point out that this is the only brand out of the three that used models of varying body shapes.
This summer, I visited the Able flagship store in Nashville where I tried this shirt on. While I don’t have it on hand for a direct comparison, I took some notes. I’m wearing a small below in black.
Able Maria Boxy Tee – $58
The white wasn’t available in my size in store that day, but I did try it on in a medium.
Trying the Maria Boxy Tee in medium.
Fabric: 100% organic cotton. The fabric is noticeably thicker than the other two. The white is not see-through at all. If I’m not mistaken, I was wearing a black bra this day and you can’t see it at all!
Sizing: XXS-3X
Colors: White, black, and two striped options
Price: $58
Production: Made in India. Able says their products are ethically-made. When asked to share more information about production, a representative said that “the partners that Able works with are women-led and run factories!”
Fit: True to size.
My Impressions: Thick and soft. The design elements of this shirt distinguish it from the other two and give it a little something extra. For one, the sleeves are longer. The sides are also vented, and the back is longer than the front (though I’d rather it were one length). The crewneck is also slightly wider, which I prefer.
Which Boxy Tee is the Best?
If you want a basic tee: When it comes to a simple tee, I like the cut of the Everlane boxy tee.
If you want something a little different: The Able shirt is like a deluxe version of a tee with its thicker fabric, longer sleeve, and longer back hem. It seemed the nicest of the bunch.
If you need extended sizing: Able also offers the widest range of sizes from XXS to 3X.
If you want a color other than white or black: Everlane offers the most color options.
If you’re looking for a summer tee: The Everlane and Mott & Bow tees are noticeably lighter and thinner than the Able one and more suited for hot, humid weather.
If you’re petite: All three tees are slightly cropped. I find they all worked well for my petite frame.
