This post was originally written in 2024 and updated on 8/13/26 to include Quince and reflect current prices.
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 several brands.
This post contains affiliate links as well as gifted products from Mott & Bow and Quince, 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: There used to be as many as 25 color options, including some stripes. Now there are 18.
Price: Two years about, these were $30 each. Now they’re $34 or $23 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 19.5″ across the chest and 21.75″ in length. Shoulder seam to seam is 16.5″.
My Impressions: This fit is pretty good. This tee had the widest neckline, which I prefer. So far it washes well and keeps its shape. While it’s lightweight, it’s not super thin.
Mott & Bow Everyday Cotton Crew (Cotton Boxy Tee)
This tee has gone through a few name changes over the years from Noble to Cotton Boxy Tee (which was its name when I first published this post two years ago) to Everyday Cotton Crew.
What Mott & Bow Says: Its slightly more relaxed yet feminine silhouette drapes just right, landing at that modern, semi-cropped length that pairs beautifully with skirts, shorts, leggings and jeans alike, without revealing your torso.
The 5’10” model above is wearing a small. Below is 5’4″ me in a medium.
Mott & Bow Cotton Boxy Crew Tee, courtesy of
Fabric: 100% cotton, preshrunk. Similar to the Everlane tee in terms of weight and opacity.
Sizing: XS-XL
Colors: Initially just available in black or white, there are now seven color options including a honeydew green and rose pink.
Price: Formerly $35, these are now $36.99 or $32 each if you buy three or $30 each if you buy six
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 19″ across, and a touch 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
As of 8/13/26, this tee is no longer available. Able is undergoing restructuring.
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 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.
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.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Boxy Crewneck Tee
What Quince Says: You’ll love the organic cotton crewneck for its simple round neck, slightly cropped silhouette, and luxury-feel.
The model is 5’9″ and wearing a small. I’m 5’4″ and wearing a small below.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Boxy Crewneck Tee, courtesy of
Fabric: 100% organic cotton, pre-shrunk. This fabric is a medium weight and a bit thicker than Everlane but not as thick as Able.
Sizing: XS-XL
Colors: At this writing, there are five options. There used to be basic colors like black and white, but those are currently sold out. One of the more interesting colors is redwood brown. Shell pink is only available on the Quince app, which is annoying.
Price: $16
Production: Made in India. Quince did not provide any information about the factory.
Fit: True to size. I’m wearing my usual size of small. Like the Everlane shirt, it measures 19.5″ from pit to pit and 21.75″ in length. However, the shoulder to shoulder seam is shorter at 15″.
My Impressions: Quality seems fine. Fits a little smaller than Everlane. The opening on this one is also smaller.
Which Boxy Tee is the Best?
If you want a basic tee: When it comes to a simple tee, Everlane, Mott & Bow, and Quince all fit the bill and seem to be fine quality. Though Quince is by far the cheapest at $16, I’d personally spring for Everlane. Even though the measurements are similar across all three products, I found that Everlane fit most comfortably. I prefer its cut, which has a wider neckline.
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. Hopefully, the company will bring it back after restructuring.
If you need extended sizing: Able also offers the widest range of sizes from XXS to 3X. Everlane comes in next with sizing from XXS to XXL.
If you’re looking for a summer tee: The Everlane and Mott & Bow tees are noticeably lighter and thinner and more suited for hot, humid weather. Quince is a little thicker and Able is the thickest.
If you’re petite: All tees are slightly cropped. I find they all worked well for my petite frame.
